An Evening with Len Pennie
The Edinburgh launch of poyums annaw
WithLen Pennie
In conversation withHannah Lavery
On:24th September 2025, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Attendance options:
We're really excited to welcome Len Pennie to the Pleasance Theatre to celebrate the Edinburgh launch of her highly-anticipated second poetry collection poyums annaw, which firmly cements her as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.
Pennie will be in conversation with poet, playwright and former Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery.
On the night, you can expect to hear all about this incisive and fiercely honest poetry collection from the Sunday Times bestselling author and performance poet sensation. Pennie has been so supportive of the bookshop over the past few years and we're delighted to be celebrating the new collection with what's sure to be an unmissable event!
Doors due to open at 7pm before the 7.30pm event start time.
Books for Book & Ticket options will be available to collect at the venue on the night.
This event will take place at the Pleasance Theatre.
About poyums annaw:
There isn't a timescale for how you should heal
Your bad days are valid, your heartache is real
But so is the day that your smile will return
That fire within you continues to burn
You will overcome this and continue to thrive
You are here, you are loved, you are whole, you're alive.
A formidable follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection, Len Pennie’s poyums annaw is just like her: defiant, angry and trailblazing. These poems are a call to arms, confronting ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with equal parts tenderness, quick-wit and righteous fury. poyums annaw firmly cements Len as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Len Pennie Author
Len Pennieis a poet who writes predominantly in the Scots language. She writes passionately about the promotion of minoritised languages, survivors of domestic abuse and the destigmatisation of mental illness. Presenter on BBC Radio Scotland’s lead arts show, Arts Mix, she is the author of two collections of poetry: her Sunday Times bestselling debut, Poyums, and the upcoming Poyums Annaw.
TikTok: @misspunnypennie
Instagram: @misspunnypennie
BlueSky: @lenniesaurus.bsky.social
Hannah Lavery Chair
Hannah Lavery is an award-winning poet and playwright. Her pamphlet, Finding Seaglass was published by Stewed Rhubarb and her poem, Scotland You’re No Mine was selected as one Scotland’s Best Poems for 2019. The Drift, her highly acclaimed autobiographical lyric play toured Scotland as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Season 2019 and in 2020, she was selected by Owen Sheers’ as one of his Ten Writers Asking Questions That Will Shape Our Future for the International Literature Showcase, a project from the National Writing Centre and the British Council. Her second lyric play Lament for Sheku Bayoh premiered at Edinburgh International Festival in 2021. She was also appointed Edinburgh Makar in November 2021 for a three year term. She is an associate artist with the National Theatre of Scotland and one of the winners of the Peggy Ramsay/Film4 Award 2022. Her debut poetry collection, Blood Salt Spring was published in March 2022 (Polygon).
The venue
Pleasance Theatre
60 Pleasance
Edinburgh
EH8 9TJ
Telephone: 0131 650 2351
Website: www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/home
The venue is on the first floor, accessible by stairs or lift.