Biography

Previous Glastonbury Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson has written commissions for the RSC, The Royal Geographical Society and the National Portrait Gallery. He’s performed at festivals and venues including: Latitude; Wilderness; Harare international Festival of the Arts; Leipzig Book Fair; The Union Chapel; Battersea Arts Centre; The Natural History Museum; The Royal Albert Hall and The House of Lords. 

His one man theatre show ‘For The Record’ won the Pleasance Indie Award for Best Theatre Show at at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018. His one man theatre show ‘I Wish I Was A Mountain’ won the prestigious Victor Award for Best Theatre Show at Philadelphia’s IPAY Festival 2020. In 2022, Toby toured 'I Wish I Was A Mountain' to China for six months. He has extensive experience in educating aspiring poets of all ages across continents.

“Entrancing… The words tumble out of him like an extended jazz solo. ”  The Guardian

"Touching, captivating, and toe-tinglingly lovely, Toby’s work is a joy." Edinburgh Guide, 5 stars

"Toby Thompson transforms a shipping container into a sensory escape that mirrors his poetry: heartfelt, intricate, often humorous & always evocative portraits of love. 5/5"  Fringe Biscuit, 5 stars

"...a wonderful gift for language, a deep sensibility and a penetrating sense of perspective." Sir Ken Robinson. Renowned Educationalist and Creativity Expert

"Toby Thompson - an unshowy craftsman who makes words, and values, matter whatever your age." Herald Scotland, 5 stars

"...easily one of the most gifted young wordsmiths I have ever had the pleasure to encounter.”  Akala. Rapper & founder of the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company

"An exquisite escape from the noise of modern life, offering life lessons that sing through the ages." Irish Times, 5 stars

“Toby Thompson is the future.”  Kae Tempest