Rory Aaron – And within these cobbled streets [2023]

The narrative poem behind Rory Aaron’s debut show, This Town.

And within these cobbled streets, is a modern-day epic, long narrative poem, by Rory Aaron (BBC New Creatives and Southbank Poetry Collective). The autobiographical work is based on Rory’s own life- growing up in a working class, post-industrialised small town in Derby, and it looks at his own experience with loss, opportunities and friendship. The work also specifically zones-in on issues around class; the ethics of army recruitment and support available after combat; the cost-of-living crisis; and mental health.

‘In this sweeping narrative poem, Rory gives us a glimpse into an arresting world full of lovable and maddening characters. Gifted with a conversational and propulsively rhythmic voice, Rory has honed a fluid and generous writing style. His hometown is depicted with fondness without slipping into sentimentality. Banality sits beside transcendence, violence by puppy love and sticky pints. This book is a bittersweet delight.’ – Vanessa Kisule

‘This Town pulled me in, sat me down, 

told me to shut up and 

handed me a can.

The music of it

felt familiar and new 

at the same time.

I could quote it for days.’ – Polarbear