The Coronet Theatre has announced its Autumn and Winter 2024 poetry events, featuring a blend of contemporary and classic poetry. The upcoming season will include four notable events, presented by Poetry Club and Dead Poets Live.
Since its reopening a decade ago, The Coronet Theatre has embraced poetry as a key part of its multi-art form programming. The theatre has become a prominent venue for both emerging and established poets.
Anda Winters, Artistic Director, emphasized the importance of poetry in the theatre’s programming. “I have long championed poetry and spoken word as essential elements of our cross-arts programming,” Winters said. “Through Poetry Club, we bring contemporary poetry stars, and with Dead Poets Live, we offer staged insights into classic poetry. These voices help us understand and respond to our emotions and the world.”
Marion Manning, Head of Poetry at The Coronet, curates Poetry Club events. She highlighted the theatre’s role in showcasing significant UK and international poets. “At The Coronet, I am thrilled to bring together prominent poets and new voices for intimate readings in this beautiful building,” Manning said.
Dead Poets Live, known for its dramatic readings of classic poetry, has developed a strong following at The Coronet. Clare Reihill, Director of The T.S. Eliot Foundation and Dead Poets Live, praised the theatre. “The Coronet is our spiritual home, and we have continued to present regular events here due to its warmth, encouragement, and expertise,” Reihill said.
The Autumn and Winter 2024 lineup is as follows:
Thursday, September 19: Poetry Club features Imtiaz Dharker, Sasha Dugdale, and Camille Ralphs, presenting readings from their recent collections.
Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 24: Dead Poets Live presents “Autumn Journal” by Louis MacNeice. This dramatic monologue, first performed at The Coronet in 2023, will return due to its popularity. The cast includes BAFTA and IFTA-nominated actor Éanna Hardwicke.
Thursday, November 28: Poetry Club showcases Ella Frears, Salena Godden, and Glynn Maxwell, offering contemporary takes on current issues.
Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8: Dead Poets Live’s Christmas offering is “Onlie Begetter – Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” This performance explores the enduring power of Shakespeare’s sonnets.
These events promise to bring a diverse range of poetic experiences to The Coronet Theatre this season.