An American in Luton: John Hegley

A tall and unannounced Maine man appears in a seemingly ordinary 1960's English living room.

He is the high chaperone and bringer of a grandmother

who has not seen her office-worker son for decades - her grandchildren, never.

His job done, this curious visitor hands the children each a ten-dollar bill, says his goodbyes and is gone -

off up the suburban street, into the evening and perhaps a hotel in the town centre on his horse.

A story of family, fantasy, love, loss and an ancient stamp album, with a Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller thrown into the mix.

Drawings will be provided.

'Let me tell you what my Pop said to me, Ma'am -'Depression?.. Get over it! America had to.'

Festival and radio regular John Hegley comes to Anteros with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son's stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-be-published material alongside some back catalogue favourites. The show will include pieces from the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe performance.

Devised for adults but not unsuitable for the odd 9 year old.

About John Hegley...

John was born in Newington Green, Islington, North London and now lives in neighbouring borough of Hackney. Educated in Luton and Bristol schools and the University of Bradford - Sociology/European Literature and the History of Ideas.  His first work was 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")

2024 - 34th Edinburgh festival Fringe performance

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