大象传媒

It's thought the most popular American poem of all time isn't a protest poem, or a love poem, but is best known as 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' and officially called 'A Visit from St Nicholas'.

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;'

Now poet and balladeer Luke Wright wants to write a updated version of this iconic Christmas poem, one that will captivate us like this one did so successfully. To this end, he is turning the 1823 poem inside out to try to understand why it has reigned supreme for so long (launching countless festive songs about reindeer and Santa costumes) but he also wants the new poem to speak to our moment.

Along the way, the bell-bright, rosy cheeked and holly strewn archive will help Luke understand the different myths that have informed our idea of a mysterious figure who brings us presents in midwinter. The Christmas poetry of John Betjeman, Raymond Briggs' 'Father Christmas' and the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien offer writerly inspiration.

Including the voices of John Cooper Clarke, J.R.R Tolkien, Raymond Briggs, John Betjeman.

References:
Letters from Father Christmas - J.R.R. Tolkien
A Few Late Chrysanthemums - John Betjeman
Father Christmas - Raymond Briggs

Produced by Faith Lawrence
Mixed by Sue Stonestreet