Spellbound by Books presents Hugh Bonneville and'Rory Sparkes and the Spy who Loved Tea'

First Light Festival presents...Actor and Author Hugh Bonneville (Paddington, Dowtown Abbey) joins us at Spellbound by Books for a special live reading of his latest children's book:'Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea'.Partly inspired by Hugh discovering his own mother worked for MI6 after she retired, this is a laugh-out-loud new adventure from Paddington star Hugh Bonneville, perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid , Horrid Henry and Just William , and filled with brilliantly funny illustrations from Loretta Schauer.This live book reading is a unique opportunity to hear this much-loved actor and author, plus there's a special guest appearance from his sandwich-eating, bear friend!Rory Sparkes is pretty good at storytelling (even if he does say so himself), but there's little inspiration to be had in his rather dull town. Until he finds a secret message in a neighbour's recipe book.
As he delves deeper into the mystery, Rory discovers:
1. There are more coded messages, found in very strange places - but who's writing
them? And who are they for?
2. His mum and teachers have begun guzzling cups of a new (and rather disgusting)
tea. What's got into them?
3. The link between points 1 and 2 is a puzzle, and Rory Sparkes is going to be the one
to solve it!
With tea - and danger - brewing, can Rory uncover the spy who loves tea, or will he land himself in very hot water?About the AuthorHugh Bonneville is an acclaimed British actor known for his stage work at the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as in the West End. His extensive film and television work includes playing the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, a role which earned him nominations for both a Golden Globe and two Emmys. Further credits includeTwenty Twelve,W1A,The GoldandI Came By. Hes no stranger to childrens literature adaptations either, having played Paddingtons Mr Brown across three major feature films, as well as portraying Mr Stink in the BBC adaptation of the book by David Walliams and voicing Santa in Magic Light Picturess adaptation of Julia Donaldsons Stick Man. He also played Roald Dahl in the Sky Cinema feature film To Olivia. In 2022 he released his memoir, Playing Under the Piano, which was praised as Comedy gold by the Sunday Times. He now writes for children too, with Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room released in 2025, and a second book in the series, Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea out in October 2026.TicketsThis is FREE event (donations are welcomed) for children (all children must attend with an adult). Tickets for both children and adults must be booked. If you book and are unable to attend, please cancel your tickets so that another child is able to enjoy the event.