SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE: EMILY Dickinson was a 19th century poet from Massachusetts who withdrew from social contact at the age of 23 and devoted herself in secret to writing.

After her death in 1886, her sister Lavinia brought out her poems. It is estimated she wrote more than 1,700 poems and over 1,000 letters.

Her works have had considerable influence on modern poetry.

Emily Dickinson and I at the Arts Centre starred Edie Campbell.

The idea is simple. The actress tells the tale of her obsession at least that is what it seemed like with Emily's poems and letters.

She just wanted to write a play about her but became so embroiled in the poet's life and works they spilled over into her own. Or so it seemed. She became Emily almost.

Her work made a great impression on me. She had a wonderful mellow tone in her voice which kept this audience in rapture throughout the 90-minute performance.

This monumental monologue is crafted to make every moment different and interesting. As she sits telling the story surrounded by the manuscripts, letters and the white dress of Emily's, Edie Campbell is completely compelling, almost hypnotic. Her words and diction are delivered in a way that holds the audience to the point of breathless-ness. This one-woman show was a testament to literature in its truest form.

ROS HOLLANDS