Plymouth playwright and publicist Laura Horton is Plymouth’s first ever Laureate of Words, for the two years 2021-22.
This autumn, Literature Works joined forces with Plymouth Culture and The Box to recruit a Laureate of Words for the city, picking up the baton from outgoing Poet Laureate, Thom Boulton.
The call for the new Laureate of Words was made far and wide to find a wordsmith of any kind to take up this new creative role, representing the city in words.
A panel of partners across the city selected three hopefuls to go through to the first ever public vote for the role. Throughout November, Laura Horton campaigned for votes alongside fellow playwright and co-director of Downstage Write, Jon Nash and poet Caitlin Brawn before emerging as the public’s choice for Laureate of Words. A total of over 2,150 votes were cast by members of the public in Plymouth.
Over the two years of her Laureateship, Laura will respond to a series of commissions from partners and organisations across Plymouth. She will run a series of events for the public, including one for young people, as well as representing the city at occasions in the civic calendar.
Speaking about her appointment, Laura said:
“I’m thrilled to be offered the position of Plymouth Laureate of Words. To be the first woman feels significant and I know I won’t be the last. I’m excited to explore this role as the first playwright, illuminating the life, culture and stories of this historically rich city.”
