Chimes of Freedom, Merlin Theatre, Frome

A wealth of talented writers and readers, from Frome and beyond, took to the stage at the Merlin Theatre last Thursday.

Internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize judge Victoria Glendinning introduced this eclectic mix of people who read works by famous writers.

Many of these writers have been imprisoned or killed for their belief in the right of free speech.

A single empty chair on the stage poignantly represented any writer who could not be there, because they were incarcerated.

Organised by local writer Crysse Morrison, the evening was in aid of Pen, the international charity set up in 1921 to promote literature as a means of greater understanding between cultures.

The evening delighted the well-attended house with writings as diverse as Euripides to Pinter.

Best-selling author Steve Voake narrated a moving account from Iranian writer Reza Baraheni.

Award-winning poet Rose Flint read with great flair, I Am Not Afraid, an optimistic poem by Russian dissident writer Irina Ratushinskaya.

Further demonstrating its international flavour, we were treated to a Spanish rendition of Pablo Neruda's writing by Jim Taylor, who also read the English translation.

We heard an amusing account of how John Thelwall campaigned for our civil liberties in 1794, by Steve Poole.

The second part of the evening took on a musical flavour and was very much the domain of the young.

Members of Amnesty International Youth Group entertained us with a dazzling array of songs and musical renditions.

The astonishingly competent host Gemma Turnbull introduced a selection of outstanding talent.

Other highlights included pianist extraordinaire Luke Dean, who played his jazz interpretation of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

The evening ended with a duo, Steph Parker on the piano playing a song composed by Sam Phripp, whose singing sent us home with joy and hope in our hearts.

A truly uplifting evening.

Niamh Ferguson