About

We are thrilled to be presenting Meet the Author: Shaun Micallef in association with the Burnside Library for the launch of his newest book, a spine-chilling Victorian gothic, De'Ath Takes A Holiday. Please join us in hearing Shaun in conversation with barrister and raconteur, John Wells, at 7pm on Thursday April 9,at the Regal Theatre, 275 Kensington Rd, Kensington for what promises to be a night of blood-curdling hilarity. 

De'Ath Takes A Holiday is the origin story of the first real vampyre (not Dracula). From the man Ben Elton once described as ‘perhaps Australia’s finest satirist’ comes a Victorian novel for modern times. A tale of Gothic horror so blood-curdling that it makes Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson and Oscar Wilde look like they could barely write the word ‘cat’. The trouble with immortality is that eventually you get sick to death of it, and so to soothe his sickened soul, the Comte De’Ath decides to take a trip. From psychoanalysis in Vienna to blood transfusions in London, the Comte learns that a holiday is as good as a change. On the way, he meets the Queen, brings her husband back to life, helps win the Second Matalebe War, matches wits with the Elephant Man, inspires Henry Ford to pursue the American Dream, almost solves the crisis in the Middle East and even falls in love. Will he become mortal again in time for his funeral in Carfax Abbey? Ah – but what a fine book it would be if we gave away the end of the story here ...

Shaun Micallef is an Australian comedian, writer, actor, producer, author and bon vivant. After several years of practising law, Micallef threw it all away for a life in comedy and television. Since ’94 he has graced Aussie TV screens in shows such as Full Frontal to Sea Change, to his own gig on Micallef Tonight, Thank God You’re Here and Talkin’ Bout Your Generation – to name but a few. He has authored two books for adults, Smithereens and Preincarnate, and received several awards including two Logies, an ARIA for Best Comedy Release and an AFI for Screen Craft. He is married with three sons.

John Wells grew up on a sheep farm in the rain shadow of the Adelaide Hills. He has a long and expansive theatrical cv as an actor, writer and director. After his fourth failed NIDA audition, he retreated to the comforting anonymity of legal practice. He loves test cricket, cannot play the oboe and his favourite herb is tarragon.

​Tickets are $15, or you can choose the Ticket + Signed Book option $35 (Book RRP $35) with your copy of De'Ath Takes A Holiday available for collection at the event. Shaun will also be available after the conversation concludes to personalise your copy. 

De'Ath Takes A Holiday will also be on sale on the night for $35 (rrp).

We very much looking forward to seeing you for what promises to be a most entertaining and dynamic conversation. 

Date

Location

Regal Theatre
275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park South Australia 5068

08 8339 3931 or books@matildabookshop.com.au

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