Previously unseen material from the University of Leicester’s Sue Townsend archive is on display at Leicester’s Curve to accompany the world première of Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical.
A series of exhibition boards tells the story of author Sue Townsend’s life, featuring manuscripts and rare papers from the archive. She deposited material with the university’s David Wilson Library in 2005.
The exhibition also includes a large display of artwork by Caroline Holden Hotopf from The Illustrated Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, the originals of which are held by the university. This is the first time that they have been publicly exhibited.
Curve approached Dr Simon Dixon, digital humanities and special collections manager in the university’s David Wilson Library, when it hosted an exhibition to commemorate the life and work of Sue Townsend after her death in April 2014.
Dr Dixon said, “Curve asked if the exhibition could be transferred to the theatre to coincide with the planned Adrian Mole run. Although we couldn’t take the originals out of the library for preservation reasons, we thought it was a great idea.
“In writing the text and selecting items to use for illustration, I’ve tried to highlight aspects of Sue Townsend’s work that people won’t be so familiar with, like some of her earlier plays, and also emphasise the importance of her relationship with Leicester, including theatre in the city.”
Curve associate director Suba Das added, “Sue Townsend’s work has inspired and delighted millions of readers across the world. The exhibition will give people the opportunity to find out more about one of Leicester’s greatest and most talented authors.
“We’re sure it will enhance the overall visitor experience for our audiences and we encourage people to come along to share in this celebration of one of our city’s most iconic characters and his creator.”
Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical continues at Curve until Saturday 4 April.