Alive & Gigging

A new show - now on UK tour - from the lovable Liverpool poet and popular versatile entertainer. Readings from his latest book (Collected Poems of Roger McGough 1959 - 2024) include new works and old favourites. An outstanding writing career led him to be labelled 'The godfather of modern poetry'.

He has nostalgic recollections from his career, which includes sketches and comic pop songs performed with "The Scaffold', all told with great humour and affection. Over 100 poetry books so far have earned him numerous accolades and awards.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society, President of The Poetry Society and presents the popular Radio 4 series, 'Poetry Please'.

Poet, performer and broadcaster, Roger McGough has published over 100 poetry books for adults and children and has been called ‘the patron saint of poetry’ and ‘the godfather of modern poetry’. He was one of the three Liverpool poets, alongside Adrian Henri and Brian Patten, who influenced popular culture in the Sixties.

The Mersey Sound, published in 1967, is one of the bestselling poetry anthologies of all time, selling over a million copies. Along with John Gorman, and Mike McGear, he formed The Scaffold, performing a combination of comic songs, poetry and sketches and had several top 20 singles including the hit song ‘Lily the Pink’.

He has won numerous awards including The Cholmondeley Award in 1988, received the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2001, and was awarded a CBE in 2004. A Fellow of The Royal Society and President of The Poetry Society he presents the popular Radio 4 Poetry Please series.

His most recent books include Safety in Numbers written during the covid pandemic, as well as books for children, including Over to You, Crocodile Tears and Money Go Round. A new book, Collected Poems of Roger McGough 1959 to 2024 publisjed in June 2024.