Award‑winning comedian and author Robin Ince brings neurodivergence talk to Haydock SEND Library

Article date: 13 April 2026

Robin will deliver a talk that takes audiences on a quirky and witty dive into the world of neuroscience and human behaviour, filled with personal insights and intimate anecdotes.

The event is part of a national tour in support of Robin's new collection of instinctual poetry in Let the Quiet Ones Rise, and the paperback release of last year's Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal.

For over thirty years, Robin has entertained thousands in person and on air. But underneath the surface, a whirlwind was at play - a struggle with sadness, concentration, self-doubt and near-constant anxiety. But then he discovered he had all the hallmarks of ADHD and his stumbling blocks became stepping stones.

Full of anger, empathy and compassion, Let the Quiet Ones Rise comes from the deepest part of a neurodivergent heart. It's about standing up and standing out, about considering the sadness of being alone but also the happiness of finding people who empower you.

In Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal Robin uses his own experiences to explore the neurodivergent experience and to ask what the point of 'being normal' really is. It's a powerful, personal exploration of anxiety, ADHD and neurodiversity that reminds us all, no matter how weird we feel, that it's OK to be a little different.

While Robin's working life began in stand-up comedy, he's always been excited by too many things to take a single path. He was co-creator and, for 16 years, co-host of the multi-award-winning international success The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside physicist Brian Cox. He has written books on the universe (and all the stuff that is in it), the neurodivergent mind, giant killer crab novels, and his deep love of bookshops and libraries. In 2024 he started writing poetry obsessively and he loves the freedom that comes with it.

Tanya Wilcock, Director of Communities for St Helens Borough Council, said: "We're delighted to be welcoming award-winning comedian, writer and broadcaster Robin Ince to St Helens Borough for what's sure to be an insightful and entertaining evening as part of our Library Service's National Year of Reading offer.

"Robin is a great advocate for libraries and all that they can be, and in his recent works has shared his lived experiences as a neurodivergent person. As Robin speaks candidly about navigating the world with ADHD, his recent works remind us of the very ethos behind our newly redeveloped Haydock Library, with spaces designed so that everyone can explore books, creativity and community in ways that work for them."

This ticketed event will take place on Wednesday 29 April at 6:30pm at Haydock Library which just reopened as a fully inclusive space for people of all ages, neurodivergences and special educational needs and disabilities.

The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments are included in the ticket price. Doors open at 6pm for a 6:30pm start.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://b.link/RobinInceTickets

• General Admission: £8
• St Helens Library Card Members: £7
• Concession: £5

Books will be available to purchase on the night thanks to friends of the Library Service, The BookStop.