The Pinter Poem – an award for poets in prison
“Poetry was central to the life of Harold Pinter and thus became central to our life together,” writes Antonia Fraser, widow of the Nobel Prize-winning playwright and poet (the couple are pictured above, on their wedding day). In his memory, and as Frank Longford’s daughter, she has established the Pinter Poem award. “As an actor, Harold particularly enjoyed reading poetry aloud. In this way, we often read from the poems printed in Inside Time. This lead to discussions about poetry, prisoners and what part writing poems might play in their lives.” The Pinter Poem is chosen on behalf of the Longford Trust from those published in Inside Time in the previous 12 months. The winner will be notified before their poem is read at the annual Longford Lecture in November and will receive prize money of £100.
Our 2020 Pinter Poem
There was no Longford Lecture in 2020 because of the Covid lockdown, but a 2020 Pinter Poem was still chosen. “An odour was all it took” by Joe Gynane at HMP Whitemoor was read (right) by one of our most distinguished actors, Ralph Fiennes, and shared online.
Our 2026 Pinter Poem
“The Weight of An Unexpected Letter”, written by Reece Scobie at HMP Addiewell, was read aloud (see below) at the conclusion of our 2026 Longford Lecture by BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan. Read the 2026 winning poem.
“I had the inspiration that a prize for a Pinter Poem by a serving prisoner, selected by Inside Time, would be an appropriate way to salute Harold’s memory, his love of poetry, and the creative work of prisoners, all together.” Antonia Fraser
Read the poem that inspired Antonia here.