We are delighted to welcome Ella Frears.
Ella will be appearing on the Talks Stage.
Ella Frears is a poet and artist based in London. Her debut collection, Shine, Darling, (Offord Road Books, 2020) was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation and was shortlisted for both the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, and the T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry. Goodlord, (Rough Trade Books, 2024) her new hybrid work which takes the form of one long email to an estate agent, is shortlisted for the Forward Prize and the Sky Arts Awards’ Times Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
‘Fizzing with insistent energy… full of crystalline images and metaphors…. Frears is excellent on sexual politics, the end of girlhood.’ ––– The Guardian
‘Frears’ work is ideal for poetry newbies – the intriguing narration will immediately draw you in. She splices humour with thought-provoking imagery and Fleabag-style talk-to-camera- moments that will make you feel seen.’ ––– Stylist Magazine
‘This poet is a bit special. She’s exciting, a bit scary and sort of brilliant’ –– Frank Skinner
What was the first record, cd or book that you bought?
CD – Spice Girls, Mamma / Who do you think you are
Where did you buy it from?
Woolworths, St Ives
Is there a piece of music / artist you love which you feel not enough people know about?
I don’t know any music you don’t know. But I do love to be shown things by people who do.
What was the first gig you went to?
An S Club 7 tribute band, Hall for Cornwall, Truro.
(I couldn’t find any videos of S Club 7 tribute bands, so here’s the real thing! – Jo)
What is the best gig or performance you’ve been to?
Recently – Festen, the opera
What are you listening to at the moment?
Robert Wyatt
Are you reading a book at the moment, if so, what?
Beowulf (the Heaney translation)
Thanks Ella – see you in August! X
The Wake Sat 29 August 2026 