Downton actor loves teamwork

Hugh Bonneville
Marquee at Phyllis Court
Saturday, October 11

FAMILIAR to many as Earl Grantham from Downton Abbey or Henry Brown from Paddington, Hugh Bonneville shared his first children’s book, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, a tale full of imagination, dreams and circus mischief.

Hugh was interviewed by fellow children’s author Rachel Chivers Khoo, who praised the book for its charm and humour.

He reflected on the personal inspirations behind it. The fiery red-headed daydreamer at the heart of the story, Rory Sparkes, is unmistakably a reflection of Bonneville’s younger self. Like Rory, he grew up in South-East London, a rather tall, gangly boy who prefers daydreams and routing around in the dressing-up box to football matches.

Many of the characters in the story also share their names with real figures from Hugh’s life, including his best friend Guy, who takes on the role of Rory’s loyal companion and sidekick.

A blend between memoir and fiction, the story celebrates the beauty of difference. Hugh explained that the book’s central message is that we’re all wonderfully unique and that life would be far less interesting if we were all the same. He went on to say that Rory Sparkes also highlights the power of teamwork, the strength that we have when we work together.

Maya Lawton