So, I was at a dinner party last week—you know the kind, where someone’s trying to sound clever about British poetry—and a guy goes, “Simon Armitage? Isn’t he the one who writes about sheep and goes on walks?” I nearly choked on my wine. Yes, he’s our Poet Laureate, but that guy clearly hadn’t seen the other side of Armitage. Because before he was writing odes to the Queen, Simon was busy popping up in more TV and film cameos than you’d expect from a man in tweed.
Let’s be real: you probably know him for his poetry or his lockdown nature walks on BBC. But if you’ve ever thought, “Wait, is that the Poet Laureate in a dark crime drama?”, you’re not alone. I’ve spent the last week digging through his IMDb page, and it’s weirder and more wonderful than I ever imagined. Grab a cuppa, because we’re about to explore the filmography of a man who clearly doesn’t believe in staying in one lane.
The "Wait, That’s Him?" Moments
Let’s start with the obvious: Armitage is not a professional actor. He doesn’t have to be—he’s a poet who gets invited to play himself, usually with a scripted twist. Take the 2018 drama “The Yorkshire Ripper” (you might have seen it on ITV). He pops up as a local journalist. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role, but he delivers his lines with that dry Yorkshire grit.
Must Read
Then there’s “The Last Kingdom” (yes, that one about Anglo-Saxons). He played a monk, of all things. Imagine the voice that reads “The Dead Sea Poems” suddenly chanting Latin in a muddy monastery. Chef’s kiss. He’s not the star—he’s the seasoning, but it works.
When Poetry Meets the Screen (Literally)
Of course, his biggest contribution to TV isn’t acting—it’s writing for the screen. He adapted his own poem, “The Allotment”, into a short film, and it’s haunting. The man knows how to turn a metaphor into a visual. More famously, he wrote the screenplay for the 2013 film “The Mighty Dead”, which is about hubris and war. Honestly, it’s heavy, but it proves he’s not just a guy who rhymes for a living.
And let’s not forget “The Ballad of the Underpass”—a TV drama he wrote about a murder on a canal path. It’s based on real events, and he brought that same unflinching eye he uses in his poetry to the story. If you’re into true crime with a literary twist, track it down. It’s not on Netflix, but it’s worth the hunt.
Simon armitage best poems|simon armitage famous poems
The Documentary King
Here’s where things get fun. Armitage has become the go-to guy for landscape documentaries. He did a series called “Simon Armitage: Walking Home” where he literally walked the Pennine Way while reciting poetry. You’d think it would be boring, but he’s funny as hell. There’s a moment where he tries to buy a packet of crisps at a remote shop and the owner doesn’t recognize him. Gold.
Then there’s “The Poet’s Guide to the British Isles”—a Radio 4 series that became a TV special. He visits places that inspired famous poems, but he keeps it light. He’ll be standing on a hill, saying something profound, then crack a joke about the rain. It’s like watching your favourite uncle who happens to be a national treasure.
The Weird One: “The Friday Night Comedy”
For real, check out his appearance on “The Now Show” (BBC Radio 4) which later got adapted into a TV sketch. He reads a poem about Brexit, but he’s wearing a chicken costume. I’m not making this up. It went viral for a hot minute. It shows he’s got a playful side—he’s not afraid to be ridiculous.
Simon Armitage - Manchester City of Literature
And yes, he’s been on “The One Show” a bunch of times, but that’s just his day job at this point. The real treat is finding him in “University Challenge” as a contestant in the Christmas special. He didn’t win, but his deadpan stare when he got a question wrong is pure meme material.
The Films That Hurt to Watch (In a Good Way)
Let’s talk about “The Body” from 2019. It’s a short film, 14 minutes long, about a man who finds a corpse in a field. Armitage wrote and directed it. The ending is brutal. It’s not a feel-good watch, but it’s proof that his brain works on a cinematic level. He understands pacing and silence in ways most poets don’t.
Another hidden gem is “Stanley and the Women”—a TV movie adaptation of the Kingsley Amis novel. Armitage doesn’t star in it, but he narrates it in that unmistakable voice. It’s like having a private audiobook with a live performance. If you’re a fan of his reading style, this is your jam.
A Complete (Sort Of) List
Alright, here’s the quick-shot filmography for your next trivia night:
An Evening with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at the Theatre Royal
TV Shows: “The Yorkshire Ripper” (2018), “The Last Kingdom” (2015 as the monk), “The One Show” (multiple), “University Challenge” (Christmas special, 2019), “The Friday Night Comedy” (sketches).
Documentaries: “Walking Home” (2014), “The Poet’s Guide to the British Isles” (2016), “Simon Armitage: A Poem for the NHS” (2020).
Films & Shorts: “The Allotment” (short, 2012), “The Mighty Dead” (2013), “The Body” (short, 2019), “Ballad of the Underpass” (TV drama, 2015).
BBC confirms Repair Shop's return along with two special anniversary
Voice Work: “Stanley and the Women” (narrator, 2020), “The Shipping Forecast” (poem reading, 2012).
Why Should You Care?
Look, Simon Armitage isn’t going to win an Oscar. His acting range is basically “slightly awkward Yorkshireman who looks like he’s thinking about a poem.” But that’s exactly why his filmography is charming. He doesn’t try too hard. He shows up, does the job, and makes you smile with his authenticity.
Next time someone tells you poets are boring, hit them with this: “Yeah, but Simon Armitage was a monk in a Netflix show and he once wore a chicken costume for Brexit.” That’s the kind of trivia that wins debates. And if you’re still not convinced, just watch “Walking Home”—you’ll end up wanting to hike the Pennine Way, or at least buy a packet of crisps in a remote shop.
Now go binge his weird little filmography. I’ll be here, rewatching the chicken costume bit.