After over 30 years of making critically-acclaimed TV and film, BAFTA-award-winning writer and producer Henry Normal is returning to his first love of poetry with a new live tour starting in October 2021. He has also published two new poetry collections, and a new episode of his BBC Radio 4 series “A Normal…” will be out in November.

His brand new live show “The Escape Plan” will be touring theatres around the country in 2021 and 2022 and draws on over 40 years of work, featuring stories, jokes and poems from Henry’s acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series (recently nominated for an ARIA Award) and his ten poetry books, including the two latest collections.

The Beauty Within Shadow and Distance Between Clouds were both written during the COVID-19 pandemic, and both of these remarkable collections are inspired by Henry’s experiences and reflections during this extraordinary time. Together they are a body of work that reflects upon many aspects of lockdown, life and love with Henry’s distinctive humour and light-hearted gravitas.

Henry’s poetry renaissance was inspired by his experiences bringing up his autistic son Johnny, something which is central to the live show and all of Henry’s latest books. The result is a funny and moving collection of work, both on the page and the stage, about life and family.

Ahead of the live tour in the Autumn, Henry is also hosting weekly online poetry sessions via his “New Poetry Society”. Each week Henry is joined by a guest poet for lively conversation and poetry. Two poets, one hour, every week – all live over Zoom and free of charge. These events are hosted by the Manchester library programme, but can of course be joined from anywhere around the globe.

Henry’s TV output includes some of the nation’s best loved programmes. His co-writing credits include The Royle Family, Mrs Merton, Coogan’s Run and feature film The Parole Officer.

As co-founder and MD of Baby Cow Productions which he set up with Steve Coogan, he produced amongst others Gavin and Stacey, Alan Partridge, Moone Boy, Uncle, The Mighty Boosh, Nighty Night and the Oscar-nominated film Philomena.

Prior to his illustrious TV career, Henry toured as a performance poet with Pulp and new wave bands; stand up greats like Linda Smith and literary giants including Seamus Heaney. In this previous life, Henry travelled from Helsinki to New York via factories, schools, pop concerts, jazz clubs, folk clubs and festivals.

Now, Henry is returning to his poetic roots and taking his new 90 minute show to theatres around the UK on his first major tour – a chance to see ‘the Alan Bennett of poetry’ (The Scotsman) back on stage and at the top of his game.