A celebration of one of the country’s greatest writers, brought to dramatic life through music and words, will debut in a stunning 14th century Coventry venue which features in her work.

George Eliot in Words and Music will premiere at St Mary’s Guildhall on Saturday 16 November at 7.30pm, before going on a UK tour. 

Dame Harriet Walter will tell George Eliot’s story through the great novels, letters, journals, poetry and journalism she created, interwoven with music by contemporary singer-songwriters - from Kate Bush to Florence Welch and PJ Harvey - performed by Eurovision star, SuRie and Orchestra of the Swan. 

At the same time an exhibition chronicling George Eliot's time in Coventry, and the considerable impact on her life and works will launch. Created by the George Eliot Fellowship it will be on show at the Guildhall from Monday 18 November until Friday 28 February, included in the normal entry price.

Coventry played a huge part in George Eliot’s life, shaping her beliefs and development. She lived in Foleshill with her father, was educated in the city, and was a member of the Rosehill circle of friends hosted by local ribbon manufacturer Charles Bray (owner of The Coventry Herald). 

Abigail Moore, heritage and venue manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to commission this joint project with Orchestra of the Swan and the George Eliot Fellowship at St Mary’s Guildhall with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottey Players. 

“Eliot’s greatest novel, Middlemarch, is based on Coventry, and she is said to have set the courtroom scene in Adam Bede in the 700-year-old Great Hall at St Mary’s Guildhall. 

“This has been an exciting collaboration and an opportunity to highlight the largely untold story of how Coventry was integral in shaping George Eliot as a novelist. We can’t wait to see the results of this unique collaboration.”