Bookmarked: Rowan McCabe – Hard Knocks + Special Guest – Olivia Mulligan
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Duration: 20 minute support, short interval followed by 1hr set (approx 90-95 minutes)
Venue: The Courthouse
Following the release of his new book, The Door-to-Door Poet, as well as a hit programme on BBC Radio 4, Rowan McCabe returns to the stage with Hard Knocks, a show of spoken word and comedy about community and connection.
Rowan likes making a nuisance of himself with poetry. Over the past 10 years he’s been poet in residence in a pizza takeaway, in William Wordsworth’s childhood home and, once, on a miniature steam train. He’s also the world’s first Door-to-Door Poet and in 2019 he travelled all across England, knocking on strangers’ doors and writing bespoke verses for them, for free, on any subject of their choosing. It’s a bit like the Avon lady… but with rhymes.
Hard Knocks is a collection of all new material that lifts the lid on some of the most funny and challenging moments of this unconventional career path. Expect stories of mistaken identity, odes to rebellious snails, and ruminations on time travelling public officials, all delivered with Rowan’s trademark warmth and wit.
“Very funny and very charming”– Stuart Maconie
“Invaluable”– The Guardian
Suitable for age 14+
To make the evening extra special we also have the wonderful Olivia Mulligan kicking off the evening with a support set.
Olivia Mulligan is a local Poet & Children’s author. Passionate about sharing uplifting poetry with others, she takes her work from page to stage, performing at gigs and festivals across the country. In 2020, her spoken word poem, ‘The Lockdown Chat’ was aired on BBC iplayer as part of the ‘Best of Upload’ festival. She continues to share poems on the radio and in 2021 was titled BBC Radio York’s Poet Laureate. Her collections Poems on the Gate Post, Advice From a Stranger and 10:37 are available to buy worldwide published by Fisher King Publishing. Her children’s book, ‘Reggie From The Hedgie’ is beautifully illustrated and all in rhyme. The winter sequel, ‘Reggie On A Sledgie’ was released just in time for Christmas 2025.
This performance is part of the Bookmarked: Thirsk programme. This is a year of cultural events, creative workshops, performances and community-led experiences designed to animate Thirsk High Street, increase footfall, and strengthen connections between local people, businesses and cultural organisations. Building on the proven success of Thirsk Bookmarked 2025. This expanded programme embeds culture into the everyday life of the town throughout 2026 and aligns with the National Year of Reading 2026, positioning Thirsk as a welcoming, distinctive and vibrant market town.
Price range: £13.00 through £20.00
