The Essar Chester Literature Festival has announced a bonus event in its October 2013 schedule.

Sir Derek Jacobi – who is already booked to appear on Saturday, October 19, reading the poetry of WH Auden as part of an evening with Ruthie Culver and her Utter Jazz quartet – will also appear on stage the night before, Friday, October 18, to talk about his new autobiography, As Luck Would Have It .

The festival, run by Lever Prize nominated and Chester-based arts producer Chester Performs, takes place from October 13-27 and tickets for the original schedule of almost 50 events are selling fast.

Tickets for this bonus event are now on sale alongside tickets for events featuring such speakers as Olympics opening ceremony writer Frank Cottrell Boyce, novelists including Fay Weldon and Kate Mosse and broadcasters Richard Bacon, Kate Humble and also Clive James who has translated Dante’s Divine Comedy in 2013.

Jacobi’s new book, published this week, tells the story of his rise from a working class background in Leytonstone, London, to become one of only a handful of actors to be knighted.

In what promises to be a popular and fascinating evening, Sir Derek will share some of the many stories from a career that has ranged from Hamlet to In the Night Garden .

Festivals manager Paul Lavin said: “Having already booked Sir Derek as part of a concert celebrating the poetry of WH Auden and the music of Benjamin Britten and knowing that he had his autobiography out at around the same time, it was a no-brainer to ask him to speak about it at the festival.

“Eventually, we got the reply we wanted so I’m delighted to be able to announce what I know will be a fantastic event.

“I was already proud of the speakers we’ve put together this year, with everyone from John Simpson, the chief editor of the Oxford English Dictionary to the world authority on The Beatles, Mark Lewisohn but adding Derek Jacobi in his own right to the list makes it even more special.

“Tickets to all of the festival’s events are selling tremendously well and this can only make things even better.”

The full programme is available to view online at www.chesterliteraturefestival.co.uk and tickets are on sale now.

ŠBook online at www.chesterliteraturefestival.co.uk , by phone on 0845 241 7868 or in person at Chester Visitor Information Centre.