The Sailor, The Footballer and The Two Comedians

Have you heard the one about the footballer, the round-the-world yachtsman and a couple of stand-up comedians? If not, you need to check out St. Austell’s Polkyth Leisure Centre over the coming months.

That’s where you’ll see former England goalkeeper and player-manager for Plymouth Argyle, Peter Shilton; star of BBC TV’s Mock The Week, comedian Andy Parsons together with the world’s top Anglo-Iranian comedienne Shappi Khorsandi and yachting hero Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

For each of the third Saturdays in October, November and December, Polkyth’s main sports hall will be transformed into an entertainment venue, complete with tiered seating, lighting and sound. It’s not the first time the hall will have seen entertainment you wouldn’t normally expect to see in a Leisure Centre. Only last year, Polkyth played to host to the Royal Shakespeare Company!

On Saturday 20th October, Polkyth’s short season of events launches off with a visit by Robin Knox-Johnston, described by The Sunday Times as Britain’s greatest ever yachtsman. Sir Robin will present an illustrated talk about his life and solo, non-stop voyages around the world, followed by a question and answer session.

Peter Shilton remains England’s highest capped footballer. In a glittering career, Shilton enjoyed European Cup success with Nottingham Forest, under the management of Brian Clough, played in three consecutive World Cup campaigns and featured in the infamous Maradonna Hand of God incident. In 1992, Shilton became player-manager of Plymouth Argyle, leading the team, in 1994, to the second division play-offs. Shilts will be talking about his career and taking questions at Polkyth on Saturday 17th November.

To get in the perfect Christmas fun-time mood Polkyth’s third event on Saturday 15th December is an evening of stand-up comedy. Leading the way will be Andy Parsons, star of BBC 2’s Mock The Week. Supporting Andy will be Shappi Khorsandi, who recently wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Festival with her show Carry On Shappi.

These events are co-promoted with the Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts & Literature. Tickets cost £14.50 with generous discounts for Polkyth Members, Festival Patrons and groups. Full details and tickets are available from Polkyth on 01726 223697.

Friday 5th October 2007