SIR Lenny Henry wowed young bookworms at a Bradford theatre performance to mark World Book Day.

The comedian and children’s author paid a visit to the Alhambra Theatre as part of his role as an ambassador for this year’s World Book Day, which was held on Thursday, March 2.

Sir Lenny, picture book author and illustrator Sophy Henn, MC Grammar and BLF’s Storymaster, Gav Cross, joined event organiser Bradford Literature Festival’s (BLF) World Book Day celebrations.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sir Lenny Henry on stage at the Alhambra Theatre Sir Lenny Henry on stage at the Alhambra Theatre (Image: Newsquest)

A total of 2,500 children from 50 Bradford district schools made up the audience in two separate sessions.

Sir Lenny has written children’s books including The Boy with Wings and The Book of Legends. He has released The Boy With Wings: Attack of the Rampaging Robot to mark World Book Day 2023.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sir Lenny gave an animated performance to the children in BradfordSir Lenny gave an animated performance to the children in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Lenny was interviewed on stage and told the audience about the cartoons he watched as a child and going to the library where he grew up in Dudley in the West Midlands.

He talked about the children’s books he has written and read out extracts from them. He also took questions from the children in the audience.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: MC Grammar performs on stage with a young rapper of tomorrow at the World Book Day event MC Grammar performs on stage with a young rapper of tomorrow at the World Book Day event (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Lenny said: “I’ve always had a vivid imagination. I always loved to write stories about adventure and heroes.”

The afternoon show was kicked off by a performance from MC Grammar. He rapped about books and World Book Day and interacted with younger members of the audience, getting them on stage to join in with his songs.

A couple of teachers also got on stage to rap with the performer.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: One of the teachers who rapped nursery rhymes at the Alhambra Theatre One of the teachers who rapped nursery rhymes at the Alhambra Theatre (Image: Newsquest)

The event was held as part of BLF’s 2023 Education Programme, which is open to primary and secondary schools, home educators and specialist educational providers.

All BLF Education Programme events are live and free to attend for non-fee paying schools and home-educated children.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some of the children who were dressed up for the World Book Day event in BradfordSome of the children who were dressed up for the World Book Day event in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Syima Aslam, CEO and artistic director of the Bradford Literature Festival, held this year between June 23 and July 2, says it was exciting to welcome Sir Lenny to the city for the event. She said: “It’s brilliant, we’re really happy to do this event.

“It’s all about literacy and inspiring kids to read. It’s really close to my heart.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Illustrator and author Sophy Henn with Sir Lenny Henry backstage at the Alhambra Theatre Illustrator and author Sophy Henn with Sir Lenny Henry backstage at the Alhambra Theatre (Image: Mike Pinches Photography)

Sophy Henn, who has created the Lifesize collection of children’s books, said: “It’s been such fun. It was great sharing a stage with MC Grammar.

“It was great to take them on a lifetime adventure. I invited the kids up on stage.

“The children in Bradford were amazing. They did giraffe drawings and we got them shouting ‘happy, happy World Book Day’.”