Jude Simpson – Poet, wordsmith, performer
Jude Simpson – Poet. Wordsmith. Writer. Performer.
Spring shows ahead!
Looking ahead to February 2026:
Leicester Kids Comedy Festival – Sunday 15th February 4pm
Exeter Library – Wednesday 18th February
Cambridge Junction Theatre – Sunday 22nd February 11.30am and 2pm
Bristol Wardrobe Theatre – Sunday 3rd May 2pm
Details, ticket links and other dates/events are on the What’s On page.
“A Noise Annoys” is a poetry show for all the senses! It features rhymes, noises, songs, surprises and lots of audience interaction. Bursting with joyful humour and witty wordplay, Jude takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through the sounds of languge and the language of sounds. There is lots of joy, a healthy dose of nonsense, and a few heartfelt moments of beautiful hush.
Using poems,puns, tongue-twisters, quirky props and a trusty guitar, Jude finds the joy and annoyance in the things we hear, asking: Is it a noise that’s annoying, or the person making it? Do pingers ever ding? If you had a pet badger, what would you call it? This show will engage children with the spoken and written word, and leave them full of joy at the possibilities of language.
“A Noise Annoys is a really wonderful show for anyone, but especially children and families. It delights in the joy of words, story and music, which Jude blends so skillfully to create a hugely enjoyable piece.” – David Durant, Associate Director, The Courtyard, Hereford
The show is designed for families with children aged 6+. It’s accessible, interactive and fun one-hour performance packed full of my trademark blend of witty wordplay, comedy and song. Dates and venues are being added all the time, from a library in Oundle to a theatre in Weston Super Mare, from summer holidays to October half term and all sorts of other times and places! Head to my What’s On page for the latest details and ticket links.
Or check out the “A Noise Annoys” Trailer to get a flavour of the show.
“The show was full of whimsy and joy, and the audience – young and old – loved it.” – Elena, festival organiser
“What a fantastic, hilariously enjoyable show. Took the family and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Jude is incredibly talented in her “wordsmithing” and her interactions with young and old audience members alike. I would highly recommend visiting her shows.” – Nico, audience member
About Jude
Jude Simpson is an established Spoken Word artist who combines poetry, wordplay and song to entertain and delight audiences. The result is a warm, witty and uplifting act, with wide appeal and a strong feel-good factor. Find out where she’s performing here.
“Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer… She needs to be seen and heard wherever possible.” – Michael Rosen, Poet and former Children’s Laureate
Jude performs across the UK, especially in East Anglia. She has completed three solo runs at the Edinburgh Festival, and won three national poetry slams. She has appeared at Glastonbury, Greenbelt, and many other comedy and literature festivals, including Cambridge, Edinburgh and Cheltenham. Her work has been featured on Radio 2, 4 and 5, and in Baby Cow’s “Slam Poets” on BBC3 TV.
“She has words on a string like so many yoyos, and her lines sparkle with wit and panache.” – The Scotsman
Jude has been entertaining general audiences for many years, but began writing specifically for families since having her own children. She is developing her family show “A Noise Annoys” with the support of the Key Theatre in Peterborough and Cambridge Junction Theatre, and is touring the show from May 2025 – see What’s on for dates and the “A Noise Annoys” page for details. Jude is publishing a collection of poems, also called “A Noise Annoys” which will be available in person or on amazon from May onwards.
Jude’s poems have appeared in children’s anthologies, both online and in print, including “Midnight Feasts” collated by a f harrold and published by Bloomsbury, Tyger Tyger and the Dirigible Balloon. Her first children’s musical was published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in 2024, and she is Poet in Residence at her local branch of Homestart – the family support charity. You can also see her #LimerickInALingerie store at branches of Bravissimo UK-wide.
“A charismatic and skilful performer” – The Stage
Jude also works as a co-athor, helping people tell their stories, particularly those with a faith aspect. “Broken by Love” told the story of Val Jeal MBE’s inspirational work with marginalised women and was shortlisted for Biography/Memoir of the year 2023 by Christian Resources Together. Jude has supported power-lifters-turned-evangelists “Tough Talk” with their latest book, “Lifting the Darkness” (Authentic Media, April 2025) and is currently working on a new book with an international engineering consultant!
Jude also undertakes commissions, leads workshops and is a host / interviewer for literary and other events. She is a veteran of Edinburgh, Glastonbury and Greenbelt, and a regular at Big Church Festival. She lives in East Anglia, in a big house with lots of people and one dog.
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“Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer, using her face and body with huge effect. She needs to be seen and heard wherever possible.”
“She’s got words on a string like so many yoyos, and her lines sparkle with wit and panache”