Photo: Suzi Corker
John Hegley: Peace Love & Potatoes
Saturday 11 May
8:00pm
John Hegley @johnhegleyluton
Pieces from the most recent collection dovetail with new bits from the poet's preparations for another foray into the Edinburgh Fringe.
Drawings of horses camels, anteaters and a worm sit alongside songs and verses about horses, ancient Romans, hospital beds, Daleks, teaching, learning and instilling a sense of self worth.
"Just because he is one of the funniest men alive, don't underestimate his dedicated gentleness" Adrian Mitchell, New Satesman.
"Awesomely mundane" Independent.
Born in Newington Green, Islington, North London. Now in neighbouring borough of Hackney.
Educated in Luton and Bristol schools and the University of Bradford - Sociology/European Literature and the History of Ideas.
First work in writing and performance with Interaction Community Arts, London, 1978 whose ethos and techniques continue informing work.
John Peel sessions with The Popticians, Radio1, 1983/4. Host of Border TV poetry series, Word of Mouth, 1989. Perrier Comedy Award nominee, the same year.
Three Series of Hearing with Hegley, Radio 4 - 1996-2000. BBC Online poet in residence 1999.
2010 - working with Company Paradiso in 'Warning, May Contain Nuts' alongside BBC Radios Sussex and Berkshire, challenging stigmas around mental illness.
2012 - Keats House poet in residence.
2019 - Arts Council of England funded project working with four fellow poets, taking children to art galleries to delve into, and respond to art works. ('Putting You in the Picture")
2021- 31st Edinburgh Fringe run and first performances of Drawings of Dromedaries
2024 - Returning to Edinburgh with Peace. Love & Potatoes
Has produced twelve books and one mug. The story of Stanley's Stick has been translated into Icelandic.
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