Discworld Monthly Issue 249 End of Year Issue 2017
Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. News
2.1 Anniversary News
2.2 Discworld on the Magic Box and the Magic sound box
2.3 Good Omens TV Series
2.4 Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Exhibition News
2.5 Troll Bridge News - Update
2.6 Convention News
3. Book Release News
3.1 English Releases
3.2 Other language releases
4. January 2018 Events
5. Future Events
5.1 February 2018
5.2 April 2018
5.3 Timey Wimey Events
6. Recurring Monthly Fan Meetings
7. Readers' Letters
8. Hogswatch Trivia
9. Review of Discworld Imaginarium - A comparison of the three editions.
10. Terry Pratchett's Discworld Imaginarium with Paul Kidby and Rob Wilkins
11. Lords and Ladies - Stage Two Norwich Theatre Royal, Youth Theatre Company
12. Discworld Imaginarium Competition
13. The End
1. Editorial
Dear Readers,
I promised Jason that this issue would basically be a means to send Holiday greetings to all our readers.
I failed to deliver on that promise... Mainly because we had far too much interesting stuff / events / reviews / news pour into our inboxes for us to leave it there for another month AND we have an amazing prize to give out to a lucky reader this Christmas.
I would also like to do what I promised initially, so here it is.
We would like to wish every single one of our readers a wonderful Hogswatch / Christmas / Holiday* in this, the Year of the Backwards Facing Artichoke and hope that you all have a better year in the Year of the Justifiably Defensive Lobster.
*delete as appropriate
Best Wishes
Rachel [and Jason - Ed]
Last month we included a letter about our friend and huge Discworld fan Brian who had discovered that his was in the final stages of terminal cancer. Sadly, shortly after the issue went out, Brian lost his battle. Having looked at his Facebook timeline a lot of people let Brian know they were thinking of him and it made me proud that at times the community can come together in such wonderful ways. Our Discworld tribe lost one of our own. #GNU Brian Dale.
The Discworld Novels of Terry Pratchett was recently a subject on the BBC television quiz show Mastermind (Episode 18 - still on BBC iPlayer for a couple of weeks). Rachel and I both answered all the questions correctly (from the comfort of our sofa at home). We do wonder who set the questions as we feel that our monthly trivia questions are often more challenging.
Want to ensure you get all the latest news direct from Discworld Monthly between issues? Then visit the Discworld Monthly Facebook page and hit the "Like" button. The page is an announcement-only page and is always the first place we post new information.
Discworld Monthly Facebook Page
We include all our back issues on our website at discworldmonthly.co.uk where you can also find Terry Pratchett quotes, a full bibliography and links to articles we have written over the years.
If you visit a play or a talk and would like to let the world know about it, please feel free to email your review to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk and we will consider it for publication.
Also if you have written an article that you think we might want to include in the newsletter please feel free to email us at the address below. We will of course give credit for anything we use.
Please let us have any submissions for issue 250 of Discworld Monthly BEFORE Wednesday 24th January 2018.
Jason Rincewind Anthony-Rowlands (Editor and Wizzard) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
R. Anthony-Rowlands (Owner of bandaged fingers from all the typing this month) rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
William Barnett (Probably Colin)Richard Massey (A type of Swiss Cheese)
2. News
2.1 Anniversary News
The Year of the Justifiably Defensive Lobster (2018) is a big year for many reasons as there are many anniversaries to be celebrated about your favourite book series and author.
We decided to do a round up of the big anniversaries so we can all raise a glass and plan some re-reading around the right dates.
January
It's been five years since the BBC first transmitted Keo North's documentary Terry Pratchett: Facing Extinction on the 17th.
Some of us got to see the first ever performance of Dodger on the stage at the Unicorn Theatre on the 22nd back in 2013.
Discworld Monthly will be publishing its 250th issue at the end of the month. [Jason said he genuinely thought that Discworld Monthly would never get past Issue three ! - Rachel]
February
Those of you lucky enough to own an iPad were rejoicing on the 11th Feb five years ago, at the release of the app Compleat Ankh-Morpork by Random House. Unfortunately the latest iOS update has rendered the app obsolete.
March
It's been 10 years since David Jason donned Rincewind's hat and we saw the first showing of Sky's The Colour of Magic on the 23rd.
April
The last in the series of Science of Discworld books, SOD IV: Judgement day was published five years ago on the 11th April.
Terry would have been 70 years old on the 28th April 2018. (and many of us will be celebrating in his memory at Wincanton in 2018, after all, a man is not dead whilst his name is still spoken).
Discworld Monthly will be celebrating 21 years since publishing the first issue of newsletter on the 30th April 1997.
May
The Corgi play script of Guards! Guards! adapted by Stephen Briggs has been in print for 21 years as of 1st May.
The Discworld introduced us to Fourecks back on the 1st May 1998 when The Last Continent first went on sale. 20 years of Corks and Kangaroos! Didjabringabeeralong?
We first had the chance to read the fifth book in the series, Sourcery, 30 years ago on the 26th May
The second in the Johnny Maxwell series "Johnny and the Dead" was published 25 years ago on the 27th May. By our calculations that makes Johnny around 38 years old in 2018.
June
The Long War first graced our bookshops five years ago on the 18th June (in the USA that is, we got it in the UK on the, 20th June).
It would have been 25 years since Guards! Guards! was first performed on the stage by the Studio Theatre Club. Terry took to the stage on their last night playing the part of the Knowlessman.
Back in 1998, Terry was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in H.M. Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honours List.
September
On the 8th Sept, 10 years ago Jacqueline Simpson first delighted us with her endless fountain of knowledge about folklore through The Folklore of the Discworld. This wonderful book has had a couple of updates since it was first published but is now even more fascinating.
Nation turns 10 years old next September on the 11th. It was quite a departure from Terry's usual storytelling, but has become one of his most loved Non-Discworld novels.
Maskerade adapted by Stephen Briggs was first published in script form by Samuel French on the 18th Sept. Many Drama Societies have loved putting this one on the stage over the last twenty years. For some it's the closest they will get to The Phantom.
October
The Illustrated Wee Free Men with illustrations by Stephen Player has been around for 10 years. We first saw Stephens wonderful images on the 6th October 2008. [It's worth sourcing a copy of this as Terry had made some changes to the text making it different to the original novel - Rach]
The Duel premiered on the 16th Oct back in 2013 at the Science Gallery Theatre in Trinity College Dublin making this wonderful short animation five years old in 2018.
Steeleye Span's collaboration with Terry hit the shops on the 28th October meaning that in 2018 the onion fairy has been visiting whenever We shall wear midnight was played for five whole years.
November
Remember, remember the fifth of November, for Vampires, treason and blood for on this day Carpe Jugulum will turn 20 years old.
Jingo has been around for 21 years as of the 6th November and was performed on stage for the first time by the Studio Theatre Club just a month later
The penultimate book in the Discworld series, Raising Steam was published just five years ago on the 7th November.
The first in the Discworld Collector's editions - Reaper Man and Mort with cover illustrations by Joe Mclaren hit the shops five years ago on the same day as Raising Steam was first published. We will be so glad when the last couple of books in the series get published in this format but that will be a few years away.
Men At Arms will have spent the last 25 years fighting on our shelves on the 11th November.
It has been 30 years since "When we will three meet again ? well I can do next tuesday!" was first uttered by readers - Wyrd Sisters celebrates 30 years in print on the 12th November.
Dodgers Guide to London magically appeared on the 25th November 2013. It's been five years since Dodger imparted his wisdom about our Capital city upon us.
The Rince Cycle (a play which combined several Rincewind stories) was first performed by the Studio Theatre club on the 26th November five years ago.
And the big anniversary in 2018 is in November. It is the 35th anniversary of The Colour of Magic. Who would have thought that we have had the Discworld for that long in our hands. .
2.2 Discworld on the Magic Box and the Magic sound box
There are repeats of a few adaptations over the Christmas period on the television and on the radio.
Here's the round up of both.
UK only
Sat 23rd Dec 2017
Going Postal - Sky Two,
Part One 11am - Part Two 1pm
Christmas Eve
Hogfather - Sky One
Part One - 12pm
Part Two 2pm
Going Postal - Sky Two,
Part One - 5pm Part Two 7pm
Thursday 28th December
Hogfather - Pick TV,
Part One - 6pm
Friday 29th December
Hogfather - Pick Tv
Part Two - 6pm
Radio - Worldwide
Good Omens - Radio Four Extra
Starts Christmas Day - Episode 1 - 6pm
Then for the next 5 days at 6pm. (the episodes will be available for the 30 days)
2.3 Good Omens TV Series
[Update] Recently a slew of Terry Easter Eggs have been sneaked out onto social media. Everything from Terry's books and hat in Aziraphale's shop to Lost and Found adverts in the newspaper that has the advert for new members of the Witchfinder General.
The more we see, the more impatient we become that it will be over a year until we all get to see the finished series. But it will be so worth the wait.
Too many images for us to play with so just follow Neil Gaiman and get all the images streamed onto your news feeds.
Neil Gaiman's Twitter and Instagram accounts: (@neilhimself and instagram.com)
Neil also gave an interview to The Times newspaper on Thursday 21st December about Anansi Boys and Good Omens.
2.4 Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Exhibition News
Recently a Lego mural of the Amazing Maurice book cover was completed at a Lego Big Build event. You can see a picture of it here:
It won't be long until the HisWorld exhibition will be closing its doors. The last possible day to attend the exhibition is Saturday 13th January 2018.
You really don't want to miss out on this fabulous exhibition.
Also at Salisbury Museum is Paul Kidby's The Charmed Realm exhibition. It was meant to end at the beginning of January but has now been extended until Sunday 14th January 2018.
To find out about tickets head over to Pratchett: HisWorld
2.5 Troll Bridge News - Update
Shhhhh ....They are working on the trailer... shhhhhhh... let's 'not jinx it....
Soon....... Real soon....
2.6 Convention News
[NEW, UK DWCon] Charity Auction News
During each Discworld Convention there is a Charity Auction, both to raise money for the charities they are supporting, and to give their members a chance to find some special Discworld-related items!
In the past, they have auctioned off everything from props from the television adaptations, to home-made knitted dolls of famous Discworld figures. All proceeds raised from the auction are split between the Convention's chosen charities.
How to donate an item
If you have something you'd like to donate to the charity auction, please email the auction team at auction@dwcon.org with full details and a photograph of your item.
The closing date for registration is 20th April 2018. This is to allow the auction team time to produce a catalogue for all you prospective buyers out there.
What happens next?
The auction team will make a decision about your item and if it is accepted they will send you an email with instructions for getting your item to the auction.
The auction will have approximately 60 lots. The team require all items to be registered so they may keep the auction varied with items for every pocket. Unfortunately, this does mean that they may have to turn down some offered items.
Any questions?
The email address for all enquiries regarding the auction, and to register is: auction@dwcon.org
3. Book Release News
3.1 English Releases
A ping on our radar has shown us that there will be a 2019 Diary.
Currently called "Terry Pratchett's Discworld Diary 2019", it will be a hardcover book with 128 pages and currently the date of publication is the 9th August 2018. As we all know that is subject to change.
ISBN-10: 1473223105
ISBN-13: 978-1473223103
Publisher: Orion/Gollancz
RRP 16.99 GBP
Pre-order from Amazon
Pre-order from Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
There will be new paperbacks of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents and The Johnny Maxwell series.
We have images of the Johnny Maxwell series over on our facebook page. Take a look here:
First up will be Only You Can Save Mankind on the 22nd February 2018
Pre-order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Followed by The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents on the 26th April 2018
Pre-Order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Johnny and the Dead will be published on the 28th June 2018
Pre-Order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Currently it looks like Johnny and the Bomb will be published on the 23rd August 2018
Pre-Order
Amazon
Occasionally we find out about a literary book about Terry. Not written by Terry, they are usually somebody trying to put on everyone their opinion of why Terry wrote the way he did, or it's someone trying to work out what Terry was trying to tell us through his writing. We have nothing against them, but they really are an educational look at Terry's works.
Terry Pratchett's Narrative Worlds: From Giant Turtles to Small Gods - Critical approaches to Children's Literature Edited by Marion Rana is due out on the 27th Jan 2018 at a R.R.P. 66.99GBP in Hardback
"This book highlights the multi-dimensionality of the work of British fantasy writer and Discworld creator Terry Pratchett. Taking into account content, political commentary, and literary technique, it explores the impact of Pratchett's work on fantasy writing and genre conventions.
With chapters on gender, multiculturalism, secularism, education, and relativism, Section One focuses on different characters' situatedness within Pratchett's novels and what this may tell us about the direction of his social, religious and political criticism.
Section Two discusses the aesthetic form that this criticism takes, and analyses the post- and meta-modern aspects of Pratchett's writing, his use of humour, and genre adaptations and deconstructions.
This is the ideal collection for any literary and cultural studies scholar, researcher or student interested in fantasy and popular culture in general, and in Terry Pratchett in particular."
ISBN-10: 3319672975
ISBN-13: 9783319672977
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 59.95GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
To Pre-order through our Amazon Affiliate Link
3.2 Other language releases
Die Farben der Magie . Eric: Zwei Romane in einem Band - Paperback is due out on the 12th Jan 2018 R.R.P. 11.04GBP (German Omnibus of The Colour of Magic and Eric)
ISBN-10: 3492280269
ISBN-13: 9783492280266
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 9.87GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
De herderskroon: De allerlaatste Schijfwereld-roman - Paperback is due out on the 15th Jan 2018 at a R.R.P. of 18.56GBP ( Dutch/Flemish translation of
ISBN-10: 9022579972
ISBN-13: 9789022579978
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 16.60GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Helle Barden: Ein Scheibenwelt-Roman - Paperback is due out on the 19th Feb 2018 at a R.R.P. 9.20GBP (German translation of Men At Arms)
ISBN10 3442486874
ISBN13 9783442486878
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 8.23GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
4. January 2018 Events
Whilst we would love to get to every event and play to write reviews and articles about them, we just don't have enough time, petrol and a wide enough spread of friends to borrow the couch for the night. But you, our wonderful readers do have the time, petrol and often don't need the couches as the event or play is on your doorstep!
We don't have English degrees here and you don't need one either to write something for Discworld Monthly! So get typing and every submission that we use will get a I heart Discworld Monthly window sticker (Please include your address to receive one)
PS. If you know of a play or event that we don't know about (shock horror), email us. We like the surprise!
All submissions should be emailed to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Don't forget to visit Pratchett Stage Productions for our most up-to-date list of stage productions.
[UK] Terry Pratchett: HisWorld - a new major Terry Pratchett Exhibition will take place at The Salisbury Museum from 16th Sept 2017 to 13 Jan 2018.
Pictures of various items that will be on display at the exhibition have been appearing on Salisbury Museum's social media feeds. Some items have been made especially for the exhibition. The pratchetthisworld.com website is now full of information and images for your perusal.
Day Ticket Prices are as follows -
Standard day ticket - Adult 7.50GBP Child 3.60GBP Family (2 adults +up to 4 children) 18.50GBP Under 5's Free
It is strongly advised that you buy your tickets in advance from the ticket website.
Salisbury Museum Website - Pratchett: HisWorld
[UK] Waterstones Leeds - Neil Gaiman Book Club
They will discussing Good Omens (hence it's inclusion here).
Date: Saturday, 6 January 2018
Time: 18:00-18:45
Location: Waterstones Leeds, 93-97 Albion Street, LS15JS Leeds
[AUSTRALIA] Victorian Discworld Klatch Hogswatch
Location: Marquee, Flagstaff near the Bowls Club (9/311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia)
Date: Sunday 7th January 2018
Time: Starts at 5.30pm- 6pm ish
You provide food and drink as well as anything you'd like to share such as a game and we'll provide the company!
[UK] Tower Players presents Mort as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: Prince of Wales Centre, Church Street , Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1DE
Dates: Thurs 11th - Sat 13th January 2018
Tickets: 12GBP
Box Office: boxoffice.wlct.org
Box Office: 01543 578 762
[UK] Progress Theatre presents Maskerade as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Progress Theatre, The Mount, Reading RG1 5HL
Dates: Thurs 18th Jan 2018 - Sat 27th Jan 2018 (Saturday Matinees included)
Tickets: 12GBP
Website: progresstheatre.co.uk
Tickets : ticketsource.co.uk
5. Future Events
5.1 February 2018
[UK] Cranbourne Amateur Dramatic Society presents Men at Arms as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: St Peter's Church hall, Hatchett Lane, Cranbourne, SL4 2EG
Dates: Thursday 15th Feb - !7th Feb 2018
Time: 7.45pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: 9 GBP
Box Office: 01344 886456
Website: cadsact.org.uk
[USA] Gainesville Theatre Alliance presents Monstrous Regiment as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: UNG-Gainesville's Ed Cabell Theatre, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566
Dates: Fri 16th Feb - Sat 24th Feb 2018
Time: 7:30pm on the 16th, 18th and 20th - 24th, with matinees at 2:30pm on Sat 17th and Sat 24th
Tickets: 18-20 USD Adults, 16-18USD Seniors and 12-14USD Students
Website: blog.ung.edu
Box Office: 678 717 3624.
Special Events at this production
FREE Stage Tour (a peek behind the scenes!)
1st Feb 2018 at 6:00pm
Preview Performance: Ticket is 10USD (Preview tickets go on sale 29th Jan 2018)
Thursday 15th Feb 2018 at 7:30pm
FREE Opening Night Reception: In the lobby following the performance with the cast and crew, catered by ACE Catering
Friday 16th Feb 2018
Talk Back with Cast & Crew: a lively (and free) Q&A session following the performance on Tuesday 20th Feb 2018
[UK] We are Theatre presents Maskerade as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
Dates: Mon 26th Feb - Wed 28th Feb 2018
Times: 7:30pm
Tickets: 10GBP
Website: wearetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 07521364107
5.2 April 2018
[NEW, Australia] Tribe Youth Theatre presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: BTC Arts Shed, 15-17 Allingham Street, Golden Square VICTORIA 3555 Australia
Date: Thurs 5th April 2018 - Sat 8th April
Time: 7pm
Tickets: Adult - 22AUD, Conc - 20Aud, Student - 17AUD, Child under 12 - 14AUD. Family (2+") 57AUD
Box Office: boxoffice.gotix.com.au
Website: bendigotheatrecompany.org
[USA] GreenMan Theatre Troupe presents Monstrous Regiment as adapted by Chris Hainsworth.
Location: First United Methodist Church, 232 S.York Street, Elmhurst, IL, USA
Date: 13th April - 29th April 2018 (Fri, Sat and Sundays only)
Time: Fri and Sat at 730pm, Sun at 2pm
Tickets: Adults 17USD, Students/Seniors 15 USD
Box Office: 630-464-2646
Website: greenmantheatre.org
[UK] The Chorley Little Theatre presents Guards! Guards! as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2RL
Dates: Monday 23 April - Saturday 28 April
Times: 7:30pm
Tickets: Mon-Wed 8GBP, Thu-Sat 10GBP
Website: chorleylittletheatre.com
Box Office: 01257 264362
[UK] The Carlton Players presents Mort as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: The Little Theatre, Grange Road West, Birkenhead, United Kingdom, CH41 4BY
Dates: Tues 24 April 2018 - Saturday 28 April 2018
Time: Doors Open at 7pm. Show Starts at 7.30pm
Tickets: 8GBP Adults, U16's/Students 6GBP
Website: carltonlittletheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0151 647 6593
Box Office Website: ticketsource.co.uk
Facebook Event: facebook.com
5.3 Timey Wimey Events
These Events are at least a few months away on the calendar, but if you have a Holly Hop Drive you may be able to hop into the future and bring back a review for us now! If you don't have access to either then you should be able to purchase tickets and travel forward in time the old fashioned way - one day at a time.
[UK] Tilt Theatre - City College Plymouth Performing Arts presents Guards! Guards!
Location: Tilt Theatre, City College Plymouth, PL1 5QG
Dates: Wed 16th- Thurs 17th May 2018
Time : 7pm
Facebook Event: facebook.com
[Dutch Discworld Convention]
CABBAGECON 5 - Be a Barbarian hero !
Dates 20th - 21st October 2018
Location: Carlton President Hotel, Floraweg 28, 3542 DX Utrecht
Tickets: Weekend - Adult 65 Euros Child 35 Euros Student 50 Euros.
Single day tickets are available on their website.
To buy tickets and for more information head over to dutchdwcon.nl
Facebook event page: facebook.com
[UK Discworld Convention]
The location and date of 2018 Discworld Convention in the UK has been announced.
It will be at the Chesford Grange Hotel on the weekend of 3rd - 6th August 2018.
Memberships have been released and have SOLD OUT.
Don't fret though, ConCom are now operating a waiting list for those who wish to have a chance of attending.
To find out more visit 2018.dwcon.org
[Australia] The Brisbane Arts Centre presents Men At Arms as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Brisbane Arts Centre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace QLD 4000
Dates: Thursday-Sundays from the 6th October - 3rd November 2018
Times: Thursdays 7.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 6.30pm
Tickets : 21 - 34 AUD
Box Office: sa2.seatadvisor.com
Website: artstheatre.com.au
[UK] Kelvin Players presents Going Postal as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location : The Kelvin Studio Theatre THE KELVIN STUDIOS, 253B Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY (Entrance on Wesley Road)
Dates: 5th - 8th December & 12th - 15th December 2018
Time : 7.30pm
Website : kelvinplayers.co.uk
[Australian Convention] Nullus Anxietas VII in Melbourne 2019
Will be held from the 12th to 14th April 2019 and is authorised by Ankh Morpork Post Office.
Currently you can guarantee your place by purchasing a supporting membership now at 40AUD from: Australian Convention 2019 Booking
[Scheibenwelt Convention]
Scheibenwelt Convention have announced that the next German Discworld Convention will take place from the 3rd to the 6th of October 2019 at Castle Ludwigstein.
The theme will be Hogswatch.
Tickets are not on sale as yet but do visit their website to find out more information .
[IDWCon] The Irish committee has confirmed that the next Irish Discworld Convention will happen in 2019!
More info will come soonish.
[NADWCON]
It's happening in 2019. That's all we know. We'll update this when we get more news.
6. Recurring Monthly Fan Meetings
[UK] The Broken Drummers meet at The Monkey Puzzle, Paddington, London, W2 1JQ, England at 7pm. For more information contact Helen Nicholls on helelnicholls@gmail.com
Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month.
January's meeting will be on Monday 8th January (to avoid New Year's hangovers)
The Drummers are now holding irregular weekend meet-ups in addition to their regular Mondays. Dates are posted on their Facebook page and sent out via their mailing list.
The Drummers are always happy to welcome new visitors. You can find out more at: brokendrummers.org or Broken Dummers Facebook Page
[Adelaide, Australia] The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia.
They have regular monthly dinner and games nights, longer games days, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join their mailing list, visit: cityofsmallgods.org.au
[Brisbane, Australia] The Pratchett Partisans meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. For more info about their next meetup, check out: The Pratchett Partisans Facebook Group
[Melbourne, Australia] The Victorian Discworld Klatch is a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett. We meet monthly for fun activities and to talk all things Pratchetty. Information on our current event can be found on Victorian Discworld Klatch Facebook Group or email victoriandiscworldklatch@gmail.com
[Perth, Australia] The Treacle Mining Corporation meetup to celebrate the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, and welcome any fans of science fiction and fantasy.
Join them for their monthly discussion of Discworld, Terry Pratchett and all things sci-fi and fantasy. They meet the first Monday of each month, subject to holidays, and all are welcome.
The group meets up at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, WA. Meeting at a cafe means they are under-18 friendly!
For details follow them on Twitter @TreacleMiningCo, Instagram treacle_mining_corporation, and Facebook Treacle Mining Corporation Facebook Group
Otherwise message Alexandra Ware directly at alexandra.ware@gmail.com
Unless otherwise stated the group meets up on the first Monday of each month.
[Sydney, Australia] Sydney Drummers normally meet on the first Monday of every month.
Meeting location: 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney, 2000 from 6:30pm
For more information contact Sue (AKA Granny Weatherwax) on kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
[Sydney, Australia] Western Drummers (western suburbs of Sydney NSW Australia) meet 6pm on the third Tuesday of the month at the Nepean Rowing Club for dinner chat and games.
Western Drummers Facebook Group
* Calling USA / Canadian Fans *
Appreciate Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett? Want to chat and gather with other Discworld fans in the US and Canada? Regional Discworld fan Facebook groups are linked below!
Holy Wood Dreams (covers WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, NM, and HI):
Holy Wood Dreams Facebook Page
Central US Discworld Fans (covers ID, MT, WY, ND, SD, NE, UT, CO, KS, OK, and TX):
Central US Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Midwest Discworld Fans (covers IL, IN, WI, MI, KY, MN, IA, and MO):
Midwest Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Southeast US Pratchett Fans (covers AR, LA, TN, MS, AL, GA, NC, SC, and FL):
Southeast US Pratchett Fans Facebook Group
Mid-Atlantic Discworld Fans (covers PA, OH, WV, VA, Washington DC, and MD):
Mid-Atlantic Discworld Fans Facebook Group
New England Discworld Fans (covers DE, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME):
New England Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Canadian Discworld Fans (covers Canada and Alaska):
Canadian Discworld Fans Facebook Group
If you are in a border state or a province between two groups, feel free to join both groups.
[Australia] Drumknott's Irregulars is a newly established Terry Pratchett social group based in Canberra. The group is open to anyone and their events are not heavily themed.
Facebook: Drumknott's Irregulars Facebook Group
Google Groups: Drumknott's Irregulars Google Group
7. Readers' Letters
If you have any letters or comments, please email them to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. We may edit your letters whilst under the influence of sellotape fumes and a mounting pile of wrapping paper.
It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.
* From: "Steven Dean" thewizardsknob@icloud.com
I have been a book dealer at every UK DWCon since 1998 but have decided not to attend any future ones. To that end I have a large stock of UK. Hardbacks that I'd like to sell cheap to clear my stock. They will be priced from 3GBP plus postage. If anyone would like a list of what's available please drop me a message at thewizardsknob@icloud.com
8. Hogswatch Trivia
This month being the end of the year and all that, we thought we ask you questions from Hogfather.
Q1. How many pork pies does Death claim Albert has eaten when he and Albert visit Susan?
Q2. What else did Death say Albert had eaten?
Q3. What is the 'oh God of Hangovers' real name?
Q4. Who does Death mistake for a small "child" in Crumleys?
Q5. What game does the cheerful fairy suggest will get the Wizards' in the mood?
The answers as always appear at the end of this issue.
9. Review of Discworld Imaginarium - A comparison of the three editions.
By Rachel Anthony-Rowlands
Where do I start? Sat here looking at all three editions of this very heavy coffee table Art book, I ponder if it's actually an Art of the Discworld Volume Two.
Of course, that's exactly what Terry Pratchett's Discworld Imaginarium is as Paul Kidby's luscious artwork graces every page.
The artwork contained within the Imaginarium is printed on high quality gloss paper and there is everything from the pencil line versions of the wee free men to portraits of Terry. I would struggle to find a character not included in the imaginarium. There is also plenty of images of the landscapes of the Discworld contained within it. The high quality of the printing is such that I felt the need to dig out a magnifying glass to look for some of the finer details that I know Paul puts into his work. Such as the numbers on the badges of the various Watch members on the cover of NightWatch.
There is no difference between the actual contents of the three editions. The Slipcased and Deluxe boxed limited editions contain an additional page inserted into the beginning of the book which is numbered and signed by Paul Kidby.
The additional page in the slipcased edition has Errol on it whilst the Deluxe boxed edition has Greebo on its insert.
The Slipcase edition also has gold edged pages and a Marker ribbon whilst the Deluxe boxed edition has a glorious cloth cover protective box and two separate prints, one of Greebo and the other of The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett ready for framing.
The Slipcase edition has a different version of "The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett" on its cover than the standard edition cover whilst the Deluxe edition has a leatherette cover with the Order of the Honey Bee Bee embossed across it.
If we had only had the 35GBP edition, we wouldn't have missed anything in within the content of the book itself. It's the wrapping that is the difference between the three editions.
What more can I say? Is it worth spending out for the either of the Limited Editions?
If you wish to have a print of the Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett or the exclusive Greebo print then yes the Deluxe edition is worth it. The feel of the cover and the additional protective box and prints makes it worth every penny of the 100GBP (estimated cost of the prints are 30GBP each if they had been available separately).
I'm not entirely sure the 75GBP cost of the Limited Slipcased edition is worth it though. The slipcase, different cover, signed insert and gold edging/ribbon marker for me personally was not enough to justify the extra cost in comparison to the standard edition at 35GBP.
So which one should you buy? If you have the money, go for the Deluxe edition. The Prints will end up on our walls as soon as I find a gap for them and the quality of the cover on the book is worth every penny.
But if you are a little less flush with cash, buy the standard edition and save to get the larger print of The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett from Paulkidby.com for 40GBP shop.paulkidby.com
To order your copy of Terry Pratchett's Discworld Imaginarium -
Standard Edition
Amazon - ISBN: 1473223377
Book Depository - Book Depository Affiliate Link
Slipcased Limited Edition
Amazon - ISBN: 1473223490
Deluxe Boxed Edition
Paul Kidby - shop.paulkidby.com
Discworld.com -
10. Terry Pratchett's Discworld Imaginarium with Paul Kidby and Rob Wilkins
Waterstones, Gower Street, London. 23rd November 2017
By Helen Nicholls
In all the years that I have been involved in Discworld fandom, I had never seen Paul Kidby in the flesh. Indeed, it was a long time before I even saw a photo of him as the Discworld calendars used to show an unflattering caricature that he drew himself. I always imagined that be must be a shy, retiring person, unwilling to face the hordes of flaming loonies who come to events.
Imagine my surprise, when I heard that Paul Kidby would be at an event in London with Rob Wilkins for the launch of the Discworld Imaginarium. I have always loved the Kidby artwork.
When I first discovered Discworld as a teenager, it was great to read The Pratchett Portfolio and the diaries where the characters looked the way I imagined them. I even cut up an old Kidby Discworld calendar and put the pictures on the wall of my university room (the one of the Fresh Start Club seriously grossed out one of my friends).
We arrived at Waterstones early and found Pat Harkin (Discworld auctioneer and the person nominated by obsessive fans for a news article on obsessive fans) in the cafe. We later met up with another friend of ours and bagged seats in the front row. Included in the ticket was a large glass of wine which, as Pat pointed out, would have cost about the same as the ticket price in a central London pub.
The event consisted of an interview with Paul Kidby, conducted by Rob Wilkins followed by a Q&A and then a signing. Kidby described his early career as an artist, which included jobs creating artwork for greetings cards, packaging and video games magazines. His first forays into Discworld art were never intended as anything other than fan art. However, when he gave Terry Pratchett some samples of his work, he later received a call from Terry who said that Kidby's drawings of the characters were the closest anyone had come to the way he imagined them himself. One thing led to another and Kidby was commissioned to produce the artwork for some Discworld companion volumes.
Following Josh Kirby's death in 2001, the mantle of Discworld cover artist fell upon Paul Kidby's shoulders. His first cover was Nightwatch, where his parody of the Rembrandt's The Night Watch, determined the title of the novel. He included a tribute to his predecessor; Josh Kirby can be seen in the background looking directly at the viewer. Kidby described his concern at the time that some fans, unaware of Kirby's death, would think that he had taken the job away from Josh Kirby and his relief when someone asked the question at an event, allowing him to explain the situation.
The rest, as they say, is history. Paul Kidby continued as the Discworld cover artist right up to The Shepherd's Crown. He produced The Art of Discworld and most recently, the Imaginarium. He was also chosen to produce the bust of Terry Pratchett that will form the basis for a statue. Rob Wilkins described his pleasure at seeing the wax prototype for the first time as the likeness was incredible. You can see a picture of the bust on Kidby's website.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable event. It was great to see Paul Kidby for the first time and to get a signed copy of the Imaginarium. Kidby himself is very modest and mild-mannered but not quite the shy and reclusive artist I had imagined. The event was an enjoyable one and the Waterstones staff made us very welcome. I also heartily recommend the Imaginarium.
11. Lords and Ladies - Stage Two Norwich Theatre Royal, Youth Theatre Company
By Steve and Barbara Durbin
Lords and Ladies is Sir Terry's unashamed parody of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's a slightly unusual one in the Pratchett canon in that it's one of the very few not adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs, but by Irana Brown. It's also the first story in which we meet Agnes Nitt (aka Perdita X Dream), who went on to greater things.
A very simple set - just some backdrops showing each of the main scenes in the play - and a small number of props made this a play where you could focus on the acting and words rather than having too many distractions. It was a good choice, as the acting, particularly for a youth company, was excellent. No prompts, practically no noticeable fluffs and strong characterisations by everyone made it a very enjoyable afternoon. Costumes were also generally excellent, great work from Cati Majtenyi and any others involved.
We were particularly taken by the very young members of the cast, playing mostly threatening elves with few or no lines and doubling as the young characters such as Pewsey and Young Esme; great performances, scared the life out of us as elves and were full-on throughout the performance.
A minor issue for us in the overall setup was Magrat (Daisy den Engelse) and Verence (Leon Bedwell), both sounding, to our admittedly lower-class Welsh ears, rather too posh for a village girl and an ex-jester. However, both gave good performances, especially when Magrat dons the Ynci costume. There was some nice foreshadowing of this in some earlier business, particularly Shaun Ogg (Jack White), not being able to lift Magrat's case; Jack also gave us a lovely bugle performance before being put in his place by Verence. Magrat's look, with wild free-form hairstyle and slightly off-kilter stare, was perfect.
Having mentioned one witch, we have to pick up the other two of the (former) coven. Granny (Heather New) was perfectly cast - angular looks, ramrod straight and thin, and able to be imperious, irritable, sarcastic and uncertain as the play requires; an excellent performance, and one I think I'll have to wait a long time to see bettered. Nanny (Christy Gosling) was great fun - had Nanny's naughtiness perfectly down; the interactions with the excellent Casanunda (Aaron Stokes) had the whole audience giggling.
Overall, a pretty flawless performance, and we will be waiting with bated breath to see if they return to Pratchett.
12. Discworld Imaginarium Competition
This month we have a standard edition of the Discworld Imaginarium to give away. See our review earlier in this issue.
To win you just needed to answer the following question:
- Q1.
- How many pages are in the Discworld Imaginarium?
Send your answer and full postal address to competitions@discworldmonthly.co.uk by Wednesday 24th January 2018.
Your address will only be used for sending out your prize should you be the lucky winner. Once prizes are sent out all address details will be destroyed. Entries received after the closing date or sent to any other address will be ignored. No more than one entry per person will be accepted - multiple entries will result in a ban from the competition. Failure to answer the questions or provide your postal address will prevent you from being entered into the competition. Answers to the questions must not be posted to any websites before the competition ends. The judges' decision is final. The competition is open to all readers.
13. The End
This month's issue is brought to you by the wind caused by eating 52 boxes of mince pies, a bottle of Irish cream and the number 7.
Please let us have any submissions for issue 250 of Discworld Monthly by Wednesday 24th January 2018
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If you have any problems un-subscribing visit our removal help page.Hogswatch Trivia Answers.
- Q1.
- How many pork pies does Death claim Albert has eaten when he and Albert visit Susan?
- A1.
- SIXTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN PORK PIES.
- Q2.
- What else did Death say Albert had eaten?
- A2.
- ONE TURNIP! 'It looked pork-pie shaped,' said Albert. 'Everything does, after a while.'
- Q3.
- What is the 'oh God of Hangovers' real name?
- A3.
- Bilious.
- Q4.
- Who does Death mistake for a small "child" in Crumleys?
- A4.
- Nobby Nobbs.
- Q5.
- What game does the cheerful fairy suggest will get the Wizards' in the mood?
- A5.
- Charades
* Small Print *
We make every effort we can to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate and legal. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners, whoever they may be. Discworld (R) is a registered trade mark of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett used under licence.
* Thanks *
Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email: info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
*Rachel here*
We may not be perfect designers, or award winning journalists but we do our best to keep you all entertained and informed about all things Terry. We do have some ethics though. We like our news to be current, up to date and factual with a solid source. We don't like posting rumours but occasionally the source it comes from is 98 percent solid so we will tell you it's a rumour and confirm it when we have a 100 percent confirmation. Our own articles are written by us for us only. You won't find articles from other publications here unless it's a formal press release about an adaptation, book release or event or something we actually wrote for someone else unless they begged us to publish it (Ok not begged but some of our lovely friends do ask us occasionally to boost something)
Whilst you keep reading it, we'll keep on writing it because we love Terry's books just as much as you do.
If you are reading this, we would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday this month including: Tracie Anderson of Bristol, Lau LeiaTortoise Twenteas, Brian Dominic, Ella Farley, Paul Heyes, Rhianna Pratchett, Steven Himel, Issac Olding, Carolanne Brewer, Bev Greenhalgh, Chris Paxton, Hannah Wright, Polly Bartlett, Steven Dean, Lawny Eastwood, Dawn Tazare, Gemma P, Pat Harkin, Iain Hallam, Stella Carter, Judy Hart, Ryan Earnshaw, Elaine Underwood, Angelina Olding, Andrew Nevill, Heather Wallace, Q, Elaine Boot, Mr Little Black Hen, Lucy Zeale, Heather Watts, Margaret Butler, Emma Spruce, Ian Oldroyd, Kristina Webb, Brunella Bambagioni, Tim Williams, Mitch Benn, Vicky Lear, Julie Brown, Lisa Keen, Maggie WIlde, Muriel Lavender, Elizabeth Navvi, Catherine Homer, Wendy Green , Penny Wythes.
(If you would like your birthday included in the listings, send us an email the month before your birthday and we will add it to the list! Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk Subject: Birthday)
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