Jude Simpson is a unique writer and entertainer, combining insightful observational comedy with poetry, rap and song to create a unique act which leaves audiences smiling, laughing and occasionally hungry. 
Her writing is lighthearted and upbeat, though with a linguistic craftsmanship which has had her compared to writers as diverse as Eminem and Joyce Grenfell. 

Jude’s performance style is engaging and energetic - from a poem describing the characteristics of a female football fan to songs about big bones, lost love and found gadgets, she has wide appeal and the ability to leave you with a warm glow and a suspicion that maybe, just maybe, everything’s going to be OK……

Jude has appeared on BBC Radio 4's "Saturday Live" show presented by Fi Glover. 

Jude appeared as a guest on the BBC World Service's "Everywoman" in December 2005 alongside author Carol Clewlow in a discussion on the nature of singleness, and in particular, whether the word "spinster" should be reclaimed or consigned to history...

Jude appeared for BBC Radio 2 in March 2005 in "Eddie Izzard's Late Night Cabaret", performing alongside the likes of Guy Barker, Beverley Knight, Jerry hall and Pete Townsend (!!)

Jude was one of just 8 poets from across the UK to appear on BBC3's slam show "Slam Poets", hosted by Lemn Sissay and produced by Baby Cow in October 2004. 

Jude performed her Andrew Marr poem on the Today Programme for BBC Radio 4 during the 2005 election campaign.  The performance was subsequently featured on Pick of the Week and the Election Round-up.

Jude was one of 15 poets selected for BBC Radio 7's "Stand Up Poetry" series hosted by Matt Harvey in February 2005.  

Jude has also appeared on Word for Word with Dotun Adebayo for BBC Radio London and on a regular news-review slot on BBC Radio Solent.  She has worked as a presenter on community radio Riverside FM in association with Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, and on Riverside Radio in Charing Cross Hospital.  She is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire where she has taken part in news reviews and presented a series of meditations for advent. 

Jude has completed three successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival with a solo  show of stand-up poetry, song and comedy.  See the Edinburgh page for details and reviews.  These shows have been toured around the UK at arts festivals, theatres and other venues.  The latest - "Jude Simpson's Growing Up Games" - is currently available for touring.  Contact Jude for details. 

Jude was part of the original cast for the two runs of the acclaimed "ten poet jam" at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London, where she performed poetry alongside other performance poets and rappers including Crisis, Gemma Weekes and Kat Francois.  

In May 2006, Jude won the Swindon Festival of Literature Poetry Slam.  In August 2004 Jude won the Edinburgh International Book Festival slam organised by Big Word.  In October 2003, Jude won the UK Allcomers Slam at the Cheltenham Literature Festival - the biggest slam poetry competition in Europe.  

Jude performs her own brand of poetic and musical cabaret comedy at literature festivals, cabaret clubs, music events, acoustic clubs, charity events, private functions, comedy clubs.  She is also available for compering/hosting poetry or cabaret events. 

“What a star you are!  You were definitely the hit of the Festival in the poetry department… you were brilliant.” – lit. festival organiser

“you were the perfect person to start our evening… On your behalf I received heaps of praise.  You were loved by all.” – charity auction organiser

Jude can create a poem for your particular event, or for a specific person or special occasion - eg. weddings and birthdays.  Rates are available on request.  Jude also undertakes commissions for other performers and actors/actresses, and has contributed to a number of books and collections. 

For details on all these aspects of Jude's poetry work, please do contact her.