Comedy legend, radio star, and poetry evangelist Frank Skinner is back — and this time, he’s bringing scrap cars, village swimming teachers, and even the Flintstones into the world of verse. Here are five things you should know about the just-announced Series 11 of Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast, dropping this month.

1. Frank’s Poetry Passion Is Stronger Than Ever

Since launching his Poetry Podcast in April 2020, Frank Skinner has become an unexpected — and brilliant — champion of poetry. The podcast shot up the charts and won glowing reviews for making poetry feel funny, personal, and deeply tied to everyday life.

Series 11 proves Frank’s obsession shows no sign of slowing down — and he’s still determined to convert even the most poetry-phobic listeners.

2. Poems About… The Flintstones?

One reason Skinner’s podcast is so addictive is his knack for unearthing surprising poems. While he covers classics, he also delights in unexpected subjects.

Series 11 will feature a poem about scrap cars, one about a village swimming teacher, another about the Flintstones, and even a piece focusing on three tulips in a milk bottle. Frank teased that he also recited a poem in a church pulpit near Aberystwyth — and won’t reveal why until the episode airs. This is poetry as you’ve never heard it before.

3. He’s Shining a Light on Poets You Might Not Know

Frank has a gift for introducing listeners to new voices, and Series 11 offers a rich mix of classic and contemporary poets. This time, he’ll be reading and discussing work by R.S. Thomas, Jack Clemo, Amy Clampitt, Rebecca Goss, Scott McKendry, and Greta Stoddart.

It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into poetry without feeling intimidated — especially given Frank’s famously conversational, unpretentious style, as The Times describes it.

4. He’s Also Keeping Busy in Comedy

Frank Skinner isn’t only waxing lyrical about poetry. He recently launched a brand-new comedy podcast, Frank Off The Radio, reuniting him with longtime collaborators Emily Dean and Pierre Novellie.

The twice-weekly show debuted last October and quickly hit No. 1 in the comedy charts. Critics have called it warm-hearted, relatable, whimsical but never twee (The Sunday Times). So if you want more Frank between poetry drops, this is the place to be.

5. Mark Your Calendar for 23rd July

The best news? You won’t have long to wait. Series 11 of Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast launches on Wednesday 23rd July. Produced by Avalon, it will be available to stream or download on all major podcast platforms.

So whether you’re a poetry enthusiast, a comedy lover, or just looking for something new for your commute, pop Frank’s podcast into your queue — and get ready for poems about everything from flowers to Fred Flintstone.

Catch Series 11 of Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast from 23rd July on your favourite podcast app.