November 6th 2023 / Poetry / London

UCLH Poetry Commissions with Camden Roundhouse Poetry Collective Alumni

Montage of 5 poets from left to right: Courtney Conrad , Esme Allman, Sarah McCreadie, Maddy Accalia, Thembe Mvula

As part of Our National Health Stories, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has commissioned five poets to write and share stories from the NHS.

The five commissioned writers are alumni of the Camden Roundhouse Poetry Collective and have created works based on words from NHS staff. Their final poems will be performed live at UCLH on Wednesday 22nd November.

Meet the Poets below:

Maddy Accalia is an award-winning playwright and poet from Brighton who is currently Resident Artist at The Roundhouse. Her work is rooted in the female experience and examines personal politics through candid dialogue and observational comedy.

The poet Maddy Accalia stands on a stage holding a microphone and reciting poetry from a book — *Image credit: Damilola Lemomu*

Esme Allman is a poet, theatremaker and facilitator based in South East London. Her work explores desire and imagination against the backdrop of blackness.

The poet Esme Allman standing in front of a microphone gesturing with her hands — *Image credit: John Williams*

Sarah McCreadie is a poet from Cardiff who has performed from Newport to New York. You can find Sarah and her poems on Twitter @Girl_Like_Sarah.

A portrait shot of poet Sarah McCreadie looking at the camera

Courtney Conrad is a Jamaican poet who has performed at Glastonbury Festival, Brainchild Festival and UKYA City Takeover and been commissioned by the likes of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Guildhall and Tate Britain.

The poet Courtney Conrad sitting in a wing-backed leather chair smiling and looking at the camera in front of a bright orange wall

Thembe Mvula is a poet and writer working across the written word, performance and film. She the author of We That Wither Beneath, her debut prize shortlisted poetry pamphlet.

The poet Thembe Mvula standing in the Autumn sunshine in front of autumnal coloured leaves