John Hegley

Born in Newington Green, Islington, North London. Now in neighbouring borough of Hackney.

Educated in Luton and Bristol schools and the University of Bradford - Sociology/European Literature and the History of Ideas. 

First work in writing and performance with Interaction Community Arts, London, 1978 whose ethos and techniques continue informing work.

John Peel sessions with The Popticians, Radio1, 1983/4. 

Host of Border TV poetry series, Word of Mouth, 1989. 

Perrier Comedy Award nominee, the same year.

Three Series of Hearing with Hegley, Radio 4 - 1996-2000.  BBC Online poet in residence 1999. 

• 2010 - working with Company Paradiso in 'Warning, May Contain Nuts' alongside BBC Radios Sussex and Berkshire, challenging stigmas around mental illness. 
• 2012 - Keats House poet in residence.
• 2019 - Arts Council of England funded project working with four fellow poets, taking children to art galleries to delve into, and respond to art works. ('Putting You in the Picture")
• 2025- 35st  Edinburgh Fringe run and first performances of Folk Telling, to tour in 2025/6.

Has produced twelve books and one mug. The story of Stanley's Stick has been translated into Icelandic.

Promo vid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV-fwOri6vw