Poetry

Liverpudlian laureate Roger McGough delivers lines from his new book, The Way Things Are, at Belfast's Waterfront Hall tonight. One of Britain's best-known poets, McGough was educated by the Christian Brothers in Liverpool, showing little interest in poetry, and failing his O Level in English Literature. While studying at Hull University, however, his interest in words and language blossomed, thanks in part to the influence of the late Philip Larkin, who was working in the college library at the time. McGough made his first literary splash as part of the "Mersey Beat" poets. Tickets for tonight's reading are from the Waterfront Hall Box Office or by calling 048 9033 4455.