As a child, I recall sitting in our home in Yorkshire, reading and re-reading two books of humorous poems. I read the verses out loud wherever possible, or I speak them in my head. The lady on the cover of the books looks friendly and, well, normal.
by Robin Foreman-Quercus | 7th October 2013
★★★★
25 years later, armed with this memory, I leap at the chance to see that very lady on National Poetry Day, performing at the glorious Cadogan Hall as part of a national tour celebrating her latest book of poems, You Made Me Late Again!
Pam Ayres has been a writer, broadcaster and entertainer for almost 40 years, known for her sharp perception of the comic detail of everyday life. She is the author of several bestselling poetry collections and, in 2004, was awarded an MBE for services to literature and entertainment.
An Evening With Pam Ayres is a collection of poems and anecdotes; some new, some not-so-new, but all delivered with Pam’s natural homely warmth. Her husband, Dudley, is the subject of several verses, as are her many animals (she has dogs, cows, bees, sheep, guinea fowl and hens). This is a glorious insight into her life and the unique way in which her mind interprets it, providing many laugh-out-loud moments.
Unusually, for a show of this nature, she also includes one or two more poignant tales and the poem she dedicates to a dead dog is heart-wrenching. Rather than detracting from the humour, this is hugely effective in making it seem somehow more real; an intimate look at the realities of life.
But above the remarkably clever witticisms and touching tales rises Pam’s performance. She has exceptional comic timing and this, combined with her refreshingly confident delivery of some truly great material, provides an evening which firmly cements her status as a genuine national treasure.
I recall a recent interview she provided for the Express in which she said she never writes for the page but that her words are meant to be spoken. I like to think I recognized that as a child.
An Evening With Pam Ayres is on an extensive national tour over the next few months. Dates and tickets are at http://www.pamayres.com/index.php/category/tourdates