Cultural life: Pam Ayres, poet

'I loved About Time and wished there were more light films of this type'

'I loved About Time and wished there were more light films of this type': Pam Ayres (Rex Features)

Books

I'm currently re-reading Moonfleet by J Meade Falkner. I stayed at Moonfleet Manor once, and bought this book from reception. It's a gorgeous, atmospheric story of smuggling and the sea, of poor, unloved John Trenchard and his friendship with desolate, bereaved Elzevir Block. Read this for the tang of the salt sea.

Theatre

I saw The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Apollo, starring Luke Treadaway. I had picked up the book a couple of years previously in an over-furnished B&B somewhere in Yorkshire, and became so engrossed in it that I bought my own copy. I missed the warmth, humour, and subtle unfolding of the story that I liked so much in the book.

Films

I recently sauntered off to an old fogey's afternoon performance of About Time in Cheltenham. I loved it and wished there were more light films of this type: a bit of escapism.

Television

I've been hooked on The Americans, a convincing American drama series created and produced by Joe Weisberg, a former CIA officer. It is fast, clever and different, and I was incensed when it ended.

Pam Ayres' new collection of poems, 'You Made Me Late Again!' is out now. An Evening With Pam Ayres tours the UK until 29 January (www.pamayres.com)