Video: Henry Normal talks poetry and pints with Hugh Casswell
Nottingham-born comedian, poet and writer, Henry Normal, has been immortalised through the power of beer.
Castle Rock Brewery’s not only named their new ale after him but has also invited Normal to help brew it himself.
The idea is part of the city’s World Poetry Day celebrations and comes weeks before Nottingham holds its annual Poetry Festival.
“Do you know, I’m very honoured,” said Normal, who is best known for writing films including Philomena, Alan Partridge : Alpha Papa and also for co-writing TV series The Royle Family.
“Castle Rock have a long tradition of naming their beers after people and I think after me they are reprising their Brian Clough beer, so I’m in good company.”
Normal, who was born in Nottingham, maintains strong links to the city despite now living in Brighton and has been a vocal supporter of the city’s successful bid to become a UNESCO City of Literature.
He has also been part of the group which organised and set up the festival, which made its debut in 2015.
Castle Rock Brewery, on Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, started brewing ales named after famous faces and unsung heroes in 2010.
The Henry Normal brew should be ready to try in early April, and will be available in pubs in time for the Nottingham Poetry Festival, which starts on April 21.
April 3 sees a preview-style event at the brewery’s Vat and Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road, where the first Henry Normal pint will be officially poured.
More than 50 events will be held across the city over 10 days, with Normal hosting a number of ‘poetry hours’ at different venues.
The line-up also includes ‘people’s poet’ John Cooper Clarke, Mouthy Poets and disabled writers’ group Quiet Riot.
More information, including the festival’s full programme, can be found on its official website.
