Some voices don’t fade with time, but they settle into it. Over decades, Michael Rosen has built a body of work that moves easily between generations, carried by rhythm, humour and the way it continues to live beyond the page.
On 4 May 2026, he brings that voice to the stage at the Rose Theatre in Kingston with NICE!, a live performance marking his 80th birthday. It’s an evening shaped by poetry, storytelling and the kind of delivery that has always been central to his work: spoken, shared and engaging with the audience in the room.
A voice that shaped generations
Born in 1946 in London, Michael Rosen has written over 200 books spanning poetry, picture books and non-fiction, becoming one of the most influential figures in children’s literature in the UK. His work, including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake, is known for capturing the rhythm of everyday speech, often drawing directly from personal experiences.
Beyond writing, Rosen has always been a performer. From school visits to radio broadcasts, his work exists as much in the spoken word as it does on the page; something that continues to define how audiences connect with it today.
A show built around performance
NICE! leans into that live element. The performance brings together some of Rosen’s best-known poems alongside new material from his latest collection Peas On Your Knees, creating a mix that feels both familiar and current.
Rather than following a strict structure, the show moves through different moments from his career, shaped by tone, memory and audience interaction. It’s a format that reflects how his work has always functioned: fluid, responsive and grounded in the act of telling.
Poetry that stays with you
Part of Rosen’s impact comes from how accessible his work feels. His poems often start in ordinary situations , family life, food, school; before shifting into something more reflective, without losing their simplicity.
That balance has made his writing widely recognisable across generations, with many people able to recall lines years after first hearing them. It’s this connection between spoken rhythm and memory that continues to define his work.
Listen closely to how the performance moves between humour and quieter moments. That shift is where much of Rosen’s work resonates most. The familiar poems often take on a different energy when performed live, shaped by timing, pauses and audience reaction. And the newer material offers a glimpse into how his voice continues to evolve without losing its core.
Plan your visit
NICE! is at the Rose Theatre in Kingston on 4 May 2026 and on a national tour afterwards , with a running time of approximately one hour. The performance is suitable for all ages, with younger audiences welcome when accompanied by an adult.
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