Hull poet Maurice Rutherford to be celebrated in show at Hull Truck Theatre

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 (Saturday 9 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: Barre Rutter, Jeannie Clarke and Phil Curry will also make their own  personal contributions to the evening’s entertainment.

Jeannie again, “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.”

This Day Dawning: A Celebration of the Life and Poetry of Maurice Rutherford plays at Hull Truck Theatre Saturday 9 May. Tickets are available here.