WRITING legend Willy Russell has been preparing for his appearance at Penistone Arts Week later this month, where organisers are hoping to give audience members the opportunity to fire off their own questions at the man behind Educating Rita.

Chrissie Yates, of the PAW organising committee, has visited Willy at home in Liverpool with Jonny Mitchell, who will be on stage with him at his appearance at Penistone Paramount on Saturday March 24 as the highlight of the week long festival.

They now know that in addition to chatting about his career and answering questions, he is also planning to read passages from some of the material he has produced throughout his career.

Those attending the show will be invited to write questions and submit them on entry to the Paramount. As the show progresses, author Milly Johnson will act as the ‘roving microphone’ to seek out audience members who have submitted questions, so they can repeat them live and hear Willy’s responses.

As part of the arts week, the Paramount is also staging showings of two of his most famous works, the films Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, on March 21 and March 23 respectively.

This year’s event is the first Penistone Arts Week and the schedule has been put together on a shoestring budget.

Despite that, organisers have tried to ensure there is something for all age groups, from young children, through to teenagers and adults with varying tastes.

The event starts on Sunday March 18, with a launch event of a comedy train, travelling into Penistone from Huddersfield with comedian Tony Vino on board.

Full details of the schedule are available online at facebook.com/penartsweek