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An evening of drama for Friends of the Festival
Insights into crime fiction
Jayne Chard, the multi-talented theatre director and TV producer turned cosy crime writer, promises to be a fascinating speaker at this year’s special event in July for Friends of the Festival.
After a career spent working in theatre before becoming attracted to the small screen, she has now started writing an entertaining series of mysteries.
Her first novel More than Murder was a finalist in the 2025 Page Turner book awards, and her second book in the series The Body that Floats is due to be published in May.
Both feature Julia, a retired head teacher, and her half-sister Frankie as they embark on their crime-solving adventures.
“Julia and Frankie are hilarious.”
Anthony Johnson, bestselling author“Chard excels at witty banter and one-liners”
Crimefictionlover.com
Among Jayne’s TV credits is the BBC forensic pathology drama Silent Witness, now in its 29th series starring Emilia Fox as Dr Nikki Alexander, and David Caves as Jack Hodgson.
Jayne graduated with a degree in psychology and drama, and went on to direct a number of award-winning theatre plays, including a Royal Shakespeare award and shows at the Royal Court and Riverside Studios.
She also wrote two plays which were performed on the London Fringe.
Her talk will reflect on her extensive career across these different media, along with insights into the entertainment industry, and an exploration of contemporary crime writing.
The event takes place on Thursday 9 July at Cedars Hall, Wells, and is by invitation only to Friends of the Festival.
The Wells Festival of Literature Friends scheme offers members the chance to become a Patron of the Arts and be more involved with all aspects of the Wells Festival of Literature. The scheme encourages our audiences to become actively engaged with what the Festival seeks to achieve, ensuring that we continue to provide a stimulating, entertaining and popular programme in the years ahead.
With the ongoing support of our Friends, we hope to increase our educational work, and so further extend the love of literature and learning among the young people of our county.
Membership Details
The Friends Membership runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. You can pay your 2026 membership fee online using your credit or debit card details, or by postal form if you wish to pay by cheque, standing order or bank transfer (BACS).
By Invitation only
Every year the Committee of Wells Festival of Literature says ‘Thank You’ to the Friends, Sponsors and supporters of the Festival at a unique event featuring a special speaker. This takes place early in July in advance of the main festival in October.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to speak and for your hospitality: the event itself was a real pleasure, with such a receptive audience, as was meeting you and the rest of the festival team. And it was lovely to spend some time in Wells.“
Sumit Paul-Choudhury – 2025