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Children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt returns to Bury St Edmunds for draw-along event at Theatre Royal




Pick up a pencil, grab some paper and get creative at a family-friendly drawing session led by award-winning writer and illustrator, Nick Sharratt.

Nick, who is best known for illustrating Tracy Beaker and other beloved characters from Dame Jacqueline Wilson's books, is returning to his Suffolk roots with a draw-along event at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.

Throughout his career, he has illustrated close to 300 books including his popular ‘You Choose’, ‘Shark in the Park’ and ‘Pants’ series — however, he credits his early creativity to his childhood years spent growing up in Thurston and Bury in the late 1960s.

Nick Sharratt is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. Picture: Submitted
Nick Sharratt is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. Picture: Submitted
He is most well-known for drawing Jacqueline Wilson's beloved character, Tracy Beaker. Picture: Submitted
He is most well-known for drawing Jacqueline Wilson's beloved character, Tracy Beaker. Picture: Submitted

“I remember it as if it was yesterday,” Nick said. “I went to St Edmunds Primary School and my dad worked at the Greene King brewery.

“I lived in and around Bury until I was about eight and even though I was incredibly young, those early years are very important in a person’s life.

“It’s when I first started getting interested in art and my mum and dad definitely encouraged me, they made sure I always had lots of pencils and paper to draw on which was wonderful.”

Nick, aged six, being creative in his childhood back garden in Thurston. Picture: Submitted
Nick, aged six, being creative in his childhood back garden in Thurston. Picture: Submitted
The illustrator will be at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, February 20. Picture: Submitted
The illustrator will be at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, February 20. Picture: Submitted

The 62-year-old said one of his key memories from the town was visiting the Serendipity shop in Guildhall Street which he believes had a strong influence on his art style.

Nick said: “It was my first real introduction to the swinging 60s — Serendipity had some really amazing, quite groovy china and all sorts of bright and colourful things.

“I just loved visiting there and I genuinely think my love of bold colours and strong graphic design began there.”

The illustrator has hosted many draw-along events in venues around the country and is due to appear at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, February 20 before heading to the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich the following day.

Nick has also published his own children's books, including the popular 'Shark in The Park' series. Picture: Submitted
Nick has also published his own children's books, including the popular 'Shark in The Park' series. Picture: Submitted
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SuffolkNews
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SuffolkNews

During the 75-minute session, Nick will explore some of his favourite books and guide the audience in creating and drawing their own characters.

The event is open to everyone aged four and above and signed books will be available for purchase at the venue.

Nick, who has worked with authors such as Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen and Kes Gray, said he is excited to visit the Theatre Royal as it was the first theatre he ever visited as a child.

Nick worked with Pippa Goodhart on the successful 'You Choose' book series. Picture: Submitted
Nick worked with Pippa Goodhart on the successful 'You Choose' book series. Picture: Submitted

He fondly remembers the venue’s painted ceiling of a blue sky which left a lasting impression on him.

“It’s going to be lovely to return after all these years,” he said. “The draw-along sessions are very relaxed while we all draw together, its a really nice atmosphere and then afterwards those in audience can come and show me their drawings if they would like to.

“Drawing is just something I have always loved doing, it gives me so much pleasure. I really want to spread the word about just how great it is to draw.

“I think everyone has their own style and for me, I have a fairly strong dark line that it looks like I know what I’m doing — I suppose I draw in quite a confident way, even when I’m not very confident with what I’m doing.

“I love these events because everyone always seems to be pleased and a bit pleasantly surprised with what they can draw.”

Tickets are on sale now and for more information, visit https://theatreroyal.org/events/nick-sharratts-all-new-picture-book-draw-along/

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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