Matt Abott: Two Little Ducks

Powerful, personal and political poetry of talented new voice

Two Little Ducks is a fiercely relevant exploration of identity, prejudice and class fusing socio-political commentary and contemporary kitchen sink realism. As his verse shifts from coal mine to council estate to Calais jungle, Matt Abbott explores the divisions and discord of modern Britain; a country and society deep in the throes of Brexit induced chaos.

Lyrical, unapologetic and honest, Abbott makes full use of his razor-sharp wit, poetic storytelling and linguistic flair to present this personal and political show that both champions and confronts. This is poetry for the underdog from one of our leading new voices, presented in an engaging, accessible style that acts as an invitation and welcome mat for those new to poetry.

‘He weaves a magical spell with his words …. mature stuff from an exciting young Wakefield voice’ ?????The New European

An early version of Two Little Ducks attracted a slew of 4 and 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017, now this updated version tours the UK throughout October and November. The accompanying book Two Little Ducks, Abbott’s first ever full poetry collection, is published on 4 October (national poetry day) by Verve Poetry Press.

No sloganeering ranter, Matt is an activist and supporter of several causes. In June 2016 his hometown of Wakefield voted 66% Leave. Either side of referendum day, he was volunteering at a Calais Jungle refugee camp just 22 miles from Dover. He’s an ambassador for Trinity Homeless Projects, CRIBS International and Eureka! The National Children’s Museum and is Poet-in-Residence at the National Coal Mining Museum of England. Abbott starred in Nationwide Building Society’s national TV ad campaign and has shared the stage with Jeremy Corbyn, Sleaford Mods, Ken Loach, Sara Pascoe, Paul Weller and Salena Godden. He founded and runs the independent spoken word label Nymphs & Thugs.