From Luton to Crutons, poetic insights with legendary performing poet John Hegley

Enjoyable and informative conversation with one of England's national treasures, John Hegley. 

Bio photo by Polly Hancock

More about John Hegley

Born in Newington Green,Islington, North London. Now in neighbouring borough of Hackney

with partner, artist mel Brimfield. Educated in Luton and Bristol schools

drawings, verse and small amount of baroque dance.and the University of Bradford - Sociology/European Literature and the Historyof Ideas. Sustained exploration of father's French roots.First work in writing and performance with Interaction Community arts, London, 1978whose interactive ethos and techniques continue informing work.John Peel sessions with The Popticians, Radio1, 1983/4. Host of Border TVpoetry 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 Sussexand 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 childrento art galleries to delve into, and respond to art works. ('Putting You in the Picture"Twelve books - most recently New and Selected Potatoes, with Bloodaxe books.Workshops in prisons, hospitals, schools.Touring and festival presentations with music,