Main content

Simon Armitage opens the doors of his writing shed in the Pennine Hills to poet, comedienne, songwriter and presenter Pam Ayres to talk about performing and her love of nature.

If the poets of the past sat in their garrets dipping their quills in ink, waiting for inspiration to strike, our current Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has a more mundane and domestic arrangement. From his wooden shed in the garden, surrounded on all sides by the Pennine Hills, he's been working on a new kind of poem he's invented - the Flyku - inspired by the moths and butterflies he sees around him. Any distraction is welcome, even encouraged, to talk about creativity, music, art, sheds, music, poetry and the countryside.

This week, poet, songwriter, comedienne and TV presenter Pam Ayres joins Simon in the shed. Their conversation ranges from Pam's first TV appearance on Opportunity Knocks in the '70s, to her love of performing to live audiences, writing her latest book of poems, her passion for wildlife and nature and her latest TV series The Cotswolds and Beyond with Pam Ayres.

Produced by Susan Roberts

Available now

39 minutes

Last on

Sat 4 Mar 2023 23:30
大象传媒 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Simon Dobson

Next

Loyle Carner

See all episodes from The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed

Broadcasts

  • Sun 26 Feb 2023 16:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sat 4 Mar 2023 23:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4

Sir Ian McKellen: 10 things we learned when he spoke to the Poet Laureate

Sir Ian McKellen: 10 things we learned when he spoke to the Poet Laureate

Simon Armitage and Sir Ian discuss cricket, tattoos and playing Magneto and Gandalf.

Johnny Marr: 10 things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

Johnny Marr: 10 things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

The Smiths songwriter on the creative process, the magic of cities, and beaten-up guitars.

Chris Packham: Seven things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

Chris Packham: Seven things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage talks to naturalist Chris Packham about life, art and music.

Kate Tempest: 10 things we learned when she spoke to Simon Armitage

Kate Tempest: 10 things we learned when she spoke to Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage and Kate Tempest on rapping, writing under pressure and her pet Malamute.

Guy Garvey: Nine things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

Guy Garvey: Nine things we learned when he spoke to Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage invites Guy Garvey to his shed to talk about life, bird watching and music.

Podcast