Tickets selling fast for Nicholas Hytner and Alan Bennett

Nicholas Hytner talks to Alkan Bennett and receives Bodley Medal

National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner and playwright Alan Bennett, pictured right, are to appear together in a major new event at this year's FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival. Hytner appears on the eve of his retirement and will receive the prestigious Bodley Medal at the climax of the event. He will discuss his career with Bennett, who makes his first appearance at the festival. The event is already proving hugely popular and is likely to sell out. Top-price tickets have already sold out. Some mid-price tickets remain and there are still plenty of £12 tickets. Other major new events added to the programme include former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, who discusses religion and science with theologian Alister McGrath; American opera singer Jessye Norman, pictured left, who talks about her life and selects some favourite music to be performed by the Orchestra of St John; and economics commentator Will Hutton, on ending the mercenary society. There are now almost 200 events available to book either through this website 24 hours a day or by phone and in person at the festival box office in Blackwell's bookshop, Broad Street, Oxford, 0870 343 1001, Monday-to-Friday, 10am-4.30pm.