PAM AYRES

Doggedly Onward – A Life in Poems

Pam Ayres is arguably the first Performance Poet who moved poetry from the ‘page to the stage’, and who after an extraordinary career of 50+ years, is still filling theatres.

The UK Bookseller magazine observed in 2024 that after Ted Hughes, “Pam Ayres is now the bestselling UK poet since records began.”

Pam will perform a selection from her latest book, Doggedly Onward – A Life in Poems (pub.2024, Ebury), which covers her work from the 1970s to 2020s.

“Oh let me stay for one more year,

Safe amid the faces dear,

Where love and loving intertwine,

Little hands enclosed in mine.

To leave will be the hardest part,

This richest life, it breaks my heart,

Here my soul with gladness sing,

My family. My little gang.”

Extract from poem “Leaving”, from “Doggedly Onward – A Life in Poems”.

“Who doesn’t feel warm, sentimental, and downright good when they think of Pam Ayres? She’s a timeless talent and a glorious people’s poet.” Glastonbury Festival 2022

“We love her because she makes us laugh, but above all because we know she is genuine”. THE OLDIE – 2024

“Pam Ayres delivered exactly what audiences love her for – sharp wit, warmth, and finding humour in everyday life.” BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL – 2026