“I ought to warn you” John Betjeman famously stated, “that my verse is of no interest to people who can think”. It didn’t stop him from becoming one of Britain’s best loved wordsmiths, however, serving as Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984 and etching himself into the national fabric with his nostalgia-laced portraits of Britain (Slough aside).
This month, at the Arts Theatre, the wit and wisdom of this national treasure will be brought to life in Sand in the Sandwiches, an acclaimed stage portrayal of Betjeman which runs from 6 to 10 June. Starring Edward Fox (The Day of the Jackal, A Bridge Too Far), in the lead role, the production travels through Betjeman’s childhood and adolescence and on to his later life as one of the country’s favourite poets.
Tickets start at £19.
