Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Bilston Voices has one of the most loyal non-performing audiences in the Midlands, there is no fleshing out of attendance by open-mic performers here. They come to hear a set bill. Yet that does not mean that organiser Emma Purshouse … Continue reading →

And so it was not so much farewell – as adieu. The final Rhymes, which had brought out probably the best attendance in memory turned out to be the final Rhymes in this format. It was a fitting swansong. The … Continue reading →

The Shifnal Festival is a vibrant affair in a village seeking to make its mark, and succeeding. Ken Dodd opened the twelve day run of paid for and free events. Ian McMillan was appearing on the Wednesday, but on Tuesday … Continue reading →

The subtle assimilation of poetry into mainstream entertainment was much in evidence on this bill with three out of the four main acts having a poetic background, each artist taking the form into different areas. A good turn-out in very … Continue reading →

Poetry can be about pretty much anything, and so this evening proved, with subject matter confined only by the imagination of the poets. When most people see a post box they think of letters, bills they have forgotten to pay … Continue reading →

ArtsFest is invariably a tremendous occasion, 3000 performers, 600 events at 50 venues over two days. It is also renowned for its eclectic bill. This year was no different. It is also riven with risk. Have the right shows been … Continue reading →

There is something quite distinct about Night Blue Fruit. Most Poetry events in the Midlands go for early, punctual starts. Here, both when folk arrive, and the performance time, is arbitrary. As if to anticipate the arrival of Kalliope or … Continue reading →

Basking in the warmth of a late summer’s evening, Parole Parlate assembled to hear the usual assortment of fine poetic talent topped by an unusually strong headliner, A. F. Harrold, whom I had not heard perform before. His striking,large,bearded frame, … Continue reading →

Grove Hotel, Buxton This was my first visit to Word Wizards and a post August bank holiday date seemed the perfect time to visit this Peak District event in a most picturesque setting . The Grove Hotel itself is some … Continue reading →

Like other spoken word events which I have attended recently , Bilston Voices defied the holiday season by drawing a packed house, making this what hostess Emma Purshouse declared a “blue chair” occasion, when emergency blue chairs had to be … Continue reading →