Cecilia Knapp | Making Space

Poet, novelist, playwright and former Young People's Laureate for London, Cecilia Knapp, joins Roundhouse CEO and Artistic Director Marcus Davey to explore the power of authentic human stories and how not to overthink a poem.

Cecilia reveals her personal, transformative journey with creativity, starting with finding community at the Roundhouse Poetry Collective, which she calls "the pivotal moment of my life". She shares her unique perspective on what poetry is—a language we’ve built to convey something "complex or slippery to convey," cutting directly to the heart of what is often "unsayable" with bog-standard words. Cecilia shares how she brings courage and honesty to her writing, noting that grief can be "mundane and it can be surreal and it can be funny sometimes".

Cecilia’s latest book, Lack, is out in May 2026. Go to www.ceciliaknapp.com to find out more.

Making Space is a six-episode series, featuring intimate conversations with leading artists and thinkers connected to the Roundhouse. You can hear previous episodes with Oscar-winning actor, writer, producer, and director Daniel Kaluuya and internationally renowned artist, Sir Antony Gormley, wherever you get your podcasts. Series two will be announced in May.
The Roundhouse is a youth charity and independent multi-arts venue based in Camden, London. Set within a Grade II* listed performance space, it is the UK’s leading creative centre for young people, engaging more than 10,000 young people annually through its creative youth programme.
Credits
Guest: Cecilia Knapp
Host: Marcus Davey
Audio Producer: Mia Campbell
Editor: Sarah Warren
Theme music by Shunaji
Senior Producer: Marie Horner