George Layton is probably best known as a theatre, film and TV actor: The Doctor in the House/ Doctor In Charge/ DoctorAt Large series (1969-91); It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum (1974-75); Minder (1979-82); The Sweeney (1975); EastEnders (2011-12); Fagin in Oliver!; Mr Cellophane in Chicago. In the early 1970s he started the long-running Sunday night BBC TV “That’s Life” with Esther Rantzen.

He has also had a successful writing career, having created two award-winning television series Don’t Wait Up (six series, 1984-90) starring Nigel Havers and the recently late Tony Britton, and Executive Stress (three series, 1986-88) starring Penelope Keith.

George also wrote many of the various “Doctor” series, as well as My Brother’s Keeper (1975-76), Robin’s Nest (1979-81), and early shows for On The Buses (1972-73).

However, Misty Moon supporters may not be aware of his best-selling books, The Fib, The Swap and The Trick, three celebrated collections of linked short stories focusing on post-war Britain, each story narrated by a nameless self-confessed coward from a single parent family.

Tonight, George will talk about balancing what was an already successful acting career with what became a full time writing career, and will read some of his stories evoking memories of the 1950s.

After the show there will be a meet and greet with the audience and chance to purchase George’s books.

The Fib And Other Stories:

• ‘Funny and moving…a rare gift’ (The Guardian)
• ‘Angst, cringing embarrassment and, above all, humour ensure that this still has readers in stitches today.’ (TES)

The Swap And Other Stories:

• ‘Well worth waiting for… written in the rueful school of childhood hard knocks perfected by Bill Naughton, with whom Layton can stand comparison…’ (The Independent)
• ‘…evocative stories, tough, funny and tender by turns… a nostalgic whiff of the fifties…’ (The Guardian)

The Trick And Other Stories:

• ‘…immensely gratifying to find Layton’s world just as compelling as ever… The stories unerringly conjure up the atmosphere of war-weary early 1950s England, each is superbly crafted…’ (School Librarian)
• ‘George Layton is a rare writer. He has a compelling way of telling tales – unputdownable’ (Michael Morpurgo)
• ‘…robust storylines and shrewd humour, though Layton deals with some edgier themes, and deftly plays with timelines to enhance suspense’ (Books for Keeps)

Doors open at 18.00, for a 19.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £20.
Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.