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BBC Radio 4 Extra

Poetry Extra

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Weekly opportunity for listeners to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

A brand new poetry slot on Radio 4 Extra gives listeners a weekly opportunity to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

Poetry Extra: What the Donkey Saw: UA Fanthorpe's Christmas Poems

24/12/2017

What the Donkey Saw: UA Fanthorpe's Christmas Poems

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Poetry Extra, What the Donkey Saw: UA Fanthorpe's Christmas Poems

Poet Daljit Nagra selects 'What the Donkey Saw'  - UA Fanthorpe's Christmas poems.

4 Extra Debut. Poet Daljit Nagra selects 'What the Donkey Saw'  - UA Fanthorpe's Christmas poems. Read by Sheila Hancock. From December 2011.

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits BBC radio's poetry archive with 'What the Donkey Saw' - UA Fanthorpe's Christmas poems. 

Starting in 1972, UA Fanthorpe wrote a Christmas poem every year. Sheila Hancock reads a selection, with an introduction by UA's partner, Rosie Bailey, who designed and printed the cards they sent.

Fanthorpe was witty, original, and she reworked the Christmas story from quirky angles. These were so popular with recipients that a collection was published.

Featuring some of those on this very special poetical Christmas card list, including Carol Ann Duffy, Lawrence Sail and Jackie Kay. For them receiving the poem was important - a funny but thoughtful beginning to Christmas. 

Producer: Julian May

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.

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