Stephen Mangan to have 'afternoon of family fun' in Belmullet Library

Comedian, actor, presenter and now children's author, Stephen Mangan will be in Belmullet Library next week for 'an afternoon of family fun'.

London-born, Stephen Mangan will be reading extracts from some of his children's novels in Belmullet Library for 'An Afternoon of Family Fun' on Tuesday, August 8 at 3.30pm.

The comedian who is best known for playing Guy Secretan in the Bafta award winning sitcom, Green Wing, is no stranger to Erris as both his parents, James and Mary Mangan, were natives of Doohoma and Tullaghanduff, Geesala respectively.

While he is best known for his acting and comedic skills, in recent years Stephen started writing children's novels which have been received with critical acclaim. His third novel, The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge, which was released this year is described as 'all-action, marvellously manic and laugh-out-loud tale with a message that any child can be a hero' while his second novel, 'The Fart That Changed The World' became on of the top selling children's novels in 2022.

For all three of his novels, Stephen has collaborated with his sister, Anita who is an artist and illustrates all the drawings for the books.

Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet and Mayo County Library are organising 'An Afternoon of Family Fun' with Stephen and welcome anyone who can make it to the free event in the Belmullet Library.

Stephen and his family are regular visitors to Erris and last summer he told The Mayo News of how, along with his sisters, Anita and Lisa, spent every summer holidaying with their many cousins and relatives in Erris.

“I loved it because we had 52 or something first cousins and there was always a whole gang of us back. You got this instant gang of mates who are your friends automatically because they are related to you. Unlike in London you had that freedom to go where you liked and do what you wanted. So from a young age it was great fun and always something I looked forward to,” he said.