John’s poetry has appeared in The Guardian, The Spectator, The Rialto and The Big Issue and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, 6Music and Radio 1. He was a member of the poetry collective Aisle 16 who co-organised Homework, a monthly night of literary cabaret at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. He does the poetry show Stress Test on Soho Radio with Martha Sprackland and Joe Dunthorne.
‘His work has a winning gentleness, a seductive voice that draws you in, ensnares you and captivates you.’
– Ian McMillan, Poet and host of Radio 4’s The Verb
John has two new poetry books out in 2024.
All Shall Be Well
Paper Boat Publications, 2024
Drawing on everything from St Julian to Norwich tip, the Brewery Tap to the historic market, John’s tender odes to Norwich capture his home city at its best. The perfect gift for the Norwich-lover in your life!
To Make People Happy
Mariscat/Hamish Whyte, 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE EAST ANGLIAN BOOK AWARDS 2025!
John’s latest collection of poems and his first full collection for almost a decade takes in a range of his most popular poems from live shows in recent years and lots of new material featuring a motley cast of characters – including Ian McMillan and Shane McGowan, as well as the man from the tip and a beautiful bookshop in Wales. Filled with John’s trademark awe and wonder at the world, this collection will warm your heart and your toes.
A Supermarket Love Story
Go Faster Stripe, 2021
A story about supermarkets and the people who use them. Love will bloom, lives will continue as they always have, and you’ll meet two paramedics by the crisps. As staff untuck their shirts and sit on kick stools stacking shelves we join them all for a storytelling feast, and find that every aisle really does tell a different story.
‘An absolute joy’ – Greg James, BBC Radio 1
‘The Alcohol Aisle’ nominated for the 2020 National Poetry Awards.
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No One Cares About Your New Thing
Go Faster Stripe, 2017
Poems about Kylie, internet dating, looking at the constellations and snorkelling in the Bahamas.
‘Funny, moving, life-affirming’ – Broadway Baby
Most People Aren’t That Happy Anyway
Nasty Little Press, 2013
Most people aren’t that happy, but in an open plan office John Osborne is day-dreaming of a world without A-roads and mini roundabouts. There is heartache in this collection but, like the waitress who is employee of the month, Osborne knows it is important to notice the little things. These poems are a celebration of the quotidian magic that punctuates our quiet lives: the Slimmer of the Year holding up a pair of last year’s trousers, a moment lost in thought making tomorrow’s sandwiches.
Highly commended – Forward Prize 2013
What If Men Burst in Wearing Balaclavas?
Nasty Little Press, 2011.
The first pamphlet by John Osborne, now out-of-print. Published by Nasty Little Press. Poems about open plan offices, falling in and out of love and George Alagiah.
‘Yes, I like these poems, there is warmth, as you’d expect with balaclavas in the title’ – John Hegley.
‘John writes with the intelligence and wit of your favourite teacher but with the soul of a five-year-old boy. His poems capture the un-finger-put-on-able’ moments’ – Laura Dockrill.
John Osborne 