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Len Pennie in conversation with Owen Sheers

Poyums

Hay Festival 2025, 

Len Pennie is an English/Scots performance poet sensation. Her electric debut collection Poyums is funny and fiercely feminist, whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship.

Come to hear her bold, unashamedly frank take on loving, learning, surviving, growing and giving, covering her passionate opinions from minoritised languages to survivors of domestic abuse and the destigmatisation of mental illness. Don’t miss this chance to see an epic talent on the rise.

And I have done more than just simply get by

So much more than escape or survive

Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience

I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.

After life that was seldom what life ought to be

Through laughter and love I’ll be whole

This story is mine from the cover to spine

And the narrative I will control.