It is quite a couple of days for opera fans at the Grand, with La Boheme last night, and Aida tonight, both by Ellen Kent . Puccini’s La Boheme demands proper staging, and this production delivers that. It is a traditional show , with well choreographed crowd scenes and authentic, realistic sets that transform from the artists garret to the Café Momus, and from the Barriere d’Enfer back to the garret – the platform for music and drama is sumptuously set. Local talent is represented by children from stage schools, a local dog and a brass band. Spectacle abounds, snow falls and everything is a little larger than life.
The story is inspired by Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la Vie de Boheme, although most of the libretto is original. It tells of the love affair between seamstress Mimi (Elena Dee) and penniless poet Rodolfo (Sorin Lupa) ,beautifully introduced by their first encounter with “Si, mi chiamano Mimi” in which soprano Dee excels, displaying her slight edge and fast vibrato .Rodolfo’s preceding “Che Gelida Manina”is nuanced and poignant. Baritone Petru Racovita, meanwhile, is the appealing Marcello, opposite Ecaterina Danu’s beautifully characterised Musetta, glamorous, commanding, and with a gleaming, lyric soprano that lifts the soul. There’s a nicely uptight Schaunard from Iurie Gisca, and an endearing Colline from Valeriu Cojocaru. Romance, tragedy and death, the staples of a good opera are all present and correct, played with respect and commitment by a fine ensemble.
La Bohème is awash with well known glorious arias and duets, particularly Mimì and Rodolfo’s arias and duet in Act I,culminating in O Soave Fanciulla . They set a fearsome pace and standard for the rest of the evening. In Act Two, Musetta’s waltz, Quando M’en vo,” glitters as she strains for Marcello’s attention stealing time with him by means of a ruse regarding a tight shoe. The dramatic closing quartet of the Third Act, Addio dolce svegliare alla mattina! ,is brilliantly played out as Rodolfo and Mimi are reconciled, and Marcello and Musetta quarrel in antithetical counterpoint. The closing Fourth Act is stolen by Colline’s Vecchia Zimarra as he pawns his overcoat to pay for medicine for the ailing Mimi.
Nicolae Dohotaru’s conducting oozes warm orchestral sonorities, and is at its best with the arias which have have the slow, grave beauty and cadence of symphonic adagios. La Boheme is remarkable for being a classic opera, first performed 117 years ago in 1896, for which a recording exists conducted by the original conductor.In 1946, fifty years after the opera’s premiere, Toscanini reprised his conducting a performance on radio, offering contemporary conductors, and musicians, an unique insight into how Puccini envisioned the original score.
A temporary hitch with the surtitles at the beginning was soon rectified with Ellen herself coming front of house between Acts to apologise, a perfect demonstration of how hands on she is with her productions. She presents Aida tomorrow at the Grand before continuing on tour with La Boheme and Nabucco, details of which are available on: http://www.ellenkent.com/how-to-book.htm
Demolition Derby is the creation of local Rock devotee Georgie “Goldie Locks” and this year’s instalment is the fourth in the series. Eschewing the manufactured pap of the likes of X Factor and The Voice, this event plays to the vast army of rock fans that lurk everywhere, but whose interest is poorly represented on television and radio. Rock always is best experienced live, unsurprisingly the Hairy Dog in Beckett St, Derby was packed.
Walkway
First up on Friday were Walkway who comprise; Chris Ready (Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar / Keys), James Ready (Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals), Alex Rosedale (Bass Guitar / Backing vocals),Joe Evans (Drums / Percussion / Backing Vocals) and have supported the likes of The Darkness and Black Stone Cherry. Their influences were unmistakeable as they charged through a storming set honed over the past five years mixing covers with material from their debut album “Top Shelf Content”. They were brilliant. “Comfortably Numb” and “Sharp Dressed Man” stood out, but the tour de force was the encore of “Freebird” with guitarist James Ready soloing the night away and leaping into the crowd and going walkabout. Gary Rossington would have been as impressed as we were!
Headlining the evening were Sack Sabbath playing homage to Black Sabbath. I was fortunate enough to see the Sabbs twice in their heyday in 1976, and 1977. It was only live that it was possible to understand how the band worked. Centre stage would be Tony Iommi, musical director, ( a phrase no-one would have dared used then!), a static brooding figure, lashing out the licks with a venom a ships Boatswain would have savoured. Stage left Geezer Butler would never look at drummer Bill Ward, instead they seemed locked in a telepathic, diabolic trance, laying down a pounding rhythm celebrated best in Children of the Grave. And then there was Ozzy, cheerleader, wizard, icon and, singer, his distinctive high pitched vocals essential if they were to be heard over the growling roar of the rest of the band. It is quite a standard to live up to and Sack Sabbath delivered.
Ozzy does his stuff
Naturally Ozzy hogs the show living up to Nick Kent’s defining description of his likeness on stage to a demented sea lion. Geezer strangely has taken to playing his bass in the style of John Entwhistle rather than in “gunslinger” mode but is no less effective for it. The set celebrates the classic years but opens with the closing numbers that Sabbath played at the time, namely “Children of the Grave” and “NIB”, I would have loved to have heard “Killing Yourself to Live” again as an opener, and for them to have walked on to the strains of “Supertzar”, but maybe another day. A Sabbath crowd know what they want, and Sack Sabbath know how to give it to them. A great show. A great night.
Demolition Derby continues on Saturday night with Towers of Stone and Metal Fatigue
Each year Cork and Coventry act as a staging point for a poetry exchange, swapping poets, poetry, experience and humanity. This year Rab Urquhart and Julie Field (aka Julie Goo) were Cork’s representatives for an itinerary that now includes three separate performances, the first of which was at the traditional opener, Night Blue Fruit in Coventry on Tuesday with local dignitaries in attendance, hosted by organiser and co-ordinator Tony Owen.
On Wednesday Cork came to Lichfield for the first time, hosted by the Lichfield Poets at the Kings Head. A strong open mic section included; Lichfield Poets Tom Wyre, Ian Ward, Mike McKay, Mike Seaton, Ben McNair and David Calcutt; Past Staffordshire Poet Laureate Mal Dewhirst; from Burton on Trent Gary Carr and Terri Jolland; from Stourbridge Mika Alma; from Leicestershire Jayne Stanton, and complimented by Tony Owen from Coventry.
The Lichfield Poets then performed a selection of original poems about Lichfield and Staffordshire before the main Event.
On Thursday the tour came to an end at The Old Crown in Digbeth, surrounded by pubs like the Kerryman, The Dubliner and the Irish Centre emphasising that this is the Irish Quarter of the city. Rab Urquhart even wore a “peaky blinders” flat cap to fit in with the location. Sponsored by the Irish in Birmingham charity, whose representative was Pat Murphy Wright, in association with Birmingham Poetry collective Write Down Speak Up, another open mic session preceded Rab and Julie. Open micers included Tom Roberts, Mike Alma, Tom Wyre and Tessa Lowe, and from WDSU, Charlie Jordan, Kurly McGeachie and a welcome appearance from Dreadlock Alien.
Host Gary Longden in censorious mode
The Cork Poets came prepared with a book offering a selection from both poets, who were pleasingly diverse and accomplished performers. Julie was witty with an intellect which eschewed cheap laughs, and carried a message for tolerance which was understated, but unmistakeable, captured brilliantly in “Dear Society”. Rab wove his Scottish heritage with themes from his adopted city, laconic in “ A Chinese Proverb”, teasing with his piece on Scottish patriotism, and an unashamed tigerphile! Both poets perform regularly at O’Bheal, a weekly poetry evening , held on a Monday,at The Long Valley, Winthrop st, Cork, the Midlands was fortunate to have these two fine poets on loan for a few days.
Cork Poet Rab Urquhart
The value of this exchange was reinforced continuously as new expressions and ideas sprung from the same language divided only by the Irish Sea, as Dreadlock Alien exclaimed, “Well Done”.
Working out which dates are on, and when, in December is no easy task, so I am publishing this a week early for December, listing only those events I am certain of. Could my loyal readership please message me with any events for December I have missed?
There is no let up to the action in the last full month of 2013. Highlights include the Leicester Literary Festival, the Cork Poets performing in Coventry, Lichfield and Birmingham and Andrew McMillan doing a Sunday morning show in Shrewsbury.
Day by Day Fri 1st Spooky Poetry Mystery Gig ,Gleadless Valley Community Centre Sheffield.1pm free:
13.00 – 13.45 Poetry Showcase (Halloween Themed)
13.45 – 15.00 Poetry Workshop (Halloween Themed)
Fri 1st Words at Wheatcrofts wharf, Cromford Mills, Mill Rd, Cromford, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ 7pm free in. Another Spoken Extravaganza organised by those wonderful people at the Arkwright Society, hosted by Gary Carr in the style of Spoken Worlds. Come along early, it was packed last time around. We all had a great time, and nearly finished by 9.
Fri 1st 5th Malvern Poetry Slam with Attila the Stockbroker , The Cube Malvern, 7.30pm This year’s Slam is over Two rounds with a set by Attila in the second half….Always excellent…Bar from 7.30 the action starts at 8.00pm.Entrance £7.00 on the door
Sun 3rd Buzzwords Upstairs at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham £5 waged, £3 unwaged
Workshop, led by Bobby Parker, 7pm Guest readings and open mic 8pm Guest poet: Bobby Parker Do visit our blog: http://buzzwordspoetry.blogspot.com/
Tues 5th Nightblue Fruit with the Cork Poets, Playwrights, Coventry, 7:45pm until 10:15pm.Now in its 6th year the coveted twin city poetry link between Coventry and Cork sees 2013 bring two more exciting poets from Cork to grace our great new venue at Playwrights Coventry.Open Mic spaces only available on arrival (5 mins max).**This is the busiest night in our calendar so arrive by 7.30pm to assure you get a space to read**Free Entry !Playwrights Coventry, Hay Lane, Cathedral Quarter, Coventry, CV1 5RF
POET BIOGRAPHIES
Edinburgh-born poet Rab Urquhart has been Cork-based for nearly two decades, and is known for delivering enigmatic performances at many spoken-word venues. For years he has hosted open-mic events including as MC of the open-mic nights The Slam, Fun club, The Vox, The Tikki Sunday Social and with Mike Burgess, the Cheeky Sunday Social in the Slate bar, Cork. Rab’s poetry crosses into Experimental / Lyrical / Punk genres and he mostly performs off-page.
Julie Field (a.k.a. Julie Goo) is a Cork-born performance poet, singer, and songwriter who writes and performs in both English and Irish (Gaelic). Having been invovled in theatre for most of her life, she performs her socially conscious, politically driven poetry with ease and grace. Julie studied at University College Cork for many years, where she completed an MPhil in modern Irish, and also taught. She performs regularly around Ireland, and is currently completing training to teach primary school children. Julie is the 2013 Munster Slam Champion, and will compete in the All-Ireland Slam in December. Lots of free or low cost parking after 6pm, for more info check Coventry City Council website.
Tues 5th 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 6th Poem in Your Pocket, Birmingham Rep, 7pm Do you have a favourite poem which you always turn to in good and bad times?
If so, come to a reading of popular Stress Busting poems by a team of trained readers including me, Polly Wright, Mandy Ross and Alison Belbinfrom the Hearth Centre’s incredibly successful Speaking Out project. The project uses literature to spark conversations about mental health. You can bring your own Poem in Your Pocket or you can track one down using our resources. A member of the Hearth’s team will share your poem with the audience in the second half of the evening.
EVENT FREE BUT BOOK SOON – TO GET A SEAT
Wed 6th Poetic Essence Talk Bar, Priory Queensway, Birmingham City Centre, 7.30pm 1st Wed
Poetic Essence is 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!!!
Ready for a different kind of night out in Birmingham? Held at the newly refurbished ‘Talk” bar every 1st Wednesday.
This night promises to speak to your inner soul and whisper to your heart featuring Special Guests Performances, Poetry, Eccentric/Jazz Music and Spoken Word.
Want to show off your talent for music or poetry, then sign up for our ‘Lucky 7′ Competition (Free house drink to anyone who signs up) You can come and listen to a mixture of Spoken Word, Eccentric, Neo-Soul live music, take on our #Roots lyrical challenge and just relax and chill with us on November 6th from 7pm-11pm
Wed 6th The Cork Poets and Open Mic at the Kings Head, Bird St, Lichfield, 7.30pm, £3 inc buffet
The Lichfield Poets are proud to announce an open mic poetry evening at the historic Kings Head pub in Bird Street,Lichfield , at which two representatives of the Cork Poets will be headline guests as part of a short Midlands tour taking in Coventry, Lichfield and Birmingham.
Commencing at 7.30pm, the evening will comprise an open mic section for poetry , lasting three minutes a slot, sign up on the night, a featured slot from the Lichfield Poets ,and two headline spots for the Cork Poets with the odd break for a drink or two. £3 admission to include a light buffet:
The Cork Poets are:
Edinburgh-born poet Rab Urquhart has been Cork-based for nearly two decades, and is known for delivering enigmatic performances at many spoken-word venues. For years he has hosted open-mic events including as MC of the open-mic nights The Slam, Fun club, The Vox, The Tikki Sunday Social and with Mike Burgess, the Cheeky Sunday Social in the Slate bar, Cork. Rab’s poetry crosses into Experimental / Lyrical / Punk genres and he mostly performs off-page.
Julie Field (a.k.a. Julie Goo) is a Cork-born performance poet, singer, and songwriter who writes and performs in both English and Irish (Gaelic). Having been invovled in theatre for most of her life, she performs her socially concious, poltically driven poetry with ease and grace. Julie studied at University College Cork for many years, where she completed an MPhil in modern Irish, and also taught. She performs regularly around Ireland, and is currently completing training to teach primary school children. Julie is the 2013 Munster Slam Champion, and will compete in the All-Ireland Slam in December.
The evening will be compered by Poetry Alight host Gary Longden.
The Cork Poets perform at the legendary O’Bheal evening, Upstairs at The Long Valley, Winthrop Street, Cork. For more information follow the link to their blog. http://www.obheal.ie/blog/
Do come along to welcome our esteemed Irish visitors and have a great time.
Wed 6th Spire Writes, The White Swan, Chesterfield, 7.30pm free in.
Join us again in November for another set of guest readings and some great open mic.
Sally Goldsmith was born in Oxfordshire but feels like a Sheffielder having lived in and around the city for nearly 35 years. Her pamphlet ‘Singer’ was a winner in the Poetry Business Pamphlet Competition judged by Michael Longley. Her first full collection, ‘Are We There Yet?’ Was published by Smith/Doorstop earlier this year.
Cora Greenhill’s new collection, The Point of Waking (Oversteps Books) comes out in October, and this will be it’s first outing! Cora has lived in Grindleford for over 25 years, and her poems reflects her life in Derbyshire as well as longterm working relationship with Crete. She has recently had work in The North, The Sheffield Anthology, The Best of Manchester Poets, The New Writer, MsLexia and other publications.
As usual, there’ll be open mic slots available for anyone who wants to read and real ale available at the bar!
We’ll be done in time for the last train back to Sheffield
Thurs 7th Coffeehouse Poetry – The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,5 Castle Gates, SY1 2AE Shrew sbury:7.30-9pm,with Liz lefroy,Readings from Graham Attenborough, John Crick, Mary Cunningham, Robert Harper, Carol Caffrey Witherow, Bethany Rivers and Three Men on Technology: Tom Wentworth, Barry Tench and Adam Rutter
Thurs 7th Poetry Jam, Urban Coffee Jam, Birmingham, 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
For more info please email info@beatfreeks.com
Look forward to seeing many of you there,
Spread the word!
#TeamBeatfreeksn Coffee House, Birmingham
Thurs 7th Down the Rabbit Hole second thursday, Esquires Cafe, Cov Transport Museum,Coventry,Cv1 1JD
LIVE ART * LIVE MUSIC * LIVE POETRY * LIVE COMEDY * LIVE STORYTELLING*
Coffee, tea, wine and beer available all night!
If you have anything to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact the Down The Rabbit Hole page or Kathleen/Leena/Kathy Normington at any time to opt in to sharing something – anything!
Thurs 7th Good Impressions Spoken Word open Mic, Cafe Impression, Atkins Building, Hinckley, LE10 1QU,7.30pm £5in Hosted by Tom Phillips,1st Thursday Monthly
Thur 7th Irish night featuring the Cork Poets at The Old Crown, Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, 8pm, free in
The” Irish in Birmingham” charity are proud to announce another Irish night at the Old Crown in Digbeth, the heart of the Irish quarter, at which two representatives of the Cork Poets will be reading as part of a short Midlands tour taking in Coventry, Lichfield and Birmingham.
Commencing at 8pm, the evening will comprise an open mic section for poetry, stories and song of Irish tradition lasting three minutes a slot, sign up on the night, and two featured spots for the Cork Poets with the odd break for a drink or two. Free admission. The Cork Poets are:
Edinburgh-born poet Rab Urquhart has been Cork-based for nearly two decades, and is known for delivering enigmatic performances at many spoken-word venues. For years he has hosted open-mic events including as MC of the open-mic nights The Slam, Fun club, The Vox, The Tikki Sunday Social and with Mike Burgess, the Cheeky Sunday Social in the Slate bar, Cork. Rab’s poetry crosses into Experimental / Lyrical / Punk genres and he mostly performs off-page.
Julie Field (a.k.a. Julie Goo) is a Cork-born performance poet, singer, and songwriter who writes and performs in both English and Irish (Gaelic). Having been invovled in theatre for most of her life, she performs her socially concious, poltically driven poetry with ease and grace. Julie studied at University College Cork for many years, where she completed an MPhil in modern Irish, and also taught. She performs regularly around Ireland, and is currently completing training to teach primary school children. Julie is the 2013 Munster Slam Champion, and will compete in the All-Ireland Slam in December.
The evening is by arrangement with The Irish in Birmingham (http://www.irishinbirmingham.com/) and is being compered by Gary Longden.
The Cork Poets perform at the legendary O’Bheal evening, Upstairs at The Long Valley, Winthrop Street, Cork. For more information follow the link to their blog. http://www.obheal.ie/blog/
Do come along to celebrate, and contribute to, the rich Irish tradition in Birmingham, to welcome our esteemed Irish visitors and have a great time.
Fri 8th Lyric Lounge Corby featuring Kate Tempest, The Cube George St NN1 1QG, from5.30pm, £5 in
Headlined by KATE TEMPEST, Lyric Lounge is set to take Corby by storm with its heady mix of internationally renowned artists, live literature, music, film, open mics and workshops!
Friday 8 LAUNCH OF LEICESTER CENTRE FOR CREATIVE WRITING, and books by Jonathan Taylor, Simon Perril, Deborah Tyler-Bennett and Jane Adams
How far can you push the boundaries of performance? See what happens when some of the most exciting spoken word poets leave their comfort zones.
Lit Fuse, developed jointly by mac birmingham and Apples and Snakes, is a series of events showcasing new work devised by UK poets in collaboration with top directors and producers. Don’t miss this opportunity to be there at the start of something big – help us light the fuse!
The November 2013 edition will premiere four brand new long pieces written and performed by four exciting Birmingham-based poets:
Elisabeth Charis, writer, allotment neglector, boater, thinker, watcher of people, obsessive noter.
Ben Norris, an actor, writer, and sadness fighter; a student, brother, and strong cheese lover.
Roy Mcfarlane, just walking the earth, delivering words, wherever he sees it and however he feels it.
Lily Blacksell: a word sayer and saxophone player, Lily studies English with Creative Writing. GSOH essential.
They will be working with director Polly Tisdall, who creates work which explores the relationship between spoken word, storytelling and theatre.
Sun 10th, Poets for Peace, Ort Cafe, Balsall Heath 7.30pm,Calling all poetry lovers and lovers of peace.
Come and share your favourite poems, on any theme …. your own or those of others… in the peaceful but stimulating and comfortable atmosphere that is Ort!
Mon 11th Speech Bubble Cognito, Students’ Union, Loughborough University 7pm Second Mondays monthlyin term time, check for details: http://www.arts.lboro.ac.uk/
Mon 11th Pub Poetry Nottingham The Canal house, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH,8pm, 2nd monday : Free in, Open mic Contact Nick on pubpoetry@nottscomedyfestival.co.uk
Mon 11th Open Mic, the Bowery, Devonshire St Sheffield, 7.30pm with William Blake
Mon 11thPUREandGOODandRIGHT White Horse Clarendon av, Leamington Spa
PUREandGOODandRIGHT is an Open Mic poetry event taking place every second Monday of month (except December)
At THE WHITE HORSE 4-6 Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 5PZ
Next event: Monday, 11 November 7.30 p.m start
This month our special guest is…
PGR Slam Champion
Augustus Stephens
Augustus spent twenty-five years working in computers,
but has given up his day job to be a poet / musician / performer delighting audiences with his true-life adventures in funny and heart-rending poems. He’ll also throw in, at no extra charge, the occasional comic ditty accompanying himself on his small guitar. He has performed his one-man-show ‘This Way Madness Lies’ at the Birmingham Fest and will be taking it on the road, including Edinburgh Festivals, next year.
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
Tues 12th Scribal gathering The Crown, Market Square, Stony Stratford MK11 1BE Scribal Gathering is back on the second Tuesday of the month to bring you a whole evening of open mic music and spoken word excellence, welcoming all performers of any style, genre or ability to take the stage, stand in the spotlight, get behind the mic and share their creativity before a receptive audience.That’s the plan anyway, but the best laid plans of musicians and poets go oft astray. So, to ensure that matters spiral wildly back into control, we have invited Allographic, Cambridge’s foremost poetry performance, promotion and publishing proponents, to take over for the evening and bring a new spin from the city of perspiring dreams. Allographic’s founder, poetess, promotrix and publisseuse Fay Roberts, will be special guest hostess for the evening, so expect the run of events to be pretty shiny.There is also a special performance from Bootleg Acoustic Zoo, who will be taking the warm up slot and keeping you entertained from 8.00 to 8.30 as you drift casually in and take ages figuring out where to sit before going to the bar. Join us!
Tues 12th City Voices Second Tuesday 19:30 City Bar King Street, Wolverhampton WV 1ST booked poets simon.fletcher@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Tues 12th Mouth & Music 6,Boars Head Gallery, Kidderminster 8pm, £3 in:What a great line-up of featured artists we have for you this month!
MOUTH ~ ~ ~
Poet IAN BOWKETT who first came along as an open mic performer and blew us away with his stunning verbal agility
and MUSIC ~ ~ ~
Black Country band THE DRIBBLERS “from the land of
chain mekin, nail mekin, faggots n pays”. They did open mic too and we loved them!
As usual, anyone can sign up on the night for an open mic spot (spoken word 5 mins, music a bit longer …)
Sign-up is from 7.30, first come first served.
Admission £3 (free to performers)
MC Heather Wastie
www.mouthandmusic.co.uk Tues 12thScribal Gathering,The Crown, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BE,. Doors open 7.30 for 8.00 – 11.00
Wed 13th 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 13th Unity in The Community, Centre for Oness, Gt Western st, Wednesbury 7.30pm
Share uplifting poetry and songs on the theme of unity and light. Lets break barriers and fly high as a kite. It will be sizzling with local and international contributions from Brazil to Black country. FREE event to delight FREE samosas to bite.
Thursday 14th Wordsmiths, Warwick Arts Centre Coventry, CV4 7ALat 7:45pm
With poets Tony Walsh aka Longfella poet, Luke Kennard, Helen Calcutt and Al 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
Start time: 7:45pm Running Time: Approx. 90 mins
Tickets: £5.50
Thurs 14th Threesome, the Coal vaults Coventry,7pm, £4,Contains adult themes.Not to be missed! Jay Walker, Someone’s Mum and Ms Beeton bring their feisty and fabulous Edinburgh Fringe show to Coventry. Join them for a rocky, inspiring and ultimately triumphant journey culminating in a live demonstration of the liberatory potential of the microwaveable chocolate cake, and sprinkled with a few rude words. Tender, fierce and surprisingly tasty.
Thurs 14th Worcester Speakeasy,The Old Rectifying House, North Parade, Worcester WR1 3 NN with Fergus Mcgonigal, open mic
Thursday 14 7.45pm : Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL Tickets: £5.50 Booking: 024 7652 4524 024 7652 4524 / http://www.warwickartscentre.co.ukInfo: wordsmithsand.coPresented in partnership with Warwick Arts Centre, Nine Arches Press and Apples and Snakes WORDSMITHS & CO.
The UK’s only live poetry talk show, featuring poets you know from the pages of books and from festival stages. A rare opportunity to witness them sharing stories, poems and opinions as they engage in no-holds-barred conversation right before your widened eyes.
GASP as words are made to perform daring feats of sound and meaning! Shudder as you discover how your favourite poems came to be! Cheer wildly at the apparent humanity of their creators!
This is live poetry. This is not for the faint of heart. This is Wordsmiths & Co. Featuring: Al Hutchins, Helen Calcutt, Tony Walsh and hosted by Jo Bell.
Voices of the Holocaust bring ‘Fragile Fire’ (the story of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising) and Shonaleigh telling her Grandmother’s fairytale from Auschwitz ‘The Fool of the Warsaw Ghetto’ to Birmingham for the first time. This is a stunning evening of powerful theatre and beautiful storytelling about hope and survival, resistance and the triumph of the human spirit during one of the most difficult periods in human history.
Voices and Shonaleigh will not disappoint. They will set your mind ablaze and your heart soaring. An evening not to be missed. Buy tickets online now; http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/voicesoftheholocaust Fri 15th Wednesbury Open Mic Open Mic Poetry,Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery ,7.30 pm, £3, with Den Payne, third friday
Fri 15th Spoken Worlds Third Friday 19:30 The Old Cottage Tavern , Byrkley St,eet, Burton-upon-Trent DE14 2JJ with Gary Carr Open mic gajwriter@btinternet.com
Sunday 17th Shrewsbury Coffee House Special, 5 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, 11am with Andrew McMillan.
Relax with a Sunday morning coffee whilst Andrew reads to you in his mellow tones. Perfect Autumn stuff.
Monday 18 SHINDIG: OPEN MIC POETRY EVENING, Western PH, leicester, 7.30pm, free in,FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! Crystal Clear Creators & Nine Arches Press present Shindig! Open-Mic Poetry Evening in Leicester. Featured writers include Angela France, Roy Marshall, Nigel McLoughlin & Charles Bennett. All are welcome and the event is free. Sign up for open-mic slots on the door.
Tues 19th Confab cabaret v at Recon, Church st, Malvern, 8pm, donation on entry,Come marvel at the slamtastic Dan Duke and be knocked out by the marvellous Matt Windle. Poetry with punch. We have operatic diva Monserrat Carbonara for a rare UK performance, and Catherine Crosswelll with some magical musical musings. Other Vocal Locals include Maria Chippendale who will be launching her new book, plus Myfanwy with her Fox Pops and of course your hula hooping hostess, Amy Rainbow. Silliest raffle tickets and Prepare to Share slots available! Entry by donation. Wow.
Come and join in probably the last Purple Penumbra of 2013, hosted once again by the Black Country poet and all-round good egg, Eileen Ward-Birch.
It’s free! There’s drink available. It’s warm and friendly. And it’s a joy to the ear.
Wed 20thTemplar Poetry,Lamb & Flag, The Tyhthing, Worcester, 8pm; Open mic, third Wednesday, Alex officiates contact:Alex McMillen, Alex McMillen,Templar Poetry, PO BOX 7082, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 9AF,Tel: 01629 582500, Mobile: 07918166975
Thurs 21stOuse Muse, Harpurs, 46-48 Tavistock St Bedford, MK40 2RD.Third Thursday, 7.30pm start Open mic. Ian McEwan organises
Thurs 21st Hit the Ode, Victoria PH, Birnmingham,7,30 £5 in 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 which used to be in bands, you know; poems which stay stuck between your teeth for ages; poems which display a beautiful, three-dimensional illusion if you stare at them long enough. Good poems. Come and get them!
Featuring From Nottingham:… Andrew ‘MulletProof’ Graves is a Nottingham based performance poet, writer and mod, and he’s been hailed as a cross between “John Cooper Clarke and Roger McGough”. He has featured on Radio 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews Show and BBC 4’s recent documentary Evidently John Cooper Clarke. He has been described by Leftlion magazine as ‘the hardest working poet in the east Midlands’. Poet and mentor Deborah Tyler-Bennett said that his performance poems worked equally successfully on the page and the ear, their hard edge quality belying their tenderness.
From London: Katie Bonna is a performance poet, playwright and actress. Her poetry play ‘Dirty Great Love Story’, co-written with Richard Marsh, won a ‘Fringe First Award’ at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she was also nominated for ‘Best Actress’ by The Stage. A little tea-leaf, unashamedly stealing from her own life and other peoples, Katie writes hopeful, heart-full, heart-flattening poetry. She creates word installations, as well as a number of interactive community-based events with her poetry collective, Dirty Hands, in public spaces in her local borough of Wandsworth.
From Singapore: Stephanie Dogfoot, also known as Stephanie Chan, is a poet and sometime law student from Singapore, currently based in London. Born in 1987, she has been writing poetry ever since her first gerbil died when she was 11, and has been performing since 2008. She believes her BA in Biology and Environmental Studies and current study of Law have greatly contributed to her pursuit of poetry, because most poets like nature and are good at making other people to believe what they want them to believe by manipulating words. Earlier this year, her ’Foreigner Go Home (With Me)’ show was named List Magazine’s Top 5 Spoken Word shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013. There are a very few highly coveted open mic slots up for grabs. Email bohdan@applesandsnakes.org to claim yours – or just show up early on the night!
Sunday 24th Sunday Xpress Fourth Sunday Doors 1500, Start 16:30 Adam & Eve Bradford Street, Birmingham B12 0JD Open mic jameskennedycentral@yahoo.co.uk Miss Halliwell will launch their new album at the Adam & Eve’s Sunday Xpress event in Digbeth, Birmingham on November 24 2013. A double CD package released on November 11 2013; one half is entitled ‘Fresh from the Holy Spring’ recorded at Magic Garden Studios in Wolverhampton and the other entitled ‘Miles Perhower’s Gusting Guests’, a collaborative effort featuring members of the band, guest producers and performers. As a taster for the album, the band have also released a video for ‘Rulerfueller’, the s…econd track on ’Fresh from…’, which has been directed by Miles Perhower and former Miss Halliwell bassist CN Support. A new blog on the bands website is also promised to tie in with the release of the album’s. 100 copies of ‘Fresh from the Holy Spring’ are being pressed and available at the event, and the album will also be available for independent digital download. Joining the band on the day will be a special one-off performance by the event’s compere Brendan Higgins, leading his free-jazz experience ‘Big Bren’s Combo.’ Also appearing will be the debut Birmingham appearance of ‘moneyisasinnocentasthegun’ – a poetry piece which played at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Many more special guests are being booked for what will be a great end to an excellent year for the Sunday Xpress. ***NB. Due to the amount of acts that are going to be on this day, the show will start at 4pm sharp. Doors will be open when the pub opens.*** There is also of course the open mic available by requesting a slot here, through me or on the day. The Sunday Xpress is considered to be an ideal platform for the beginner, the seasoned professional and those who want to try out new material or something different. For this event, the open mic afternoon will start at 4pm, with Miss Halliwell scheduled to perform at 7pm. Those wishing to take part in the open mic are advised to arrive early. Sun 24 thSeven Deadly Sins – Sophie Snell,At the Poppy & Pint (upstairs), Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, NG2 5DX.8pm
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned…” A young girl hiding in the confessional overhears her neighbours’ confessions – lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride – whispered revelations of sinning and secret desires. As she listens with growing unease, stories unfold that should never be told…
By turns both dark and comic, this show by sumptuous storyteller Sophie Snell, offers you twisting tales from the stones and bones of the British Isles – where the Devil watches in delight, and Angels weep.
Based on the concept of a portmanteau of stories, here are seven tales, woven around the tale of the young girl herself, selected from the lesser known folk tales of the British Isles. As each story unfolds, more of the seven deadly sins are divulged – in all their glorious, sometimes comic and even darkly gruesome colours. Until finally our heroine overhears one final devastating revelation – and the penny drops… You’ll be hooked from the start, through each twist and turn, as you try to guess where each story is finally heading.
Sophie has a wicked sense of humour and a compelling presence that makes her storytelling gripping and absorbing. So be prepared for thrills and spills on this rollicking ride through the Seven Deadly Sins!
““Satisfyingly twisty. Truly brilliant!”
“Wow! That was wonderful! Spellbinding to the end!”
“Exquisite storytelling, Sophie made the whole experience very magical.” Audience comments 2013.
“I’ve attended many professional storytellings during the past few years, many of them delightful and memorable. I’ve never attended a better one than Sophie’s… Sophie’s voice alternately entertains and mesmerises. If you get a chance to see Seven Deadly Sins, or any other performance by Sophie Snell, please do yourself a favour and take it!” Mark Henderson, author, reviewing SDS for Facts & Fiction Magazine, August 2013.
“Deep, dark and delicious!” Martin Maudsley, Storytelling at the Brewery, Bristol, Nov 2013.
Tickets £7.50 (adults / >12 yrs) from Tel 07739 129714 or email contact@talesfromtheriverbank.org.
Sophie Snell Storyteller is a performance storyteller based in Derbyshire, known for her warm, engaging and animated style of storytelling. Sophie performs at festivals, theatres, storytelling clubs, tourist, educational, community and arts venues. Her show, Seven Deadly Sins, was nominated for two awards at the Buxton Festival Fringe 2010 under “New Writing” and “Spoken Word” and was also nominated for an “Audience Award”, since then it has been performed to sell-out audiences across England. Sophie was recently nominated for the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence under the category “Outstanding Female Storyteller 2013”.
Tues 26th Word Wizards New venue* Buckingham Hotel, opp the Pavillion Gdns , Buxton last Tuesday Monthly 19.30. Open mic three minute slam format More info Poetryslamuk@aol.com 01298 77362
Tues 26th Word Wizards * New venue* Buckingham Hotel, opp the Pavillion Gdns , Buxton last Tuesday Monthly 19.30. Open mic three minute slam format. Rob Stevens. More info Poetryslamuk@aol.com
01298 77362/ 0781 3289358
The last poetry slam of the year at the Buckingham Hotel in Buxton
7.20pm start and as usual EVERYBODY gets to read in EVERY round
4 to 6 x 3 minute rounds = a 12 to 18 minute total set time for each performer.
Tues 26th Poetry Bites, kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath, 7.30pm £5 in, open mic plus Meredith Andrea and Gregory Leadbetter
Wed 27thThe Poetry Train* New Venue* the Lych Gate Tavern, 44 Queens Square Wolverhamtpton, it’s down the walkway by Barclays bank the leads to the Civic Centre. 8pm, upstairs in their function room….It’s a great little pub last Wednesday ts@tonystringfellow.com
Wed 27th “42 Flashes″ 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
We’re delighted to invite you to our second 42 Flashes event – remember the last one, last November? There were 50+ flash fictions read, it was a fab evening. Worcs LitFest Flash Fiction Competition organiser and judge Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn has agreed to be with us on the evening too, we’ll look forward to Lindsay’s set. So, get your pens scribbling and prep a 300-word flash fiction then get onto Andrew Owens via this page to book your performance slot, or get there early as there will be some open mic s…lots too – 42 flashes only this year! 🙂 Confirmed performers include: Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn Alison May Suz Winspear Andrew Owens Polly Robinson James Walpole Tana Durham Michael R. Brush Andy Kirk Brian Comber Kevin Brooke Gothic, Horror, Sci-fi & Fantasy event “42 Worcester” last Wednesday of the month at Drummonds, Worcester 7pm for a 7:30pm start. MC Andrew Owens.
Wed 27th Packhorse Poets The Packhorse Inn, Crowdecote, near Longnor,Derbys on the fourth Wednesday of each month
Thurs 28th Maurice Riordan: The Water Stealer – with Angela FranceWaterstones, 128 New Street, Birmingham B2 4DB. 7-8,30pmCost: Free but please book.
Join The Institute of Creative and Critical Writing and Writing West Midlands for an evening of superb poetry at the Birmingham launch of Maurice Riordan’s new collection of poems, The Water Stealer, published by Faber and Faber. Maurice will be reading with Angela France, whose most recent collection, Hide, is published by Nine Arches Press.
Maurice Riordan was born in 1953 in Lisgoold, Co. Cork. His first collection, A Word from the Loki (1995) was nominated for the T. S. Eliot Prize. Floods (2000) was a Book of the Year in both the Sunday Times and Irish Times and The Holy Land (2007) won the Michael Hartnett Award. He lives in London and has taught at Imperial College and Goldsmiths College, and is currently Professor of Poetry at Sheffield Hallam University. Maurice Riordan is Editor of Poetry Review.
Angela France has had poems published in many of the leading journals, in the UK and abroad and has been anthologised a number of times. She has an MA in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire and is studying for a PhD. Publications include Occupation (Ragged Raven Press) and Lessons in Mallemaroking and her latest collection of poems is Hide (both Nine Arches Press). Angela is features editor of Iota and runs a monthly poetry café, Buzzwords.
Wine and refreshments will be served.
Presented in partnership with the Institute of Creative & Critical Writing at Birmingham City University. The Institute of Creative and Critical Writing exists to cultivate the literary arts and the life of ideas, through its programme of public events and its support for the MA in Writing at Birmingham City University. http://www.bcu.ac.uk/iccw.
How to Book:
To book, contact the box office The Box on 0121 245 4455 0121 245 4455 or book online here.
Find out more about Writing West Midlands here.
The Shipping Forecast, sails on this month to our new vessel at the Riverside pub and we kick off our tenancy there with a phenomenal line up that will have you eating off the ceilings.
Tim Clare
Tim Clare is a stand-up poet, musician and writer and performs all over the UK and internationally, both as a solo act and as a member of acclaimed poetry collective Aisle16 (‘Highlights of the spoken word scene’ – The Sunday Times). His debut solo show, Death Drive, appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2010, where Whats On Stage gave it 5 stars and called it ‘the most compelling solo show on the Fringe this year’. His follow-up show, How To Be A Leader, appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011. It won a Brighton Fringe Best Show award, and the Independent called it ‘a wide-eyed, brilliant hour’. He has toured across the world, including Beijing, Shanghai, Melbourne, Sydney, Brunei, Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg. His first collection, Pub Stuntman, is published by Nasty Little Press.
‘without question, one of the most enjoyable hours I have ever spent’ ***** – ThreeWeeks
‘thoughtful, original and human… one of the best Fringe shows I’ve seen in ages’ ***** – Fringe Guru
‘the most compelling solo performance on the Fringe’ ***** – What’s On Stage
‘sublime… has the audience hooting in recognition’ – The Guardian
‘powerful, enjoyable and intellectually stimulating’ **** – Fest
‘astonishing, vivid… had me almost crying with laughter’ **** – The Scotsman
AF Harold-
‘A.F. Harrold is an English poet, performer, children’s author, bearded gentleman and occasional hat wearer. He has been Glastonbury Festival Poet-in-Residence and has performed in tents, on stages, at picket lines and above water around the world. He has published serious poetry, funny poetry, children’s poetry and non-poetry of various flavours, including in the first edition of Paris Lit Up. He does things that aren’t always normal with words and isn’t to be missed, unless you have somewhere better to be, in which case, nevermind. More or less information can be found at http://www.afharrold.com.’
pius
A firm of poets
A Firm of Poets are seasoned spoken word artists and writers, Matthew Hedley Stoppard, Ralph Dartford and Matt Abbott (Skint and Demoralised). Formed during an all night walk around the back fields of the Glastonbury Festival, and a sunrise epiphany that was soundtracked by badly played bongos, they set out their manifesto to bring vital, accessible and energetic spoken word to the masses. The ‘Firm’ not only showcase themselves, but have a desire to expose the best of emerging talent from the region and beyond.
all hosted by your inauspicious captain Birdseye impressionist
Stan skinny
with your usual forecast shenanigans of games, features, naff raffle and George the shark, message in the bottle, Paul the pirate and more.
tickets £5/3 for concessions
time 7.45pm
wear comfortable clothing
Fri 29thBeeston Poets, Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1AE
The final event of this season, Friday 29th November, 7.30pm brings a trio of poets to Beeston Library from over the Leicestershire border. John Gallas, Maria Taylor and Roy Marshall. They will be reading from their various collections.
Tickets, £5, are available via the online shop, from Beeston Library and on the door. For more detail see the EVENTS page.
Sat 30th Stony Stratford Library,5-7 Church Street, MK11 1BD Milton
The Bard of Stony Stratford presents a showcase of spoken word entertainment in Stony Stratford Library from 1.00 – 4.00pm during the town’s Christmas Lights Switch On celebrations on Saturday 30th November. Poets from across the region will perform throughout the afternoon, with open slots available for you to share a poem too. With live music from The Screaming House Madrigals, this will be a feast of lyrical delight to suit all tastes.
This event is generously sponsored by local business Events & PR Ltd of Stony Stratford, whose support will provide a range of refreshments – snacks, hot and cold drinks and mulled wine will be available during the event, in return for a small donation. Entry is free, and all contributions for refreshments will be donated to the Friends of Stony Stratford Library, who are kindly enabling the library to stay open for the afternoon. So take a seat, take the weight of your feet, grab a treat and a glass of something sweet while you take in the entertainment. Please, at least come and drink the wine, otherwise it will be left to a collection of poets to deal with, and there only chaos reigns…
This event will also enable Stony Stratford Business Association to allocate further funding towards its campaign to turn the Christmas Lights green – replacing the bulbs with energy saving LEDs, which will benefit the environment and the local economy. So what’s not to like? Free music and poetry, food and drink, and all in support of the Library and the Christmas Lights. Join us!
Damian Cummins, of Events & PR Ltd, says “As a relatively new business in Stony Stratford we are very excited to support this excellent initiative.” That’s what happens when a Bard asks you for money to spend on booze!
————————————December—————————————-
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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!
This is the 40th anniversary of the show which has toured worldwide since its inception by author Richard O’Brien. On the opening night of the Wolverhampton run it was not difficult to see why it has enjoyed such longevity. Brash, naughty, and fun, it combines a great rock n roll soundtrack, bright, larger than life characters, plenty of exotic costumes on stage and in the auditorium, and panto style audience involvement.
The plot is simple enough, an homage to tacky science fiction and B movies played as a rock n roll musical . On the way to visit an old college professor, two clean cut kids, Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss, run into tyre trouble and seek help at the site of a light down the road. It’s coming from the Frankenstein place, where Dr Frank’n’furter is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments…
What impresses is the energy and verve of the cast and the quality of singing and performance. Jayde Westaby as the usherette ( and later Magenta), sets a formidable standard with the opening “Science Fiction/Double Feature” which never lets up till the house lights turn on. Philip Franks is outstanding as the Narrator, dealing imperiously with the ritual audience ad libs coming his way. Frank n Furter is played with an arrogant, knowing insouciance by Oliver Thornton, corrupting, camping it up, but most importantly clearly having a very good time. The winners of television talent shows can suffer artistic snobbery from those jealous of their short-cut to fame, yet Ben Forster, who secured his break as Jesus in the Arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar ,delivered the part of nerdy Brad with understated assuredness, and a fine vocal performance.
The set, by Hugh Durrant, was simple, effective and kitsch , the music, played from an elevated gallery, rather than the orchestra pit, was razor sharp under the direction of Tony Castro, and the choreography by Nathan Wright was snappy , tight, and louche.
Any show needs an audience and the Rocky Horror crowd are a devoted lot. The talk in the bar was not only of how many previous shows individuals had seen, but how many performances on this tour alone had been attended. Dressing up is de rigueur, each number is enthusiastically applauded and the cognoscenti vie to offer their own ad libs using their encyclopaedic knowledge of the script. A well deserved standing ovation closed the show as did a mass dance and sing a long of “The Time Warp”. It reflected the warmth of a marvellous, entertaining show and a cast who had given it their all.
The entire cast deliver on entertainment, acting and singing in a fine show which shows every sign of having many years more life in it. It is a party to which all are invited, and all are invited to let themselves go, just for one night. If you haven’t seen this production book a ticket now, if you have, go again! The Rocky Horror Show runs from Monday 28th October to Saturday 2nd November .
Written in 1923, Ghost Train enjoyed significant commercial success playing to packed houses at St Martin’s Theatre London from November 1925 to March 1927, and has been reworked several times for the cinema. The author, Arnold Ridley, is better known for his acting role as Private Godfrey in Dads Army but this neat period piece is well worthy of revival by the talented Sutton Arts Theatre group.
Although ostensibly in the thriller/chiller genre’s, there is a strong comic element to this production. Teddy Deakin, played as a camp dandy by Dexter Whitehead provides the energy , but Myra Mitchell’s portrayal of the batty Miss Bourne steals the show for laughs. The dialogue is more P.G. Woodhouse than Downton Abbey, with the cast sticking to their accents admirably, but the language has not worn well , the frequent use of the word beastly to describe anything unpleasant sounding uncomfortably affected to 21st century ears.
The single set of a train waiting room works well, the sound and lighting effects adding mystery and credibility to proceedings thanks to Stage Director John Islip. Costume was well chosen, with the women properly behatted , and dressed appropriately for a railway journey, and the men soberly attired with the exception of the flamboyant Teddy Deakin.
As the curtains open the protagonists are introduced one by one. Dick Kemp is a wonderfully gnarled weather –worn station master telling tales of woe and foreboding. Warring middle aged couple the Winthrops are played by Ian Cornock and Suzy Donnelly, the latter of whom has some fine feminist lines, the sentiments of which are rather undermined by subsequent events. Newlyweds the Murdochs, Joseph Hicklin and Michelle Dawes, draw the maximum out of two underwritten roles while Christina Peak as Julia Price has great fun with her dramatic appearance and role. They are all stranded at a remote Cornish station after Teddy Deakin delays their train by pulling the communication cord causing them to miss their connection leaving them at the mercy of a ghost train, harbinger of death and destruction.
Recreating the sense of mystery and suspense that original audiences would have experienced is no easy task ninety years later, and Director Patrick Richmond – Ward beefs up the comedy in counterbalance .Dexter Whitehead admirably drives the ribaldry on stage, but sometimes the production could have been confident enough to slow things down a little bit to help with the suspense. That speed was particularly noticeable in a second act of barely half an hour.
Social commentary as played out by period scripts fascinates. Elsie Winthrop bemoans the caveman machismo of her husband, then leaps into his arms as quickly as Wilma runs to Fred in The Flintstones when the going becomes rough. Frippery and self-indulgence are condemned in the responses of dandy Teddy Deakin’s co-travellers. Eccentric spinster Miss Bourne is indulged, and looked after. She worries of what the Vicar would think if she broke her vow of abstinence to take some brandy to dull the shock of the evening’s events, no doubt echoing the sentiments of a post WW1 generation who acknowledged the benefits of austerity and sacrifice, but wanted to let their hair down once in a while too.
Tradition demands that such a play takes a dramatic twist, and Ghost Train does not disappoint with a false ending thrown in too. Although Miss Bourne sleeps through half of the production under the influence of brandy the audience do not with strong ensemble contributions from the entire cast. Ghost Train runs from Thursday 24th October to Saturday 2nd November.
October boasts numerous excellent events, and two changes from the norm. “Parole Parlate” is no more and is reincarnated as “Worcester Speakeasy” which debuts in the same venue on 10th October, rebooted. Check it out, under the waspish custodianship of Fergus McGonigal ( below in typically unassuming and understated pose) this will be special. Secondly, and sadly, “Bilston Voices” is no more, but there is plenty going on in Wednesbury and Wolverhampton to make up the gap.
Tues 1stWORD! Presents: Horovitz’s Blake Klezmatrix Jam. Starring Peter Lemer & Annie Whitehead.
Also Vanessa Vie & Leicester Troubadours, in association with Everybody’s Reading & The Y Theatre Leicester. 7pm till late,£7/£10. Box Office: 0116 2557066
For one night only, a unique opportunity to experience the song-poet/anglosaxophonist, Michael Horovitz – performing alongside acclaimed musicians from his group, The William Blake Klezmatrix – Peter Lemer & Annie Whitehead. Please note, this is a change to the previously scheduled bill, due to a temporary setback in Stan Tracey’s health. The evening also features singer-songwriter Vanessa Vie, AND Leicester’s own musici extraordinaires – Mike Sole, Ola Szmidt, plus rising star, poet-performer, Anna Cheetham.
MICHAEL HOROVITZ (dubbed “Popular, experienced, experimental, New Jerusalem, Jazz Generation, Sensitive Bard” by Allen Ginsberg):
Horovitz, pioneer of jazz poetry, New Departures editor and Poetry Olympics torchbearer, was characterised by Martin Amis as “A dreamer, a maverick … transmedial crusader” – and by Vogue as “The worst-dressed poet in Britain”. He recently recorded for Gearbox Records with Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Paul Weller (www.poetryolympics.com)
PETER LEMER (Piano, Synthesiser, producer, engineer and trainer):
Recorded and performed with Mike Horovitz, Mike Oldfield, Ginger Baker, Annette Peacock, 7th Wave, Barbara Thompon’s Paraphernalia, In Cahoots, and most Jazz outfits since the 60s. Career has run from the first Free Jazz in the UK, Jazz and Poetry through rock, prog rock and beyond, with special delight in multigenre experimentations via the William Blake Klezmatrix Band with Michael H, Annie Whitehead et al.
ANNIE WHITEHEAD (trombonist-composer-singer):
Worked with many well known artists including Joan Armatrading, Chris Rea, Elvis Costello, Carlene Carter, Pete Brown, Paul Weller, Jerry Dammers, Amazulu, The Communards, Jennifer Maidman and Bananarama….
“Annie Whitehead has emerged as one of the brightest and most versatile musicians in Britain” (The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Jazz)
“The Sly and Robbie of British brass, The woman everyone turns to when they want a class trombone player….for her work on the reggae label Fashion, she would warrant an honourable mention in any history of British reggae. The same goes for her work in African music, Latin and Salsa, Jazz and Pop.” (Beat International magazine)
VANESSA VIE is a visual artist, singer-songsmith, guitarist, harmonica player, lyricist-poet (although she would gracefuly shun any category or labelling):
She was born in Asturias, North Spain, & moved to London in 2000. In 2005 she co-formed the London based-alternative rock band Rockatron, which dissolved in 2009. Since then, Vanessa has been on the road as a solo troubadour, also collaborating with various musicians, artists & poets. At the Y Theatre she will be presenting her own material, and accompanying/collaborating with Michael Horovitz.
MIKE SOLE, studied from the age of 5 on piano, later taking up the organ with Alex Gillies ARCO Ah2SM RSCM. He has worked alongside musicians including, Greg Abate and Soweto Kinch, and supporting Courtney Pine – and with local artists including, Free Control, Mellow Baku, Michael Brome (Sureshot) and Fosse Singers (Community Choir). His own home grown bands are, The Illusive Trio/Quartet, Accortrumn, Elastic Band & Steam Trio.
OLA SZMIDT, flautist, looper and vocalist of Polish descent. In addition to performing across the UK and Europe, Ola is a Kindermusik educator, improvisor, installation artist and BOSS looping contest Finalist (performing at The JamHouse, Birmingham, 2012).
ANNA CHEETHAM, has been writing poetry since the 70s concerned with CND, peace, art and relationships. Following a mature degree – Loughbrough, Fine Art Sculpture – has displayed poems alongside art works; read them on Lincoln Memorial steps and outside Congress, Washington. In Coventry Cathedral and, by others, Norwich Cathedral. Publication include – Leicester CND’s newsletter + pinned to the fences at bases; Sanity Magazine National Poetry Comp. -2nd Prize for “40 Year Vigil” – 1989; Cat Lovers Against the Bomb Calendar /February, USA 1990 – and more…
*******
This event promises to be a rare, immersive and one-time-only occasion.
Advance booking recommended – contact The Y Box Office: 0116 2557066
Tues 1st Night Blue Fruit, Playwrights Cafe Bar & Bistro 4/6 Hay lane, Cathedral Quarter, CV1 5RF, free in, 7.30pm-10pm,Open mic, sign up on the night.
Tuesday 1st October 2013, Poetry Alight” at the Spark Cafe Bar, 19 Tamworth St, Lichfield WS13 6JP
Arrive early , 7.30pm prompt start -10pm Free Entry ,
“A terrific evening of poetry” – Mal Dewhirst,Staffs Poet Laureate
…
Lichfield Poets proudly present the fourth Poetry Alight of 2013 in this quarterly series of poetry evenings, hosted by Gary Longden . Guest Headline poets are:
Julie Boden
Bohdan Piesecki
David Calcutt & Nadia Kingsley
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 Cafe, as well as offering coffee, teas and hot meals is also licensed to sell alcohol and offers a range of hot food, I can personally vouch for their Cumberland sausage sandwich! The audience is encouraged to arrive early, and the Spark is ideal to enjoy a supper with friends before proceedings. The Cafe is open all day.
This month’s distinguished guest poets include:
Julie Boden- Julie Boden is a UK poet, based in the Midlands, who travels nationally and internationally delivering workshops, conducting readings, performing, lecturing, mentoring and judging poetry competitions. She is currently Poet in Residence at Symphony Hall Birmingham, is “big in India” and has had several collections published.
“Her poems are a ‘must read’ for you. Realistic and gritty her poems are grounded in the everyday urban life of Birmingham.”(Paul Newnham, Birmingham Libraries)
“It is a delight to find a poet of this quality who is blessed with a flexible and expressive voice.” (The Raw Edge Magazine)
“Her poetry allows the reader to journey through the alienation of urban life, to emerge with hope for the future. The poetry is multi-dimensional, and stretches the reader in the true Bardic tradition.” (Poetry Pals)
“Julie Boden’s poetry speaks for the urban heart of Birmingham. The poetry, written with wit and intelligence, has a dreamy quality. It is a fascinating new look at Birmingham through the eyes of a highly original poet.” (Helena Rudge)
Bohdan Piesecki- Bohdan is a poet from Poland currently based in the UK. Since moving to England, he has featured at some of the country’s topmost spoken word nights and festivals, written for BBC Radio 3, and worked as visiting lecturer in Creative Writing at Birmingham University, proving conclusively that Poles really are taking over. Glastonbury was wowed by his performance, even the Rolling Stones felt compelled to attend. He feels equally at home with a rowdy festival crowd and at more sedate poetry readings. He does what he can to offer the former something to think about and to inject a little anarchy in the latter.Bohdan enjoys strong coffee and inflicting poetry in Polish on unsuspecting audiences.
David Calcutt & Nadia Kingsley – reading from their new collection “Road Kill”. The title is somewhat macabre, But the pieces individually , are elegiac and celebratory. A carcass of a fallen animal can be magnificent, and can be pathetic, both scenes are captured in this collection.
David Calcutt is a much published poet, novelist and playwright. Nadia Kingsley is a poet and scientist.
They d0 not read every poem, incentivising the listener both to return to future performances, and read the collection in full, providing a sense of spontaneity. Both writers pieces are stylistically, as well as thematically, complimentary. Sometimes they split up poems to offer contrasting voices in a performance, other times they simply read their own work. “Road Kill” is available from http://www.fairacrepress.co.uk/
Reviews of past Poetry Alights are available here:
Wed 2nd Oct Well versed, The Muffin Man, Cheltenham, 7pm free in with dan Sluman and Michael Scott
Wed 2nd Oct Spire Writes, 16 St Marys Gate White Swan, Chesterfield
Spire Writes is back in October with a guest slot from fantastic performer Gevi Carver:
There’ll also be the usual open mic slots and usual selection of good ales at the bar…
All welcome, upstairs at the White Swan.
Wed 2nd Listen Ere, Town House, George Street, Leamington Spa 7.30pm.
Just a quick reminder – the theme (a very loose one) is linked to Nat Poetry Day’s theme of ‘Water’ but poems, spoken word and music on other themes are very welcome. Do come to listen or come and share a poem/story/song or two.The Folks at Listen ere (Dave Reeves, Julie Boden & Three’s a Crowd)
Wed 3rdClephan Building (De Montfort University) Room 0.01 (ground floor), 5.30pm – 7pm:
Ian Parks, Kim Moore and Rory Waterman read from their work at a FREE event to celebrate National Poetry Day. There will be drinks and nibbles from 5.30 and the poetry begins at 6.00.
De Montfort University’s Leicester Centre of Creative Writing and the Centre for Learning and Study Support (Directorate of Library and Learning Services) are hosting an evening of poetry with three highly-acclaimed poets.
Ian Parks is RLF Writing Fellow at De Montfort University. His collections include Shell Island, Love Poems 1979-2009, The Landing Stage, and The Exile’s House. He was writer in residence at Gladstone’s Library in 2012. His latest collection is a Poetry Book Society Choice.
Kim Moore lives in Cumbria. She won both a Gregory Award and the Geoffrey Dearmer Prize in 2011. Her first collection, If Wolves Could Only Speak, was winner of the Poetry Business Pamphlet Competition judged by Carol Ann Duffy. It was chosen as an Independent Book of the year in 2012.
Rory Waterman is Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University and co-editor of New Walk Magazine. He received a Hawthornden Fellowship in 2012. A critic and regular reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement, his first collection, Tonight the Summer is Over is published by Carcanet in 2013.
Everyone is welcome: no need to book.
Thurs 3rd Launching the Festival and Birmingham’s New Poet Laureate,Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham,
Centenary Square, Broad Street Birmingham,B1 2DN @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
|Free, Join Library of Birmingham and Birmingham Literature Festival on National Poetry Day 2013 for an hour of poetry and promise as we whet your appetite for the ten days of events, workshops and discussions ahead.
After a few words from the Festival and Library teams to mark the moment and the flourishing partnership it represents, we will hand the stage over to some of the city’s own poets: Birmingham poets laureate past, present and future.
We will be announcing the 18th Birmingham Poet Laureate who will be the first ever laureate for the Library of Birmingham.
The new Poet Laureate will be expected to play a vital role in promoting the enjoyment of reading and writing of poetry whilst also taking forward the work of previous Poets Laureate and engage with diverse audiences to make poetry accessible and available to all.
With poetry from Stephen, including responses to the final stages of the three year library construction process, and appearances from some of the other great poets who have held the city laureate title during its seventeen years.
Thurs 3rd Carol Ann Duffy & Imtiaz Dharker:Library Studio, Library of Birmingham,
Library Studio, Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square Birmingham,B1 2ND United Kingdom a National Poetry Day Celebration,@ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
|£10 / £8
To celebrate National Poetry Day we are delighted to present this gala performance by two of our most inspiring and entertaining poets.
Carol Ann Duffy is UK Poet Laureate. Her poetry is both dazzlingly witty and deeply moving. In her widely read poems of public life she voices the concerns of the many – about how our country is run and civic life. And in her poems of love and personal reflection she so often finds the words we all need to keep on keeping on. Her poetry performances – perfectly paced and poised – remind us why poetry needs to be heard in public spaces.
Carol Ann will be joined by Imtiaz Dharker. Born in Pakistan, raised in Scotland and working for many years in India, Imtiaz Dharker’s childhood provides the material for many of her poems; exile, journeying, home and religious strife. Finding the universal in the particular, her poetry transports readers while offering wit in abundance. Audiences love her warmth and generosity and her performances are truly captivating.
Thurs 3rd Good Impressions Spoken Word open Mic, Cafe Impression, Atkins Building, Hinckley, LE10 1QU,7.30pm £5in Hosted by Tom Phillips,1st Thursday Monthly
Thurs 3rd Word, Lyric Lounge, Y Theatre Leicester.7pm Celebrate National Poetry Day with Jean Binta Breeze and Daljit Nagra! It’s also WORD!’s 12th Birthday!
Join WORD! on a Thursday in October as the night takes place as part of Everybody’s Reading, headlines The Lyric Lounge and celebrates National Poetry Day and WORD!s 12th Birthday! Featuring the formidable, Jean Binta Breeze MBE – first female dub poet in the world and award winning author of six books – AND – the hugely acclaimed, Daljit Nagra – first poet to win the Forward Prize for both his first collection of poetry – and its title poem, ‘Look, We Have Coming to Dover!’. Sign up to perform with the compere from 7pm. There will be cake and a full day of activity in advance. For full details, please see http://www.lyriclounge.co.uk
8pm performers -sign up with compere, Lydia Towsey.
£6/£4 concessions
Box office: 01162557066
WORD! is the longest running poetry and spoken word night in the Midlands. Based at The Y Theatre, Leicester, it usually takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, between 8.00pm and 10.30pm. The evening is composed of an open mic, followed by a booked act. Film visuals are provided as standard by our resident filmmaker, Keith Allott. In addition to curating a regular night, WORD! also delivers regular workshops, events and projects. For more details see our website: http://www.wordpoetry.eu WORD! is an entirely voluntary organisation, delivered and supported by a dedicated voluntary committee.
Thurs 3rd National Poetry Day at the Shrewsbury Coffee House, Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm Fortunately Seren Poet Vuyelwa Carlin can read. Fortunately performance poet Jack can perform. Fortunately the young poets and Natalie White can still come. Fortunately this is going to be a wonderful evening.
Life is good. Poetry makes it better. See you there.
Thurs 3rd ‘Funny Women’ (Emma Purshouse & Jane Seabourne) at Hanley Central Library, Stoke on Trent, 7.30pm.
City Central Library
Bethseda Street,
Hanley
Stoke on Trent
ST1 3RS
Telephone 01782 238455
Email central.library@stoke.gov.uk
Tickets £3 (refreshments included).
Thurs 3rd Blackdrop Canalhouse bar, Canal Street, Nottm , First Thursday 8-10pm £3 @ NAE,with Mother Hubbard…. And of course YOU in the open mic if you want to brave the final stage at NAE.ALL WELCOME OVER 16. . AGE 16+ as we feature Matthew ‘ShortMAN’ Burke as he takes us back in time 10 years to our very first ever evening at BRB Stone on Thurland Street in Nottm… Were you there? 🙂
Returning to his solo stand alone street poetry/hip-hop style vibes Matt ‘shortMAN’ will deliver a performance NOT TO BE MISSED!
WE HOPE YOU WILL Take the open mic, after all IT WILL BE NATIONAL POETRY DAY ALSO!
Write something special to celebrate our experience together if you wish.
National poetry day theme is WATER out theme for the night is CELEBRATION …
Will you use these themes or go with your own?
What ever you chose to speak/rap/rant/sing/SPIT/poem/story-tell about … WE WANT TO HEAR IT! 🙂
Bring along any old photos you may have taken over the last 10 years. tell us who your FAVOURITE feature artists have been. JOIN IN THE FUN!
We can’t wait to see you there! PARTY TIME!
FROM THE BLACKDROP CREW!
REAL POETRY, FOR REAL PEOPLE!
Michelle ‘The Mother’ Hubbard
Freelance Cultural Arts Practitioner and Consultant
Fri 4th Offa’s poets Emma Purshouse and Nick Pearson will be reading at the Birmingham Literature Festival, Central Library 5-6.30pm, tickets £8/£6. http://www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org.
Tues 4th West Midlands Poets: Joel Lane, Charles Wilkinson, Nick Pearson & Emma PurshouseRoom 101, Library of Birmingham,
Centenary Square, Broad Street Birmingham,B1 2DN @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm, £8
An evening of contemporary poetry curated by Flarestack Poets and Offa’s Press, hosted by Flarestack Poets. These four poets represent the high quality and variety of poetry being created and published in the West Midlands by two of the region’s best loved poetry publishers. Emma Purshouse is a poetry slam champion and performs across the UK. Her appearances include The Cheltenham Literature Festival, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Much Wenlock Poetry Festival, Bang Said the Gun, Manchester, and Solfest.
An evening of contemporary poetry curated by Flarestack Poets and Offa’s Press, hosted by Flarestack Poets. These four poets represent the high quality and variety of poetry being created and published in the West Midlands by two of the region’s best loved poetry publishers.
Emma Purshouse is a poetry slam champion and performs across the UK. Her appearances include The Cheltenham Literature Festival, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Much Wenlock Poetry Festival, Bang Said the Gun, Manchester, and Solfest. She has undertaken poetry residencies for Wolverhampton Libraries and The New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. Emma has been published in a variety of small press magazines and poetry anthologies. Her CD Upsetting the Apple Cart appeared from Offa’s Press in 2010.
Nick Pearson is a Forward Prize nominated poet who has been widely published in magazines and anthologies. Made in Captivity is a collection that draws together work written over the last ten years. Urban, sharply observed and often humorous his poems catch some of the voices of contemporary disconnection and the search for certainty. Readers will recognise day to day characters and confusions. He lives in Shropshire.
Joel Lane is the author of three full-length poetry collections, The Edge of the Screen, Trouble in the Heartland, The Autumn Myth (all from Arc) and Instinct (Flarestack Poets). His other work includes two novels, a novella, a booklet of crime stories and three collections of ghost stories. He lives in Birmingham, where he works as a journalist.
Charles Wilkinson was born in Birmingham. His publications include The Snowman and Other Poems (Iron Press) and The Pain Tree and Other Stories (London Magazine Editions) and Ag & Au, (Flarestack Poets), the latter an exploration of the history of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and the qualities of the elements of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) illustrated by students from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.
Apples and Snakes, with support from Birmingham Libraries and Yorks Bakery Café present
Saturday 5th & 19 October,Poets’ Place, Yorks Bakery café, Birmingham 4-6pm,Poets’ Place is an informal gathering of poets set to happen twice a month. It is an opportunity to meet like‐minded people, give and solicit feedback on your poetry, or just sit back and write for a couple of hours without interruption.
Sunday 6th Buzzwords,Sunday,Workshop, led by Julia Deakin, 7pmGuest readings and open mic 8pm
Guest poet: Julia Deakin Upstairs at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham
£5 waged, £3 unwaged Do visit our blog:http://buzzwordspoetry.blogspot.com/
Mon 7thArc World Poets ,Room 101, Library of Birmingham,Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street Birmingham,B1 2ND, @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm £8
An evening of poetry from across continents: Cheran (Sri Lanka), Ludwig Steinherr (Germany) and Michael Hulse (England). From civil war to fatherhood, climate change to love, this evening ranges widely geographically, culturally and emotionally. A one-off event bringing these extraordinary poets together that will leave you energised and inspired. Michael Hulse was born in England and lived for twenty-five years in Germany before returning in 2002 to teach at the University of Warwick.
An evening of poetry from across continents: Cheran (Sri Lanka), Ludwig Steinherr (Germany) and Michael Hulse (England). From civil war to fatherhood, climate change to love, this evening ranges widely geographically, culturally and emotionally. A one-off event bringing these extraordinary poets together that will leave you energised and inspired.
Michael Hulse was born in England and lived for twenty-five years in Germany before returning in 2002 to teach at the University of Warwick. His poetry has won first prizes in the National Poetry Competition and the Bridport Poetry Prize (twice), and Eric Gregory and Cholmondeley Awards from the Society of Authors.
Ludwig Steinherr lives in Munich. He is a freelance writer and lecturer in philosophy at the University of Eichstätt and has written his way into the front rank of contemporary German writers. His poems have received a number of awards, including the’ Leonce-und-Lena-Förderpreis (1993), the Buchpreis des Verbandes Evangelischer Büchereien (1999) and the Hermann-Hesse-Förderpreis (1999).
Cheran is one of the best known Tamil poets, born in Jaffna in Sri Lanka in 1960. He worked for Saturday Review, an English language weekly known for its stand on press freedom. Cheran refused to align himself with any of the several Tamil militant groups active in Jaffna at the time and as a result was harassed both by the Sri Lankan army and, later, by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. In 1987 he left for the Netherlands and now lives in Canada. In a Time of Burning charts the civil war in Sri Lanka of more than three decades, and its aftermath, as well as displacement, exile and the experience of diaspora.
Tues 8th City Voices Second Tuesday 19:30 the Lych Gate Tavern, 44 Queens Square Wolverhamtpton, it’s down the walkway by Barclays bank the leads to the Civic Centre with Simon Fletcher, set bill.
Tues 8th Slam Axis Arts |centre MMU Crewe,Snakes and Ladders, with Axis Arts Centre Crewe present…
A fast paced open competition for spoken word artists, featuring special guest appearances from two internationally renowned poets. Gasp at the poems! Boo the scores! Wonder at the humanity of it all! This guarantees to be an entertaining evening, filled with unexpected gems, unacceptable scores, and
undeniable brilliance. In collaboration with Apples and Snakes, England’s leading organisation for spoken word poetry.
Vanessa Kisuule has won several slam titles including Slambassadors 2010, Poetry Rivals 2011 and Next Generation Slam 2012 and has been invited to support the likes of Linton Kwesi Johnson, Dizraeli and Kate Tempest. She has performed at an array of festivals, including Glastonbury and Secret Garden Party, at many renowned poetry events, and her poetry was featured in Burning Eyes Rhyming Thunder anthology of Young Poets.
Mike Garry makes his very welcome return to Axis Arts Centre, having performed throughout the UK and Europe. His first book, Men’s Morning, tells the tale of an inner city sauna and his second book, Mancunian Meander, takes a poetic journey around a city. A supremely talented writer and a charismatic
performer, Mike has been described by the Happy Mondays Shaun Ryder as “the best street poet ever”.
£8 Admission (£5 concession)
To sign up please email 11053801@stu.mmu.ac.uk with “SLAM” in the subject box. You’ll receive a reply confirming your spot
Tuesday 8th scribal gathering The Crown, Market Square, Stony Stratford MK11 1BE,Doors open 7.30 for 8.00 start ,How: Free entry.With the Autumnal Equinox in our hindsights, and the dark nights drawing close, October brings horse chestnuts, all hallows and an all new Scribal Gathering, with a Rrrants Collective takeover and guest hosts the Antipoet! Sign up on the night for open mic. Speak to Paul Eccentric to get your name on the list.
Following their recent appearances at Glastonbury Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, the next obvious step is Scribal Gathering and we are delighted to have them running the show for a one-off diversion in to the realm of Rrrants. There will be a special featured showcase with performances from some of the Rrrants Collective’s rising stars, as well as the usual open-ended, open-minded, open-heart rending open mic, welcoming our homegrown performers to share their talent in a bit of a mixed bag with the visiting rabble of rrrantin’ rrreciters. It’s a bit like the open mic version of a friendly away game.
Twenty poets were commissioned to write poems on the theme Home-made, home-grown. Six have been chosen to appear on specially-designed postcards, with thousands of copies in libraries throughout the West Midlands. This year’s chosen poets, Fergus McGonigal, Roz Goddard, Emma Purshouse, Spoz (Giovanni Esposito), Jane Seabourne and Brenda Read-Brown will be appearing at the launch of the Poetry on Loan postcards – and they’ll all be performing their work for you.
Wed 9th Two for Tea, 92 Derby Road, STAPLEFORD, NG9 7AD An evening of poems and stories featuring Dave Wood and Janet Devereux and hopefully you?Those wishing to read/perform are welcome to for approximately 5 minutes. Anything spoken word is fine. A great chance to try out your writing in a fun way.There will be no microphones and all seating will be in the round. Entrance is ‘buy a drink for admission’ arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start
Wed 9th scribble and nibble,16:30 – 18:30, Revive Café at the POD
1A Lamb Street, Coventry, CV1 4AE for poets to write and perform
Wed 9 October 2013 Brendan Hawthorne,
Streetly Library
10.30am-11.30am
Come celebrate National Poetry Day with
popular Performance Poet and Songwriter,
Brendan Hawthorne who will be reciting poetry from
his books, singing and engaging with his audience.
Brendan is also a Poet in Residence at Wightwick
Manor, Wolverhampton and The Crystal Tea Room,
Stourbridge. Signed copies of his books will be
available.
Free Event
Wednesday 9th OctoberPoems and Pints,The Old Wrekin Tap (The Cock Inn, Haygate Rd),7.30pm wellington
Come along with your words or just enjoy the readings, it’s a good laid back evening.with Tony Stringfellow
Thurs 10th Poetry Breakfast,Tea on the Square, 21 Barrow St, Much Wenlock 9am 10am,Jean Atkin will be reading from The Hen Keepers Almanac and other works. £6 to include coffee and croissants. Absolutely the BEST way to start the day!
Thurs 10th ,Worcester SpeakEasy, The Old Rectifying House, North Parade, Worcester WR1 3 NN,
Clear a space on the calendar! Worcester’s brand new spoken word event, Worcester SpeakEasy, opens its doors at The Old Rectifying House, Worcester, at 7.00pm for a 7:30pm start on Thursday, October 10th … and you’re all invited!
The event is brought to you by your very own Worcestershire LitFest & Fringe, via Poet Laureate Emeritus Maggie Doyle and the unforgettable Fergus McGonigal, SpeakEasy’s host and MC.
Worcester SpeakEasy is a monthly event of performance poetry, with some prose thrown in for good measure (and a little music now and then), which will take place on the second Thursday of each month. The event is primarily to promote, showcase and encourage writers from the whole of Worcestershire, but we also welcome those from further afield; there will be an invited headline act each month.
If you want to take part, and we hope that you do, then several open mic slots (of six minutes each) will be available by prior arrangement. All slots for the opening event have been taken – watch this space for a list of performers.
For the 14 November 2013 SpeakEasy, whether you are a seasoned performer or a complete novice, we want to hear from you! If you would like a slot, please contact either Maggie or Fergus at speakeasy.litfest@gmail.com, and we will get back to you within the hour (okay, maybe not that quickly, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long).
To launch our first ever Worcester SpeakEasy we have:
Part One
Introductions from your host Fergus McGonigal, and Martin Driscoll, your Festival Director. Then it’s down to business proper, with:
1. Tim Cranmore, the current Worcestershire Poet Laureate.
2. Maria Chippendale, who will be reading from her latest book, “Skin, Bones & Random Leaps of Faith & Foolishness”, steeped in Spikemilliganesquence and full of sillyillystrations.
3. TBC (there’s always one)
4. Maggie Doyle, Worcestershire’s Poet Laureate Emeritus, and one of the few poets who can truly be said to give Pam Ayres a proper run for her money.
There will be an INTERVAL of approximately twenty minutes, after which:
Part Two
1. Claire Walker, a local poet of great promise who has been published in several distinguished poetry magazines; Claire was also third in this year’s Laureate competition.
We’re aiming for a 9.30 pm finish, but please do hang around afterwards and mingle. We look forward to seeing as many of our prose and poetry friends, both old and new, as can possibly make it.
Doors open at 7:00pm for a prompt 7:30pm start
fri 11th Art for Arts sake, zelig, Custard Factory, digbeth,To celebrate her Residency at Arts 4 Art Sake, PhotoGiraffe would like to invite you to a Photography Exhibition Open Night
A Night of Art I Poetry I Music Free Entry with complimentary drinks & refreshments
**** Spots for Poetry & Musical Performances Now Open*****
email: najma_hush@hotmail.com or pop your name down here.
12th OctoberTHE UK ALL STARS POETRY SLAM, Cheltenham.The annual mother of all UK poetry slams, the All Stars Slam, is all set to happen at Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday 12th October, 8.15pm, The Salon in Montpellier Gardens, £8. Fifteen brave bards will be champing at the bit to perform championship poetry for a chance to win the ultimate accolade.The winners of all the slams we have hosted in the past year will join qualifying poets from the Slam Qualifier held in the afternoon on the same day, 4pm, The Salon in Montpellier Gardens, £5. To be a member of the applaudience, visit the Cheltenham Literature Festival website for more details or Box Office information. It will be a night to remember. Be sure to book early for the evening event, which has been a sell-out gig in recent years.
Mon 14th Jane Seabourne will be at Northfield Library, Birmingham, with Roz Goddard and Spoz, 11am-12 noon. Free event.
Mon 14th Poetry is Life, The Bowery Sheffield,open Mic, 7.30pm.
Mon 14th Pure and Good and Right, THE WHITE HORSE,4-6 Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 5PZ 7.30pm: £3 in,Every second Monday of the month (except December) This month we are excited to welcome back the Very Grimm Bros boasting recent appearances alongside the Peatbog Faeries, Attila, John Hegley & Roger McGough.
…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
Tues 15th Simon Fletcher will be MC at the new ‘City Voices’ venue The Lych Gate Tavern, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, 7.30pm. Tickets on door £2.50/ £1 (under 16s). The programme includes Nick Pearson.
Tues 15th Brewers’ Troupe presents:Dialects, Boars Head, Kidderminster,A night for sharing dialects
– the more different ones the merrier!
with Heather Wastie & Brendan Hawthorne
5 minute open mic spots
– an intro to where the dialect is spoken
followed by stories, poems, jokes, songs, in fact anything to celebrate the richness of the English language …. and entertain.
Add your words to the Dialect Wall
Or just …. listen!
The evening includes an extract from Brewers’ Troupe’s show “Black Country Double Spake”
Admission £3 (free to performers)
Open mic slots bookable in advance by email info@brewerstroupe.co.uk or on the night.
Depending on how many sign up, performers may get chance to have a second slot.
Wed 16th Find the Right Words The Cookie Jar,68 High Street, Basement, LE1 5YP Leicester
It’s cold and dark and rubbishly not summer anymore so luckily October’s Find The Right Words will cheer you up with two lovely poets, Roundhouse poet, radio presenter and funny lady, Laurie Bolger and Radio 4 Slam Champion, Ben Mellor.
As always, 10 open mic spots, good beer and good poetry.
£5 on the door
.
Thursday 17 October, Hit The Ode The Victoria, Birmingham 7.30pm,Hit The Ode brings the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world to the heart of Birmingham. Join us! Featuring: from Birmingham – Hannah Silva, from London – Sabrina Mahfouz, from the USA – Aja Monet
“Three years ago, I was sitting in an empty room at The Victoria, worried sick. I had just set up a new poetry night, and I had promoter’s anxiety. “What if nobody comes?” I kept thinking. Well, people turned up, and saw Ian Keteku, Kim Trusty and Tony Walsh deliver scorching sets at the very first Hit The Ode. Three years on, the night has provided countless wonderful moments of poetry, comedy and community. Join us on Thursday 17 October for our anniversary: we have three incredible poets and some special surprises planned. You do not want to miss this.” Bohdan Piasecki Friday 18 Oct Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery open mic.7.30pm, free entry
Fri 18th Oct Spoken Worlds , Old Cottage Tavern, Burton DE14 2EG, 7.30pm, free in, open mic with “three halves”.Hosted by Gary Carr, all welcome
Friday, October 18,Seamus Heaney Night at the Spotted dog, Alcester St Digbeth, Birmingham:8:00pm.An evening of poetry, music, song and film/video clips. It is allowed to have the same poem read more than once by different people. You may also read more than one poem if you wish.
The legendary Paul Murphy will be providing music along with a group of traditional musicians.
Confirmed so far
Reader / Love Poems
Rosie Pocklington -Excerpt from Casualty
Matt Fitzpatrick – Docker
Maura Fitzpatrick – Requiem for the Croppies
Louise Palfreyman – Bye-Child
Sarah Bartlett – Beowulf Excerpt
Maura Judges – TBC
James Fair – Digging
Chris Amies – Bone Dreams
Mary Ellen Flynn – Blackberry Picking
Brendan O’Neill – Mid-term Break
Fri 18th Poetry in Performance, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 6-7pm.Join poets David Morley and Bohdan Piasecki as they discuss how poetry might best be performed. They will be joined by Jonathan Davidson, Producer of BeingHuman Poetry, and one of the performers involved in this show. This will be an interesting opportunity to share ideas and experiences. Poets, performers, theatre-makers, academics and audiences all welcome. No need to book but useful to know numbers. Fri 18th Open Mic Poetry,Wednesbury Open MicWednesbury Museum and Art Gallery ,7.30 pm, £3, with Den Payne, third friday
Saturday & 19 October, Poets’ Place, Yorks Bakery café, Birmingham 4-6pm,Poets’ Place is an informal gathering of poets set to happen twice a month. It is an opportunity to meet like‐minded people, give and solicit feedback on your poetry, or just sit back and write for a couple of hours without interruption.
Public Address ll brings together a group of five talented spoken word poets from five different regions on a breathless tour of five different venues. Expect a variety of styles, a range of voices, and an evening of brain-teasing entertainment. Featuring Tommy Sissons, Jack Dean, Selina Nwulu, Lorna Meehan and Chris Stewart. Hosted by Rob Casey
Mon 21stThe Word Factory The Case Restaurant, 4-6 Hotel Street, Leicester, LE15AW,2nd Floor Private Room,7 for 7.30-9.30pm .The Word Factory Leicester invites you to
an intimate evening of readings, wine and conversation hosted by Cathy Galvin and Lindsay Waller-Wilkinson.get close to your favourite authors as they read their stories:
Jacob Ross
Jonathan Taylor
Rod Duncan
Alison Moore
The Case – central Leicester’s loveliest space
has table seating and full bar facilities.
Ticket price: £10.00
Please Pre-Book your ticket with Eventbrite–click on the Featured Events Button
Payment will be taken on the door (cash only)
Please contact: Lindsay Waller-Wilkinson with any queries
lindsaywallerwilkinson@gmail.com
Scroll down for full profiles on each of our magnificent inaugural quadrilogy:
Jacob Ross:
Jacob Ross
Jacob Ross is the author of two short story collections, Song for Simone, and A Way to Catch the Dust. His novel, Pynter Bender, was short-listed for the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize (2009), Society of Authors ‘Best first Novel’ and ‘Caribbean Review of Books ‘Book of the Year.’ He is Associate Editor for Fiction at Peepal Tree Press and SABLE Literary Magazine and a reader/tutor for The Literary Consultancy. He has Judged the Scott Moncrieff Translation, the VS Pritchett and Tom Gallon prizes. An established tutor of Narrative Craft, he runs writing masterclasses in the UK and abroad. He co-edited Voice, Memory, Ashes; Riding and Rising, andTurf and co-authored with Kwesi Owusu, Behind the Masquerade: The Story of Notting Hill Carnival. In 2006 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In 2011, he received Grenada’s highest award for his contribution to literature.
Three Books That Have Inspired Me:
1.Texaco by Patrick Chamoiseau.
Probably one of the most innovative novels to arrive on the French scene since Céline. A wonderfully sensuous depiction of French Antilleans in particular and humanity at large.
2.Jazz by Toni Morrison.
The second in Morrison’s Trilogy set in 1920s Harlem. Formally daring and profound.
3.Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
‘I’ve done my damndest to rip a reader’s nerves to rags,’ said Steinbeck. It took courage and conviction to write this book in 1930s America.
Three Books I Have Enjoyed Reading Recently:
1.Legend of a Suicide by David Vann.
Interconnected stories: beautifully written, highly textured and heartfelt. The story, Sukkwan Island shocks.
2.Seduce by Desiree Reynolds.
A dead prostitute looks on at her own funeral and comments on the ‘mourners’.
In the vein of Marlon James’, The Book of Night Women and Zora Neal Hurston’s, Their Eyes were Watching God. Beautiful, transgressive and just as powerful.
3.The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín.
The (silenced) mother of Christ tells her story
Jonathan Taylor:
Jonathan Taylor is a fiction-writer, memoirist, poet, critic, editor and lecturer. He is author of the novel Entertaining Strangers (Salt, 2012), which was shortlisted for the East Midlands Book Award, and the memoir Take Me Home: Parkinson’s, My Father, Myself (Granta Books, 2007). His poetry collection isMusicolepsy (Shoestring, 2013), his short-story collection Kontakte and Other Stories (Roman Books, 2013). He is editor of the anthology Overheard: Stories to Read Aloud (Salt, 2012), winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Fiction Anthology. He is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at De Montfort University in Leicester, and co-director of arts organisation and small publisher Crystal Clear Creators. Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, he now lives in Leicestershire with his wife, the poet Maria Taylor, and their twin daughters, Rosalind and Miranda.
Three Books That Have Inspired Me:
1.Blake Morrison, As If.
The words ‘brave’ and ‘important’ are awfully over-used in the literary world, but how else to describe Blake’s book about the Bolger case and our culture’s treatment of children? ‘To understand is to forgive’ is the ‘brave’ and ‘important’ message here.
2.Thomas Mann, Death in Venice.
Some stories are so powerful – without being too Jungian about it, so archetypal – that, retrospectively, they seem like a kind of fable for their culture. Very few ‘fables’ haunt me, and, indeed, my writing like Mann’s – I sometimes find its fossil outline hidden in a story even after I’ve finished writing it.
3.Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son.
What can I say? This is what novels should be: not ‘well-crafted’ or ‘polished’ or ‘unified,’ but crazy, grotesque, funny, horrific, poetic, comic, tragic, bathetic, silly, sublime ….
Three Books I Have Enjoyed Reading Recently:
1.Louis De Bernières, Red Dog and Notwithstanding.
These are beautifully written stories which are, well, just fun to read. It’s easy for writers of so-called ‘literary fiction’ (and I dislike the term and categorisation) to forget that a writer’s job is, first and foremost, to entertain – and that’s exactly what these stories do.
2.Jenn Ashworth, The Friday Gospels.
Which is wonderful for all the reasons and more I gave in my original review of the novel.
3.Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia.
Sacks’s work is unfailingly remarkable, shocking, bizarre, and I’ve been deeply affected by it, on a personal as well as a literary level. If fiction writers are (by definition) people who are fascinated by ‘characters,’ this fascination can no longer be just a matter of psychology, but, in the twenty-first century, neurology as well. Writers, that is, need to engage with both the psychological and neurological bases of character.
Rod Duncan:
Rod Duncan writes prose and screenplays. His first novel, Backlash, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasy Dagger in 2003. Breakbeat (2004) and Burnout (2005) completed the trilogy. The Mentalist was published in 2007. His work has been described as showing that “…modern British crime fiction is alive and kicking over the traces.”
Three Books That Have Inspired Me:
1.Titus Groan – Mervyn Peake
Sumptuous prose and dark humour pull me back repeatedly to this grotesque fantasy.
2.Polar Star – Martin Cruz Smith
A haunting setting and a fascinating protagonist carried along by the geopolitical flood tide. I have yet to read a better crime novel.
3.Under Milk Wood – Dylan Thomas
Reading this aloud, I can hear the rhythms of speech from my childhood on the Welsh coast. It always makes me smile.
Alison Moore:
Alison Moore is a novelist and short-story writer. Her first novel, The Lighthouse, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012 and in the New Writer of the Year category of the National Book Awards 2012 before going on to win the McKitterick Prize 2013. Her debut collection, The Pre-War House and Other Stories, was nominated for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award 2013. She is an honorary lecturer in the School of English at Nottingham University.
A few recent favourites:
•Flannery O’Conner – Complete Stories
•Tony Parker – Lighthouse
•Kurt Vonnegut – Letters
Alison is currently reading:
•Lionel Shriver – Big Brother
So as you see, we have an amazing line up for our first event and we do hope you can join us. Take in the pigeon’s eye view of St Martins, enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of tea, chat to our writers and other like minded peeps and we’ll all have a very jolly evening. As much as anything in this life can be guaranteed, this is a cert…
Wed 23rd Purple Penumbra,Old rep, Oldbury:7.30pm No it isn’t a mistake!
Purple Penumbra will be on Wednesday this month. That way it won’t clash with several Tuesday events but will give you something good to do while awaiting the next weekend.
Do come.
Give voice to your writings or bring friends and family just to enjoy another splendid relaxing evening of spoken word with a bit of music.
Last chance before British Summer Time ends!
63 days to Christmas.
______________________________________________
October 23 in1707 was the very first British Parliament,
in 1958 was the first appearance of the Smurfs in ‘La flute à six schtroumpfs’, and one year ago the last ever teletext ended.
Also on October 23 was born:
Anita Roddick, Pele, Diana Fluck, and Gummo Marx.
That should give some inspiration to the writers, and if you don’t know who the last two are, come along and find out.
Saturday 26 Public Address 11 Mac Birmingham , 7.30pmPublic Address ll brings together a group of five talented spoken word poets from five different regions on a breathless tour of five different venues. Expect a variety of styles, a range of voices, and an evening of brain-teasing entertainment. Featuring Tommy Sissons, Jack Dean, Selina Nwulu, Lorna Meehan and Chris Stewart. Hosted by Rob Casey
Saturday 26Double takes, Oswestry Library, 2pm,£3 in,John Gareth Owen and Liz Lefroy will be performing their work in a complementary way … it’s fun, it’s £3, it’s in aid of libraries, it’s accessible, it’s a Saturday.
Sun 27th Oct Sunday Xpress Fourth Sunday Doors 1500, Start 16:30 Adam & Eve Bradford Street, Birmingham B12 0JD Open mic
jameskennedycentral@yahoo.co.uk
Sun 27th Oct Unislam ,Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham ,4.30pm (semi-finals), 7pm (grand final) As part of Book To The Future, the University of Birmingham’s first ever literary festival, Writers’ Bloc is proud to present UniSlam!, the UK’s first ever national inter-university poetry slam championships. Watch the best student poets, including a team from UoB, battle it out for the title of UniSlam! Champions, judged by Luke Kennard, Helen Monks, Martin Glynn and Matt Windle, and hosted by Bohdan Piasecki. It’s going to be big. And poetic. And big. And it’s free!
Monday 28 Helen Mort, Wirksworth Library at 7pm as part of the Derwent Valley Mills Discovery Days Festival.
Helen Mort is the new Derbyshire Poet Laureate.She is the fifth Derbyshire Poet Laureate and her two year term is until September 2015.
The laureate project was developed by us to celebrate Derbyshire places, people and traditions through poetry.
It also aims to encourage people to read and have a go at writing their own poetry.
Helen was born in Sheffield in 1985, and grew up in Chesterfield.
She has an impressive track record in the world of poetry having been the five-times winner of the Foyle Young Poets Award for a start.
She received an Eric Gregory Award in 2007 – an accolade given to poets under the age of 30 in memory of a man who wanted to encourage young poets.
The following year she won the Manchester Young Writer Prize.
During 2010, she was Poet in Residence at the Wordsworth Trust at Grasmere in the Lake District but she is now living in Derbyshire again.
Her latest collection ‘Division Street’ has just been published by Chatto and Windus and is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation.
Councillor Ellie Wilcox, our Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Helen as the new Derbyshire Poet Laureate.
Her work with us will celebrate all that our vibrant and diverse county of Derbyshire has to offer and attract interest from far and wide.
I hope it will also spark more interest in the wonderful opportunities that reading and writing offer to us all.”
Tues 29th Word WizardsNew venue* Buckingham Hotel, opp the Pavillion Gdns , Buxton last Tuesday Monthly 19.30. Open mic three minute slam format More info Poetryslamuk@aol.com 01298 77362/ 0781 3289358
Tuesday 29 Oct Poetry Wednesbury with Brendan Hawthorne.
Wed 30th The Poetry Train* New Venue* the Lych Gate Tavern, 44 Queens Square Wolverhamtpton, it’s down the walkway by Barclays bank the leads to the Civic Centre. We will be starting there on Wednesday 30th January 2013 at 8pm, upstairs in their function room….It’s a great little pub last Wednesday ts@tonystringfellow.com
Wed 30th 42 at Drummonds, Worcester:Gothic, Horror, Sci-fi & Fantasy event “42 Worcester” last Wednesday of the month at Drummonds, Worcester 7pm for a 7:30pm start. MC Andrew Owens. PM Andrew if you want a performance slot via this event page.
Confirmed performers include:
Suz Winspear
Andrew Owens
Holly Magill
James Walpole
Andy Kirk
Catherine Gardner
Sally-Anne Grainger
Jd Grant
Ian Ward
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Friday 1st November. 5th Malvern Slam plus Atilla the Stockbroker is to be
This years slam will again be a 2 round affair followed by a set from Attila.
Wed 6th NovWell versed, The Muffin Man, Cheltenham, 7pm free in with Angela France
Sat 9th Nov Poetry Festival ,Central Library, Coventry, all day,On 9th November this year Central library will be hosting a poetry festival which will be run by a local poet Jana Greasley.
Fri 15th Nov Spoken Worlds , Old Cottage Tavern, Burton DE14 2EG, 7.30pm, free in, open mic with “three halves”.Hosted by Gary Carr, all welcome
“One of the top 10 venues for poetry in the UK” (Susan Richardson, Radio 4). Poetry Bites also includes floor spots – arrive early to book a spot. Tickets on door or by email from jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk (07971 018 825). Food Served from 6.30, Readings start at 7.30.
Tickets: £5 (£4 Conc.) on DoorFood served from 6:30pm, Readings start at 7:30pm
This was the final time that Bilston Voices was to gather at the Metro Café. It was an evening of valediction and celebration. By chance, not only did it represent the swansong for the event, it also coincided with the end of the tenure of co-sponsor Simon Fletcher as Literature Development Officer for Wolverhampton Libraries. Simon came to close the evening, mingle with friends, and reflect on over a decade of helping advance writing, and writers, in the area.Unsurprisingly, the café was full with regulars andl occasional visitors making a special effort to be there for a final time. Host Emma Purshouse who has organised, promoted, and presented proceedings since inception, handled the occasion with the minimum of fuss offering a typically diverse and strong final bill.
Jack Edwards started off some years ago as a promising, but inexperienced, talent, and is now a seasoned performer and event organiser in his own right .His effervescent writing and sparkling personality made him an ideal choice to open. He did not disappoint with his accessible , insightful poems.Outrageous Metaphors was clever, School Days a welcome old favourite.
Offa’s Press stalwart Jane Seabourne is a consummate performer, understated, assured and with an unerring knack to pick her poems for the audience and moment. Her Welsh heritage is never far away and her evocation of large families in modest terraces was warm, faithful and touching in “Feathers”. Her gardening sonnet was inspired,Lead a Fabulous Life was a stirring rallying call.
Jane often performs together with Nick Pearson, another Offa’s Press favourite who this time followed her with an engaging five part travelogue which started in the Black Country, and ended in San Fransisco via Kinver
After the break, Peter Hill offered a change of pace with a prose piece entitled “Brothers”, about Black Country boys Enoch and Eli which was wry, laconic and authentic, before Simon Fletcher, who had helped create the event originally, rose to close it. He touchingly acknowledged all those who had thanked him for his help in the past before reading a set of familiar favourites tinged with humility and pathos.
Finish.
The demise of any regular poetry event is sad. Bilston Voices impressed for its longevity over a number of years, its role as a catalyst for local writing talent, its remarkable attendances when no open mic was available to lure the casuals, and its unfailing delivery of diverse and talented voices .Yet it finished on a high, not a victim of indifference , falling standards or failing talent, but of the economics of opening the doors in the evening. Locally, Simon Fletcher is moving City Voices to the Lych Gate Tavern, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, 8pm. Tickets £2.50/ £1 (under 16s) on the door, second Tuesday of the month. Tony Stringfellow runs Poetry Train at the same venue on the last Wednesday.
For those who have enjoyed Bilston Voices over the years, the links at the end of this piece are to reviews of some past evenings, fondly remembered.
“We’ve shared a moment
And as the moment ends
I got a funny feelin’
We’re parting now as friends”
Dreamboats and Petticoats revels in nostalgia, swirling skirts, slicked hair and great music. A jukebox musical, the song and dance are linked by a narrative set in 1961, at St Mungo’s youth club in Essex. Song writing hopefuls Bobby and Norman compete to win a national song writing contest and to win the heart of Sue ,the youth club belle, providing ample excuse to roll out some forty two of the finest songs of the late 50’s and early 60’s. But Laura is the star as the talented “plain jane” who comes good.The on stage live band adds to the sense of “being there” prompting the audience’s toes to tap, mouths to hum, and finally feet to dance .
The secret of the show’s success is to play out the eternal hope of youth and romance to a cross- generational audience of pensioners, their children, and their children’s children, brought to life by a vibrant cast . Bobby is played by Stephen Rolley , Mathew Colthard takes the role of Norman, while love interest Sue is played by the sassy Louise Olley. Mark Wynter, who made his professional debut as a recording artists in the 1960s, takes on the role of the youth club leader, and finishes the show singing a few of his own hits, much to the delight of the audience, with enviable energy and pizzazz.
Forged originally on the back of a compilation album, writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran can hardly go wrong with classics from , Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran, and Billy Fury, to name a few, including ; Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Runaround Sue, Let It Be Me, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, The Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Only Sixteen, and Let’s Twist Again. Marks and Gran are the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman and Shine On Harvey Moon, men with a track record of understanding what the public want and like . The script is laced with humour, the defenestration of Sue being memorably proceeded by the line, ” There goes my baby………!” Production is by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield in association with Universal Music.
The show does not aspire to the narrative completeness of Mama Mia, or the conceit of We Will Rock You. Instead it borrows from the success of Buddy!, presenting catchy ,simple, enduring chart hit music in live concert form without being constrained by an individual artist. The singing is of a consistently high standard from a vocally strong and versatile cast. Hannah Boyce’s ” To Know Him is to Love Him” is outstanding, the two ensemble acapella pieces are a joy, particularly “Poetry in Motion”. Carole Todd’s choreography is sharp, colourful and effervescent throughout.
No-one can fail to emerge from this show without a smile on their face, a warm glow inside, and a familiar lyric on their tongues.
Dreamboats and Petticoats plays at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, from Monday September 16th to Sat 21st
Two events have caught the attention of the Midlands literary chatterati this week, the schism at Worcester Literary Festival and the news that Bilston Voices is to finish. The detail for both is quite different, but both are united by a common theme – value and appreciate what you have.
Worcester Literary Festival
Over the past three years I have witnessed the Worcester Literary Festival being conceived, delivered, and grow. That has been on the back of extraordinary individuals; poets,photographers, artists, academics, storytellers, authors, musicians, short story tellers and flash- fictioneers. Together with dedicated organisers and aficionados of the literary scene, a vibrant monthly poetry event, Parole Parlate, flourished, a magazine was created and three Festivals took place. That experience was shared and owned by all who were involved in an uncertain, yet rich, alchemy. The satisfaction in organising such events should not be ownership, but in pleasure at what has been created, in the same way that a parent does not feel that they own a child, yet takes pleasure in that child’s achievements. And that pleasure is invariably shared between parents, school teachers, grandparents, family and friends. This blog is not about taking sides, I haven’t heard the full story. It is about looking from afar, as a commentator, not a participant, and reminding all to value and appreciate what you have.
Running Festivals is not easy. It certainly isn’t for the money and they devour the time of organisers voraciously. Quantifying success is uncertain. Does a stunning, intimate, inspiring reading attended by ten, leaving those who did attend smug knowing “I was there” fail? Is a bland well attended event offering an instant, but transient, fix, the literary equivalent of a McDonalds meal, a success? Financially, certainly, but no literary festival is just about that. At Worcester, there may have been a debate about what the Festival could and should be, but what has been achieved already has been spectacular and valuable. It should be appreciated.
I am delighted that, having stared over the precipice, those involved at Worcester have rallied around to ensure that the legacy of the past three years has not been squandered, as appeared to seem likely. The people, performers and artists of Worcester and surrounds have provided me with some of my happiest and most rewarding days in recent years. I know that sentiment is shared by many others who have similarly enjoyed sharing their art there. I wish you well and look forwards to exciting , rewarding and productive times ahead with a new committee.
Bilston Voices
This week, Emma Purshouse announced that the September instalment of Bilston Voices was to be the last. The economics of the event for the venue may have been a factor. I have been attending Bilston Voices for some four years. I could not allow its passing without an appreciation of a very special event. Its longevity alone tells you much. Supported by Simon Fletcher, but driven by Emma Purshouse, it provided a platform for writing of all genres in a supportive welcoming environment. Local writing groups supported it well. Although the audience was predominantly older, the outlook was fresh, enquiring and inquisitive.
Thus, aspiring novice writers were given a chance to play and learn their craft, whilst established published authors relished the opportunity to perform before a proper poetry audience which appreciated stories, monolgues and drama too. It was a community where most people new each other, but newcomers were welcomed, where you could not go for a few months and still be welcomed back as if you had never been away. Characters were in abundance, with contributions eagerly anticipated from those who had delighted before. Unusually, it was not open mic, but with an invited bill of five, yet still forty plus people would show up every month because they knew the quality of performance would be high, and that their friends would be there to share the experience with them.
The economics of poetry at Coffee Houses is fragile. Forty people buying a £2.50 coffee only grosses £100, pay two people to staff the bar, take away the petrol money for them to get there, and the cost price of rereshments, and no-one gets rich. An owner at another coffee house hosting poetry once said to me “ we are not a community centre you know” as they watched some audience members come- and buy nothing. Of course organisers can charge for entry, but as soon as you go beyond the nominal entry fee that Bilston Voices charged, audiences dwindle in the medium term. You can charge well for name poets and special events, but regular poetry evenings are not like that, they tend to be about a warm felling, rather than the adrenaline shot which demands to be paid for.
I draw no conclusions about Bilston Voices’ demise. I do reflect that we should all savour, value and appreciate these events when they are running, as nothing lasts forever. We should never be complacent and revere those heroes, like Emma, who has done such a fabulous job for so long ( she may even appreciate a rest, she has earned it). And of course history shows that you cannot keep a poetry audience down. If the demand is there, something will surface to satisfy it.
Bilston Voices opens its doors for the last time on Thursday 26th September, 7.30pm at the Metro Cafe, Bilston – get there early, it should be quite a night.
Garyswordz 