WANSTEAD: Actor launches book at library (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WANSTEAD: Actor launches book at library

2:23pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Redbridge News By Sarah May Hayes

ACTOR Timothy Spall and wife Shane are to launch their new book at Wanstead Library.

The Voyages of the Princess Matilda details the couple’s adventures and travels on their Dutch Barge.

The actor, who is famous for his part as Barry Taylor in television series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, as well as roles in the Harry Potter franchise and The Kings Speech, bought The Princess Matilda after recovering from a battle with leukaemia.

He and his wife have since travelled the country on the barge, and their journey is now the inspiration for Mrs Spall’s book.

The couple are set to launch The Voyages of the Princess Matilda at Wanstead Library, as well as take part in an interview with actress Frances Barber, who will be asking them about the new novel.

“Timothy Spall and I have never been to Wanstead, so this will be a new adventure for us,” Mrs Spall told the Wanstead Village Directory.

“We usually arrive in new places by sea, aboard our barge, but on this occasion we shall do so in one of London's iconic Hackney cabs.

“A black cab driver recently told me: ‘You will love it, Wanstead's a proper place!’ As we all know, cabbies don't tell lies.”

'Shane Spall and Timothy Spall in conversation with Frances Barber' takes place on March 1 at 7.15pm at Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road. Tickets are £5 and available from the library. Call 020 8708 7400 for details or to book.