Tribute Performance: Jan Etherington Honors Gavin Petrie at INK Festival

Etherington curates special performance of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' to celebrate her late husband's legacy

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:37am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of a lush, velvety burgundy texture, capturing the glamour and elegance of the INK Festival's tribute performance honoring the life and work of Gavin Petrie.A poignant tribute to a lifetime of creative partnership, the INK Festival's celebration of Gavin Petrie's legacy shines a spotlight on the enduring power of art and storytelling.Pomona Today

Jan Etherington, a renowned writer and comedian, is set to honor her late husband, Gavin Petrie, at the INK Festival in Suffolk. Etherington has curated a special performance of the play 'Conversations from a Long Marriage', inspired by her husband's life and their 35-year writing partnership. The play will be brought to life by actors Angus Deayton and Helen Atkinson Wood, offering a unique interpretation of the work.

Why it matters

The tribute performance at the INK Festival serves as a poignant celebration of Petrie's life and the enduring legacy of the couple's creative partnership. The festival, which showcases new plays and artistic expressions, provides a fitting platform to honor Petrie's contributions as a writer and cartoonist.

The details

Etherington, known for her BBC Radio 4 series 'Conversations from a Long Marriage', has found solace in the support of her friends, whom she calls 'the Walberswick massive', since Petrie's passing. The play has become a legacy of his life's work, and the upcoming seventh series of the radio show further emphasizes his influence on Etherington's writing. The festival will also feature an art exhibition showcasing Petrie's work as a cartoonist and painter, with the sale of his artwork supporting local charities.

  • The INK Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
  • The performance of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' will take place at the festival.
  • The seventh series of Etherington's radio show, 'Conversations from a Long Marriage', is set to air on BBC Radio 4 in May 2026.

The players

Jan Etherington

A renowned writer and comedian, known for her BBC Radio 4 series 'Conversations from a Long Marriage'.

Gavin Petrie

Etherington's late husband, with whom she had a 35-year writing partnership.

Angus Deayton

An actor who will perform in the tribute performance of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage'.

Helen Atkinson Wood

An actor who will perform in the tribute performance of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage'.

INK Festival

A festival in Suffolk, England, that celebrates new plays and artistic expressions, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The play, 'Conversations from a Long Marriage', serves as a love letter to Petrie, with Etherington acknowledging that it has become a legacy of his life's work.”

— Jan Etherington, Writer and Comedian

“The festival, likened to a mini-Edinburgh, has grown significantly over the years, showcasing over 1,000 plays and attracting renowned guests like Richard Curtis, Esther Freud, Tony Robinson, and Hugh Bonneville.”

— Jan Etherington, Writer and Comedian

What’s next

The performance of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' at the INK Festival will offer a unique interpretation of the play, with Deayton and Atkinson Wood bringing their own perspectives to the characters.

The takeaway

Jan Etherington's tribute to her husband at the INK Festival is a testament to the power of art and writing in preserving memories. It highlights the impact of a partnership that spanned decades and the enduring legacy it leaves behind. The festival, with its diverse offerings, serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and celebrating artistic expressions in all their forms.