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Dramatic reading of journalist's work

Readings from a true-life crime book by journalist Don Hale will form the centrepiece to a literary event at the Wirksworth Festival.

Don Hale, a former editor of the Matlock Mercury, lives in the Derbyshire town and his book Town Without Pity will be one of two from which readings will be made at the Tales of Freedom event on Saturday.

It traces the inside story of the fight to clear Stephen Downing of murder, and is being turned into a BBC1 TV drama, to be shown next year.

The evening event is being run in association with the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation, which is a non profit-making organisation providing advice, assistance and support to those people affected by suspected miscarriages of justice. The organisation also campaigns for better support for victims of miscarriages of justice after their convictions have been quashed.

The dramatised readings will be performed by two of Scotland’s finest character actors, Tam Dean Burn and Gary Lewis. Tam has starred in many of the stage adaptations of work by Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, including Filth, in which he played a corrupt Scottish policeman. Gary, who played Billy Elliot’s dad in the hit film, is set to appear in Martin Scorcese’s £70m epic.

Tales of Freedom takes place at the Red Lion, Wirksworth, on Saturday, September 7 at 7.45pm. Tickets are £5 and will be available on the door.

For more details, visit www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk.

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