David Bradley set to play in musical production to honor celebrated novelist

David Bradley – who portrayed Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter series – will be on stage alongside 40 students from four North Yorkshire schools at York Minster performing a new composition in order to herald the influence of novelist and vicar Laurence Sterne, who wrote The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman in Coxwold in 1759.

Sterne was born 300 years ago but is still regarded as one of the most influential writers of English fiction. The performance will include instruments from Sterne’s period, including a square piano, a viola de gamba, and a natural trumpet.

David Bradley will play the speaking part of Sterne in the Arts Council-funded production based on the vicar’s final sermon in 1764. Patrick Wildgust, curator of The Laurence Sterne Trust at the writer’s home, Shandy Hall, stated, “Having Sterne portrayed by [an] actor of such quality as David Bradley is an exciting and wonderful bonus.”

If you are in the area, you can book your tickets by visiting laurencesternetrust.org.uk. Tickets are 10 GBP each.