Carol Ann Duffy & Friends

Entering a 14th season in 2017, Carol Ann Duffy and Friends is a popular series of evenings held in the Royal Exchange theatre studio featuring both established and emerging poets, hosted by the Poet Laureate herself.

The evenings are typically introduced by the jazz house band, followed by readings from Manchester Writing School alumni, Carol Ann Duffy DBE and a guest poet of national acclaim.

It is an opportunity to see some of the best contemporary poets perform their work. Previous special guests have included Liz Lochhead, Elaine Feinstein and Manchester’s own Adam O’Riordan.

There’s also an opportunity to meet the poets themselves and have copies of their work signed – with books available from Blackwell’s on the night. Carol Ann Duffy and Friends is sponsored by the Department of English at Manchester Metropolitan University, presented in partnership with both Blackwell’s and Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

Details of upcoming dates can be found on the Royal Exchange theatre website.