Edson Burton

Dr Edson Burton is a prolific writer of audio, live drama and poetry. Edson won the 2025 Tinniswood Prize for Man Friday, an adaptation of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Edson’s previous audio dramas include the acclaimed Radio 4 series Deacon, starring Don Warrington. Recent live work includes the listening journey Duppy Hunter, produced by Tamasha Theatre, and the theatrical promenade Destination Old Market.

Edson is the author of the poetry collections Seasoned (2009) and Witness (2025). Edson is a contributor to WritersMosaic, a member of the film collective Come the Revolution, and a board member of Lyra poetry festival and Afrika Eye film festival.

www.onetribetalent.co.uk/talent/edson-burton

My Hit List

Edson Burton’s cultural highlights

The writer on Barbara Walker's breathtaking retrospective Being Here, Sinners from director Ryan Coogler, Rotary Connection 222, the freedom of St Pauls Carnival in Bristol and poetry collection The New Carthaginians by Nick Makoha.

by Edson Burton

21st January 2026

In conversation

Edson Burton: 'Poetry is at the heart of most of my writing, and I have to sometimes slap myself when writing drama. I said, "Nobody would ever say that Edson. Come on, you can’t get away with that one!"'

In conversation with Colin Grant

24th August 2022

Listen now

Close Up

In defence of Black History Month

Is it time to bring an end to the UK's Black History Month?

by Edson Burton

29th October 2025

Original Series

The strength to love

Edson Burton on how James Baldwin inspired him to love those who rejected him.

by Edson Burton

12th September 2023

Close Up

The Vanishing of Harry Pace

Recalling the achievements of a forgotten African American pioneer

by Edson Burton

15th December 2021

Edson Burton

"I want to find a way to pull back the curtain to reveal the inner room. To make sense of the lives I see, by writing the stories of the peripheral, the quiet, the backstage character."

Edson Burton is a poet, drama writer, curator and historian.