The Hull poet Maurice Rutherford, who died last year at the august age of 103, is to be celebrated in a special show at Hull Truck Theatre on Saturday 9th May 2026.
Curated by well-known Yorkshire actor Barrie Rutter OBE and Rutherford’s daughter and son-in-law, the show will bring together figures from the literary, theatrical, academic, musical and even political worlds to celebrate his life and work.
Rutherford’s daughter Jeannie said: “We wanted this show to be a joyful event with poetry, music, stories and laughter rather than an ‘in-memoriam’ thing. It’s what he would have wanted too – although knowing him, coming from Yorkshire, he would never have blown his own trumpet. So now we’re doing it for him.”
Entitled “This Day Dawning” – the title of one of his most popular volumes of poetry, the evening will feature among others, folk-singer Eliza Carthy, local poets Dean Wilson and Chris Sewart, as well as later converts to his work such as singer-songwriter Serious Child (Alan Young) and Chancellor of the University of Hull, Alan Johnson.
The show’s curators: Barrie Rutter, Jeannie Clarke and Phil Curry will also make their own personal contributions to the evening’s entertainment.
Jeannie added: “It’s a joy to know that so many people were moved by his work and continue to be. I’m proud to be able to take up the mantle and ensure that his legacy endures.”
To book tickets for This Day Dawning, please visit www.hulltruck.co.uk or contact the Box Office: 01482 323638.