A packed audience at the Holroyd Theatre this evening, Tuesday 9th September, was treated to an unforgettable night of storytelling, insight, and literary intrigue as renowned actor Richard Armitage took to the stage in conversation with bestselling crime author Clare Mackintosh. Hosted by Booka Bookshop, the event marked a special stop on the promotional tour for Armitage’s second thriller, The Cut.
Armitage—celebrated for his screen roles in The Hobbit trilogy, North & South, Spooks, and recent Netflix thrillers like Obsession and The Stranger—was warmly welcomed as he spoke candidly about his transition from actor to novelist. His latest novel, The Cut, is a gripping psychological thriller exploring the dangers of perception, truth, and the lies we tell through a lens—literally and figuratively.
His first novel, Geneva, was released in 2022 to critical acclaim and introduced readers to Armitage’s taut, cinematic storytelling style. Now with The Cut, published by Faber, he continues to build his voice in the literary world with a fast-paced and unsettling narrative already praised by critics and readers alike.
The evening was expertly guided by Clare Mackintosh, a former police officer turned Sunday Times bestselling author. Their on-stage chemistry made for a rich and often humorous conversation.
Armitage revealed how his years of experience performing other people’s words inspired a desire to find his own voice. His move into fiction writing showcases his deep understanding of character, tension, and narrative structure—qualities that were clearly on display during tonight’s event.
Originally from Leicester, Richard Armitage trained at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and has spent over two decades captivating audiences on screen and stage.
Following the talk and Q&A, Armitage spent time chatting with readers and signing copies of The Cut.
This event showed once again how Booka Bookshop keeps bringing brilliant cultural events to Oswestry.
