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Showing results for: 'Literature & poetry'

Do poems have to rhyme?
Full bookshelves within the National Poetry Library
Article

Do poems have to rhyme?

In this edition of our Arts Unravelled series we speak with poets Lily Blacksell and Lorraine Mariner about whether poems need to rhyme.

Max Porter: ‘Loss of control is the most beautiful thing’
The author Max Porter, a white man in his early 40s, stands leaning against a garden fence
Article

Max Porter: ‘Loss of control is the most beautiful thing’

In an in-depth interview the writer discusses political convictions, power in collaboration and what lies ahead.

5 things to know about Rough Trade
A Rough Trade tote bag hangs on the end of a rack records in a Rough Trade music store
Article

5 things to know about Rough Trade

A look at the much-loved independent label as it celebrates its 50th year.

Artist on artist: Raymond Antrobus on the irreplaceable Benjamin Zephaniah
Poet Raymond Antronbus sits at a table in the covered area of a garden
Article

Artist on artist: Raymond Antrobus on the irreplaceable Benjamin Zephaniah

The multi-award-winning poet shares his personal lifelong connection with the hugely popular figure once dubbed ‘the people’s laureate’.

Roger McGough: ‘poetry was never something I set out to do, it just happened’
An older man with white hair and a goatee smiles in front of packed bookshelves, wearing a bright orange ribbed sweater.
Article

Roger McGough: ‘poetry was never something I set out to do, it just happened’

The much treasured poet discusses music, muses and the impact of The Mersey Sound in this in-depth interview.

Artist on artist: Leïla Slimani on the ‘influential’ Pedro Almodóvar
Leila Slimani sitting on a staircase wearing black.
Article

Artist on artist: Leïla Slimani on the ‘influential’ Pedro Almodóvar

The internationally bestselling author shares her fandom for the film director she loves so much she ‘would worship even just a sock of his’.

Ocean Vuong on The Emperor of Gladness
Writer Ocean Vuoung seated on stage at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall; he wears a white t-shirt
Video

Ocean Vuong on The Emperor of Gladness

Watch writer Ocean Vuong discuss his second novel The Emperor of Gladness with novelist and critic Mendez in this talk recorded on our stage in 2025.

Artist on artist: Liz Pichon on the 'joyous' Quentin Blake
A woman with her hands on her hips in a bright yellow dress, standing in front of a background that is covered in multi-coloured shooting stars.
Article

Artist on artist: Liz Pichon on the 'joyous' Quentin Blake

The author and illustrator behind the hugely successful Tom Gates series shares her love for the ‘extraordinary artistry’ of Quentin Blake.

How I create… with writer Ella McLeod
A woman wearing a pink dress and bun, standing in front of a book shelf
Article

How I create… with writer Ella McLeod

The YA author on exploring every idea, loving what she does and finding creative inspiration when she least intends to.

How I create... with poet and playwright Inua Ellams
The poet Inua Ellams, a Black man with a beard, wearing a Zanna Bukar hat in front of a colourful tapestry
Article

How I create... with poet and playwright Inua Ellams

Which tools are vital to a poet? Find out as Inua Ellams shares his creative process.

‘Women deserve better stories’: Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben discuss their thrilling novel
Reese Witherspoon, a woman with long blond hair sits in a chair on a stage holding a microphone in her hand as she talks.
Video

‘Women deserve better stories’: Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben discuss their thrilling novel

Two titans of storytelling – actress Reese Witherspoon and author Harlan Coben – discuss joining forces for the gripping thriller Gone Before Goodbye.

5 things to know about TS Eliot's The Waste Land
Back and white profile of TS Elliot looking to left wearing a suit and jacket
Article

5 things to know about TS Eliot's The Waste Land

If you’re yet to discover what’s considered one of the most important poems of the 20th century, we’ve put together a helpful summary.