Have the rhyme of your life with Pam

Pam Ayres’ Birmingham Comedy Festival show coincides with the release of Up In The Attic, her first poetry collection in six years

IT was an appearance on ITV talent show Opportunity Knocks, in 1975, that thrust poet Pam Ayres into the spotlight. Her subsequent poetry collections, including Some Of Me Poems and Thoughts Of A Late Night Knitter, have all been best-sellers, demonstrating her quick wit and eye for everyday detail.

A familiar voice on radio, thanks to such series as Just A Minute, her own Ayres On The Air, and two appearances on Desert Island Discs, she’s also no stranger to TV thanks to Women At War, Springwatch and Celebrity Mastermind (beating Call The Midwife’s Jack Ashton, sporting commentator Guy Mowbray and comedian Rich Hall).

An MBE, she’s also appeared for HM The Queen three times.

Can you tell us a bit about Up In The Attic – what are some of the topics you cover?

Do you have a couple of personal favourite poems in the collection?

My special favourite is The Dinner Party, about being full of enthusiasm when you invite friends round, and the sense of rising panic and resentment at the work involved, as the date approaches. I also particularly like Don’t Put My Dinner On

The Slate, about the way some pubs serve up your food on slates, tiles and breadboards.

Your previous book was the ‘picture book’ The Last Hedgehog, with Alice Tait – how did that project come about?

hedgehogs meet from strimmers, ponds, and bonfires. I know people care about hedgehogs and so I wrote the poem as a sort of protest at their decline and to suggest some of the many ways in which people can help them.

Were you pleased with the way the book was received?

I was delighted. It sold in amazingly high numbers and went to number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list. Of course, I was thrilled for myself, but also for the hedgehogs.

Any plans for any further illustrated books?

Yes, I’ve talked to Alice about further ideas. I love her illustrations and, of course, those of Susan Hellard, who illustrated this new book.

Are you a writer with a regime? Or are you more relaxed when it comes to penning prose, preferring to write when inspiration strikes?

Performance poet Pam Ayres is taking part in Birmingham Comedy Festival

that needs doing in a garden. I’ve written the things I like best in the month of January. I don’t wait for inspiration to strike – you could wait for ever! I find the more you write, even if the first effort is mediocre, the more the ideas come along. You have to keep trying or you get rusty. Mornings are the best time for me to write, I fade a bit in the afternoon.

As someone who came to widespread prominence via a TV talent show (Opportunity Knocks), what are your thoughts on the ongoing crop of current talent series?

were a bit more homespun. Thank God these days they don’t have a Clapometer!

You’ve toured many times - do any previous shows in Birmingham spring to mind?

The last time I played Birmingham my old friend Bob Blake from my folk club days was waiting for me with his wife when I arrived in the afternoon. He was just the most brilliant singer, with a pin-ya-to-the-wall voice. I was so delighted to see him again. Sadly, he wasn’t singing at the time.

PAM Ayres visits Birmingham Town Hall on Sunday, October 6. For more information see bhamcomfest.co.uk