Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

A healthy crowd turned out in the middle of the holiday season for this event, which is held bi-monthly, within the convivial surrounds of the Western Public House. Most Spoken Word evening have their own distinctive characteristics and Shindig is … Continue reading →

This open-mic event is now established in its ability to draw attendance from far and wide. Under the skilful stewardship of MC Gary Carr, the standard is high, and the evening always moves on at a brisk pace. It also … Continue reading →

The Sozzled Sausage, Leamington Spa This was the first time that Behind the Arras had visited Leamington Spa and the Summer Slam seemed the perfect opportunity to do so. The Sozzled Sausage itself has a modern trendy interior with the … Continue reading →

If a prize existed for the most exotically named event and venue, this would win easily, and so it was with some expectation that I made my first visit .The name comes from a line in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”; “The … Continue reading →

The office of Birmingham Poet Laureate is honorary . What you do with it is pretty much up to you. Current office holder, Roy McFarlane has seized the opportunities that such a title affords and grown the position to new … Continue reading →

Metro Cafe, Bilston Held on (the somewhat hastily declared) National Cake Eating Day, it was fortuitous that Bilston Voices is held in a rather fine cafe, ensuring that the appropriate celebrations could be maximised. And it wasn’t just the cake … Continue reading →

Kitchen Garden Cafe. Kings Heath Some poetry events eschew meetings in the summer holidays on the basis that people will be away. Other more confident promoters reason that just as many people may become free to attend who otherwise may … Continue reading →

Old Cottage Tavern, Burton upon Trent BURTON is not an obvious location for a spoken word event, the natural home for which tends to be more urban areas. But perhaps that is its secret? It draws performers from far and … Continue reading →

Station Pub, Kings Heath Following an itinerant period, “Rhymes”, Birmingham’s longest established poetic event, has now settled on the Station as a regular venue and the traditional values which had built its original success are now much in evidence. Three … Continue reading →

Polesworth Refectory Polesworth Organiser Mal Dewhirst has a sure touch in the guest poets he invites to Polesworth, and this months Fizz was no exception. Matt Merritt was the headline attraction whose debut collection, Troy Town, was published by Arrowhead … Continue reading →