News Item Summary

Weekly roundup from Better Than a Poke in the Eye (Ending 02-12-2024)

[Weekly Roundup] Week ending 02-12-2024 # [New Events](/events) - An Evening with Rob Wilkins to celebrate Terry Pra

Review of latest Rivers of London Novella Masquerades of Spring

We reviewed Ben Aaronovitch's latest Rivers of London novella Masquerades of Spring. Set in swinging 1920s New York.

Rob Wilkins writes in the Independent newspaper about Assisted Dying

Rob Wilkins writes in the Independent newspaper about Assisted Dying and what it would mean to Terry Pratchett's legacy if passed.

Obituary for Vic Waddy Wadmore one of Discworld fandom's big characters

We remember Waddy, one of Discworld fandom's more colourful characters best known for being the creator of the unofficial Discworld Camping event Wadfest.

A solid if lackluster performance of Witches Abroad November 2024

Review of the matinee peformance of Witches Abroad as dramatized by Stephen Briggs and performed by the Studio Theatre Club in Abingdon, November 2024

Discworld Tabletop Roleplay Game smashes funding target on Kickstarter

The new Discworld Tabletop Roleplay Game Discworld: Adventures in Ankh-Morpork has just completed its Kickstarter by smashing its target by 2,250%.

Night Watch by Terry Pratchett to become a Penguin Modern Classic

In April 2025 Night Watch will get a special re-release as part of the Penguin Modern Classics. With annotations by Dr David Lloyd and Dr Darryl Jones.

The Cogsmouth Chronicle: Empire for Sale is a Victoriana Experience

The team at BTAPITE will be working at The Cogsmouth Chronicle present Empire for Sale is a Victoriana Experience in Leeds in November.

Ghosts Brought to Life: Behind the scenes of the award winning TV series

The award winning Ghosts UK Television series get a new book: Ghosts Brought To Life. Read all the behind the scenes talk and cast interviews.

Good Omens 3 is a Go Go Go. Good Omens 3 will start filming in 2025

Good Omens 3 news and press release confirms that Good Omens 3 will happen! Filming to start in 2025 and will feature a one off 90 minute episode.

The movie sequel to The Amazing Maurice has been announced.

The Amazing Maurice The Waters of Life will be a sequel to the hit movies The Amazing Maurice based on Terry Pratchett's novel. Due 2027.

Kickstarter campaign for new Terry Pratchett Discworld RPG

Kickstarter campaign launched and fully funded in just 27 minutes for a new Terry Pratchett Discworld Roleplay Game.

Terry Pratchett: A Stroke of the Pen (with added extra story)

Terry Pratchett: A Stroke of the Pen is now out in Paperback. An extra story that didn't make it to the hardback is included.

Announcing Disctober 2024 - 31 prompts for 31day of art.

Announcing Disctober 2024 - 31 landmark prompts for 31 days of art. Get ready to grab your art materials and impress your friends.

It is said that 2025 will be known as Year of the Luminous Lemur

It has been announced by the powers that be in the Pratchett estate that 2025 will be known as Year of the Luminous Lemur

Adventures In Ankh Morpork TRPG (will launch in October on Kickstarter

The new Tabletop Role Playing Game - Adventures in Ankh Morpork will launch on Kickstarter on Tuesday 15th October 2024.

Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows in South Wales in September

The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows will be coming to South Wales in September 2024. Visiting Narbeth, Swansea and Monmoth.

International Orangutan Day - Celebrate our favourite Librarian

We at Better Than a Poke in the eye love our favourite Librarian. Give us an Oook on international Orangutan Day!

We review Peculiar Productions' opening night of Feet of Clay.

A very professional live production of Terry Pratchett's Feet of Clay in a very hot auditorium in Cardiff by Peculiar Productions.

New compilation of three Pratchett shorts illustrated by Mark Beech

A new compilation of three previously released Terry Pratchett short stories released in one volume with Mark Beech illustrations aimed at younger readers.

Discworld Comes to life with Peculiar Production's Fee of Clay

Peculiar Productions in Cardiff are performing a stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Feet of Clay this month at The Gate in Roath Cardiff.

Forbidden Planet release a new range of Good Omens Merchandise

Forbidden Planet have released a new exclusive range of Good Omens Merchandise from Pin Badges, Coasters, and T-Shirts.

We will be returning to Fantasy Forest with our Portal to Discworld

We will be returning to Fantasy Forest 2024 with our Portal to Discworld. Entry is free to anyone that has tickets to Fantasy Forest 2024.

Remembering Sir Terry Pratchett OBE, nine years on 12th March.

On 12th March 2015, Sir Terry Pratchett shock hands with Death and walk across the dark desert. The world was left a slightly darker place.

Jasper Fforde visited Waterstones Swansea to sign Red Side Story

After nearly 14 years, it's finally here, the long awaited sequel to Shades of Grey - Red Side Story has been released.

Comedy.co.uk Award Nominees for TV Comedy Drama 2023

Better Than a Poke Fan Favourite Good Omens is up for an Comedy.co.uk TV Comedy Drama Award and YOU can vote for it!

To start off the new year, we have moved web servers!

We've moved web servers. Our old one was creaking under its age. Our new server uses newer technology such as http2 and gzip compression.

Yuletide Greetings from the team at Better Than a Poke in the Eye

We hope you all have a fabulous break, we will be enjoying our time away from the keyboards and we will be back in 2024.

Good Omens has been green lit for its third and final season

Prime video have today, Wednesday 14th December 2023, announced that Good Omens has been green lit for its third and final season.

Jasper Fforde's signing tour in February 2024 for Red Side Story

Jasper Fforde will be hitting the road with events and signings for his new sequel to Shades of Grey - Red Side Story in February 2024

Know your Christmas Movies? Try our new Christmas Movie Quiz

Whether its a party in Los Angeles, left alone in New York, receiving a new pet... If any of this make sense you should try our new quiz.

Today's recommendation: The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

This 42nd anniversary edition of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams features all five parts of the Hitchhiker's trilogy.

Today's recommendation is: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is the sequel book to Tim Burton's The Nightmare before Christmas and follows the story of Sally after she married Jack

Day 28 of 30 we recommend Winter's Gifts by Ben Aaronovitch

Visit another part of the Rivers of London Universe in Winter's Gifts. See how differently magic is handled in the United States.

Today's recommendation is: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl's Moving Castle is the first in the Land of Ingary Trilogy, the other two books are Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways.

30 gifts for Nov. The Worst Witch Colour Gift Edition by Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy was one of Rachel's favourite book series whilst growing up and she still reads them forty years later.

We recommend Shades of Grey and Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde.

The original Shades of Grey tells of a world where some past, unspecified, event has led. Red Side Story is the long awaited sequel to Shades of Grey.

Today's recommendation is: Asterix: Asterix Omnibus 1

The plucky Gaul has been fighting off the Roman invaders who want to take over his village and his way of life for over 64 years.

Celebrating 40 years of Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic!

Discworld started not with a bang but with four short stories gathered together as The Colour of Magic novel which was published on 24th November 1983

30 gifts for Nov. Today's recommendation is 11-22-63 by Stephen King

11.22.63 tells the story of Jake Epping, an English teacher, who discovers his friend Al has a secret door to the past hidden in the rear of his diner.

30 gifts for 30 days of Nov. Aberystwyth Mon Amour by Malcolm Pryce

Aberystwyth Mon Amour is the first of the Louie Knight Mystery books which spawned a full series of 6 books, a radio play and a walking tour of Aberystwyth.

30 gifts for 30 days of Nov. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

A young woman is recruited to establish a telepathic bond with a queen dragon at its hatching, thus becoming a dragonrider,

30 days of gifts - Day 21 - A Whole New World - Liz Braswell

A Whole New World explores the what if scenario of Jafar having found the lamp instead of Aladdin and the consequences of that on the world that Aladdin loves.

30 gifs for November - Day 19 - Silverfin (Young Bond #1)

It is James Bond's first day at Eton and he's already met his first enemy. The start of an adventure that will take him to the shores of Loch SIlverfin.

30 gifts November Day 18 - Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider never expected to end up being a spy but in many ways it was already written in the stars as his family had been spies for many years.

30 Gifts - Day 17 Tank Girl All Stars - Martin and Hewitt

The book, Tank Girl All Stars celebrates 30 years of tales about Fonzie Rebecca Buckler, Booga and Tank Girl's friends.

30 gifts for November - Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett

Pillars of the Earth is a fascinating insight into the process of one man's vision to build an incredible cathedral.

Day 15 of 30 gift ideas - Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a criminal genius. What makes this impressive is that he is just 12 years old and he has just discovered that fairies are real.

Dragonlance Chronicles (Collector's Edition) - Weis and Hickman

Dragonlance Chronicles might not be the high fantasy of Tolkien but it is a story about companionship, comradery, adventure, betrayal and death.

Pawn of Prophecy - David Eddings

Pawn of Prophecy is the first book of five in the Belgariad series. Follow the adventures of Garion and his mysterious travelling companion.

30 days of gifts - Day 12: The Nightmare Before Christmas

This deluxe Disney gift book is a retelling of the film complete with concept and sketch art from development of the film.

30 gifts for November #11 - GHOSTS: The Button House Archives!

A companion book for the BBC TV series of Ghosts. We can't wait to read Lady Button's rules of etiquette or Pat's 'summer camp rap'.

30 Gift Recommendations - Day 10 - Penguin Sci-Fi Postcard Box

Day 10 of our 30 Gifts for 30 Days of November. This time we recommend Penguin's Science Fiction Postcard Box.

[Book Review - A Stroke of the Pen]

Our review of A Stroke of the Pen the newly discovered collection of Terry Pratchett short stories written under the pseudonym Patrick Kearns.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 9!

Happy Publication Day to our Day 9 recommendation which is Tiffany Aching's Guide to Being a Witch by Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 8

Most of us are somewhat repulsed by Slugs. But what if they were carnivorous? Hutson's novel explores this idea to its most disgusting and depraved limits.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 7

The Hobbit is the great, great, grandfather of fantasy. It is the template that fantasy grew out of. Why not go back to where it first began?

[Production Review - Monstrous Regiment in Cardiff]

Jason's just published his review of Monstrous Regiment live in Cardiff performed by Monstrous Productions / Peculiar Productions.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 6

When Dr Madeleine Maxwell is recruited by the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, she discovers the historians there don't just study the past.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 5

Beautiful illustrations by Lúthien Leerghast of iconic angels, demons, Witchfinders, Professional Descendants and more, including both Major and Minor arcana.

30 gifts for 30 days of November - Day 4

Sometimes it only takes a stranger in a dark place... to say we have the right to be here, to make us warm in the coldest season.

30 Gifts for 30 Days of November - Day 3

If Terry Pratchett's pen gave his characters life, Paul Kidby (for many fans he is the definitive Discworld artist)'s brush allowed them to live it.

30 Gifts for 30 Days of November! - Day 2

Spoil yourself with a deluxe gift edition of L. Frank Baum's cherished children's classic, vividly reimagined with beautiful four-colour artwork.

30 Gifts for 30 Days of November - Day 1

We love the Mr Men and the Little Miss series of books and we are sure there will be a fair few fans amongst our followers.

Pinch Punch first of the month ...

It's the 1st of November which means there are only 8 weeks until the yuletide celebrations! As a result, we decided to recommend 30 gifts for the book ...

#Disctober Day 31 - Today's prompt is Billy and Jason!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 30 - Today's prompt is Llamedos Jones!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 29 - Today's prompt is Frusterick Manners!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 28 - Today's prompt is Bruce the Hoon!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 27 - Today's prompt is Catastrophe Carter!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Strawmoddie Theatre presents Terry Pratchett's Hogfather.

Strawmoddie Theatre presents Terry Pratchett's Hogfather adapted by Stephen Briggs in Edinburgh, December 8th-10th 2023.

#Disctober Day 26 - Today's prompt is Awf'ly Wee Billy Bigchin!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment Live in Cardiff

Monstrous Productions and Peculiar Productions present Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment at The Gate, Cardiff. Adapted by Stephen Briggs.

#Disctober Day 25 - Today's prompt is Ly Tin Wheedle!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 24 - Today's prompt is C.V. Cheesewaller!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 23 - Today's prompt is Herr Wienrich!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 22 - Today's prompt is Perdita X Dream!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

A Life with Footnotes wins the Best Related Work Hugo

The wonderful Rob Wilkins has won the award for Best Related work at this year's Hugo Awards for Terry Pratchett* A Life With Footnotes!

#Disctober Day 21 - Today's prompt is Mr Bendy!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 20 - Today's prompt is Ruby!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Disctober Day 19 - Disembowel-Meself-Honourably Dibhala

Today's prompt is Disembowel-Meself-Honourably Dibhala. Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

**Robert Rankin in conversation with Mark Stay at Horley Library**

(Part of the Author Events at Surrey Libraries) Robert Rankin will be joining Mark Stay at Horley Library, Surrey, to talk about Richard Dadd’s painting ...

#Disctober Day 18 - Today's prompt is Horace T Worblehat

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Rob Wilkins at Yeovil Literary Festival (Sun 29th October)

Rob Wilkins will be at Yeovil Literary Festival to celebrate the release of A Stroke of the Pen a collection of 20 rediscovered early Pratchett short stories

#Disctober Day 17 - Today's prompt is You Bastard!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

We've reviewed Marc Burrows' show The Magic of Terry Pratchett at the

We've reviewed Marc Burrows' show The Magic of Terry Pratchett at the Bloomsbury Theatre London. ...

#Disctober Day 16 - Today's prompt is Laddie!

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

#Disctober Day 15 - Today's prompt is Alex Carlton

Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

An evening with Rob Wilkins at Waterstones Norwich.

Join Waterstones Norwich and Rob Wilkins for an evening of conversation about Terry Pratchett's recently discovered lost short stories.

Disctober Day 14 - Today's prompt is Petulia Gristle!

Disctober Day 14 - Today's prompt is Petulia Gristle! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Disctober Day 13 - Today's prompt is Jason Ogg!

Disctober Day 13 - Today's prompt is Jason Ogg! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Disctober Day 12 - Today's prompt is Violet Bottler!

Disctober Day 12 - Today's prompt is Violet Bottler! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Disctober Day 11 - Today's prompt is Banjo Lilywhite!

Disctober Day 11 - Today's prompt is Banjo Lilywhite! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

A Stroke of the Pen - The Lost Stories released to today!

Rediscovered tales that Terry Pratchett wrote under the pseudonym Patrick Kearns for newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s.

Disctober Day 10 - Today's prompt is Letice Earwig!

Disctober Day 10 - Today's prompt is Letice Earwig! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

Disctober Day 9 - Today's prompt is Aliss Demurrage!

Disctober Day 9 - Today's prompt is Aliss Demurrage! Have fun and don't forget to tag #Disctober and #Disctober2023 in your public posts of your art!

The Portal to Discworld exhibit back to Fantasy Forest 2024

It was so much fun last time around that we thought we would bring our Portal to Discworld exhibit back to Fantasy Forest Festival in 2024!