PLAYWRIGHT and author Michael Frayn will be in the hotseat at Winchester Guildhall later this month.

He will be answering questions from John Miller about his career on January 26, and is best known as the author of the play Noises Off and dramas Copenhagen and Democracy.

He has also written novels such as Towards the End of the Morning, Headlong and Spies, and has won six Evening Standard Theatre Awards and three Olivier Awards.

Copenhagen was also the recipient of a Prix Moliere in Paris, and a Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

Michael said: “Since I have spent my life writing novels as well as plays, one of the questions which people always ask is how I decide whether a new idea is one for a play or for a novel.

“The answer is that I don’t. The matter decides itself.

“The idea that takes shape inside one’s head has its form written upon it, that’s what makes it an idea and not just a piece of wishful thinking.”

John added: “Michael talks as brilliantly as he writes, and I look forward to a fascinating discussion of his craft as playwright and novelist.”

The event will be held at 7pm, and will be followed by a book signing by Winchester booksellers P&G Wells, costing £12.