James E. Kenward

Contemporary Performance Poet

With a distinctive voice that bridges the gap between traditional verse, rave emcee, and modern spoken word, James E. Kenward has captivated audiences across Europe and beyond.

His performances are characterized by their emotional intensity and linguistic precision, drawing from a deep well of literary tradition while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary concerns. Through his work, Kenward challenges audiences to reconsider the boundaries between poetry, performance, and lived experience.

James E. Kenward's work has been Time Out Critics' Choice and Sony Academy Award-nominated.

Biography

James's poetry collection 'Key and Other Poems' has been developed into several films. 'A Woman Like This' premieres at Fantasia International Film Festival, August 2026, and the title poem 'Key - or Who Needs the Key' is a film starring T. S. Eliot Prize-winnerJoelle Taylor, who called working
with James 'inspiring'. James has written and performed for many repeat runs on the London stages, he performs with The Eight Cylinder Big Band, and his voice regularly features in number 1 ranked productions on Audible.

Shop now

"

'Kenward shines bright, and is destined for a great future.'

The Stage

"

'When scientists send rockets into far-away space to introduce themselves they include the latest pop music and snippets of trivial TV. Instead they should send a copy of these poems.'

Edward Bond

"

‘How interesting to see these issues which still trouble us and remain unresolved today investigated with such rigorous and unsentimental honesty'

Julian Fellowes

"

'I hope he keeps putting his immense talents to such effective use.'

Time Out Critic's Choice