Garyswordz

Metro Cafe, Bilston

IF YOU like your poetry events in an unpretentious, friendly, welcoming environment, you should look no further than Bilston Voices.

Organiser and MC Emma Purshouse has this uncanny knack of assembling an interesting and varied bill, and then simply letting it happen. There are no vain displays of her own work, and no artificial hype. She performs nothing herself, just offering kind words of introduction and appreciation, she lets the poets do the talking and it is a very effective device.

Kurly McGeachie was an exceptionally strong opener. Hugely experienced, he performed only four poems, from memory, but did so in style. He specialises in soft light rhyming pieces, which were tender with a wonderful, innocent vulnerability.

“Smile” and “You are Beautiful” did as their titles suggest, “Words” explored the joys and torment that words can offer, whilst “Home” was his disguised gem. An opus of epic proportions it starts off as a straight forwards homage to domestic bliss before launching off into several clever and unexpected tangents. Confident, but self-effacing, Kurly’s performance was a delight.

In contrast to Kurly’s campaign medals, Maurice Arnold was making his Bilston Voices debut. His style was wry and reserved as he skipped through several quite short pieces.

“The Poetree” was written subsequent to his visit to the Much Wenlock Festival, “Tipton games” was a localised look at the forthcoming Olympics, whilst “Special Cake” humorously recounted the adverse effect that a cake with hallucinogenic properties had on his partner! Light, fun, avuncular and satisfying.

Closing the first half was Bob Hale, teacher, travel writer and poet. Bob is very good at assembling a set thematically. Previously I have seen him do a Travel Set. This time he opted for an autobiographical collection.

SHARP OBSERVATIONS

He combines easy, accessible language with sharp observation and a dry wit. His Games trilogy was funny, “Bangkok” amusingly accurate. His well known Bears poem about a collection of teddy bears was as popular as ever but “A Secret Place” stood out for me.

Poignant and evocative it told, of the secret place he had as a child to escape the hurly burly of an adult world. It succeeded because it conjured up the desire most of us experienced as a child of wanting a secret retreat and spoke touchingly of a childhood we all lose. We are soon to lose Bob for a year or so, first to Harrow, and then to China – what tales he will have to tell upon his return.

Prior to Simon Fletcher’s closing set, Mark Reece read from his recently completed novel “Sub-Prime” featuring Mike, a dodgy insurance salesman, in an even dodgier insurance company. Simon himself promised us a quarter of an hour of butterflies, birds and flowers – and was as good as his word.

Including selections from “The Cherry Trees of Wye”, “Some Fine Old Ways To Save Your Life” and “Butterflies of Shropshire”. His nature poems are distinctive in that he revels in exactitude of description rather than fullness of lyrical description. “Moon Daisies” was a delight, whilst “Welsh Poppies” memorably combined the flower with the politics of Welsh invasion.

“Woodcuts” was his most satisfying piece, about a beech tree carved with lovers initials and messages at the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfalls beauty spot in Wales. He created a marvellous sense of place, beauty and occasion, whilst being unable to resist using the word dendroglyph ! Assured and urbane, Simon delighted an appreciative audience.

Bilston Voices next meets on Thurs 23rd June.

26-05-11

Gary Longden

Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath

POETRY Bites is an event which “Behind the Arras” has been meaning to cover for some time. Finally that moment arrived. The venue itself I was familiar with and exudes Bohemian bonhomie.

It hosts bands, historians, comics, musicians and storytellers. The approach via a gardening display also gives it an unique ambience! The staff are friendly with a good range of inexpensive alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks available, as well as snacks. The off-set floor space adds to the charm, but does require performers to make a conscious effort to work the audience.

Long established, “Poetry Bites” is hosted and promoted by poet Jacqui Rowe. Bravely, there was just one headliner, and numerous open-mic spots, which can make quality control hazardous. Yet such is the reputation of the event that most spots were taken by seasoned performers and established poets, many of whom I knew. So in practise the bill was guaranteed to succeed.

Jacqui herself opened the first and second halves, taking the opportunity to launch her latest Flarestack Poets collection “Paint”. The writing has been inspired by Jaqui’s recent residency at Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, the ancestral home of the Mander family who made their fortune producing paint in the 19th century.

Curiously Theodore Mander married Flora Paint, so a title for the pamphlet was not hard to come by! The poetry itself is inspired and beautiful, with the pamphlet available from her website. She also took the opportunity to perform her contribution to the Polesworth Poetry Trail – “Black Swan Possibility”, something which she had been unavailable to do when the successful poets were announced.

Headlining was Midlands troubadour Heather Wastie. One of the pleasures of commentating on the Midlands poetry scene is watching performers evolve as time goes on, and Heather is not one to rest upon her laurels. Heather has just been shortlisted as a prospective “Bard of Worcestershire” along with open-micer Maggie Doyle.

Performing a split set at the end of each half suited her as she combined poetry with music, played on keyboard. Host Jacqui Rowe introduced Heather by revealing that Heather had taught her daughter to play the recorder – although she wasn’t produced to accompany Heather as she played!

ESTABLISHED MATERIAL

Her material combined new work with established material from her two collections “Until I Saw Your Foot” and “The Page Turner’s Dilemma”. A professionally qualified and accomplished musician, comedienne and poet, she effortlessly slipped between disciplines to offer a show, rather than simply a reading.

“The Music Stand”, about her trusty ancient apparatus was poignant and wry, “Ping Pong Neo Natal ICU” her most daring and successful piece. Yet despite the cleverness and humour which run like rich seams through her writing her authenticity is perhaps her most endearing quality. “Love in the Garden” is light, fey, but heart-felt.

No-one who heard it cannot help but have thought to themselves “that IS what love is about” and not had a warm feeling. Which is exactly what listening to a Heather Wastie performance invariably does.

The open-mic slots were very strong, with forthcoming headliners David Calcutt (Author of “Crowboy”, “Shadowbringer” and “Map of Marvels”) and rising poetic star Anthony R Owen from Coventry (“The Dreaded Boy” collection), both performing short teasers. Naomi Paul is the scarlet pimpernel of local poetry, she appears, she dazzles, and then she is gone for a while. Her material is very good. She was able to dust down “Icelandic Eruption” from last time (as was Heather Wastie with her volcanic offering) along with the mellifluous “The Truth About the Goddess of Rhyme”, the witty “Displacement Activity” and the nostalgic “Grey Rabbit”. Sarah Tamar impressed with the harrowing “Just 22” and Spoz entertained with “Housefly” as did Maggie Doyle with “Motherhood”.

The evening was not short of social conscience either. John Lane performed very strongly with “Spring Awakening” about the Cuts Protests, and “Tender” about the privatisation of the NHS. Fine, serious poetry was also in evidence from Jan Watts, Penny Hewlett, and Janet Smith. The latter of whose quartet “Frost Struck”, “The Edge”, “In the Priest House” and “The Cry”, another Polesworth Poetry Trail winner, impressed.

All in all, a splendid evening, effortlessly eased along by Jacqui Rowe. ”Poetry Bites” meets bi-monthly on the last Tuesday of the month, next event, Tuesday 26th July 24-05-11.

Gary Longden

The Old Cottage Tavern, Burton-on-Trent

THE second event at The Old Cottage Tavern, “Spoken Worlds” is settling in now just fine at a venue to which it is well suited.

“Behind the Arras” has covered individual performances quite closely in recent months, this time I offer more of a view on the flavour of the occasion. One of the things which I most enjoy about open mic events is the uncertainty. Who is going to turn up? What are they going to do? I suspect that this frisson of excitement is shared in a somewhat different way by organiser Gary Carr!

“Spoken Worlds” offers what the name implies. Poetry, prose, monologues, book extracts, drama and comedy sketches, occasionally the spoken bit is stretched to accommodate the odd song or two too, but with the emphasis on the words- all on an open mic, ” first come first up” basis.

This time around, the amount of non-poetry had a far greater impact than usual. Colin Henchley set the standard here with a short play, “Sin”, that has been accepted for the second phase of a competition run by the Nottingham Playhouse. Performed by Colin himself and Mal Dewhirst, it is a dark, claustrophobic piece, set in the Second World War.

It was powerful, and worked well. Apparently part of the competition process may involve expanding it. How he achieves this will be interesting. I am a huge admirer of Colin’s writing and what always impresses is his attention to the mechanics of what he is writing. Each word and phrase is measured. Stretching this short play without redesigning it will be a challenge, but a challenge at which Colin will no doubt excel.

SUPERNATURAL THRILLER

Author David Calcutt made his debut performance reading both poetry and an extract from his novel “Shadowbringer”, he has also had “Crowboy” and “Map of Marvels” published. “Shadowbringer” is a psychological supernatural thriller aimed at the teenage market, but can be enjoyed by inquisitive younger children and adults alike. The hero is Nathan, and his grandfather’s advice is to stay out of the attic. . .

David revels in character and this was wonderfully demonstrated in the extract he read. The two poems he read were river companion pieces.

The first, “Acheron”, one of David’s finest, told of his real life physical walk in that river in Greece. Acheron is the name of one of the five rivers that flow through the realm of Hades. The name means “river of woe”, and is often metaphorically used for Hades itself( “Here the shades are ferried across by Charon”, Virgil VI, 107). And as he walked, so reality and myth become inter twined:

“The stones that stared up at me from the riverbed
were the featureless stony faces of the dead. ”

His second poem recounted a visit to Stratford on the occasion of Shakespeare’s birthday (not when Shakespeare was alive, obviously, David isn’t that old!), it particularly made reference to the River Avon, but this time David mysteriously resisted the urge to jump in it. Lyrical and rich, it was the perfect companion to “Acheron”.

Terri and Ray Jolland specialise in light “Terry & June” styled comedy, and do it very well. Their comedy sketch about naturists skilfully played on stereotypes whilst being fresh and entertaining. Combine this with Mal Dewhirst delivering “Pop” in an American accent, Dea Costelloe singing in “Lament”, and Janet Jenkins reading from “Silver Words” and you have a sense of a very varied occasion.

The variety that evenings such as these offer is to be cherished. There is always something to surprise and delight. Even the regular established talent can trip you up, the normally comic Fergus McGonigal used his “previous” to sledgehammer dramatic effect by embarking on a poem about a schoolboy which we assumed was going to be light – but wasn’t. Fergus has been shortlisted as a prospective “Bard of Worcestershire”, all at “Spoken Worlds” and “Behind the Arras” wish him luck. “Spoken Worlds” next meets, Fri 17th June, 7. 30pm. 20-05-11

Gary Longden

Station Pub, Kings Heath

BIRMINGHAM has had more than its fair share of national and international poetry talent in recent months. Lorna Meehan with Rhymes continued that trend by inviting the best of the poetry talent from Milton Keynes to perform, the self styled Milton Keynes Massive aka Bardcore.

Those familiar with the emergence of the Punk movement in the mid 70’s may recall the Bromley Contingent, suburban punks who made good in the big city, and there was a touch of that with Bardcore, as they arrived to make their mark.

First of the quartet was Donna Scott whose modest, self-effacing style belied some excellent poems. ”Poetry Crush” was fey, girly and fun, “What’s in a Name” mocked what had possessed her parents to call her Donna, and “50 Ways to Leave Your Labour” was a clever pastiche of the Paul Simon song inspired by a colleague who had walked out of her job.

Although two old favourites “Slob” and “Cake Shelf” delivered as she knew they would, it was “Geek” that stood out for me. A serious piece about child bullying which demonstrated her ability to write powerfully, and not just amusingly.

Fay Roberts was an unknown quantity for me – and an absolute delight. Her writing is rich, sophisticated, and multi layered, opening with a part sung chant, she zipped through hay fever, foot tapping percussion with “Moving as One”, and a clever exploration of “oh” in “Oh”!

The love poem “Song from the Sea” she had introduced hoping that it would resonate with the audience, and it did, a beautiful and evocative piece, but it was the closing “Dedication”, a poetic “I Am What I Am” declaration which stood out for me. Her performance was assured and serious, but warm and engaging too. I suspect we shall be hearing more of Fay.

Poetry Kapow (“kapow!”- you had to be there) is an event and website co-hosted by Fay and Danni Antagonist who opened the second half. Danni’s energetic and confident manner was the perfect pick-me –up after the break, her material very varied. “You’re Never Too Young For a Mid-Life Crisis” was classic performance stuff, and very well done. “Repent” asked where all those harbingers of doom carrying sandwich boards and placards proclaiming the end of the world had gone, whilst “Concrete” was a more reflective observational piece about her time in London. Yet for all her front and pizzazz “Bless This” stood out for me.

The emotional tale, told in plangent tones, of helping her father clear out family bric- a- brac subsequent to her mother’s death. In order for such a personal story to work it has to have an Everyman quality which reaches out to all – and it did.

To close the evening we had the first ever Milton Keynes Poet Laureate, and ever reliable Mark Niel. I have seen Mark perform on several occasions, his reputation as the UK’s leading performance poet is deserved. And although he may now be a Poet Laureate, he is not sitting on his laurels. He is moving beyond a straight poetry performance to deliver a one man show style performance incorporating music, storytelling and anecdote. The favourites such as “The Lozells Prayer”, “Poetry Voice” and “My Half of the Fridge” are still there, but we now have a far greater sense of cohesion and an enhanced platform for his talents. He is even inventing his own words – PILF! His act was a fitting climax to a very good show.

Rhymes returns in two months on Wed 20th July with performances by Jody Ann Bickley, Tony Stringfellow, Fifi Fanshawe and Janet Smith. 18-05-11.

Gary Longden

The Public, West Bromwich

THE Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses, that identity is being found.

The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive and was a good venue for this event. Organised and promoted by Sue Hulse and Tracey Smith, a strong spread of performer and act was assembled for the evening, the purpose of which was to raise money and awareness for the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Headliner, and star turn, was undoubtedly Al Barz. Al is an unique talent who, armed with a good programmable Yamaha keyboard and some clever spoken lyrics delighted the audience with a remarkable set. “If I Could Be a Racing Driver” had shades of Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn”. “The Whisper of Your Name” lifted the bass line from “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”,and “Dadumdadumda dum” (not to be confused with “De Doo Doo Doo, De Dah, dah dah” by the Police”) borrowed the melody from “Nellie the Elephant”, with Al’s distinctive brand of Block Rocking Beats stamping his own identity on the number.

Whilst neither Keith Emerson nor Fyfe Dangerfield will feel their keyboard pre-eminence is under immediate threat, Al was inventive and entertaining in equal measure. His tongue was firmly in his cheek throughout, and looking like a cross between Father Abraham and Thomas Dolby’s Dad, he had the audience on his side from start to finish. Despite the fun, which we lapped up, his straight poem “Spring Friday” reminded us all of why we were there with a simple, powerful piece. A great turn.

EFFORTLESS APLOMB

Music was well served by Emma and Kieran (the latter of whom looks like classic boy band material), and Phil Challoner who despatched three standards with effortless aplomb, as did Craig Hegan and Phil Churchill on guitar.

“Johnny Don’t Smoke” were a trio who benefitted from a lead singer with “Blondie” looks, the more folky East West Infusion, Phil Cross and Caroline Waldren offered traditional folk fare of a very high standard, with Caroline’s vocals a delight. Earlier Anna and Steve had established a folk presence exploring territory opened by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, the Flying Burrito Bros and Alison Kraus.” Inspiration”, a community based dance trio inspired.

Poetry was well served by Black Country stalwart Alfie Small whose local themed material warmed a home crowd. Janet Smith read the beautiful “Pacific” a three part poem demonstrating, as usual, that fine serious writing can find a place with the best of rival art forms.

The “Don’t Go Into The Cellar” Theatre Company excelled with a hugely enjoyable romp through “The Tale of Spring Heeled Jack” in full costume. Louise Stokes gave another wonderful outing to Uncle Dirk, this time accompanied by Farouk (Nadeem Chugtai) who was droll, and looked as though he shares headwear stylists with Princess Beatrice! Louise’s fine writing, and eye for detail on costuming and characterisation continues to impress.

All in all a considerable artistic success which Tracey and Sue, and the supportive staff at the Public, should be proud of. 07-05-11.

Gary Longden

Little Venice, Worcester

LAST month’s event was a resounding success with a strong contingent of imported Birmingham talent. This month, promoter Lisa Ventura focused on local talent, and produced a diverse and equally entertaining show.

Parole Parlate prides itself on diversity, and this month had a much more significant prose/ story telling element. As a form, it is much more difficult to shine in. The extended narrative is often read, there are no bite sized verses, and no chiming rhymes for the audience to hang onto. So the challenge is to create a story and performance that will engage.

Talia and then Allie Sewell opened up, the latter of whom was performing in public for only the second time, and who told an authentic story of a girls night out in Worcester. Her “Plumage versus privacy” dilemma on the dance floor was nicely put. If you have ever considered a trip to France or Wales then Tony Judge is your man, who offered his own take on the merits of the two countries.

Mark Ellis fell foul of modern technology when his e-reader failed to find the work he was hoping to read. What he did find, “Museum” was good, but the preparation does need to be as good as the material. The strongest of the “narrative” based performers was Richard Bruce Clay, a man for whom amplification is rarely required. Author of “ She’s Alone” and “Both”, he combined an extended prose passage with a couple of shorter poems “Drum & Bass” and “Poetry of Manly Virtue”. His confidence, presence, delivery and material shone throughout.

BARD OF WORCESTER
After the interval Lisa’s commitment to diversity was rewarded by the Jeffrey/Mason duo called “Hitchhiker”, a tribute to Richard Adams accompanied by guitars, which was slick, well sung and offered some welcome light and shade. Supporting the Headliner was the self-styled Bard of Worcestershire, Fergus McGonigal, whose considerable talents have been well documented in “Behind the Arras”.As usual he commanded the stage. His repertoire seemingly strengthens by the week. In addition to the tried and tested “Lawnmowers”, and “Ode on a Six String Guitar” we also had “the Truth About Love “ and “A Makeover”. The latter was a very clever and contemporaneous pastiche on Bin Laden’s assassination, the former a delightful whimsy taking in Auden, the Beatles, Marti Pellow and Roxy Music!

Headlining was Spoz, whose popularity can be gauged by the fact that he was back by audience demand from the previous month. Another “Behind the Arras” favourite, he did not disappoint his fans, drawing on a number of lesser performed gems, and staples from his collection:” The Day The Earth Grew Hair”. His politics came through in “Anthem for Doomed Youth”, his humour in “Rabbits Dressed as Chickens”, and his word play in “The Ballad of Brian the Balloon Boy”. But it was “Limerick versus Haiku” which showcased his talent. A brilliant idea, simply told, with wit and warmth, which neatly summarises his performance in the round.

CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGES

The “find” of the evening however was someone whom I had not come across before, performed earlier on, and deserves a wider audience. Suz Winspear starts with two considerable advantages. Firstly, a striking Gothic fragile image, reminiscent of Siouxie Sue (surely they are not related?). Secondly, a wonderful ability to bring character to her speech, reminiscent of Debra Stephenson. My favourite poem was “A Seduction is Attempted”.

Few poets choose Ostend as their writing milieu, but not only did it provide the framework for a razor sharp and atmospheric piece, Suz later informed me that she has a collection of pieces on Ostend! She was at pains to point out that she does do some cheerful material, “Things to Make or Create” for example. I was struck both by the richly eclectic powers of observation in her poetry and the freshness of her viewpoint. A tribute to the Japanese earthquake victims “the Needle Spell” was inspired by a trip around a Rag Market, whilst a playfully malevolent piece on Murder, “Dear Bridget” ensures that I will be extra careful if Suz ever invites me around for tea! Do look out for her – and I await her “Ostend Special”.

The next Parole Parlate is on 2nd June, 7. 30pm and anticipates the Worcester Literary Festival which is being co-ordinated by Lisa Ventura. The evening will not only be worthy in itself, but it will also provide visitors a sneak preview of the best of what will be coming up from Lisa, and afford, no doubt, the chance to network with audience members who will be performing in and attending several of the events. 05-05-11
Gary Longden