Who’s in the Next Room?
Poems by Thomas Hardy with new writing...

New writing from Wessex: four Dorset poets – Paul Hyland, Kate Scott, Catherine Simmonds and Pam Zinnemann-Hope – take Thomas Hardy’s strange and electrifying verse as their starting point. Hardy’s original lyrics are juxtaposed with contemporary responses to his poetry, fiction and the landscapes in which he lived and worked.

Who’s in the Next Room? was developed during a National Trust residency as part of the Poetry Society centenary celebrations. Paul Hyland, Kate Scott, Catherine Simmonds and Pam Zinnemann-Hope originally performed this new work at Max Gate, the house Hardy designed for himself in Dorchester; subsequently at the Thomas Hardy Conference and for Poet in the City at Kings Place, London.

“One of the best poetry readings I have attended.” Daisy Goodwin, Sunday Times

“It was an exceptional experience to sit in Thomas Hardy’s house and enjoy the skill of modern poets reading their work as it should be heard, sharing their talent and reaffirming the long literary tradition.” Peter Davies, after the Max Gate performance

“What a pleasure…to hear the wonderful poems which you have produced… the Who’s in the Next Room? show works brilliantly.” Graham Henderson, Poet in the City