Liverpool–Literary, Letters, etc
With the headline-grabbing newsthat a Facebook app version of Scrabble had deleted players’ high scores and made changes to the dictionary, this is a reminder that the old fashioned words on paper (or maybe eBook) are the best way to make the letters stay put.
Liverpool is a major source of talent in creative letter placement – books, screenplays, poetry and song-writing – many giants of the craft have originated from or been associated with this city. Here are a few notables – so get ready to tot up the scores.
Books – Beryl Bainbridge
Liverpool-born novelist Beryl Bainbridge was five times nominated for the Booker Prize and twice won the Whitbread Award for best novel (Injury Time, 1977 and Every Man for Himself, 1996).Also under the letter B – Clive Barker – writer, producer and film director, but his material not for the faint-hearted.
Poetry – The Liverpool Poets
The well-known phrase or saying “The Liverpool Poets” refers to a group of poets who came to prominence in the 1960’s. Those most specifically linked with this movement include Adrian Henri and Roger McGough. During this decade the art of poetry actually had a “scene” and the strength of this influenced a Liverpool export of some significance – The Beatles. At this time the cross-over from poetry into music was strong, with these individuals contributing lyrics to major artists of the day and being part of bands themselves, such as Cream, The Liverpool Scene (labelled a “poetry band) and The Scaffold, who had a UK No.1 with “Lily The Pink”.
Songwriters – Lennon & McCartney
Of course no mention of Liverpool tunesmiths would be complete without a nod to the Beatles. As a band and solo artists – yes, even Ringo – the individual members have been influential even to this day. So many works of musical art to choose from, but here is Paul McCartney (and the Frog Chorus):
Comedy Writers & Performers
Comedy writing – for both stand-up and television – requires skills and originality perhaps overlooked in a summary of literature. In this spotlight, Liverpool also shines: two notables with great Scrabble scoring letters in their names are Alexei Sayle and Peter Serafinowicz. Though with 12 letters in his last name, that would be tricky to play – even if the new rules allow proper nouns…
Another comedy performer (or two) is Paul O’ Grady previously known as Lily Savage. He/she is/was comedian, author and TV host – presenting amongst others “Blankety Blank”, another useful (though zero-scoring) Scrabble tile!
Over the last decade or so the city has been transformed into a diverse cultural destination, picking up World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture accolades in 2004 and 2008. With a full house of Liverpool hotels, theatre and music venues, shows and events – like the recent Liverpool literary festival – this is a destination worth the trip. So pack the travel Scrabble for the journey and write a nice postcard for family back home.
