Chrys Salt MBE is a widely published poet and a happy performer of her work. She has written in every genre except the novel – plays, books and features – but is primarily a poet with roots deeply planted in the theatre. She has written four full poetry collections and five pamphlet collections and performed UK-wide, in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Finland, India and Australia. Her work has been broadcast on both Radio 3 and 4, read by Chrys and by others, been translated into several languages and appeared in anthologies, magazines and journals worldwide. She is a trained performer and worked as a successful actress for some years alongside her writing career.
She is the Artistic Director of The Bakehouse a flourishing arts venue, and BIG LIT: The Stewartry Book Festival an annual four day literature Festival that takes place in south west Scotland. You can find out more about her here.
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself:
- I’m only 4’ 11’’ and bang my bottom on the kerb if I’m not careful.
- I have to stand on a box to reach the wine glasses.
- I once shared a dressing room with Julie Christie.
- I have been married for a long time, but not always to the same person.
What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why?
39 plus VAT – I enjoy it because I’ve been 39 plus VAT for some time now!
Who is your favourite fictional character or famous person over 60?
Mr Darcy. He must be 60+ by now …?!?
You are alone in your house (no pets). You have three minutes to get out before the house collapses and burns to the ground. What one possession would you grab and take with you?
My makeup! Shallow I know … But hey, a newly homeless girl’s gotta look good.
What’s your favourite creative pastime?
Answering quirky questions. Obviously ?
Tell us something about yourself that’s surprising or unexpected.
I once removed Robert Graves’ hand from my knee in the back of an Oxford taxi and ate sausage sandwiches with Morecambe and Wise.
Chyrs was our judge in the Autumn Voices Poetry Competition. Find out what she thought about the entrants and the winners!