Hello Poetry Lovers
Welcome back to the talk show studio 
(Rapturous applause).
Our very distinguished guest tonight is poet and translator Timothy Ades.
(Standing ovation that could get out of hand!)
Now settle down, PL’s – because here he is now!! (Deafening applause as our esteemed guest walks down the lighted stairs)
Welcome to the show, Timothy. I love that crushed velvet suit!
It’s a pleasure and an honour, Heather. And what a lovely audience!
Aren’t they just?! But don’t talk too soon, Dobby’s on the prowl!!
Why don’t you fill us in on your background, Timothy?
I’m a rhyming translator-poet, in love with languages. I learnt French and Latin at school and was sometimes in Egypt in the school holidays. 
My granny spoke French and my Mum loved rhymes. When the penny dropped that Latin is a dead language, I turned to modern languages and our own times.
A lovely classic background, Timothy.
When did poetry become a part of your life?
In my education there was plenty of poetry: English, and Latin, some French, even some Greek. 
And quite a lot of translating. But after that, it was a long time before I started to write anything at all.
Yes, you are a very prolific translator.
Who were your biggest influences?
Shakespeare, Tennyson, Virgil, John Betjeman, songs, rhymes, hymns, and all the foreign poets I’ve translated, especially Victor Hugo, Robert Desnos, Alfonso Reyes, Bertolt Brecht.
Such incredible influences there, Timothy.
Are you working on anything at the moment?
Always! So many possible books in my computer. Always new poems.
Going on Facebook and YouTube. My bookstall of translated poetry.
We’re so impressed with your output, and so beautifully produced.
What’s the best poetry gig you’ve ever done?
The best must be the launch of my biggest book, ‘Robert Desnos, Surrealist, Lover, Resistant’ with Dame Marina Warner, and Sonia Masson reciting in French and singing: I sat slumped and stolid, crushed by the weight of that book, 860 grams in paperback. 
And two with music from Venezuela, thanks to Gloria Carnevali and pianist Clara Rodriguez. All those are on YouTube.
Biggest live audiences were when I won the Valle-Inclan Prize and the John Dryden Prize. Many others…!
And the Worst ?!
A solo evening of all my books. Even with friends to read in foreign languages, it was dire!
Well, if anything, it made you stronger.
Evenings like that seem very long, don’t they?!
Thanks for coming on the show, Timothy. You’ve been a fascinating guest (Audience cheer)
Are you out on the town tonight? A poetry nightclub perhaps?
I think I’ll go home and iron this velvet suit, Heather.
Thank you so much and goodnight.
(Looks around nervously) Er – is Dobby about?
(I nod) 
(Our esteemed guest legs it very fast back up the lighted stairs, followed by cries of agony and ‘watch the suit, Dobby!’ )
Wasn’t Timothy Ades a wonderful guest, PL’s?! We have the honour of his featuring at the Adelaide in March next year. Can’t wait!!
Thanks for coming to the talk show studio, Poetry Lovers. We’ll be back with more poetry action real soon….
Heather Moulson 
Thanks for sharing these fascinating insights. Translating poetry is a great skill 🌹🌹
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I know. Wonderful gift x
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What an interesting interview Heather and what an interesting poet. I’ll go on to Facebook and YouTube and read up more about him. I’m really looking forward to seeing him in March at the Adelaide Pub in Teddington when he’ll be appearing as our featured poet. Thank you Heather.
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Thank You, Anne. Well look forward to it x
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