The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed

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Poet Laureate Simon Armitage talks to guests about life, language and music in his shed.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is a former probation officer, DJ and poet celebrated for his witty and profound take on modern life. He writes in the shed in his garden, and in this podcast he invites guests to join him to talk about poetry, creativity, music, art, sheds, sherry and the countryside.

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The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed: Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh

BBC Radio 4 - The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed, Julie Hesmondhalgh

Simon Armitage talks to actress Julie Hesmondhalgh in his shed in the Pennine Hills.

Julie Hesmondhalgh crosses the Pennines to talk to Simon Armitage about writing her first book and her acting roles following playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street for years.

Julie Hesmondhalgh was born in Accrington in Lancashire and currently lives within a short drive of Simon Armitage's shed over the hills.  She has won many awards for her acting performances and is well-known for having played Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street for years - until something Simon did made her rethink what she was doing and take the bold step to leave. Regular TV roles in series such as Cucumber, Happy Valley and Broadchurch followed along with being able to take on work in theatres such as The Royal Exchange in Manchester. Their lively conversation passes from the business of writing, through a discussion of accents, to treading the boards, and starting a theatre company. 

Produced by Susan Roberts

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