ROBERT SEATTER
Poet, Performer, Broadcaster
& Arts professional
About ME
Poetry collections

I have published six poetry collections: Travelling to the Fish Orchards, On the Beach with Chet Baker, Writing King Kong and The House of Everything, all from Seren and The Book of Snow from Two Rivers Press. A new collection, My Lover as Houdini, was published by Paekakariki Press in early 2024.

A sense of engagement

I am also a poet who enjoys reading his work to an audience, having worked in theatre, TV and radio as actor, reader and animator. Audiences have appreciated my genuine sense of engagement: 

“Robert Seatter is a witty, engaging and dynamic reader of his own work; his readings are a sheer pleasure – audiences delight in his charm and warmth. Book him!”

Catherine Smith, Lewes Poetry

Wider arts role

In addition, I am a wide-ranging Arts professional. I regularly chair literary debates and discussions; I have been a lucid adjudicator of countless poetry competitions; and am an experienced arts trustee. I was Chair of The Poetry Trust which ran the acclaimed Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, and I am now Chair of The Poetry Archive.

Finally, I have worked in broadcasting, at the BBC, for over twenty years, in a range of roles, both in front of and behind the microphone/camera. At present, I am Head of BBC History, telling the story of the Corporation at the heart of national life, as well as on the global stage.

Robert Seatter outside his cottage

I have won many awards and nominations for my poetry including National Poetry Competition, London Poetry, Forward Poetry Prize and Housman Poetry Prize. Critical response has been very positive:

“Fresh, uncluttered poetry… where a kind of luminous immanence is possible.”

Poetry Wales

Awards

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Commended Urban Tree Festival Poetry, 2021

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1st Prize Torbay Poetry Competition, 2015

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1st Prize Wells Poetry Competition, 2012

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Commended Scintilla 12 Competition, 2011

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Commended Yorkshire Poetry Competition, 2010

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Shortlisted for Best Individual Poem, Forward Poetry Prize, 2001

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2nd Prize London Poetry Competition, 2001

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1st Prize London Poetry Competition, 2000

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Commended Housman Poetry Prize, 2000

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Commended Housman Poetry Prize, 1998

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Commended National Poetry Competition, 1998

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Commended National Poetry Competition, 1997

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1st Prize, Ripley Poetry Competition, 1999

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1st Prize, Ripley Poetry Competition, 1998

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1st Prize Harlow Poetry Competition, 1997

Robert Seatter
Poet, Performer, Broadcaster and Arts Professional
BOOKING