Stars Get Poetic: Helena Bonham Carter and Toby Jones Honour Loved Ones with Verse
In a touching nod to those who’ve shuffled off this mortal coil, a trio of thespians, Helena Bonham Carter, Toby Jones, and Asa Butterfield, have donned their poetic hats for Celebration Day, an initiative reminiscent of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. This annual event, observed on the last bank holiday Monday in May, encourages folks to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones .
Poetic Tributes in the UK
- Helena Bonham Carter: Channeling her inner “Bubbles” (her grandmother’s nickname), Bonham Carter recited Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Don’t Let That Horse” in memory of her free-spirited gran, who was known for painting “sort of fake Chagalls” and maintaining a youthful zest until the age of 89.
- Toby Jones: Honouring his father, Jones chose ASJ Tessimond’s “Portrait of a Romantic.” His dad, a poetry enthusiast, had memorised numerous poems, including this one, and even had its second stanza engraved on his gravestone.
- Asa Butterfield: Asa Butterfield’s reading was among those to be published on the Guardian in the run-up to Celebration Day.
Celebration Day: A Brief Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inception | 2022, inspired by traditions like Mexico’s Day of the Dead |
| Date | Last bank holiday Monday in May (26 May 2025) |
| Purpose | To celebrate and remember deceased loved ones through poetry and stories |
| Key Figures | Stephen Fry, Prue Leith, Oliver Parker, Allie Esiri |
| Charity Partners | Mind, Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Make-A-Wish, Hospice UK |
| Public Participation | Encouraged via #ShareYourStar on social media |
British Humour Meets Poetic Sentiment
While the subject matter tugs at the heartstrings, the initiative isn’t devoid of light-heartedness. Bonham Carter reminisced about her grandmother’s eternal childlike spirit, noting, “She died at 89, but frankly she never really grew older emotionally than about seven. A good reminder that no matter how serious it gets, you’ve got to remember to have fun.”
Get Involved
The public is encouraged to participate by sharing memories of loved ones on social media using the hashtag #ShareYourStar. Additionally, star pin badges are available for purchase at WH Smith stores until 27 June, with proceeds going to charities Mind, the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Make-A-Wish and Hospice UK.
Sources:
- The Guardian, “‘He lived inside poetry’: Toby Jones and Helena Bonham Carter perform poems in memory of lost loved ones”
- Celebration Day, 2025 programme
Photo: David Torcivia at https://www.flickr.com/photos/viatorci/, cropped, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Helena Bonham Carter at the 83rd Academy Awards in February 2011.
