Enid Blyton - Noddy, Big-Ears and Lashings of Controversy at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

On A Role presents Enid Blyton - Noddy, Big-Ears, and Lashings of Controversy. Wednesday 24 April

Virtually everybody of a certain age has read an Enid Blyton book. She was loved by children (except her younger daughter who hated her) but vilified by the BBC, teachers, critics and librarians.

She sold more than 600 million books, despite all her work being banned by the BBC and many libraries and schools for more than thirty years. She was accused of being a racist and of using such limited vocabulary that it actually hindered children’s reading progress.

Her love-life was interesting and she had numerous affairs including with her children’s nanny. She enjoyed playing golf so much that she bought a golf course near Swanage. She died of Alzheimer’s in 1968 aged 71, mourned by millions of readers all over the world.

Liz Grand (previous shows ‘The Second Best Bed’, ‘Where Is Mrs. Christie?’ and ‘Mrs. Churchill – My Life With Winston’) plays this remarkable and controversial woman and brings you her story.

“The show's subject is brilliantly played by Liz Grand, already well-versed in portraying strong independent women." View From The Stalls

“Liz Grand delivers a great performance as Enid and manages to portray different aspects of her complex character: she is arrogant, and somewhat vindictive at times, more self-aware at others and ultimately rather pitiable.” Behind The Arras

Running Time: 60 mins