If like me you grew up with the angsty, sullen teenager, Adrian Mole then you may feel quite old upon hearing the news that Adrian Mole turns 50 this year.
The original book, the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾, by the late Sue Townsend was first released in 1982 when Adrian Mole was aged 13 and ¾. His birthday is put at April 2nd 1967 and that means he’s 50 this year.
There are lots of celebrations planned including a new series of radio plays. The University of Leicester is commissioning three five-minute radio plays to perform at Adrian Mole’s Birthday Party hosted by Literary Leicester on April 2nd in partnership with publishers, Penguin. We’ll try and bring you those podcasts when they air later this year.
The Books Are My Bag Campaign in the UK is also celebrating the author’s birthday with a new tote bag, you can pick up one of these in participating independent bookshops in the UK once they are released.
It’s not yet known if Penguin is releasing an anniversary edition. The day is Adrian’s actual birthday rather than an anniversary of the publication, but if this is announced we’ll bring you the news as soon as we can!
I reread The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ a few years ago and the thing I was most pleased about is how well it stands the test of time. Fashions may come and go, times may change, but sullen teenagers remain the same through all of time.
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If you would like to celebrate Adrian Mole’s 50th Birthday, come along to this free event at the University of Leicester.