John Cooper Clarke
Monday 23rd March 2026
Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero and known as the ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry”.
Overview
432, Renegade Communications and Edge Street Live presents
Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero.
Known as the ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry” and the original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion. From creating some of the most iconic poetry of the modern era, including the world’s most popular wedding poem “I Wanna Be Yours” (recently celebrating over a billion streams in its incarnation as a hit record by the Arctic Monkeys) to sharing his life story through his 120k selling memoir of the same name. John is referenced as a major influence not just by the Arctic Monkeys but also by artists across the globe… As well as musicians like Alex Turner, The Sleaford Mods and Plan B, his legendary number “Evidently Chickentown” plays out the penultimate episode of The Sopranos. Watching John Cooper Clarke perform is an opportunity to see a living legend at the top of his game.
Doctor John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s. Captivating audiences with his unique poetry and delivery style, he clawed his way up from working mens clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of the most prolific figures in punk.
John’s early live shows were renowned occasions, and headline gigs were supported by many soon-to-be superstars including Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, as well as playing as special guest on shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash.
After the release of his seminal album on CBS “Snap, Crackle and Bop” where John’s poems were put to music by the legendary music producer Martin Hannett, he was firmly established as one of the most important artists of the Punk era. His recorded album was followed by the release of his first collection 10 Years in an Open Necked Shirt. The book is one of the best-selling poetry anthologies ever in the UK, Canada and Australia.
As relevant and vibrant as ever, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is just as visible in contemporary pop culture, with his trademark ‘look’ resonating with fashion-conscious individuals across all demographics and his poetry features in the UK national curriculum syllabus. Having had a groundbreaking effect on modern music, his influence can be heard within the social observations of the Arctic Monkeys, amongst many others.
John’s 2018 poetry collection The Luckiest Guy Alive featured 30 new poems and his long-awaited 2020 autobiography I Wanna Be Yours is a groundbreaking piece of literature and a “riveting memoir”.
His sense of humor resounds throughout his career, and his latest live show is a mix of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat.
In 2024 John will be celebrating his 75th birthday with a new live tour of the UK’s major cities including a show at the London Palladium as well as at the Lowry Theatre in his native Salford. It’s a chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best.
Tickets £22-£25 + £2 Advance Booking Fee
Reviews
“Riveting”
The Observer
“One of Britain’s outstanding poets”
Sir Paul McCartney
“Fantastically entertaining. As a writer of comic prose Clarke is the match of anyone alive, and his turns of phrase are as sharp as his suits”
The Times
“An immensely entertaining memoir that fizzes with wit…It’s impossible not to hear him read every word aloud in your head with that unforgettable Manc drawl”
NME
The Albert Halls
Dumbarton Rd
Stirling
FK8 2QL
- Opening Hours
- Getting Here
- Accessibility
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Box Office Opening Hours w/c 7th September:
Tuesday 8th 2-8pm
Thursday 10th 10am-4pm
Friday 11th 1-8pm
Saturday 12th 6-11pm
* From 5pm Open For Evening Performance Customers Only.
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Accessibility
Our accessibility guides are available below for The Albert Halls.
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To find out more, please see our cafe page below
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Terms and Conditions
Please Refer to Our – Venues Ticket T’s & C’s
When can we pick up tickets/what are box office opening hours?
Albert Halls
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 7th September:
Tuesday 8th 2-8pm
Thursday 10th 10am-4pm
Friday 11th 1-8pm
Saturday 12th 6-11pm
* From 5pm Open For Evening Performance Customers Only.
Tolbooth
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 7th September:
Tuesday 8th 10am-5pm
Wednesday 9th 10am-8:30pm
Thursday 10th (No Public Access) 9-9pm
Friday 11th 10am-8:30pm
Saturday 12th 10-8.30pm
* From 5pm onwards for Evening Performance Customers Only.
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. Please note screengrabs of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets can also be printed out at home or for a small £1 fee be printed out at Box Office.
Box office will remain open until 30 mins after the show begins.
For standing gigs, is there an accessible area?
We will have an accessible area, the location and capacity varies per event, please contact box office to book your tickets.
Please note – Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
What time does the show start?
Usually approx. 30 mins after doors time but it can vary depending on the show.
What time does the show finish?
We don’t always have this info ahead of time, if you contact box office on the day we will advise on individual shows.
Is there a lift/disabled access?
There is a lift and an accessible entrance at both venues.
Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
Can tickets be posted out?
We no longer post tickets and now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
Where can we pick up tickets?
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
How do I reach the venue via public transport?
Both Venues are a short walk from Stirling Bus Station, and Stirling Train Station.
Is there parking at the venue?
There is no general parking at The Albert Halls, on street parking is available nearby. At the Tolbooth you can use the Old Town Jail Car Park free of charge when attending an event.
Is there accessible parking at the venue?
There is limited accessible parking at the Albert halls with additional public disabled parking in Dumbarton Road. At the Tolbooth there is a public disabled parking space outside the venue, but it is out with our control. Please note that we unfortunately cannot reserve spaces for you at either of our venues.
If you require assistance contact box office and we can try to help.
Can we get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable but if the show sells out we can attempt to resell them on your behalf.
Please read the full details on our Booking Terms and Conditions.
Is there a bar/can drinks be enjoyed at a show?
There is a bar at both venues and drinks can be taken in to shows.
The bar will be closed at an appropriate time to ensure customers are served and have taken their seats before the start of the show. This will also happen during the interval and will depend on how busy the bar is as to when the queue will be closed off.
We would recommend that if you are looking to purchase drinks before the show you should arrive early enough to be able to do this.
We don’t take orders for interval drinks.
Is there food available in the venue?
There is the Café Bar in the Tolbooth and The Albert Halls, for opening hours please check at Box Office.
Can children attend/age restrictions?
This varies per show and will be detailed on the event webpage. Box office can advise on individual shows
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Can we come in late?
This depends on the show, usually latecomers can be admitted at a suitable point in the show but this is not always the case
Who qualifies for a concession ticket price?
Concession’s are:-
*Over 60’s
*Disabled
*Unemployed
*Students / Children
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Are there any restrictions on dancing or standing for shows on at the Albert Halls?
For fully seated shows in the Albert Halls dancing is not allowed.
For standing events dancing must be at the side or at the back of the hall.
There is no standing in the front row of the balcony.
Accessible and (Carer) Tickets
A limited number of free carer tickets may be made available to customers, requiring additional support because of an accessible requirement or long-term health condition, as defined by the Equality Act (2010)
