This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch on our platform either live or during the next 7 days on catch up. Viewing links for the online version will be sent out in the confirmation email you receive after booking.

Experience an evening of extraordinary poetry as renowned actors, including the acclaimed Joely Richardson, bring the works of Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath to life at the British Library. 

Emily Dickinson, who spent much of her life in quiet isolation, crafted some of the most innovative and enigmatic verse of the 19th century. Sylvia Plath, celebrated for her vivid and unflinching explorations of the human psyche, revolutionized confessional poetry. Both American poets, though worlds apart, share an enduring power to illuminate the complexities of existence.

Join us for this unique opportunity to hear their poetry performed by masterful voices, in the week of International Womens’ Day. Further readers to be announced soon!

Reduced price tickets available for British Library Members, and half price tickets for students, under 26 and other concession groups. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk

Venue doors and Bar open at 18:00. If you’re attending in person, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.

Presented by The Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation in association with the British Library and the Eccles Institute for the Americas at the British Library. 

The Poetry Hour was founded by novelist and poetry anthologist Josephine Hart. Launched as The Gallery Poets in Mayfair in the mid-1980s, it later became The Poetry Hour and won fame for bringing classic ‘great poetry read aloud by great actors’ to a wide audience. The British Library has supported Josephine Hart’s mission from 2004 and continues to do so in her memory on a regular basis. 

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