The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed returns to Radio 4

Simon Armitage is heading down the garden path for a second series of The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed on Radio 4.

Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, accompanied by his 12-string acoustic, will be Simon’s first guest.

Later in the series the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen, West End theatre director John Tiffany, broadcaster, DJ and gardener Jo Whiley, author JK Rowling and poet Imtiaz Dharker all pay Simon a visit – with further guests to be announced.

Simon welcomes his visitors to talk about writing, music, art, sherry, the sounds of nature, philosophy, and to reflect on life and creativity.

As well as being full of plant pots and trowels the shed is the place where Simon is currently tackling the poetic form of haiku – tiny seventeen syllable poems often about nature or the seasons – and so each episode will feature a haiku written especially for that week’s guest.

Simon Armitage says: “For too long I’ve been in the shed on my own, writing haiku, staring intensely at flowers and clouds, so I’m thrilled to be finally throwing back the door, dusting down the spare chair and sharing real live conversation with clever and creative people.”

Rhian Roberts, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Digital and Podcasts, adds: “Simon’s shed has become a place for magical stories and deep and dreamy conversation; his next collection of guests are all lined up to create some equally special moments.”

The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed begins Saturday 3 July at 19:15 on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. The first series, featuring Chris Packham, Maxine Peake, Testament and many more, is also available on BBC Sounds.