American-British actor and singer, David Soul of Starsky and Hutch fame, has been added to the line-up at the inaugural Happy Days International Beckett Festival (August 23-27).

Soul, who shot to fame as Detective Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in the 70s television series will be reading from a text penned by Samuel Beckett over the course of the five-day festival. Due to kick off in a week’s time, this will be the first ever multi-arts festival celebrating the life and times of the Noble Prize-winning Beckett, who was educated at Portora Royal School.

Perhaps best known for his role as ‘Hutch’ in the cult television series, David Soul has also starred in films such as Magnum Force with Clint Eastwood and Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot with James Mason. A successful recording career also secured him two U.K. and U.S. number one hits, ‘Don’t Give Up on Us’ (1976) and ‘Silver Lady’ (1977).

Soul will appear at Portora Royal School next Friday and Saturday night. Confirmed as a late addition to the packed five-day programme, Soul will read from Beckett’s short story, ‘Assumption.’ According to Festival Director, Sean Doran, Soul will deliver at least two performances during the inaugural event, with the possibility of a third. He will appear at Portora at 6pm on both Friday and Saturday night next week. Each reading will last around 20 minutes. Click here to visit the site information.

Tickets will be on sale at the end of this week.

Organisers of the Happy Days International Beckett Festival are looking for a team of 40 volunteers to get involved and help with events. Anyone wanting to help in any way can get in touch with the Festival office for more details by emailing happydays.arabella@gmail.com or telephoning 07836709956.