Garyswordz

Some Girl I Used to Know- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on February 20, 2014 by garylongden

This one woman show introduces a novel concept, a jukebox monologue, starring Denise Van Outen living out a mid life crisis as alter ego Stephanie, set in a hotel room, belting out some period torch songs,a reboot of Shirley Valentine for a new generation.

The pressure of a lone performance is considerable, and when the performer has co-written the script, as is the case here, with Terry Ronald, there is nowhere to hide.Although ostensibly the tale of an Essex girl lingerie saleswoman made good, the parallels with her own story are thinly disguised. Her love life is balanced between a racy, louche lover, whose attributes bear a remarkable resemblance to first husband pop star Jay Kay, and a safe but dull lover, remarkably similar to second husband Lee Mead.

Van Outen is no Wag made good. She can act, sing, and dance, with a professional resume far stronger than her paparazzi driven career suggests. In particular, she delivers the Steve Anderson remixes of 80’s and 90’s hits, including Culture Club’s Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? and Soft Cell’s Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, the two best numbers, with some style, and considerable affection. The songs and music provide welcome variety and subliminal context to the narrative. But her acting alone has not brought her fortune, and of course we get an on stage changing scene for an opportunity to appreciate her physical charms, spicing up the evening nicely for her male admirers. She looks fabulous in her vertiginous Jimy Choo heels too.

At the heart of this is the well –worn dilemma of the girl who has it all – who hasn’t. Is she tempted by the Facebook poke of her flawed old flame? Or are the dying embers of her current relationship worth reigniting? Inevitably it teeters on vain self-indulgence, but is saved by Van Outen’s straight to audience delivery and girl-next -door charm

The script itself has some funny lines but strains a little under the lone performer format. If her love interests Sean and Paul had made physical appearances, the show would have benefitted enormously. Michael Howcroft’s production, staged on Morgan Large’s lush hotel room set, ekes the maximum out of the raw materials. Van Outen is likeable, confident and sassy, playing to the expectations of her sizable fan club, mostly women of a similar age, who lapped up every dip of the hips, and wink of the eye.

A chick lit story for the stage, fans will be delighted, not least by her singing. The show runs till Saturday 22nd February then continues on tour.

http://somegirliusedtoknow.com/

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged denise van outen, jay kay, lee mead, some girl I used to know | Leave a comment

Poetry @ The Shrewsbury Coffee House

Posted on February 8, 2014 by garylongden

This outpost of poetic excellent continues to flourish under the assured guidance of Liz Lefroy and the support of a committed audience. Shrewsbury’s remote geographical location is no match for Liz’s poetic address book. Once again she dragooned a high calibre bill of headline poets to challenge, entertain and delight an appreciative crowd.

The format of poetry at the coffee house changes, sometimes it is guest poets only, as was the case tonight, other occasions are augmented by open mic sessions or are open mic only. The guests for this evening were local Jean Atkins, and from London, Rosie Shepperd and Katrina Naomi, all published poets.

Two things linked all performers, they were all women, and they all had great titles for their most recent published work, beyond that all were distinctly idiocyncratic.

Jean Atkin grew up in Cumbria, with Shetland ancestry, and lived for twelve years on a smallholding in Dumfries and Galloway. She is now settled in Shropshire, working as a poet, writer and educator. Her first collection is Not Lost Since Last Time (Oversteps Books, 2013).

Her pamphlets to date are The Treeless Region (Ravenglass Poetry Press 2010), Lost At Sea (Roncadora Press, 2011), which was shortlisted for the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award, The Dark Farms (Roncadora Press, 2012) and The Henkeeper’s Almanac (Biscuit Tin Press, 2013). She is a past winner of the Torbay Prize, the Ravenglass Poetry Prize, and the Ways With Words Prize at Dartington Hall.

Her work is of open space,and the pastoral, her quintessential defining line coming from What’s Human “Stretching out our fingertips to feel what is not there”. I have seen Jean perform on several occasions , this was her at her best. Relaxed, she took time with her phrasing and pauses, connecting with the audience, radiating the affection she felt for her subject matter to all in the room.And whether it was her love for her free range hens, or the grandness of the Spanish Pyrenees ” we drank until the mountains poured us out” her emotional oneness with the great outdoors swept you along with her easy verse.

Rosie Shepperd’s poems have been published on both sides of the Atlantic in The Seminary Ridge Review, Poetry London, Poetry Wales, Poetry Ireland Review, Rialto, Magma, Iota, Smiths Knoll, Bow Wow Shop, The SHOp, Interpreter’s House and Agenda.

She is also featured in the forthcoming anthology Tokens for the Foundlings, published by the Foundling’s Museum.

Rosie was a finalist in the inaugural Manchester Poetry Prize, in the 2010 Cinnamon Press award and the 2010 Templar Pamphlet Prize, and won second prize in the 2013 Cardiff International Poetry Competition. She won the Ted Walter’s/Liverpool University Prize in 2009. Her Salt Modern Voices pamphlet will be out in 2012,her pamphlet, That So-Easy Thing, was a winner in the 2011 Book & Pamphlet Competition, chosen by Carol Ann Duffy.

She didn’t reprise a single poem from her previous performance in Shrewsbury, but her source material of America, food and relationships endures.Nut allergies, Ginsberg, the Storm of 1957 and Chicago slang all sat in her forensic poetic sights.As a fellow past temporary resisdent of the USA, I delighted in her offbeat and sharp observations of American culture, eschewing the metropolitan gloss so easily regrurgitated by some writers.Rosie revels in picking out the specific, and what might, or didn’t, happen in her poems, allowing her a freedom in which she revels .There is also ambivalence regarding whether her poems are observed, or first person. One of her best poems, which she did not read on the night, tells of a trip to Paris to recover from a failed love affair. When talking about it to her, I assumed it was her, then realised that that was a bold assumption.The twinkle in her eye failed to offer a clue one way or the other!

Katrina Naomi is a poet based in south London and is originally from Margate. She is working towards a Creative Writing PhD at Goldsmiths, with a focus on violence in poetry.

Her first full collection, ‘The Girl with the Cactus Handshake’ (Templar Poetry), was shortlisted for the London New Poetry Award and received an Arts Council England writer’s award.

Katrina’s performance was powerful, sensuous and dark. Her professed love of 1940’s London gangster movies manifests itself in a period hairstyle and a searing verite about the dark underbelly of London’s underworld. Never before have I heard a poem about cement being poured down a victims throat alongside the romantic skittishness of a teenage girl flirting with fairground boys.Yet both are laced with wry humour ” You have to be blonde or jet black , either way sister, there’s a lot of dyeing” (B Movie). Her tour de force is a poem about Pinochet’s love of gardening- read her collection to find out more.

A fabulous evening, the next event is at The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,Castle Gates, Shrewsbury. 7pm – 9pm, an Open Mic: theme = ‘Nature’ – hosted by Liz Lefroy and Pip Bayley as part of Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival, free entry.

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Run For Your Wife, Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on February 8, 2014 by garylongden

Run For Your Wife

“Run for your wife”, by Ray Cooney, is one of the most successful stage farces of modern times, guaranteed to have an audience, and so it proved at a packed Sutton Arts Theatre on Friday night. First performed in 1983, producer Barrie Atchison presents it in contemporary style, rather than period piece. So leg warmers are out, and Charles and Camilla are in.

The script is not without its challenges for a modern production. The adult content is relatively tame, but attitudes to homosexuality, which are key to much of the humour, are very different now to thirty years ago. Back then, the memory of Jeremy Thorpe’s public ruination by homosexual allegations was fresh, now, no government front bench can be without gender, sexual and ethnic diversity. Thus the casual prejudices of the past no longer have the same comic value. The failure of last year’s film version highlights the dangers, but under the skilful direction of Atchison the carefully crafted comedy is polished and vibrant.

The tale is of London cab driver John Smith, with two wives, two lives, and a very precise schedule for juggling them both. He has one wife at home in Streatham, and another at home in Wimbledon, with occupants of the flat upstairs at both locations. So the stage is set.

Trouble brews when Smith is attacked, ending up in hospital. Both of his addresses surface, causing both the Streatham and Wimbledon police to investigate. Having upset his schedule, Smith becomes hopelessly entangled in his attempts with his unemployed neighbour upstairs in Wimbledon, to explain himself to his wives, two suspicious police officers, and a gay couple upstairs in Streatham to confuse matters.

The split single set works well offering a comedic potential which is fully realised. Richard Cogzel plays bigamist John Smith as a confused, bemused, wide-eyed observer of his own downfall, powerless to prevent events conspiring as his increasingly desperate explanations founder. His two wives are a nice contrast. Rachel Duncan plays Mary, whose solution to most things is in the kitchen, Lin Tran plays Barbera , whose solution to most things is in the bedroom. The former favours sensible non-matching underwear, the latter sports stockings, suspenders and vertiginous red high heels. Duncan’s quiet hysteria is well pitched and amusing, Tran’s sassy sex appeal is wholly convincing. Neighbour and unwitting accomplice Stanley Gardener is well handled by Dave Douglas as he is transformed from louche layabout to reluctant gay consort. Trying to make sense of the confusion are two detectives who offer the best performances of the night. Dan Payne’s bluff and incredulous DS Troughton is a delight, Stuart Goodwin’s well intentioned, but not so worldly wise DS Porterhouse, is the perfect foil. Richard Hamm has the difficult task of playing Bobby Franklin, the gay neighbour. Steeped in caricature drafted in another era. Hamm chooses a Louis Spence style persona whose rough edges are smoothed by the energy and brio of his performance.

Farces require plenty of movement, lots of doors opening and closing, and plenty of physical comedy. Atchison’s production delivers this in some style. Although the first half of the night took a little while to warm up, by the end, the laughter was constant, clothes were off and a brilliantly handled confessional finale with all protagonists on stage was a satisfying end to a very enjoyable night. “Run for your wife” continues until Saturday 15th February.

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February 2014, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

Posted on January 25, 2014 by garylongden

Sun 2nd Poets with passion, Ort Cafe,500-504 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH 3.30pm, free in open mic.

Tues 4th Night Blue Fruit, Coventry,7.30pm start, free in, Tony Owen hosts-open mic sign up on the night.

Tues 4th Word ,Y Theatre, East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY, just opposite Leicester Train Station7pm performers, 8pm, Audience, Open mic plus headliner. £6in
WORD! is the longest running poetry and spoken word night in Leicester. Based at The Y Theatre, Leicester, it takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, between 8.00 and 10.30pm. The evening is composed of an open mic, followed by a booked act-

Wed 5th Spire Writes, White swan, 16 St Marys Gate, Chesterfield,7.30 pm with rising star Helen Mort at a Real-ale specialist pub The White Swan and guest Roy Marshall

Wed 5th feb Poetic essence,Confession Box (65-66 Dale End, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7LS) 7.30pm
Please note that we have moved to a bigger home. Poetic Essence will no longer be at Talk Bar and will now be at Confession Box (65-66 Dale End, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7LS). A brand new venue to accommodate our growing family

You have your keys so come home February 5th.

wed 5th Confab cabaret 6, Mount Pleasant hotel, Malvern, 7.30pm

Confused? So are we. But the show WILL go on. ConFab Cabaret VI is still on this Wednesday 5th February, but this time we’re in The Harcourt Room (upstairs) at The Mount Pleasant Hotel, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern, WR14 4PZ. We have our own private bar and everything!

ConFab VI will be bringing you the poetic delight that is Peter Wyton, former Gloucestershire Poet Laureate and smooth-tongued stalwart of page and stage, PLUS wonderful singer songwriter Heather Striplin, AND Worcestershire Poet Laureate Tim Cranmore, NOT with carrot, NOT with poetry, but with… ah well, you’ll have to wait and see.

There will also, of course, be tap dancing, birds, air triangle appreciation, The Silliest Raffle, Myfanwy’s Fox Pops, and your chance to take to the stage and share your Two Minute Talent in Prepare To Share. All are welcome to sign up for Prepare To Share on arrival and we’d particularly love to see the more unusual of your talents – break dancing, magic tricks, contortionism – which we may then book for future ConFabs!

FREE entry to all on production of their air triangle.

Please invite others, tell them about the change of venue and share the event details to spread The Joy of ConFab far and wide.

See you there? 🙂

Thurs 6th Good Impressions Spoken word, Cafe Impression, Atkins Building Hinckley, LE10 1QU,7.30pm £5in Hosted by Tom Phillips,ist Thursday Monthly

Thurs 6th Blackdrop Open Mic @ Canal House Bar, Canal Street, Nottm .8-10pm £3

Our event has an open mic, slots are approx 5mins long. Blackdrop is open to over 16s.

Poetry. Story. Comedy. Rap. Hip-hop. Song. Must be own original material. ALL WELCOME.

featuring Nottingham’s very own ALEX MOTORMOUF YOUNG!Alex will be BEATBOXING, SPITTING, FLOWING, AND DROPPING POETRY!

He’s worth every penny! Come on down and bring ya friends.

Thur 6th The Poetry Evening, The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,Castle Gates, Shrewsbury. 7.30pm, Liz Lefroy officiates, with Katrina Naomi , Rosie shepherd and Jean Atkin

Rosie Shepperd’s poems have been published on both sides of the Atlantic. She was a finalist in the inaugural Manchester Poetry Prize, in the 2010 Cinnamon Press award and the 2010 Templar Pamphlet Prize, and won second prize in the 2013 Cardiff International Poetry Competition. She won the Ted Walter’s/Liverpool University Prize in 2009. Her Salt Modern Voices pamphlet will be out in 2012. Rosie’s pamphlet, That So-Easy Thing, was a winner in the 2011 Book & Pamphlet Competition, chosen by Carol Ann Duffy.

Katrina Naomi is a poet based in south London and is originally from Margate. She is working towards a Creative Writing PhD at Goldsmiths, with a focus on violence in poetry. Her first full collection, ‘The Girl with the Cactus Handshake’ (Templar Poetry), was shortlisted for the London New Poetry Award and received an Arts Council England writer’s award.

Jean Atkin works as a poet, writer and educator, and lives in Shropshire. In 2011 her pamphlet from Roncadora Press, ‘Lost at Sea’ was shortlisted for the Callum Macdonald Memorial Prize. She was shortlisted for the Magma Poetry Prize 2012, and Commended in the William Soutar Prize 2013.
Her poetry has been anthologised by Offa’s Press in The Poetry of Shropshire, Grey Hen Press in Running Before the Wind (2013), by Cinnamon Press in The Book of Euclid, and in Shropshire Butterflies (Fair Acre Press 2010). Her first collection Not Lost Since Last Time was published by Oversteps Books in spring 2013.

Saturday 8th FebruaryTo celebrate National Libraries’ Day Simon Fletcher will be reading from his poetry and talking about the importance of libraries at Wolverhampton Central Library, 10-11am. Free event

Saturday 8th February Poetry Love Slam at the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton. 7.30pm.

It’s a great night of entertainment…

“Follow the pheromones and check out the competition as Valentine versifiers declare their most passionate poetry in a cut and thrust contest to woo and win the hearts of the applaudience.

Heavenly hosts Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore compère thee to a slammer’s way, while judges rate the writing, measure the performances and find the wordster with the X-factor.”

Tickets: £10 full price/£8 concessions (concessions are usually available if you are under 16, a student in full time education, over 60, a recipient of Job Seekers Allowance, University of Wolverhampton staff and/or alumni. Please bring proof of status.)

Sun 9th Buzzwords, Exmouth Arms,Bath Road Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7LX, 7pm Workshop, open mic with Ros Barber

Mon 10th Pub Poetry Nottingham The Canal house, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH,8pm, 2nd monday : Free in, Open micContact Nick on pubpoetry@nottscomedyfestival.co.uk

Thurs 13th Pure and Good and Right with Sean Kelly, THE fox 4-32 Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 4 RZ 7.30pm: £3 in,Every second Thursday of the month (except December) If you would like to know more about the night email: pgrpoetry@gmail.com This month not one, but two
guest poets!

Introducing… Laura Yates

One of Birmingham’s most beloved poets, and a champion of young poets through her work with the award winning Beatfreeks, we are delighted to welcome Laura for her PGR debut.

And welcoming back… Lorna Meehan

Scourge of vacuous celebs, alter ego of Melinda Deathgoth, professional actor and reluctant Morrissey convert, Lorna never fails to delight with her blend of humour and poignancy.DEFINITELY AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED!

You can book an Open mic slot on the night!

Admission £3 (£2 Student/OAP)

From time to time we are located upstairs, so please let us know if you require disabled access before the event.
If you would like to know more about the night email: pgrpoetry@gmail.com

Tuesday 11th ‘City Voices’, Wolverhampton. WV1 1ST 7.45pm Marion Cockin will be performing at ‘City Voices’, Lych Gate Tavern, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, 7.30pm. Tickets £2.50/ Under 16s £1 on the door. Should be a great evening with Ash Dickinson top of the bill.

Tuesday 11th ‘Mouth and Music’, the Boars Head Gallery, 39 Worcester Street, Kidderminster, DY10 1EW. 8.00pm Tickets £3.00

Tues 11th Scribal Gathering The Crown Stony Stratford:7.30pm,Get ready for another fantastic feast of musical mastercraft and poetical proficiency, bringing together lachrymatorially lyrical local live talent and perfervid performers from perfurther afield. . Doors open at 7.30 for a prompt 8.00 start.
Where: The Crown, Market Square, Stony Stratford MK11 1BE.
How: Free entry. Sign up for open mic on the night. Arrive early to avoid disapproval.

Tues 11th Tales at the Edge, White Lion Inn, Bridgnorth, Shropshire,Tales at the Edge is one of the country’s oldest and most established storytelling clubs, meeting in Bridgenorth on the 2nd Tuesday of every month (except August) at 8 pm.

Wed 12 th The Quad Derby QUAD, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby, DE1 3AS Second Wednesday 19.30 Free in, A monthly night of performed poetry for everyone, new performers always welcome or just come and listen, More details from QUAD or contact Les on T: 01332 206 734, http://www.derbyquad.co.uk

Wed 12 th Tea for Two, Stapleford, Cotgrave. 92, Derby Rd, Stapleford, Nottingham , NG9 7AD
An evening of poems and stories hosted by two local
performers – Dave Wood and Richard Young.

This time the featured act is: Jackie Brewster

Those wishing to read/perform are welcome to. Slots of approximately 5 minutes are available. Any spoken word, whether stories, poems or jokes is fine.

This a good chance to try out your writing in a relaxed environment.

Entrance : ‘buy a drink for admission’

There will be no microphones and all seating will be in the round.

Wed 12 th Spread the Word Flying Donkeys, Voicebox, Forman St Derby 8pm. DE1 1JQ.
Our popular open night – bring a tale or a song or a poem or just listen in! With Mel Blount as our featured Hot Spot in the second half.

Tickets £7 / £5 (<18). Advanced bookings Tel 01332 840007 or email Sophie on robandsophie@hotmail.com. Tickets also available at the door.

Thurs 13th The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,Castle Gates, Shrewsbury.
7pm – 9pm
Poetry Open Mic: theme = ‘Nature’ – hosted by Liz Lefroy and Pip Bayley as part of Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival (slots still available)

Thurs 13th Worcester Speakeasy, Drummonds 28 new st Worcester 7.30pm. £3*CHANGE OF VENUE for one month only* Open mic with guest Byron Vincent

Tues 18th.Poetry Alight” at the Kings Head PH ,21 Bird St, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6PW, upstairs function room. 7:30pm until 10:30pm.
*NEW VENUE* Arrive early , 7.30pm prompt start -10pm ish finish Free Entry ,
“A terrific evening of poetry” – Mal Dewhirst, Staffs Poet Laureate…

…
Lichfield Poets proudly present the first Poetry Alight of 2014 in this quarterly series of poetry evenings, hosted by Gary Longden . Guest Headline poets are:

Jo Bell
Matt Merritt
Michelle Crosbie

It comprises visiting guest poets and an open mic section. Great pride is taken in introducing new poets to the audience, and new audiences to poets. Open mic spots, at 3mins each, may be booked in advance, a very few may be made available on the night, e-mail: Lichfield.Poets@hotmail.co.uk

Please note that our advance slots are always over-subscribed, all requests may not be successful.

The Kings Head, offers a range of hot food, as well as tea, coffee and booze! The audience is encouraged to arrive early, and the Kings Head is ideal to enjoy a supper with friends before proceedings.

This month’s distinguished guest poets include:

Jo Bell is one of the UK’s leading poets, a past Director of National Poetry Day, incumbent National Canal Poet Laureate, a doyenne of the festival circuit when performing, and a stalwart supporter of festivals, not least in her capacity as trustee of the Ledbury Poetry Festival. Jo’s poetry is accessible but never dumbed down, challenging but always within reach. This is a rare chance to catch her in Lichfield, you will not be disappointed.
http://belljarblog.wordpress.com/

Matt Merritt is a journalist, historian, ornithologist and poet. He lives near Leicester, England, and writes (and reads lots of) poetry. His new collection, The Elephant Tests, is out now from Nine Arches Press. Hi previous collection, hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica, was published by Nine Arches in 2010. His first collection, Troy Town, was published in March 2008 by Arrowhead Press, and his chapbook, Making The Most Of The Light, was published in 2005 by Happenstance Press. Pithy and rounded his writing is a delight.
http://polyolbion.blogspot.co.uk/

Michelle Crosbie is an emerging Midlands poet whose stage presence and rehearsed reading has delighted audiences from Worcester to Wolverhampton, engaging and compelling, Michelle is an irresistible live performer.

Reviews of past Poetry Alights are available here:

THE SPARK THAT BECOMES A FLAME.

IT TAKES JUST A SPARK TO SET POETRY ALIGHT!

Tues 18th Poetry Lounge The Sitting Room,3 Upper Galdeford (above Thai Box), SY8 1QD
Ludlow’s new Poetry Open Mic Night!

Join us in the quirky comfort and abundant lampshades of The Sitting Room. Take poetry with your glass of wine from the depths of an armchair…
Your compere for the evening with his frilly cuffs peeping, will be James Sheard

Wed 19thLeicester DMU,6-7.30pm in room 2.30 of the Clephan Building at De Montfort University, we’re holding an evening of readings and talks to celebrate the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRYSTAL CLEAR CREATORS. The event is free and open to all. You can see more details here: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/cultural-exchanges-festival/2014/19-wednesday-crystal-clear-is-10.aspx – it’d be lovely to see you there!

Thur 2oth Hit the ode, Victoria PH, Birmingham City Centre,Hit the Ode brings the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world to the heart of Birmingham. Join us! We have poems. Poems you’ve played tag with when you were younger; poems dug up by puzzled archaeologists; poems seen racing down the ringroad on big wheel tricycles. Good poems. Come and get them. Open mic and booking on the door.

Featuring:
Julie Boden – from Leamington Spa
Ann Porro – from Alnmouth – Slamalgamate winner,

Fri 21st Spoken Worlds 19:30 The Old Cottage Tavern , Byrkley St,eet, Burton-upon-Trent DE14 2JJ Open mic gajwriter@btinternet.com

Thur 20th The Shipping Forecast Spoken Word, the riverside Sheffield 1 Mowbray St, Sheffield, S3
Hello forecasters

more sea themed spoken word cabaret this month

featuring

February the 20th

Byron Vincent

One of BBC poetry season’s New Talent Choices, Byron Vincent is a regular at the nation’s most prestigious literary and music festivals. He has performed several times on television and national radio, including Channel 4’s Random Acts, Radio 4’s Bespoken Word and BBC 3’s The Verb. He was poet in residence for the South West of England for Apples and Snake’s ground breaking poetry project My Place or Yours. His first collection Barking Doggerel was released May 2010 by Nasty Little Press. He was co-founder, compere, producer and programmer for one of The UK’s most highly regarded Spoken Word nights at The Bristol Old Vic. Byron has worked as a writer and performer on several theatre projects including The RSC’s Midsummer Night’s dreaming. He is also co-creator of bespoke story telling project Made Up, which in its first year won commissions from both MAYK’s Mayfest in Bristol and Escalator East in Norwich. He is currently devizing his debut solo theatre show Talk About Something You like.

“He’s a geeeeenius” John Cooper Clarke
“The most precocious talent on show” The Times

http://www.byronvincent.com

Plus Genevieve Carver

Genevieve Carver is a locally renowned poet based in Sheffield, and has performed at festivals and events from the Edinburgh Fringe to the Off the Shelf Festival of Words. She writes about the realities of the everyday in a rhymical, lively and thoughtful way, sometimes playing her own piano compositions aong with her work. Genevieve’s poems have appeared in Now Then magazine and a recent anthology of Sheffield Poets, and she was recently longlisted for the Poetry Society National Competition and shortlisted for the York Literature Festival Poetry Competition. plus open mic ask for slots hosted by Stan Skinny and George the shark tickets £5 7.45pm start

Fri 21st Diverse dancers- Ort Cafe, 500 Moseley Rd Balsall Heath,7.30pm an evening of poetry, art, music combined with a photo exhibition from Najma Hush

Sun 23nd Rhyme and Tells at the Six Bells in Bishops Castle, Shropshire,Meets every 4th Sunday of the month (except for public holidays) at 8 pm – 10.30 pm. It is free admission and an open session for poetry, prose and storytelling.
For further details please contact Mike on 01588 680685.

Mon 24th Poetry Open Mic, calahouse, Nottingham, 8pm

Tuesday 25thPurple Penumbra Open Mic, Barlow Theatre, Oldbury:7.30pm
Bring your poetry and your pals to this open mic event, or just come and be entertained.
Those with a musical bent who can fill in a gap or two with something melodic and acoustic are particularly welcome.
Enliven, enrich and enhance the experience of the famous Barlow Theatre bar with your presence, why not?

Tues 25th The Telling Space, Mythstories, *NEW VENUE* (relocated from Wem) Mythstories,The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,5 Castle Gates, SY1 2AE,Wem, Shropshire,The club meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month unless otherwise stated. Please check the website under ‘opening hours and events’ http://www.mythstories.com or contact Dez or Ali on 01939 235500 for further information.
Meet at 7 pm for refreshments (bring food to share) or at 7.30 pm for stories. A chance to listen or an opportunity to tell. Admission is free.

Tues 25th Word Wizards Buckingham Hotel Buxton 19.30. Open mic three minute slam format More info Poetryslamuk@aol.com

Tues 25th Poetry Wednesbury,Wednesbury Library, 7.15pm with Brendan Hawthorne, open mic,brisk 10 min walk from metro, wednesbury great western street or five from wednesbury bus station

Wed 26th The Poetry Train Open Mic @ the Lyche Gate Tavern Queen Square Wolverhampton last Wednesday of the month 8pm dept. http://www.tonystringfellow.com/index.asp?pageid=506170

Wed 26th “42″ Open Mic Night (Gothic, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy) Lunar Bar, New St Worcester, 7.30, Free in:last wed monthly E-mail: 42openmicnight@42genrearts.co.uk

Wed 26thPackhorse Poets,The Packhorse Inn, Crowdecote, near Longnor,Derbys on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm

Sunday, 2nd March Buzzwords,Upstairs at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham
£5 waged, £3 unwagedWorkshop, led by Peter Daniels, 7pm Guest readings and open mic 8pm,Guest poet: Peter Daniels,Do visit our blog:http://buzzwordspoetry.blogspot.com/

Friday 7th Threesome poetry,The Pod, 1a Lamb Street which is central Cov,7.30pm with Liz lefroy

Friday 28 March 2014, An Evening with Ian McMillan and Gareth Owen,Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University

An evening of poetry and other delights with Ian McMillan and Gareth Owen. Ian McMillan is a prodigiously talented solo performer and writer and presenter of BBC Radio 3’s ‘The Verb’ and Gareth Owen is poet, playwright and former presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Poetry Please’. Both poets are guaranteed to make the audience of whatever age laugh and see life from quirky angles.

This is an exciting opportunity for everyone to hear and be inspired by these two writers performing their poetry, and to hear them speak about the process of writing and what makes them tick.

Posted in Midlands Poetry What's On | Leave a comment

Spire Writes, Chesterfield, January 2014

Posted on January 25, 2014 by garylongden

This was my third visit to Spire Writes but my first to the new venue, the White Swan PH. A deluge outside of biblical proportions was ignored by a burgeoning audience which spilled out of the main room into the hallway. The move has clearly worked. Spire Writes is hosted by rising poetic star Helen Mort whose upwards trajectory is as deserved as it is impressive. Current Derbyshire Poet Laureate, her debut collection Division St has received critical acclaim and was nominated for the TS Elliott Prize 2013. Not that success has affected her. Quiet and self –effacing, she is a smooth, effortless compere whose address book opens doors for guests of tonight’s calibre. Charlie, her whippet, is also to hand, faithfully dozing at her feet, to ensure that he reminds her of her priorities.

Co-guest headliners were the inspired pairing of Jo Bell and the lesser known , but no less impressive, Alan Buckley. Jean Sprackland has described Alan Buckley’s work as “…alive with the need to understand. These poems are like X-rays, which see through the surfaces of things…”. Alan’s pamphlet “Shiver” (tall-lighthouse) was a Poetry Book Society choice. He has been widely published in magazines including The Dark Horse, Magma and The Rialto and he was shortlisted for the inaugural Picador Poetry Prize. He works in Oxford as a psychotherapist, and as a school writer-in-residence for the charity First Story.

They performed solo, and together, in sets which combined and intertwined in a hugely satisfying fashion. His time helping Jo to crew her narrowboat inspired The Flood a counterpoint to Jo’s offering from the same journey River Severn, both of which were pastoral gems, yet Alan’s talents also stretched to electronic battleships, with the same laconic ease richly on show. Jo too displayed her versatility, from the pastoral to the problems of ex boyfriends with the same name. She continues to dominate the spoken word circuit as one of its leading lights combining being popular with never dumbing down her material to be populist.

A fearsomely impressive open mic slot was expertly despatched with numerous strong contributions from an audience whose demand for slots far outstripped supply with the lucky readers showing admirable restraint and brevity to keep the evening on track. Spire Writes next plays on Wednesday 5th February with guest Roy Marshall at The White Swan PH, 16 St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TJ, 7.30pm, free in.

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Poems 2014

Posted on January 25, 2014 by garylongden

A Cumbria peak has been declared a mountain after amateur surveyors found it was three quarters of an inch (2cm) higher than originally thought.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-22025371

–

Growing Up

Thack Moor rests still,
No longer a hill,
In a moment something more.

By three quarters of an inch
It is, by a pinch,
Now a mountain.

Men, GPS besotted,
Have visited and re-plotted,
Stark Cumbrian thrust.

Its straining bleak peak,
Now exceeds two thousand feet,

Without pause, or hiatus,
Gaining rightful status

Neither moor, nor tor,
But established for sure-
As England’s mountain, two hundred and fifty four.

November Meeting

Lazy cannon fire of hooves,
Swathed in dragon’s snort mist
A morning dew of sweat in the 3.15
Rippling haunches kissed
By a reminder of the task
Bunched together, poised
To do what is asked
With gaits of silk
Pygmies carried by giants

Only the finish counts, blinkered
Riding the swelling oaths
From willing stands
With galloping heart, from standing start
And it is over in a flash
To a sauntering gambol
Amidst the slips of misfortune
Before weighing room judgement
All is in the balance.

In a moment

Bright light blasted all it touched.
White sheets, clear glass,
silver instruments intensified its stare.
Hope defiantly yelled,
staff whispered,
then mumbled.
Not wanting to be heard.
A short sleeved robe is comfortable in a warm room.

LED lights struggled to define their declining numbers,
tumbling in silent toll.
Soft shoes hummed in urgent sprint.
Fast enough?
You can only do your best,
The next leg in the relay will come soon .
Note boards rustled,
doors opened and closed,
cushioned.
And I strained to hear each shallow breath amidst this cacophony.

A Narrative Verdict

Perhaps that is all there is?
No judgement by human hand
Just a few words, to help us understand
A life summed up
In a sentence

Absence is the ultimate certification
Of what is no more
Unlike a sentence
It has no end

Princes Park, Burntwood

Not quite a forest, with only three trees,
They even have names, faith, hope and charity.

Yet on the United Kingdom it has made its mark
As the country’s smallest park.
/

For the marriage of Prince Albert, and Alexandra,
It was created in commemoration

As a gesture of appreciation,
From a very grateful nation.

Neatly fenced, with bench seating too
It welcomes visitors- but just a few.

I’m Just Against It

Why
Do they put
That slice of gherkin
In their hamburgers?

I
Know junk food
Is bad for me yet
Sometimes I am weak

But
Token green
Tastes and looks obscene
Mister MacDonald

Girl on a Motorcycle

She is wearing leathers now
Coating her skin, saliva slick
Legs astride, ready to go

Androgynous helmet,
Betrayed by supple curves
In glorious anonymity

Her hand grips in soft caress
Throttle waiting to be touched
Its power unleashed

Wild wind strokes the nape
Of her just exposed neck
As she likes it

Braking late, so the rubber hesitates
Tantalisingly, on harsh asphalt
Teasing its deadly kiss

Accelerating away in kaleidoscopic blur
Sounds drowned in pursuit
Of the horizon

Be Afraid

Fear Africa, blacks and Ebola
Fear inadequate precautions
Fear Travel

Fear the Islamic State
Fear the butchers knife
Fear Jihad John

Fear Russia
Fear invasion
Fear tanks rolling across borders

Fear Climate change
Fear being too hot
Fear being too cold

Fear for our children
Fear they will not be
As clever as us

Fear for tomorrow
That it will not be
As perfect as today

Fear that inflation
Is too high
Or too low

Or grasp the day
In such a way
That fear is no more

The Tip

It could win
It should win
It can win
It cant lose
It might win
It didn’t

All Politicians are Bastards

Politicians who travel by rail, first class are stuck up bastards

Politicians who travel standard class ,thereby depriving standard class travellers of a seat, are thoughtless bastards

Politicians who give up their train seats to the pregnant and elderly, when they could have driven by Ministerial car, are inconsiderate bastards

Politicians who use Ministerial cars are traffic congesting bastards

Politicians who cycle, demanding that police open gates for them, are pleb hating bastards

Politicians who fly, are global warming bastards

Politicians who walk, taking up valuable pedestrian space from those who cannot afford other forms of transport, are inconsiderate bastards.

All politicians are bastards

Le Pen

All that it takes is a brush, rushed

A choice, to find a voice

Or a silencer

At a stroke, a line, bullet straight

Poised, for the noise

Of confusion

Expression and repression

Pouring automatically from the muzzle

Escaping, leaking ink, distorting

Born free, yet chained

This is my truth, tell me yours

Of what you can do instead of what you do do

Arms linked, fingers crossed

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment

January 2014, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

Posted on January 21, 2014 by garylongden

The new year opens with a plethora of fine regular events and the opening of a new one, The Poetry Lounge in Ludlow on Tues 21st.Severla events catch the eye, but Helen Mort’s Spire Writes in Chesterfield on we 8th with Jo Bell looks the pick of them.

Thurs 2nd Poetry Jam, Urban Coffee House,30 Church St, B3 2NP Birmingham, Come jam with an open community of creative minds for yet another Poetry Jam!!!

FREE ENTRY starting promptly at 7pm to fit as many performers in as possible (advised to come early as seats have proven to fill up fairly quickly).

OPEN MIC, sign up on arrival we welcome poetry, spoken word, rap etc

If you have a spare moment and want to help us keep these events as good as they can be, please give us some feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5WVZ5FT

For more info please email info@beatfreeks.com

Look forward to seeing many of you there,
Spread the word!

#TeamBeatfreeks

Thurs 2ndThe Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,5 Castle Gates, SY1 2AE Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 7.30pm

Start the new year with poetry. Your own or other people’s. Both. Make it a resolution. You will not regret it. If you do regret it, you can write a poem about regret. They are some of the best ones.

Friday, January 3, Ozieri Poety slam 2014.5:30pm in UTC+01., Ex Convento delle Clarisse,
Accorrete: poeti, parolieri, attori, rappers, commedianti e chi più ne ha più partecipi!

Con il patrocinio della LIPS – Lega Italiana Poetry Slam
Finalmente il Poetry Slam arriva a Ozieri!
La fantastica gara poetica nata a Chicago nel 1987 ad opera del grande Marc Smith è arrivata fino alla Perla del Logudoro!

Regole:
Testi scritti di proprio pugno
3 minuti a testa
Niente costumi né oggetti scenici
Solo voce e corpo
Il pubblico decreta il vincitore
No limiti di lingua

(Ogni partecipante dovrà portare almeno 3 testi)

Dà accesso alla finale sarda poetry slam!

Per partecipare manda una mail @ pierluigimanchia@gmail.com oppure scrivi sulla pagina dell’evento.
Massimo 12 Partecipanti.

Emcee della Serata: Sergio Garau & Stan Cracker

Saranno presenti eccezionali ospiti:
Clara Farina in rappresentanza del Premio Ozieri
Laura Wihlborg campionessa di slam svedese 2008!

Per partecipare manda una mail @ pierluigimanchia@gmail.com oppure scrivi sulla pagina dell’evento.
Massimo 12 Partecipanti.

Partecipanti (lista in corso di aggiornamento)
Andrea Doro da Sorso
Amantia Martinelli da Ozieri/ Sassari
Frankie Fancello da Porto Torres
Marco Dell’Avvento da Ippichiu, lontano
Riccardo Camboni da Ozieri
Andrea Tedde direttamente da Leningrad
Marco Fenudi da lì davanti
Mario C. Borghi da Ozieri
Giovanni Enne da Ozieri
Gavino Barria
Giacomo Crobe
Giuseppe Flash Satta da Ozieri
Info sullo slam: http://www.lellovoce.it/spip.php?rubrique15

Mon 6th Gorilla Poetry Slam, Sheffield,7:30pm until 10:30pm.
Delaney’s Music Bar,17, Cemetery Road, S11 8FJ Sheffield
Hello there Gorillas!

We’re starting off a new slam season, with a fresh score board. This is a chance for you all to challenge yourselves and raise your game in both writing and performing. It’s also an opportunity to be part of a family of creative people who will overwelm you with support for your craft.

As well as the slam, we’ll have an open mic segment for all of you poets who don’t feel quite ready to compete.

If you want a slot for either, let us know on the wall of this event.

Rules for the slam are the same: Scores will be given by four judges who volunteer on the night, they range from 0 to 10.9. Each poet will be asked to bring three poems, each of which must be under 3 minutes long. No props/ costumes allowed. There is a trophy, whether the slam winner will encounter it is a whole new kettle of fish. Welcome to Gorilla!

Spread the word, spread the love, and come join us for a feast of words.

Tues 7th,Word, Y Theatre Leicester,8:00pm.The Y Theatre,
7 East Street, LE1 6EY Leicester

For our first WORD! of 2014 we’ve got the fabulous RALPH DARTFORD as our guest poet!
Ralph writes narrative poems from the heart. Sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes as sad as a lost dog. He has been published in The Guardian, Stirring Magazine, Pulp Faction and London Territories. His first Collection, ‘Cigarettes, Beer and Love’ was recently published by Ossett Observer.

Reviews…

‘Cigarettes, Beer and Love’ is up there with some of the most exquisite poetry books I’ve had the pleasure of handling. It is handbag-sized, a mini book that begs to be touched and carried with you, every page lovingly hand-crafted from fine paper and card. Ralph’s poems are nestled between urban photographs which add a cryptic depth and shot of colour to his first collection. The images feel symbolic against the poetry, they might not be, but even so, they invite the reader to chew over them and try to link dot-to-dots between the words on the page and the camera’s gaze. ~
Rachael Smart, ABC Tales.

What I liked over the whole collection was the plain-speaking quality, which makes for surprising moments in its use of language and line-breaks. It isn’t full of obscure references and allusions, but instead reconfigures very everyday things with very everyday words – but not in an everyday way. ~ Caleb Parkin, The Culture Vulture.

This volume of 20 poems by Ralph Dartford is a collaboration between the following artists and craftspeople:

Photographs by Sharon Shephard
Graphic Design by Tony Shephard
Lithographic printing by Leeds Graphic Press
Letterpress Cover and Belly Band by Nick Loaring at The Print Project
Hand binding by Roger Grech at Papercut Bindery.

January’s WORD! will also feature specially booked performances from Zee Oliver and Richard Byrt.

We may have visuals from our resident film-maker Keith Allott.

More info to follow soon!

WORD!…With Ralph Dartford
Tuesday, January 7th, 2014. The Y Theatre, 8pm (performers, 7pm)

£3/£4 (Box Office : 0116 255 7066)

Wed 8th Spire Writes, White Swan,16 St Mary’s Gate, S41 7TJ Chesterfield, 7.45

It’s January. It’s miserable outside. You’ve got no money…. Luckily, there’s a free poetry night happening in a cosy upstairs room of a Chesterfield pub! Sorted. Our guests for the new year will be the amazing Jo Bell and Alan Buckley.

JO BELL is a poet, boat dweller and the national Canal Laureate for the Poetry Society and Canal and River Trust. Twice nominated for the Ted Hughes Award, her work is lively and vivid.

Jean Sprackland has described ALAN BUCKLEY’s work as “…alive with the need to understand. These poems are like X-rays, which see through the surfaces of things…”. Alan’s pamphlet “Shiver” (tall-lighthouse) was a Poetry Book Society choice. He has been widely published in magazines including The Dark Horse, Magma and The Rialto and he was shortlisted for the inaugural Picador Poetry Prize. He works in Oxford as a psychotherapist, and as a school writer-in-residence for the charity First Story.

As usual, there’ll be open mic slots, real ale at the bar and we’ll finish in time for the last train.

All welcome.

Thurs 9th Spoken word at the Ort cafe, sparkbrook ,ORT,
500-504 Moseley Road, B12 9AH Birmingham, 7.30
Another fun evening of spoken word, poetry, stories, comedy and just a little bit of music 😉
the event is free but there is a suggested donation of £3
a few open mic spots will be available on the night

Thurs 9th Tea on the Square, Much wenlock, Liz Lefroy is our special guest at Poetry Breakfast this Thursday morning at Tea on the Square. Liz runs the now famous Shrewsbury Coffee House poetry readings every month and won the 2011 Roy Fisher Prize for new work in poetry, endowed by Carol Ann Duffy. Gillian Clarke said Liz’s first published pamphlet was ‘a triumph’. Join us to hear Liz reading and enjoy coffee & croissants and good company, at Tea on the Square this Thursday, January 9th, at 9am. What a way to start the day! All very welcome.

Thursday 9 January 2014 Worcester SpeakEasy, the Worcestershire LitFest & Fringe spoken word evening takes place at 19:30 on the second Thursday of each month at The Old Rectifying House, North Parade, Worcester WR1 3NN. Next event is . To book a slot email Maggie or Fergus at speakeasy.litfest@gmail.com or via a Facebook PM (private message) http://www.facebook.com/worcsspeakeasy

Thursday 9 January 2014 PUREandGOODandRIGHT is an Open Mic poetry event taking place at The Fox,32 Clarendon Ave, Leamington spa, CV32 4RZ

Every second THURSDAY of the month (except December)

Next event: Thursday 9 January
7.30 p.m start
This month our special guest is …Dwane Reads

Hailing from Derby and performing in different guise since 1985 (Live Art, Music & Poetry), Dwane has taken his poetry out and about and clocked up 160 gigs across the country to date. Performances include festivals, a support slot for the legendary John Cooper Clarke at the Flowerpot Derby (Oct 2011), and a successful One-man show “Big Bet Boy & Tales Of other Crazy Fools”, which opened at the Buxton Fringe in July 2012.
His anthology ‘The annoying megaphone pigeon’ was recently released via Piggy Bank press, and his poetry has been described as:’ funny & serious & quite magnificent’: Silhouette Press (2013)He has featured his poetry on BBC radio Derby, Nottingham, plus community internet stations. Trips are planned for Eire and Germany later on in the year including gigs & radio appearances. Catch him in Leamington Spa while you can!
DEFINITELY AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED! You can book an Open mic slot on the night!
Admission £3 (£2 Student/OAP) From time to time we are located upstairs, so please let us know if you require disabled access before the event.
If you would like to know more about the night email: pgrpoetry@gmail.com

Friday 10th January 2014 Culture, Real Ale and Poetry” Burton Pub Poetry night at the Old Cottage Tavern (Byrkley Street, behind Town Hall). Starts 8pm.
Usual format. Please bring along your favourite light-hearted poems, monologues or limericks to share. Original or borrowed equally welcome. Do invite any interested friends. Hosted by Adrian Thompson.
Check http://www.pubpoet.blogspot.com for up to date info.
Join in or just sit back and enjoy!

Sunday 12th January hoodwink elixir The Stables Bar,Behind The Bull Hotel,High Street
Stony Stratford,MK11 1AQ8pm – 11.00pm

Spoken word returns to its spiritual home in The Stables Bar, behind the Bull Hotel in Stony Stratford.

This is the Hoodwink Elixir – an open forum dedicated to the performance and promotion of spoken word in all its forms and guises: poetry, storytelling, stand-up, public speaking, dramatic monologue, oratory and soliloquy – anything with a vocal point. All are welcome to enter this creative space and give a voice to thought.

The Hoodwink Elixir will host regular open mic spoken word events on the second Sunday of every month, with performance slots available to anyone who has something to say. Each month will bring a featured performance from a special guest speaker and this month Red Phoenix, international storyteller, word-weaver and myth-maker will regale you with tales to leave you spellbound.

This is the Hoodwink Elixir – an open space dedicated to the performance and celebration of the spoken word in all forms and guises.

Poets, storytellers, speakers, stand-ups, orators, versifiers and soliloquisers, all are welcome to speak out and share their words and thoughts.

Got something to say? Come and have a word!

Entry: £3.00

Tuesday 14th January 2014. Scribal Gathering The Crown, Market Square, Stony StratfordDoors at 7.30 for 8pm start

January brings with it fresh starts and new beginnings, and Scribal Gathering returns to ring in the new year with a feast of spoken word celebrations and musical resolutions.

As we cross the threshold into 2014, let us cast aside the shadows of last year and invite two-faced Janus to exercise diplomacy and see us safely forward. This is the year that all our hopes and dreams will be rewarded, and so make a start by getting yourselves down to Stony Stratford’s premiere open mic music and poetry event and supporting the emerging performers and established talent that keep the light of creativity shining through the long nights and wistful dawns.

The featured performers this month will be The Screaming House Madrigals, kicking off the first of a series of gigs and milestones for the forthcoming year, and the outgoing Bard of Stony Stratford, Richard Frost, offering an annual round up in his final official appearance before a new incumbent is instated a week later.

There are open mic slots available for anyone who wants to share their creativity and join the jamboree, as well as the usual magic and mayhem that makes Scribal Gathering the place to be to take the next steps into the future.
Tues 14th Mouth and Music, Boars head, Kiddermisnter, 8pm
We celebrate our 2nd birthday with an evening of spoken word and music flavoured by memories of Childhood.

“Frum the Coal ‘ole”
BILLIE SPAKEMON will tell vivid stories of growing up in the Black Country – “I spent a lot of my early life in the coal ‘ole. It was usually to escape my Mom who was chasing me with a boiler stick.”

Acoustic folk singer songwriter
JEN ROBINS will bring a gutsy blend of spiritual yearning & practical reality, with a touch of humour

HEATHER WASTIE is MC and open mic sign-up is from 7.30 on the night (5 minutes spoken word or 2 songs)

Admission £3 (free to performers)

Wed 15th Ouse muse,Harpurs Restaurant and Wine Bar,46-48 Tavistock Street, MK40 2RD Bedford,
The first Ouse Muse of the year promises to be a great night – so don your winter woolies and get down to Harpurs for a joint evening with the Circus of Illustration and our guest poet John Greening. Still plenty of open mic space for old stagers or new faces, £3 just listening £2 if reading and £2 for all our Circus of Illustration guests.

Thurs 16th Hit The ode Victoria PH Birmingham, 7.30pm. £5 in

Apples and Snakes presents 
HIT THE ODE

Hit the Ode brings the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world to the heart of Birmingham.

Join us! We have poems. Poems you’ve played tag with when you were younger; poems dug up by puzzled archaeologists; poems seen racing down the ring-road on big wheel tricycles. Good poems. Come and get them.

Open mic: half of the open mic slots available via email (bohdan@applesandsnakes.org), the other half can be claimed on the door on the day of the event.

Thur 16thThe Shipping Forecast Spoken Word,the riverside sheffield 1 Mowbray St, Sheffield

‘January sail’

only £3/ £2 for concessions

@stanskinny
@poetryforecast
http://www.stanskinny.co.uk
theshippingforecast.weebly.com

Hello and happy new year forecasters

New year and a new line up for the Shipping forecast at it’s new venue the Riverside pub, 1 mowbray street, oooh.

and it’s exciting times ahead as we continue to deliver the best in spoken word across the country and locally in the only nautical themed comedy cabaret night in the UK right here in landlocked Sheffield.
This year looks to be the best yet for the forecast as we have programmed a real bobby dazzler of a line up over the next 6 months with the likes of Byron Vincent, Luke Wright, Ross Sutherland and many more plus the usual blend of games, features, message in a bottle with Sting, Liam Gallager’s book review and George the angry shark and of course the naff raffle. Open mic slots are also available email for a slot.

Starting with

January the 16th ‘January sail’

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling is the Hammer And Tongue UK Slam Champion 2012, the Hackney Slam Champion 2011 and the Brighton Slam Champion 2010. He is also a member of the critically acclaimed Chill Pill Poetry Collective and a celebrated battle MC with Dont Flop.

Since 2008 Adam has consistently produced varied and immersive works that nudge at the boundaries of performance poetry. His writing celebrates the minutiae with an observant eye and a healthy dose of surreal humour. Adam is an accomplished MC, having cut his teeth at the open-mic cyphers and rap battles of the Brighton hip hop scene, and incorporates these skills into his works and performances.

He has written and performed for the BBC’s Natural History Unit, the British Arts Council in Poland, at Glastonbury, Latitude and countless other festivals. He has appeared in theatres all over the UK, and has performed across the South of England with his collaborative musical projects.

As a collaborative artist he has worked with the London Sound Painting Orchestra, the afro/ska/reggae/punk band, Animal Circus, and numerous hip hop producers, releasing the Letters EP in 2012 to much acclaim.

Gav Roberts

Rotherham based poetry legend and creator of ROMP. Gav’s work is truly honest, bringing out the beauty, comedy and poignancy in the most banal of everyday events through a unique and instantly recognisable voice.

plus open mic

tickets £3

7.45pm

Fri 17th Word up,Yorks Bakery Cafe,1-3 Newhall Street, B3 3NH Birmingham,
Following the amazing Christmas word up and the emotional send off of the wonderful Ro and Mark, Bluebell Ddotti and Alexandra Moran are very pleased to announce that the first word up of the new year will be on Friday 17th January at Yorks Bakery Cafe, kicking off around 7.

Whether you’ve performed your poetry before or not, we’d love to see loads of you there and performing so drop either of us a facebook message if you want a slot or any more information about the night.

But it’s sure to be a fun, informal way to kick off 2014 😀
Hope to see loads of you there 🙂

Sat 18thUnitarian Church, Emmanuel Road, Cambridge, CB1 1JW
£6 on the door / £4 advance
Tickets on sale here: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/252588

This month, SHINDIG and purveyors of performance poetry Allographic Press team up to provide an interdisciplinary clash of words and music, sound and vision, language and location.

Soundtracked live by Norwich 7-piece (!) Wooden Arms, the evening promises to introduce music fans to a wide variety of linguists and poetry fans to a delightful slice of gorgeous music.

At time of writing, our all star line-up of wordsmiths includes (in vaguely alphabetical order):

// Daisy T-G – http://www.youtube.com/user/daisytgpoetry
// Fay Roberts Poet – http://www.fayroberts.co.uk/
// Hollie Mcnish – http://holliemcnish.com/
// Leanne Moden – http://tenyearstime.blogspot.co.uk/
// Nikki Marrone – http://www.mixcloud.com/nikki-marrone/
// Patrick Widdess – http://www.patrickwiddess.co.uk/
// Russell J Turner – https://soundcloud.com/russelljturner

A wide roster of styles and substances if ever there was one; from skewed surrealism to lyrical storytelling, from black-hearted theatre to witty limericks. The majority of the above will be jumping feet first into musical experimentation, and we hope you’ll be there to cheer them on.

The event is brought to you by the following corporate sponsors:

—–

// Wooden Arms – http://www.woodenarms.co.uk/

Wooden Arms make ethereal, orchestral indie, laden with beautiful harmonies, textures and instrumentation: sound reverberated through bone to flesh; a clattering composition of cacophony. Listen to their self-titled EP on their website above, and stay tuned for new music soon.

—–

// Allographic Press – http://www.allographic.co.uk/

Allographic aims to specialise in producing written and recorded publications of poetry, short stories, artwork, photography and music (sometimes all at once…). They plan for publications to be available to buy online, at live events, and in the shops, in a variety of media

Sun 19th Flashes of fiction,Drummonds,28 New Street, WR5 1BU Worcester,
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Flash Fiction anthology from writers in the WLF Flash Fiction competition. Selected writers will be reading their Flashes, starting at 4pm. Please let us know if you want to Flash with us 🙂

Competition organiser and judge, Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn, and judge Calum Kerr, will be at Drummonds, The Swan With Two Nicks, Worcester. We may be treated to one or two of their own Flashes!

Copies of the anthology will be available – perfect gifts throughout the year – come along and get yours signed by the authors!

Mon 20th Shindig,The Western,70 Western Road, LE3 0GA Leicester,7.30
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! Crystal Clear Creators and Nine Arches Press present Shindig! Open-Mic Poetry Evening, featuring special guest writers Lindsay Waller-Wilkinson, Cathy Grindrod, Charlie Jordan, Joe Coghlan. Sign up for open-mic slots on the door. All welcome, and the event is free.

Tues 21st Bardic Trials, The Crown, Market Square, Stony Stratford MK11 1BE,
The Bardic Council of Stony Stratford presents the Bardic Trials – a quest to find the new Bard of Stony Stratford. This is an open competition before a live audience, calling all performers to compete before their peers and a panel of expert judges for the coveted and prestigious position of the Town Bard. Anyone can be the Bard – poets, performers, singers, songwriters, storytellers, speakers, orators or reciters – anyone with a voice who knows how to use it is welcome to enter into the spirit of the Bardic Tradition and become the new Bard for 2014.

The Bard of Stony Stratford is an official civic position, recognised and supported by the Town Council, and acting as a figurehead for the spirit of creativity, community and culture within the town. Each year, a new Bard is elected by common consent in an open contest before a public vote. They will hold their tenure for a year and a day, during which time they will be called upon to write and perform bespoke pieces to celebrate the activities and achievements of the community, and preside over public events.

Tues 21st Poetry Lounge The Sitting Room,3 Upper Galdeford (above Thai Box), SY8 1QD
Ludlow’s new Poetry Open Mic Night!

Wed 22nd unity in the community, Centre for Oneness, Great Western Street, Wednesbury, WS10 0AS 7pm

Theme is New Horizons. Nelson Mandela showed how love and forgiveness can bring new horizons lets continue in the same spirit. Poetry/Songs on this theme is most welcome. FREE event 🙂

Wed 22nd Find the Right Words,The Cookie Jar,68 High Street, Basement, LE1 5YP Leicester,7.30pm
Are you blue that it’s no longer Christmas? Have you had to curb your cheese intake? Was your New Years party not quite the best night of your life as you’d been promised?

Come cheer up with Bridget Minamore, Ben Norris and a pint at The Cookie Jar.

As always, 10 open mic spots, five beforehand by emailing jess_green@hotmail.co.uk and five on the door.

£5 on the door.

wed 22nd Brainstorm open Mic,Spotted Dog, Alcester Street, Digbeth, Birmingham from 8 o’clock.free in
Sign up for a slot with our Dave if you want to perform or come and be part of a great audience and enjoy the variety of talent on offer at this treasure of a pub!

Wed 22nd Stapleford Spoken Word Tea for two

An evening of poems and stories hosted by two local
performers – Dave Wood and Richard Young.

Those wishing to read/perform are welcome to. Slots of approximately 5 minutes are available. Any spoken word, whether stories, poems or jokes is fine.

This a good chance to try out your writing in a relaxed environment.

Entrance : ‘buy a drink for admission’

There will be no microphones and all seating will be in the round.

Two for Tea
92 Derby Road
STAPLEFORD
NG9 7AD

http://www.2fortea.co.uk

Wednesday, January 22, 2014, Luke Wright, Birmingham uni,6:30pm-All Ages
University of Birmingham (map)

Muirhead Tower
Lecture Room G15
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK

The poet and lecturer Luke Kennard has asked luke wright to come and read at the university where he teaches. It’s a free event and open to anyone. It’s also the only time you’re likely to see Luke right in Brum this year. Come come.
Fri 24th Spoken Worlds, The Old Cottage Tavern, 36 Byrkley Street, DE14 2EG Burton upon Trent,7.30pm free in
Come and celebrate your new year’s resolution, revolution or destitution with us. Bring poetry, prose, sketches, standup or powerpoint presentations and start the year with some great spoken word.

We should innovate even as we deteriorate
Sun 26th Tell Me on a Sunday,Ikon Gallery,1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, B1 2HS 6pm
Tell Me On A Sunday is back! Season 3 of our hugely popular true life storytelling club opens with the theme ‘Once Upon A Time.’ The Ikon turns 50 next year, so the Once Upon a Time theme is a reflection of that. Did you ever dream of something, once upon a time? How did that dream turn out? Did it exceed your wildest expectations or turn to dust as the years went by? Or was there something you believed ‘once upon a time,’ but then something happened to make you feel differently?

Stories must be no longer than seven minutes and told WITHOUT notes! Pitch your story ideas to Cat via the Tell Me FB page.

The main event runs from 6 – 8pm in the gallery. A special story supper is available in Cafe Opus from 5 – 6pm.

Tell Me is for adult listeners. The event is free but ticketed. Please book via the Ikon Gallery in advance: 0121 248 0708

Sun 26th Sunday Xpress,Adam and Eve,Bradford Street, B12 0JD Birmingham,

After a successful 2013, the Sunday Xpress open mic makes its return to the Adam- Eve on January 26.

Special guests alongside the open mic-ers in January will be some familiar faces and old and new friends; including Tom and Jimmy, who have proved to be one of the most popular new acts with punters and performers at the Sunday Xpress last year, and Dik Guru, a favourite on the the local comedy/acoustic music scene in the West Midlands (and should really be beyond), Oldbury’s The ABs, and The Unseen, featuring ace Sunday Xpress regular Will French.

The Sunday Xpress open mic event is hosted by “Big Bren”, Brendan Higgins, for many the unofficial poet laureate of Birmingham. Since its origins in the Market Tavern in Digbeth in 2006, the event has showcased and supported a diverse range of artists, including poets, fiction and non-fiction writers, acoustic and live bands, drama, one-person shows and stand-up comedy.

Show will start at 4.30 and finish at some point in the evening. Those wishing to take part in the open mic are advised to book here or turn up early on the day as places can get limited.

Tues 28th Word Wizards, Buckingham Hotel Buxton, 7.30pm with Rob Stevens, The peaks leading monthly poetry slam

Tues 28th January, Poetry Bites, kitchen Garden Cafe,kings Heath 7.30pm when the guests are Angela France and Daniel Sluman. Both of them are from Cheltenham and both have collections out from Nine Arches. It’s a welcome return for Angela, editor of Iota, whose latest collection is ‘Hide’. Daniel’s debut collection, ‘Absence has a weight of its own’, is already making a huge impact. Poetry Bites also includes floor spots (about 3 minutes) where you can share your own work with an appreciative and supportive audience. To book a spot, arrive by 7.15pm or email jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk
Future dates: 25th March (Helen Calcutt and Sarah James), 27th May, 22nd July, 23rd September, 25th November. All at 7.30pm (food served from 6.30pm). The Kitchen Garden Cafe, York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA, entry through Fletcher’s, a few yards up the road. £5 (£4 concs) including readers. Poetry Bites receives no external funding, so the entry fee covers the cost of the venue and expenses.

Wed 29th January 2014 The Poetry Train Open Mic @ the Lyche Gate Tavern Queen Square Wolverhampton last Wednesday of the month 8pm dept.
http://www.tonystringfellow.com/index.asp?pageid=506170

Wed 29th Purple Penumbra ,Oldbury Rep Theatre,3 Spring Walk, B69 4SP Oldbury, 7.30pm,
What do Thomas Paine, Anton Chekhov and W C Fields have in common?
Yes they were all born on January 29.
Coincidentally, Purple Penumbra’s first meet of 2014 is on the very same day!
Come and ring in the nearly-the-end-of-the-first-month-of-the-new-year with us, you’ll love it. After all, as W C Fields said, “Remember, dead fishes can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream.”

or – as Anton Chekhov said, “Там нет ничего ужаснее, обидно, и угнетающим, чем банальность”

Al Barz

Wed 29th January 2014 42 Worcester, the Worcestershire gothic, horror, sci-fi and fantasy event, returns with an open theme . Held at Drummonds, The Swan with Two Nicks, 28 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP on the final Wednesday of each month, 42 Worcester starts at 19:30. You can book a slot via the Facebook page: or email Andrew at andrew@42worcester.com

Thurs 5th feb Poetic essence,Confession Box (65-66 Dale End, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7LS) 7.30pm
Please note that we have moved to a bigger home. Poetic Essence will no longer be at Talk Bar and will now be at Confession Box (65-66 Dale End, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7LS). A brand new venue to accommodate our growing family

You have your keys so come home February 5th.

Saturday 8th February Poetry Love Slam at the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton. 7.30pm.

It’s a great night of entertainment…

“Follow the pheromones and check out the competition as Valentine versifiers declare their most passionate poetry in a cut and thrust contest to woo and win the hearts of the applaudience.

Heavenly hosts Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore compère thee to a slammer’s way, while judges rate the writing, measure the performances and find the wordster with the X-factor.”

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321 (01902) 321 321
Book online http://www.arenatheatre.info (There is an additional transaction fee of £1.00 when booking online).

Posted in Blog | Leave a comment

Roy Wood Band, The Robin 2, Bilston

Posted on December 14, 2013 by garylongden

I have been watching live music since the Seventies, from pub bands, to Led Zeppelin at Knebworth, and the Rolling Stones in stadiums. Yet The Robin has become one of my favourite venues to see a band play. First at Brierley Hill where I have fond memories of Jess Roden gigs, and now at Bilston, a knowledgeable , friendly and enthusiastic crowd invariably bring the best out of touring bands. Roy Wood at Christmas at the Robin has become a bit of an institution, and tonights’ show had the added personal dimension of Roy making the first single I ever bought, “Fire Brigade”.

Nostalgia shows can be dangerous territory, especially when performed by those whose talent originally was mercurial and whose motivation now is purely cash driven. Neither is true of Roy Wood. His canon of material, first with The Move, and then with Wizard is substantial, and the smile on his face and each member of his nine piece band evidence of pleasure motivating the evening.

Justin Hyde with Big Up the 90’s

Support act were “Big Up the 90’s”, essentially the hugely successful “A Kick up the 80’s” with a different set list. Lead singer and keyboard player Justin Hyde is multi talented and has fronted up several bands playing original as well as cover material. Their set was widely eclectic, comfortable with rock based numbers , less so with pop, particularly those associated with female singers.

As the lights went down, a sell out crowd roared their approval as Roy blasted into “California Man” before steaming headlong into a slew of hits from his back catalogue of which “See My Baby Jive”, “Fire Brigade” and “Blackberry Way” stood out. The band is no ramshackle assembly. Few tour with a four piece brass section, but Roy does, and the sound, particularly in a tight standing venue, richly rewards that commitment. Generally older singers recruiting pretty younger blondes to sing support vocals is vaguely embarrassing, but not here. Shell Naylor has a distinguished singing career in musical theatre. That stage presence and vocal experience shows as her voice blended and complimented, adding to, not subtracting from, the songs. On bass, Neil Simpson from the Climax Blues Band was in imperious form, as was his comapanion in rhythm, Roy Adams on drums.

Roy Wood

They finished with “I Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day”, forty years on from when it first charted. And it probably has felt like Christmas for Roy every time the royalty cheques come in from one of the most successful Christmas songs of modern times, every year for forty years! He, and the band sang it with love, and conviction without a hint of ennui for a fitting end to a great night.

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged Big Up the 90's, Justin Hyde, Neil Simpson, Roy Adama, Roy Wood, Shell Naylor | Leave a comment

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs- Sutton Arts Theatre Company, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on December 4, 2013 by garylongden

*****

Snow White is one of the better pantomime stories. The versatile Sutton Arts Theatre company chose their production well for this year. Director Emily Armstrong has done a fabulous job in putting her own spin on the story, in conjunction with writer Peter Wilman, to produce one of the best amateur pantomime productions I have seen for a very long time. In this instance the term “amateur” relates to the performers giving their time for free only, as the professionalism evident in every aspect of proceedings is the predominant impression, entertaining, and delighting, a full house.

Stage Director John Islip had his work cut out, and excelled. The scenery was colourful and robust, some scene changes complex, and there was the technical challenge of a talking mirror, which behaved itself impeccably. It was a visual delight, as were the lavish costumes.

Children played the seven dwarfs. Patsy Broom, Alicia McBrine, Fynn Sweeney, Carianne Wright, Rosie Sweeney, Luke Flaherty, Seanna Rondet and Harrison Casey filling the roles convincingly with enthusiasm and humour, a tribute to both the Director, and Choreographer Emma Allen.

The role of dame is pivotal to a pantomime’s success, Rob Phillips as Dolly Mixture, played her in the style of Don Mclean. His two handers involving love interest Lord Steward, played deadpan by Dave Douglas, with hoary jokes and slapstick comedy, were a treat, particularly the scene with a roaming bear.

Aimee Horner is a delight as Snow White, innocent and cute, without being twee. Her Prince Charming, or in this case Prince George, a dashing Arron Armstrong- Craddock, starts off as a geek, but is much more comfortable when he can shake off the shackles of his books and sweep his girl off her feet. Louise Farmer has been a stalwart of several of the Company’s productions this year. She appears as the Spirit of Gracechurch, narrating between scenes, and providing confidence and presence to the younger members of the cast during chorus and ensemble choreography numbers.

However the scene stealer in this production is Liz Webster as the wicked stepmother, Queen Griselda. I overheard a young girl behind me, part of a particularly vocal and animated audience, remarking to her mother that she was scared by Liz’s performance. Amidst the ritual booing , hissing and call and response , that was what impressed. It had edge. Sassy and sexy, cold and calculating. She lapped up ad libs from the audience and threw in a very contemporary Nigella Lawson quip for good measure. She was brilliant. Her long suffering sidekick Gobrot was played memorably by Mark Natrass in the style of a dim Baldrick, and appeared quite excited by the prospect of a thrashing from Griselda: “I’ll see how the evening goes”

This is a tremendous show suitable for young children and adults alike who all vociferously enjoyed themselves from start to finish. Ths songs are performed with brio, energy and panache, and yes there is an audience particpation bit! A perfect appetiser for the festive season, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs until the 14th December – go and see it!

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged Emily Armstrong, Liz Fraser, Snow white, Sutton Arts Theatre | Leave a comment

December 2013, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

Posted on December 2, 2013 by garylongden

And so December draws 2013 to a close, although the Christmas period is generally fallow with the notable exception of Word Wizards in Buxton on Friday 27th, the first few weeks are suitably vibrant. Wordsmiths, on Monday 2nd , featuring the stellar Helen Mort and a supporting bill, looks particularly strong. Worcester Speakeasy on 12th goes from strength to strength.

Sunday 1st Buzzwords, Upstairs at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham- Workshop, led by David Morley 7pm,Guest readings and open mic 8pm
Guest poet: David Morley
£5 waged, £3 unwaged

Monday 2nd Wordsmiths, Warwick Arts Centre Coventry, CV4 7ALat 7:45pm
With poets Salena Godden, Helen Mort, Claire Trévien and Ben Norris

Join us for the UK’s first live poetry talk show, featuring a crossover of poets you know from the pages of books and from the festival stages. Jo Bell, your host for this celebration of all things spoken, brings together four poets and encourages them to share secrets, tell tales and share the magic of words and wonderment with the audience in this intimate performance space.

This is a rare opportunity to witness some of the finest established and up-and-coming wordsmiths sharing their stories, poems and opinions as they engage in a no-holds-barred conversation and performance right before your widened eyes!

This series of events is collaboration between Nine Arches Press and Apples and Snakes, with support from Warwick Arts Centre.

Find out more about Wordsmiths and Co:

Twitter: @WordsmithsandCo
Wordsmiths & Co Films on You Tube
Wordsmiths & Co Podcasts on SoundCloud

http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Spoken Word | Performance Poetry

Start time: 7:45pm Running Time: Approx. 90 mins
Tickets: £5.50

Mon 2ndPoetry Open Sandwich, Housmans Bar,27 high street, Church Stretton,SY6 6BX

An evening of poetry in Church Stretton. A delicious Open Mic Poetry filling sandwiched between two slices of our performance poetry production – A Play on Words.

Tickets are £1 from Housmans redeemable against a drink.

If you want to perform some poetry contact David or Ceri Wright for a slot.

Tues 3rd Open Mic, Nightblue Fruit , Playwrights, Coventry, 7:45pm until 10:15pm.Open Mic spaces only available on arrival (5 mins max).Free in Tony Owen hosts

Wed 4th Spire Writes White Swan,16 St Mary’s Gate, S41 7TJ Chesterfield
The nights are getting longer and it’s getting colder, but before the festive season kicks off properly, you can still cheer yourself up with an evening of live literature in Chesterfield. For December, we’ve got special guests Zaffar Kunial and Claire-Jane Carter.

Born in Birmingham, Zaffar Kunial currently lives in Sheffield. In 2011 he was placed third in the National Poetry Competition. At the Northern Writers’ Awards 2013, he was awarded £5,000 to support him to work on his debut poetry collection.

Claire-Jane Carter is a poet, climber and runner based in Sheffield. Her work has appeared in The Sheffield Anthology as well as other publications. She is interested in kinaesthetic and temporal experience in nature and has researched the links between poetry and choreography.

http://clairejanecarter.tumblr.com/

As usual, there’ll be an open mic (since it’s December, feel free to bring a festive poem, or just waft a sprig of tinsel about) and a fine selection of ales at the bar.

We’ll finish in time for the last train back to Sheffield and there’s a large car park next to The White Swan for drivers.

http://www.yell.com/biz/the-white-swan-chesterfield-3635345/

All welcome

Wed 4th Poetic essence. Talk Bar, Priory Queensway, Birmingham City Centre, 7.30pm
Poetic Essence home to all spoken word artists, musicians and singers to express themselves freely to a diverse crowd jam packed with networking opportunities and a platform to success!!!
Wed 4th Simon Fletcher and Jeff Phelps, a reading from The Poetry of Shropshire at Wolverhampton Central Library on Wednesday of next week (December 4). The event will be at 5.45pm and is free. All are welcome

Wed 4thBlack Pear anthology launch,Drummonds, The Swan with Two Nicks, 28 New Street, Worcester WR5 1BU, 7.30pm

The stories in the anthology reflect the diverse talents of people living and writing in Worcestershire, the Black Pear County. Black Pear Press will regularly publish novels, poetry and short stories, with some of its publications originating from the Worcestershire LitFest & Fringe. https://www.facebook.com/events/519594058148862/

Thurs 5th Dec, Shrewsbury Coffee House, Castle gates, 7.30pm;It’s a free event, but we will be asking for donations. I had been thinking of selling tickets for £5 each, as a guide to what you might think of bringing along.
Still warm from our Edinburgh Fringe appearance, Someone’s Mum, Jay Walker and Ms Beeton will entertain, challenge and perplex with a mix of drama, poetry and baking. A fundraiser – details to follow.

Lilian Bates (aka ‘Gran’ to those of us who were her neighbours in Shrewsbury) died earlier this year at a grand age, and her family set up the charity in her memory. Lilian’s Haven is part of a bigger project now called the Cedar Trust which works in an impoverished fishing community in Chennai. Gran’s part of the charity works with children (which is appropriate because she loved children, and used to work as a dinner lady, or lunchtime supervisor as I think the role is now called). The charity offers some teaching to young children who wouldn’t normally get to school, plus very basic but essential care such as feeding and weighing. Lilian’s son John, who has links with the charity, and others of her family will be coming along.I wanted to do something to honour Gran’s memory, and the themes of Threesome, and in particular the take on achieving liberation through baking (!) seemed appropriate as Gran was also known for her excellent Christmas Cakes and Victoria Sponges. She may have been less impressed with some of the language we use – it’s not gratuitous, but expect some honesty, and don’t bring your young children. Teenagers, however, would find it disappointingly mild.

Thurs 5th Poetry Jam, Urban Coffee Co. Birmingham.7pm
Poetry Jam is rocking up a storm in Birmingham. Come Jam on the first Thursday of every month at Urban Coffee Company (Church Street) and see for yourself. Come along for coffee, cake and real talk. Jam with a diverse array of poets and spoken word artists from across the region. Everyone welcome!

Fri 6th Word Smack,The Roland Music Academy at Rotherham College,Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, Eastwood Building, Eastwood Lane, S65 1EG Rotherham, 7.15 £5

The word Smack Cabaret finally returns to Rotherham in December with a fine cast of performers ready to entertain your socks off and then iron them and hand them back all toasty and warm. Featuring … Precious Cleaver is a ‘folkish’ singer who has a song about a dog on a bicycle and one about a little pig and one about the world coming to an end – that one’s a bit gloomy. People ask him “Why are you singing?” and he tells them “I sing to bring a little happiness into people’s lives…whether they like it or not.” So, bring along your tambourines and join in with the Precious Cleaver Folkish Sing-along! “Had everyone in stiches and singing along” Shambala Festival “Wonderful strange song and hilarious too!” Bakewell Festival “I laughed so much I nearly wet myself and then my face hurt.” Audience member – Cabaret BoomBoo Gav Roberts Rotherham’s heart and soul poetry activist, social commentator, founder of ROMP and all round good egg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtzLWYTwspY ROMP Madame Zucchini- vegetable theatre “My favourite Squash-based entertainer” – Tracey Johnson “what a triumph! She has turned a seed into a sumptuous harvest” “Loved it! The Romeo and Juliet denouement had me falling over with laughter” http://madamezucchini.co.uk/ Sean Morley alternative stand up comedian and night sparrow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXUIherUx0c Byran 200 robot from the future back to battle the forces of admin and Andrew Costa classical guitar supremo all hosted by Stan skinny www.stanskinny.co.uk doors open at 7.15pm cost £5

Sat 7th Hard Graft ,Wednesbury Town hall, 7.30pm
Debut performance of this new musical commemorating the centenary of the 1913 Tube Strike.

Standard tickets are £5 and Special Addition Tickets, which include a copy of the script are £10. All proceeds will be going to the Major’s Charity.

Tues 10thWalsall Central Library,Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TR,
from 4-5pm. Tel: 01922 653120 or 653121
Jonathan Collings’ much loved adaptation of this,Charles Dickens Christmas classic.
Families welcome (children from 7 years old).

Tues 10th Mouth & Music, Boars Head,39 Worcester St Kidderminster

For our last Mouth and Music of the year, we welcome wacky Worcestershire Poet Laureate and musician Tim Cranmore who will entertain us with poetry – and a carrot. Tim has performed across the UK and on TV with the London Vegetable Orchestra playing a variety of vegetables and is skilled at turning carrots in particular into fully functioning, if short-lived, instruments.

Also featured is a popular Mouth and Music regular – singer/songwriter Humdrum Express, with his “up-tempo exasperation, poetic put-downs and bitter-sweet tales of delusion.”

This month’s MC is Sarah Tamar.

The theme for the evening is PANTOMIME and there will be a prize for the best fancy dress.

Open mic sign up is from 7.30 (5 mins spoken word or 2 songs) and the show starts at 8.00.

Wed 11thRoom 101, Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad treet,Birmingham
B1 2ND, 7.15pm Cost:£6 / £4
Join Nine Arches Press and Writing West Midlands to celebrate the launch of Maps & Legends: Poetry to Find your Way By, edited by Jo Bell. Featuring poets Matt Merritt, Angela France, Maria Taylor, David Morley, Daniel Sluman, David Hart, Roz Goddard and others.

Take a poetry-pathway less travelled and enjoy this navigation through poems from a variety of new and established voices from the contemporary poetry landscape.

This anthology celebrates five years of independent publishing by Nine Arches Press, and features a selection of poetry that they have put on the map during this time. This is poetry from the leading edge, plotting points from urban backwaters, to landmarks of personal and public histories, and way beyond; out into the poem’s wild imagined spaces, shadow places that can’t be found on the official maps or surveys and are firmly off the beaten track.

Presented in partnership with Nine Arches Press. http://www.ninearchespress.com

All ticket holders will receive a 25% discount on the anthology on the night.

How to Book:

To book your place, please contact our box office The Box on 0121 245 4455 or you can book online here.

Wed, Dec 11th 2014, 7.30pm, The Voicebox, Forman Street, Derby DE1 1JQ.

Our popular open night returns for a seasonal themed pick and mix of tales and songs and music, with hot spot special guests, musicians Ron Middleton and Paul Kearns. Also featuring our pop-up restaurant, so evening meal included.

Tickets £10 (all) on the door, but as it is a meal, please book in advance if you can – at Tel

Thurs 12thChristmas SpeakEasy. Worcester SpeakEasy, The Old Rectifying House, North Parade, Worcester WR1 3 NN 7:30pm
Friday 13th Naomi Paul will be performing a comedy set for Communities against the Cuts benefit, The British Oak,

1364 Pershore Rd, B30 2XS 8 till late £3 Phone 07582 610 944 07582 610 944

communitiesagainstthecuts@gmail.com communitiesagainstthecuts.com

fri 13th Wednesbury Open Mic Open Mic Poetry,Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery ,7.30 pm, £3, with Den Payne, third friday

Fri 13th Word Up Christmas Specal Yorks Bakery Café, Birmingham. More Info
Welcome to the Word Up Christmas Special – and what a special night it will be. This will be the last Word Up, both Mark and Ro will be hosting together. We urge anyone who has in any way, shape or form supported Word Up to come along and enjoy this last night with us. We want to see you all to celebrate something so special. If you fancy the usual Word Up shenanigans with an extra bit of sparkle, then join us!
Contact: email word–up@hotmail.com, or tweet us: @wordup_brum

Fri 27th Word Wizards Buckingham Hotel, opp the Pavillion Gdns , Buxton Monthly 19.30. christamas special, anythng goes More info Poetryslamuk@aol.com 01298 77362

Our once a year Free for All, – No Rules – No Time Limits – Songs – Group Poems – Comedy – Sketches – Juggling – Magic
Come along and strut your stuff – or just enjoy a great evening of live entertainment.

Wed 8th Spire Writes, White Swan,16 St Mary’s Gate, S41 7TJ Chesterfield, 7.45

JO BELL is a poet, boat dweller and the national Canal Laureate for the Poetry Society and Canal and River Trust. Twice nominated for the Ted Hughes Award, her work is lively and vivid.

As usual, there’ll be open mic slots, real ale at the bar and we’ll finish in time for the last train.

All welcome.

Thursday 9 January 2014 Worcester SpeakEasy, the Worcestershire LitFest & Fringe spoken word evening takes place at 19:30 on the second Thursday of each month at The Old Rectifying House, North Parade, Worcester WR1 3NN. Next event is . To book a slot email Maggie or Fergus at speakeasy.litfest@gmail.com or via a Facebook PM (private message) http://www.facebook.com/worcsspeakeasy

Thursday 9 January 2014PUREandGOODandRIGHT is an Open Mic poetry event taking place at The Fox,32 Clarendon Ave, Leamington spa, CV32 4RZ

Every second THURSDAY of the month (except December)

Next event: Thursday 9 January
7.30 p.m start
This month our special guest is …Dwane Reads

Friday 10th January 2014Culture, Real Ale and Poetry” Burton Pub Poetry night at the Old Cottage Tavern (Byrkley Street, behind Town Hall). Starts 8pm.
Usual format. Please bring along your favourite light-hearted poems, monologues or limericks to share. Original or borrowed equally welcome. Do invite any interested friends. Hosted by Adrian Thompson.
Check http://www.pubpoet.blogspot.com for up to date info.
Join in or just sit back and enjoy!

Sunday 12th January hoodwink elixir The Stables Bar,Behind The Bull Hotel,High Street
Stony Stratford,MK11 1AQ8pm – 11.00pm

Spoken word returns to its spiritual home in The Stables Bar, behind the Bull Hotel in Stony Stratford.

This is the Hoodwink Elixir – an open space dedicated to the performance and celebration of the spoken word in all forms and guises.

Poets, storytellers, speakers, stand-ups, orators, versifiers and soliloquisers, all are welcome to speak out and share their words and thoughts.

Got something to say? Come and have a word!

Entry: £3.00

Tuesday 14th January 2014. Scribal Gathering The Crown, Market Square, Stony StratfordDoors at 7.30 for 8pm start

January brings with it fresh starts and new beginnings, and Scribal Gathering returns to ring in the new year with a feast of spoken word celebrations and musical resolutions.

Thurs 16th Hit The ode Victoria PH Birmingham, 7.30pm. £5 in

Apples and Snakes presents 
HIT THE ODE

Hit the Ode brings the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world to the heart of Birmingham.

Open mic: half of the open mic slots available via email (bohdan@applesandsnakes.org), the other half can be claimed on the door on the day of the event.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014, Luke Wright, Birmingham uni,6:30pm-All Ages
University of Birmingham (map)

Muirhead Tower
Lecture Room G15
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK

Wed 30th January 2014 42 Worcester, the Worcestershire gothic, horror, sci-fi and fantasy event, returns with an open theme . Held at Drummonds, The Swan with Two Nicks, 28 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP on the final Wednesday of each month, 42 Worcester starts at 19:30. You can book a slot via the Facebook page: or email Andrew at andrew@42worcester.com

Saturday 8th February Poetry Love Slam at the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton. 7.30pm.

It’s a great night of entertainment…

“Follow the pheromones and check out the competition as Valentine versifiers declare their most passionate poetry in a cut and thrust contest to woo and win the hearts of the applaudience.

Heavenly hosts Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore compère thee to a slammer’s way, while judges rate the writing, measure the performances and find the wordster with the X-factor.”

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321 (01902) 321 321
Book online http://www.arenatheatre.info (There is an additional transaction fee of £1.00 when booking online).

Tues 28th January, Poetry Bites, kitchen Garden Cafe,kings Heath 7.30pm when the guests are Angela France and Daniel Sluman. Both of them are from Cheltenham and both have collections out from Nine Arches. It’s a welcome return for Angela, editor of Iota, whose latest collection is ‘Hide’. Daniel’s debut collection, ‘Absence has a weight of its own’, is already making a huge impact. Poetry Bites also includes floor spots (about 3 minutes) where you can share your own work with an appreciative and supportive audience. To book a spot, arrive by 7.15pm or email jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk
Future dates: 25th March (Helen Calcutt and Sarah James), 27th May, 22nd July, 23rd September, 25th November. All at 7.30pm (food served from 6.30pm). The Kitchen Garden Cafe, York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA, entry through Fletcher’s, a few yards up the road. £5 (£4 concs) including readers. Poetry Bites receives no external funding, so the entry fee covers the cost of the venue and expenses.

Posted in Midlands Poetry What's On | Leave a comment

Garyswordz

Some Girl I Used to Know- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Poetry @ The Shrewsbury Coffee House

Run For Your Wife, Sutton Arts Theatre

February 2014, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

Spire Writes, Chesterfield, January 2014

Poems 2014

January 2014, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

Roy Wood Band, The Robin 2, Bilston

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs- Sutton Arts Theatre Company, Sutton Coldfield

December 2013, What’s On Midlands Spoken Word

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