A FORMER North Berwick High School pupil has been hailed a “lyrical genius” by writer and dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah for her latest music and poetry project.

Imogen Stirling, who went on to study English literature and theatre studies at Glasgow University and now lives in the city, featured in the BAFTA award-winning Sky show Life & Rhymes, hosted by Benjamin, with Love The Sinner.

The play, which works as a book, album and live show, reimagines the seven deadly sins as characters living in a contemporary Scottish city.

Poet Benjamin said it was “the work of a lyrical genius; there’s no one like Imogen”.

Imogen, who grew up on Dirleton Avenue and whose parents still live in North Berwick, said: “My writing is steeped in personal experience so my time growing up in North Berwick will always be an inspiration.

“My debut show, #Hypocrisy, is my most personal work. It reflects on themes of identity, family and home, and much of it was written from North Berwick. I’ve performed my music at Fringe by the Sea but not yet my poetry – perhaps next year could be the year!”

The onset of the pandemic saw Imogen, 29, turn to online audiences and digital work, including taking up the inaugural writer-in-residence post at Paisley Book Festival this year, and working as a coach and educator for young writers through various workshops.

Love The Sinner’s script will now be published in book form by Verve Poetry Press, with a publishing date set for next month.

Imogen has launched a fundraiser to record and release the accompanying music, in collaboration with musician Sarah Carton. Donate at indiegogo.com/projects/imogen-stirling-launches-love-the-sinner-album#