Julie Hesmondhalgh Narrates Winning Winter Tale

Julie Hesmondhalgh narrates winning winter story for Northern Broadsides and Arvon 

Northern Broadsides and Arvon are thrilled to release a brand-new audio story, The Royal, by Christina Lewis, read by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh.

The Royal is the winning story in Winter Tales, an annual writing competition celebrating short stories inspired by the season. Two runners-up, Sunny Inside by Ruth Bushi and A Recipe for Enchiladas by Ruby Martin, are also showcased for readers to enjoy.

About The Royal: 

Nine-year-old Denny’s snow day starts with chaos: a tiny sister on the loose, a stressed mum, and a town trapped in winter.  But when they open the local cinema to shelter the town, Denny learns how love, family, and shared moments can melt grief and turn ordinary days into treasures.

The winner, Christina Lewis, is a script and short story writer based in the North, and was Writer in Residence at HMP Hull and Whitby’s Pannett Park. She’s also been a First Story Writer in Residence for ten years, working in educational settings in Hull, Bradford and Scarborough, and runs creative writing workshops across the region. Lewis also received the top prize of £750 for the story. 

The Royal is read by Accrington-born actor, Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her work in Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Coronation Street, and Broadchurch. Julie is also a regular voice on BBC Radio 4.

Laurie Sansom, Northern Broadsides’ Artistic Director and CEO, said: 

“It’s been wonderful to work with our friends at Arvon on our second Winter Tales competition. Christina’s story is a tender, funny exploration of community, grief and resilience, and a powerful reminder of how shared spaces can bring people together. Julie’s narration brings the story to life so vividly – we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!”

Helen Mellor Co-Director at Lumb Bank & Arvon at Home, praised the quality of submissions and the winning story:

“It’s always a festive highlight reading the Winter Tales stories and each one has its merits but this year ‘The Royal’ just lifted me out of my cold little office into a cosy world, held by the hand of a young girl with such a winning and distinctive voice. A magical snow globe of a story.” 

Winter Tales highlights Northern Broadsides’ and Arvon’s shared commitment to nurturing emerging writers and sharing stories that reflect the voices and stories of the North. 

Listen to the winning story and read the runners up, for free, on: www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/winter-tales-2026 or wherever you listen to podcasts.