To mark the bicentary year of Lord Byron, step into the dark side to look at literary vampires starting with his unfinished novel The Burial: A Fragment. Byron’s supernatural story may have been the first in English to feature a vampire, but it certainly was not the last and many that followed featured female vampires.

Delve into Irish novelist Sheridan Le Fanu’s work Carmilla, which predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula and introduces the iconic lesbian vampire. Then shudder as Mrs Rollerson secretly drinks the blood of her young companions in Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s novel Good Lady Ducayne. Hold back your fear as we explore Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula and consider the role of female vampires in contemporary literature. Finally, we look at Elizabeth Gaskell’s love of the gothic – can her short piece Poor Clare be considered a vampire story?

We’re stirring up trouble with our blood-curdling selection of familiar classics and new favourites. Explore these terrifying tales in our spellbinding Halloween talk by Dr Diane Duffy. Book now… if you’re feeling brave enough!

‘I enjoyed Diane Duffy’s knowledge & expertise – and lovely humorous delivery.’ Previous audience member

Wednesday 30 October, 7-8pm

£5