ANECDOTES from the creator of the popular Artemis Fowl book series had both youngsters and their parents in stitches.

More than 200 people packed the Swan Theatre to hear tales of Eoin Colfer’s childhood in 1970s Ireland and how the antics of his four “evil” brothers eventually inspired some of the less savoury characters in his books. The show was part of his UK tour, Artemis Fowl: Fairies, Fiends And Flatulence, to help publicise his latest book, Artemis Fowl And The Time Paradox.

For more than an hour-and-a-half he kept his audience rapt, armed with just a few old family photos and the force of his personality. Youngsters hung on his every word as he told stories of his brothers terrorising local librarians and of one brother pushing another downstairs to ward off a scolding from their mother. Tales of his windy brother prompted much glee but, ultimately, his love and pride for his family and his own boys, Finn and Sean, shone through.

The former teacher’s enjoyment of interacting with children was plain to see during a question-and-answer session afterwards when youngsters queued have their books signed.