Roger McGough sets St Mary’s Snettisham alight

Liverpool poet and living legend (National Treasure) Roger McGough brought his show, “Alive and Gigging” to Snettisham on 3rd September.

Performing to packed pews in St Mary’s church, the 87 year old regaled the audience (of around 180) with stories and poems from his past and present. There was much laughter, but also some poignant moments, during the ninety minute performance.

Poet, performer and broadcaster, Roger McGough has published over 100 poetry books for adults and children and has been called ‘the godfather of modern poetry.’ He was one of the 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. In the 1960’s with John Gorman, and Mike McGear he formed The Scaffold, performing a combination of songs, poetry and sketches who had several top 20 singles including the hit song ‘Lily the Pink’.

Roger 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. After the show Roger signed copies of his most recent book The Collected Poems which presents the definitive selection of his best work, from the Mersey-soaked sound of his Sixties start, through to meditations on fatherhood and family, and on to political sendups, pandemic playfulness and brilliant new writing.

The show, acclaimed by those present to be a wonderful evening, raised funds for The Friends of St Mary’s, a group that exists to ensure that the church is preserved for the benefit of the whole community.

The next event at St Mary's Snettisham in partnership with KL1 Radio is on Thursday 18th September when Tennessee Twin, one of the UK’s standout country duos, known for their rich vocals, storytelling lyrics, and Nashville-inspired sound will perform an acoustic evening filled with heartfelt songs, warm harmonies, and country charm, all set in the stunning surroundings of this historic Norfolk church. 

Tickets are available from https://www.tickettailor.com/e... or on the door.