Wit and wisdom: Miriam Margolyes charms all round at Bantry event 

Miriam Margolyes regaled a full house at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry for the West Cork Literary Festival 

Miriam Margolyes at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry for the West Cork Literary Festival. Picture: Chani Anderson

Miriam Margolyes has been the voice of the Caramel bunny, played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter movies, and appeared in countless other film and TV roles, but most of the people in Bantry on Monday were probably there because of her reputation as a raconteur.

Direct, hilarious and often rather blue, the 83-year-old has long been demolishing the little-old-lady stereotype. She has also shone as one of the best chatshow guests on the planet, not least on Graham Norton’s programme, and her visit to Co Cork included a lunch at her old pal’s home.