Say Owt presents: Michael Rosen

Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s best loved writers and performance poets for children and adults. His poetry speaks deeply of humanity - whether bursting with joyous, bouncy humour or reflecting on family, heritage and loss. He articulates life with a wonder for written and spoken language.

Please note: Children are welcome, and Michael will be performing a mixture of his poetry. However his set won't necessarily be specifically tailored for a children's audience.

He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches an MA in Children’s Literature. Michael is also a popular broadcaster and has presented BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme about language, “Word of Mouth” since 1998, as well as regularly presenting documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3, including the Sony Gold Award-winning “On Saying Goodbye”.

Michael has published in the region of 200 books for children and adults, including “The Sad Book” with Quentin Blake (Walker Books) - a meditation on bereavement written after the loss of his son, Eddie; “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” with Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books) - made into an animated film for Channel 4 broadcast Christmas Day 2016 - and “A Great Big Cuddle” with Chris Riddell (Walker Books) . His poetry for adults includes “Don’t Mention the Children” (Smokestack) and “Selected Poems” (Penguin). Non-fiction work for adults includes “Good Ideas: How to Be Your Child’s (and Your Own) Best Teacher” (John Murray), “The Disappearance of Emile Zola, Love, Literature and the Dreyfus Case” (Faber), and his memoir “So They Call You Pisher!” (Verso).

Plus support act Cory Rich (he/they). Cory is a poet living in York, who has just finished a BA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham. He writes about queerness, faith, community and things that give him hope or make him laugh. He won the Say Owt slam in April 2026. His poems have been published in Flight of the Dragonfly Press’ e-journal Flights, and in Beaver Magazine online. He has headlined several spoken word nights across Birmingham, including Overcoat Poetry and Grizzly Pear.

Seating is on two levels, please see the image below. There is no price difference between the gallery and downstairs ticket. Seating is unreserved.