Sky1 presenter Joe Forrester, Tony Award-winning theatre director David Grindley and Sherlock writer Steven Moffat are among the leading figures from TV, theatre, art, music and literature talking through their fascinating careers over the course of two evenings.

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David Grindley: Award winner will share his secrets

The free festival is aimed at young people considering careers in the arts but is open to all, and will no doubt offer a captivating insight into the career paths of some of the most revered figures in their respective genres.

Grindley, who directed the 25th anniversary production of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party, says the most important thing about the arts is to get young people to use their imagination, which is becoming a dwindling resource.

He says: "When I grew up in the 1970s, there were only three TV channels with limited programming and basic computers or other electronic devices. It was boring but that boredom prompted myself and my friends to create our own entertainment. In the 21st century, there's not the same need to use the imagination.

"Also most art forms are grappling with the complicated reality of what it is to be human. The more people who benefit from that the better."

Grindley says the biggest obstacles he faced at the beginning of his career was trying to persuade producers to take a punt on him as a director.

He says: "It's a chicken and egg situation because how can you be given a show if they haven't seen your work, but how do you get your work seen if you haven't got a show?"

Grindley’s own career took off when he produced and directed a production of Othello at the Edinburgh Festival which was an unexpected hit.

The first evening will feature David Grindley, Steven Moffat, Lawrence Norfolk and Andrew Matthews-Owens.

Joe Forrester, a former-Hampton School pupil and presenter on Sky1’s What’s Up, will be joined by Andrea Tarsia, Dr David Bellingham, David Anthony Hall, Leo Wyatt and musicians JJ and Oscar on the second evening.

Forrester says embarking on a career in the media can be daunting but young people shouldn’t be scared of diving right in. He says: "A big part of the media industry and working in TV is very mysterious and it seems like there is a whole world of technology and barriers out there to confuse you and keep it as a members’ club but actually the more you learn about it you realise how many opportunities there can be.

"Studying is great but you need to get out there and get your hands dirty."

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How did he do it? Find out at Hampton School next week

  • Public Arts Festival 2015; Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton; June 10 & 12, 7pm; Entry free but tickets required; call 020 8979 5526 or visit 450hall.hamptonschool.org.uk.