Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

Poet, dramatist, literary critic, editor Thomas Stearns Eliot is widely acknowledged as being one of the finest writers of the twentieth century. Author of some of the best-loved poems in the English language as well as plays such as Murder in the Cathedral and The Cocktail Party, he was awarded The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats can safely be classed as perhaps his lightest piece of work. ‘Old Possum’ was Ezra Pound’s nickname for him. If you’ve ever been to see Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, you’ll know the impact this volume of poetry has had on the world.

The event

Come along to the chapel to listen to an audio presentation of this beloved work while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the beautiful building. Hear an introduction to the life and work of TS Eliot and his association with the neighbourhood of Fitzrovia. Our speaker for this event will be Kate Thorogood, Programme Curator for the chapel. Kate can also tell you about the history of the chapel itself and its wonderful interior. Like all our Wireless Contemplation events, you don’t need a ticket and it is free.

Wireless Contemplation

The Wireless Contemplation series of events at the Fitzrovia Chapel focus on influential cultural figures associated with the neighbourhood of Fitzrovia. They are an opportunity to listen to a wonderful story, biography or speech as spoken word while staring at the starry ceiling of the chapel. It’s a chance to pause for a moment in a busy day and step out of the urban noise. Past subjects have included Virginia Woolf, ER Braithwaite and the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. The event in June will be Lytton Strachey’s Eminent Victorians focusing on Florence Nightingale.