We’re busy with the last of the preparations for Launceston Poetry Festival this coming weekend! The festival is nearly here and the Causley Trust is so excited to showcase some of the artists and community events coming up!
This spotlight piece focusses on our Festival headliner, the comedian and writer Frank Skinner, who since winning the highly prestigious Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1991, has been a constant presence in British television, radio and the comedy scene. Frank created and presented The Frank Skinner Show and together with David Baddiel developed Fantasy Football League and Baddiel & Skinner Unplanned. The duo also wrote the lyrics for the song “Three Lions” (Football’s Coming Home) for the 1996 European Championship which still regularly appears in the UK singles chart.
Frank has hosted comedy shows for BBC Radio 4 and, in 2020, Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast was launched. His love for poetry made Frank an obvious choice as our Festival headliner. Join Frank and Cornish poet, Ella Frears, on Saturday 31 May as they discuss the importance of poetry in their lives in Frank Skinner and Ella Frears: Understanding Poetry. There will no doubt be references to Frank’s poetry podcast and his book How to Enjoy Poetry, whilst Ella will talk about her Cornish roots and the importance of poetry in better understanding place and belonging. She’ll be referencing some of her brilliant work in Shine, Darling and Goodlord.
When I learnt about Frank’s penchant for poetry I decided to dive into his podcast series to find out more about his poetic influences. Each episode of the highly lauded (to date nine series) podcast focuses on a different poet, from classic poets like Sappho through to contemporary poets that Frank at times discovers along with his listeners. The podcast gives Frank as well as the listener the chance to sit down with a choice collection of poems that Frank reads line by line, followed by his thoughts on what has just been shared.
In each episode Frank shares captivating stories about his personal connections to the poetry, or the poet. He talks of his long-term admiration of Seamus Heaney and the joy of discovering Ella Frears‘ work at a motorway service station and becoming unexpectedly absorbed in its unique voice. Frank’s honest enthusiasm, as well as his analytical approach, takes the listener on a journey of understanding, insight and enjoyment.
Frank manages to uncover resonance and depths that might not be immediately apparent, helping the listener to break through the poem’s surface – ultimately opening it up to different interpretations and perspectives. But perhaps most importantly, Frank seems delighted to simply revel in the poetry he loves, and to share this enjoyment with likeminded people, no matter how much experience they have in the reading or writing of poetry. Come and join Frank and Ella at 8.15pm on Saturday 31 May, as they share their passion for poetry at the Launceston Poetry Festival.
To find out more and to book tickets, click here…
