He came once a week
Each visit a treat
Lemonade, Irn-Bru
Tizer and Ginger Ale
All for sale
Yellow pop
Was my favourite
Sweet and bubbly
The long sleek neck
Mottled for grip
Cherryade
Tasted odd
But supermarkets spelt misery
For the fate of home delivery
And the Corona Man
“42” Open Mic Night (Gothic, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy) Lunar Bar, New St Worcester, 7.30, Free in:Glen James hosts.last wed monthly E-mail: 42openmicnight@42genrearts.co.uk
ARTournament’s Sunday Chill,The New Inn in the centre of Gloucester (opp M&S) City Centre. 16 Northgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2. UK.First Sunday, £5in, 3pm-9pm. poetry, Comedy and Music.
Bad Language, The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE , last wednesday monthly,7.30. Set Bill, hosted by Daniel carpenter,If you wish to take part in the open mic section, please e-mail events@badlanguagemcr.co.uk to book a FOUR MINUTE MAXIMUM SLOT.
Bang said the Gun ManchesterThe Old Nag’s Head Pub, Jacksons Row (off Deansgate) 7.30pm Thursdays weekly
If underpants, sex, gravy and Keith Moon giving the Queen Mother drumming lessons are more your thing, then this could be the verbal romp you’ve been waiting for…..
Bang Said The Gun in London is considered one of the best poetry nights in the country and has recently …been reaching over 4 million viewers on Channel 4’s Random Acts.
Rod Tame and Kieren King are repeating this winning formula with Manchester’s first weekly poetry night. The night will celebrate the best in local and national poets as well as offering audience members the chance to compete…… for the coveted Golden Gun prize in the Top Banana Open Mic.
Each week’s Golden Gun prize winner is offered a guest set at a future Bang Said The Gun: Manchester!
First come, first on open mic so get down early if you wanna be on. Or, just come join the crowd to listen and cheer. It’s a top notch night out
Bilston Voices Fourth Thursday 19:00 Cafe Metro 46 Church Street, Bilston WV14 0AH Only booked poets emmaasif@hotmail.com
Buzzwords, Leckhampton,Cheltenham First Sunday (ex August) 1900- 2200 Exmouth Arms in Leckhampton, Cheltenham, £5in. Worksop 7pm-9pm. Open Mic and guest poet after
January 8th – Jonathan Davidson
February 5th – Stephen Payne
March 4th – Elizabeth Cook
April 8th – Ross Cogan
May 6th – Katy Evans-Bush
June 3rd – Peter Wyton and Emma Pursehouse
July 1st – Nick Alexander and Miki Byrne
September 2nd – Michael Thomas
October 7th – Daniel Sluman
November 4th – Jo Bell
December 2nd – Kate North
Buzzwords meets regularly for a poetry reading, open mic and workshopping session. See our program for venues and dates.
“A warm, intelligent – and going on the evidence of the floor readings – a very talented group, Buzzwords was a great venue for reading and listening.” – George Szirtes
“Had a really exhilarating evening as guest poet at Buzzwords in Cheltenham last night.
It’s meticulously organised by Angela France, with everything running smoothly and to time, and with such a friendly, enthusiastic group of poet-participants. I was really impressed with the quality of the first draft poetry that was produced during the workshop and the standard of the open mic readings was also extremely high.” – Susan Richardson
“I had a fun night reading as guest poet at poet Angela France’s Buzzwords series, in Cheltenham last night – it’s a tight-knit group of serious, local poets, who gather for workshops, open mics, and guest readings, every month, back of a pub. The sound system is professional, and the listening mostly very attentive. The poets presented a strong field during the open mic. They also buy books, a good sign.” – Todd Swift
Catweazle Club East Oxford Social Club, 44B Princes Street, Oxford OX4 1HU, 8pm, weekly: Acoustic music and poetry open mic night.contact mother@catweazleclub.org http://catweazleclub.org
Cannon Poets Post office Building,147 Alcester Rd, Moseley 2-5pm, first Sunday,monthly.Technically a reading group, but partcipants bring along their own poems for critique, and published poems for pleasure, both read out loud. House magazine Cannons Mouth and competitions. http://www.cannonpoets.co.uk
City Voices Second Tuesday 19:30 City Bar King Street, Wolverhampton WV 1ST Only booked poets simon.fletcher@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Flying Donkeys Second Wed 8.15pm Voicebox, Forman St, Derby, Performance Storytelling (Verse welcomed) free street/car park after 8pm!
Fourth Wed 19.30 The Brunswick Pub, 1, Railway Terrace, Derby, DE1 2RU (just down from Derby Railway Station).Informal Story Circle
Flying Donkeys do not meet August/September. Details:http://www.flyingdonkeys.co.uk/
Fizz-Polesworth Poets Fourth Tuesday Bi-Monthly 19:30 Polesworth Abbey Polesworth Abbey, Polesworth open mic/headliner;Perform in front of the same fireplace as Donne, Johnson and Drayton!
Tuesday 24th January Guest Gary Carr.
Tuesday 27th March
Tuesday 22nd May
Tuesday 24th July
Tuesday 25th September
Hit the Ode Last Thursday 19:30 The Victoria 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN 3 featured acts + limited open mic bohdan@applesandsnakes.org
Mouth & Music Boars Head Gallery,39 Worcester St, Kidderminster Second Tuesday of every month. 8.00pm start. Open mic sign up on the night from 7.30. £3 admission, free for performers.
Night Blue Fruit First Tuesday 20:30 Taylor Johns St Nicholas St, Coventry Open mic caducus2004@yahoo.com
Notes From the Underground Third sat 20:00 The Hollybush The Hollybush, 53 Newtown Street, Cradley Heath B64 5EA Open mic ****** RELAUNCHED EVENT************ ( was Spoken Word with Richard Bruce Clay who has handed over the reins to Jack Eddwards)
This is a new night of spoken word and music at the Hollybush being hosted by Jack Edwards and William Shatspeare. The new name for the night is ‘Notes From Underground’.
It is open mic, so you can just turn up and we’ll give you a slot, with slots of around 10 minutes long. If you want to read short stories or poetry, do a comedy set or perform acoustic music then this venue is perfect for you. Plus the beer is great value!
If you are interested in performing, want to know more or would like to be added to the mailing list, please send me an e-mail at:
Jackedwardspoetry@hotmail.co.uk
Parole Parlate First Thursday 19:30 Little Venice 1-3 St Nicholas Street, Worcester WR1 1UW Open mic + guest poet ruth@worcslitfest.com
Poetry Club Giggling Goblin Coffee Shop, Mill Lane, Ashby de la Zouch– 8:30, free in, with a licensed bar and great coffee. Third Tuesday of the month. Open mic poetry and folk
The event is hosted by Brian B. Langtry, who ran a poetry and folk club in the Black Country in the Mid 1970’s, which ran until the pub closed down. Brian has always been keen to mix the arts and has decided to give the Folk and Poetry format a revival in Ashby. As Brian’s flyer says the Performers are from the audience.
Poetry Bites Fourth Tuesday 19:30 Kitchen Garden Cafe 17 York Road, Kings Heath B14 7SA Open mic + guest,2012 dates:24/1, 27/3,22/5, 24/7,25/9 and 27/11. jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk
The Poetry EveningThe Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,5 Castle Gates, SY1 2AE,After the success of their first poetry evening back in May 2011 Liz Lefroy will be returning to run this monthly Poetry Evening.First Thursday of the month.
Born in London in 1964, Liz now lives in Shrewsbury and was recenly awarded the Roy Fisher Prize – a new poetry prize endowed by the Poet Laureate. Attendance is FREE, 8pm start
Poetry Party Vegged Out, Fletchers Walk, Paradise Circus Birmingham:7.30pm, Bi monthly open mic with Smart Poets, 4th Wed, Mar 28th,Jun 27th, Sept 26th.
Poets Place, Birmingham Central Library,2pm-4pm, free in, second Sat monthly:
Poets’ Place: a bi-weekly informal gathering of poets, writers and performers. An opportunity to meet like-minded people, give and solicit feedback, or just sit in a corner and write for two hours.Organised by Birmingham Libraries and Apples & Snakes, Poets’ Place is a monthly informal gathering of poets. 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. You can use the Poets’ Place to make new friends, discover new poets, share and have your work critiqued, make useful connections, set a writing schedule… The Poets’ Place can be whatever you as a poet decide to make of it. Whether you are a published poet, a slam champion, or someone who is just wondering whether poetry might be worth a try, stop by. There is no need to sign up or book a place: just show up with your poems or a blank notebook. There will be someone there to make you feel welcome and advise you on how to make the most of your time there. Occasionally, Poets’ Place will host performances, workshops, film showings and other events. The Poets’ Place is located on the Lower Ground Floor (access via the Netloan Centre).
Poets’ Place dates for 2012: January: 14, 28 February: 11, 25 March: 10, 24 April: 7, 21 May: 19 June: 2, 16, 30 July: 14, 28 August: 11, 25 September: 8, 22 October: 6, 20 November: 3, 17 December: 1, 15
For more information contact: Nikki Bi, Birmingham Reader, Development Support Officer (nikki.bi@birmingham,gov.uk) or Bohdan Piasecki,
West Midlands Coordinator, Apples & Snakes (bohdan@applesandsnakes.org)
The Poetry Train Last Wednesday 20:00 Britannia Hotel, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT Open mic ts@tonystringfellow.com PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT WILL CONTINUE BUT AT A NEW VENUE – CONTAT TONY STRINGFELLOW FOR DETAILS
Pub Poetry Nottingham The Canal house, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH,8pm, 2nd monday : Free in, Open micContact Nick on pubpoetry@nottscomedyfestival.co.uk
PureandGoodandRight Second Monday 19:30 The Sozzled Sausage 141 Regent St, Leamington Spa CV32 4NX Open mic + guest pgrpoetry@gmail.com http://pgrpoetry.blogspot.com/
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
Rhymes Bi- monthly 20:00 Check Rogue Play for Details Headline Bill
Scribal Gathering Bull Hotel, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1AQ, 2nd tuesday monthly,Entry: free; open mic poetry and music with featured acts,”Stony Stratford’s première spoken word and music performance event. This monthly meeting of minds will bring together writers, musicians and performers of all kinds to share their talents, entertain each other and evoke the spirit of gathering. Join us…” Sign up for the open mic on the night, or reserve a slot by email: info@scribalgathering.com.http://www.scribalgathering.com/
Shindig The Western PH, Western Rd Leicester, 4th Monday bi-monthly,7.30pm: Headliners and open mic,
Monday 23rd January 2012
Monday 19th March 2012
Monday 21st May 2012
Monday 16th July 2012
Monday 17th September 2012
Monday 19th November 2012
http://www.crystalclearcreators.org.uk/index
The Shipping Forecast Open Mic, Second Thursday Monthly Rude Shipyard Cafe,89 Abbeydale Rd Sheffield, S7 1FE:7.45 Hosted by moi miss piggy or stan skinny, message for slots.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Great-Yorkshire-Word-search/275766372495584?sk=wall#!/pages/The-Shipping-Forecast-spoken-word/276780052333840?sk=info
http://www.therudeshipyard.com
Show and Tell Last Thursday (bi-monthly) 17:30 Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield St, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1DU Open mic Jen.Dooner@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Speak Up, Hare & Hounds , Moseley, Birmingham, 2nd Wed, monthly, 7.30pm: headliners plus open mic,£5in
Speech BubbleCognito, Students’ Union, Loughborough University 7pm Second Mondays monthlyin term time, check for details: http://www.arts.lboro.ac.uk/
Spire Writes Havana Whites,12 Corporation Street, Chesterfield,S41 7TP, 7.45pm Free in Second Wednesday, Helen Mort, organises.Open mic. Spire Writes facebook page
Spoken Worlds Third Friday 19:30 The Old Cottage Tavern , Byrkley St,eet, Burton-upon-Trent DE14 2JJ Open mic gajwriter@btinternet.com
The SW@N Club – Spoken Word at the Newhampton, Wolverhampton
Meets every 1st Monday of the month (no club in August) at 8 pm – 10.30 pm. Admission – suggested donation on entry.
Storytelling, poetry, a tune or a song, take part in the open sessions or just sit back and enjoy the variety of performance. Most sessions are open spots but approximately every three months there is a performance in the second half by a professional artist (supported through donations).
The club meets in the upstairs room at the Newhampton Inn, Riches Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, WV6 0DW.
For further details please contact Peter Chand http://www.chandstory.com
Sunday Xpress Fourth Sunday Doors 1500, Start 16:30 Adam & Eve Bradford Street, Birmingham B12 0JD Open mic
jameskennedycentral@yahoo.co.uk
Templar 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
info@templarpoetry.co.uk
WordY Theatre, East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY, just opposite Leicester Train Station,7pm 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.
WORD! is the longest running and most established poetry and spoken word night in the Midlands. It takes place at The Y Theatre, Leicester on the first Tuesday of each month and attracts audiances of between 70 and 150 people. In addition to programming such diverse artists as Patience Agbabi, Mimi Khalvati, Zena Edwards and Pete Sansom we are unique in the country for being supported by live sound and film visuals. Format.
The evening commences at 8pm and consists of an open mic and booked act. In the first half there are 10 open mic slots of 3 mins each. After a 15 minute interval there are 10 slots more. A quality booked artist performs at around 10pm. The evening concludes at around 10.30pm. Multimedia.
To our knowledge WORD! is currently unique in the country for being supported by consistent live film feed and bespoke film visuals.
Film visuals are provided by a resident filmmaker and consist of live feed and bespoke visuals. These are provided free of charge and on demand, capacity allowing. To take advantage of this service, artists performing on the open mic should enquire by email, sending the piece they plan to perform, 2 weeks or more before the event. At the event they will then be able to perform against a backdrop of live, personally tailored visuals. Individual trailers of performances are also available. For more information email the organizers, see ‘Contact Us’.
Live music and audio is provided by our resident DJ. In addition to finely crafted music in-between halves, there is the option of having your work supported by any audio you may happen to have. Again, for more information, see ‘Contact Us’.
A handy rundown on the night:
1. WORD! is the longest running spoken word night in Leicester.
2. It always features an open mic AND an exciting pro booked act.
3. If you want to perform on the open mic, arrive for 7pm – the list fills fast.
4. The night kicks off at 8pm. The interval’s around 9pm. We’re done by 10.30pm.
5. We’re really sorry, we can’t pre-book slots.
6. We love you. We love your work. Your ORIGINAL work…leave the Keats and Hegley for the interval, read your own – poetry/spoken word – over the mic.
7. Slots are maxium of 3 minutes each, including introductions,
8. WORD! is constituted voluntary group, run entirely on its ticket price. Your ticket price pays for the booked act – without whom the night would be less of a night.
9. For reasons of continuity WORD! is presented by a small and devout band of poet comperes. These are: Lydia Towsey, Tim Sayers and Pam Thompson. Like crops, we work on rotation.
http://wordpoetry.co.uk/default.aspx
Word Up Poetry Open Mic plus headliners,The Drum Arts Centre,The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU,0121 333 2444, http://www.the-drum.org.uk Seasonal monthly, first Thursdays, 8pm, £5in.j.morley@the-drum.org.uk
Thu 2 Feb, Thu 1 Mar, Thu 5 Apr, Thu 3 May,
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/ 0781 3289358
Storytelling Only
Flying Donkeys Voicebox, Foreman st Derby, 8pm, £3in:Flying Donkeys are a group of storytellers who put on performance storytelling events in Derby – primarily at The Voice Box, Forman Street, and with a season which runs from October – July. Our guest nights take place on the second Wednesday of the month
Rhyme and Tells at the Six Bells in Bishops Castle, Shropshire,Meets every 4th Sunday of the month (except for public holidays) at 8 pm – 10.30 pm. It is free admission and an open session for poetry, prose and storytelling.
For further details please contact Mike on 01588 680685.
Storytelling Cafe Kitchen Garden Cafe,York Rd, Kings Heath, 7.30pm (Doors 6.30pm)
Third Wednesday
Tales at the Edge, White Lion Inn, Bridgnorth, Shropshire,Tales at the Edge is one of the country’s oldest and most established storytelling clubs, meeting in Bridgenorth on the 2nd Tuesday of every month (except August) at 8 pm.
Hear tales, myths and legends from all over the world in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are new to storytelling, an experienced teller or just enjoy listening to stories. There is no charge for admission.
For more details contact: Mike Rust 01694 771 379.
“Tell me on a Sunday” Storytelling, Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS, Sundays monthly,4pm – 6.30pm; Free in, We know you have a story in you. Unleash it. Conjure a memory, recent or ancient, good or bad. Tell it to yourself, re-tell it, hone it, cut it, embellish it. Pitch it to us. Get on stage and tell it.
Sunday 19 February,Theme: Off the beaten track,Guest storyteller: Peter Chand
Sunday 25 March,Theme: Hope and glory
Sunday 22 April Theme: Feathers and bones
Sunday 27 May Theme: Secrets and lies
Ikon, in collaboration with the Birmingham Book Festival presents a new series of free literary events. Hosted in Café Ikon, Tell Me On A Sunday is storytelling from life. Participants tell stories based around a specially selected theme, all with truth (and a good performance!) at their heart. Each month, five storytellers will be chosen to perform a seven minute story live.The events feature special guests and are curated by Cat Weatherill, one of Europe’s leading performance storytellers, who will also tell her own story.
These events begin at 4pm with Story Supper, a chance to meet fellow audience members and story tellers over a special Cafe Ikonmenu. Performances commence at 5pm, finishing at 6.30pm.
Find out more about these events by visiting our website..
How to pitch your story:Please visit the event page on our website for details of how to pitch your story, you are also advised to read through the story guidance for writing and performance page
Please note these events are intended for adult audiences. Places to attend the performances are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
http://www.birminghambookfestival.org/events-2011/tell-me-on-a-sunday/?utm_source=BBF+MASTER+LIST&utm_campaign=eddd0a194f-Bham_Book_Fes_News_Aug_20118_17_2011&utm_medium=email
The Telling Space, Mythstories, *NEW VENUE* (relocated from Wem) Mythstories,The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,5 Castle Gates, SY1 2AE,Wem, Shropshire,The club meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month unless otherwise stated. Please check the website under ‘opening hours and events’ http://www.mythstories.com or contact Dez or Ali on 01939 235500 for further information.
Meet at 7 pm for refreshments (bring food to share) or at 7.30 pm for stories. A chance to listen or an opportunity to tell. Admission is free.
Yard of Tales,Joules Yard, rear of 53-55 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7AF.
Joules Yard is a unique venue with a licensed bar after 7pm, also serving tea and coffee. If you would like to order a vegetarian meal for the evening, provided by ‘The Green House’ please telephone 01858 463250. Market Harborough, Leicestershire,Meets first Thursday in the month.
Yard of Tales is a performance storytelling club hosted by Kevin Walker http://www.kevinwalker-storyteller.com
Come and join us in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the cafe bar that is Joules Yard. Sit back with a drink in hand and enjoy the tales that will enthral you. Laugh, jeer, cry and sneer but mostly have a damn good evening!Tickets £6 at door (includes nibbles).For further information – 0116 259 2233 or 01858 463250
——————————————————————————————————————————
Day by Day Gazeteer
Mondays
Pub Poetry Nottingham The Canal house, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, 2nd Monday
PureandGoodandRight , L Spa , Second Monday
Shindig The Western PH, Western Rd Leicester, 4th Monday bi-monthly
The SW@N Club – Spoken Word at the Newhampton, Wolverhampton, 1st Monday
Tuesdays
City Voices, Wolverhampton Second Tuesday
Mouth & Music Boars Head Gallery,39 Worcester St, Kidderminster Second Tuesday
Night Blue Fruit First Tuesday
Poetry Club Giggling Goblin Coffee Shop, ADZ. Third Tuesday
Poetry Bites, Kings Heath Fourth Tuesday, bi monthly
Scribal Gathering Bull Hotel , Stony Stratford, 2nd Tuesday
Tales at the Edge, White Lion Inn, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, 2nd Tuesday
The Telling Space, Mythstories,The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse, 4th Tuesday
Word Wizards Grove Hotel, Buxton last Tuesday
Word, Y Theatre Leicester, First Tuesday
Wednesday
42 Worcester, last Wed
Bad Language, The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE, last Wed
Flying Donkeys, Voicebox, Foreman St, Derby, 2nd Wed (Not Aug/Sept).
Poetry Party Vegged Out, Fletchers Walk, Paradise Circus Birmingham: Bi monthly , 4th Wed
Quad Derby Second Wednesday
Templar Poetry, Lamb & Flag, The Tything, Worcester, , third Wednesday,
Spire Writes, Havana whites, chesterfield, Second Wednesday
Storytelling Cafe, Kitchen Garden Cafe, York rd, Kings heath, third Wed.
Thursday
Bang said the Gun, Manchester, weekly every Thursday
Bilston Voices Fourth Thursday
Hit the Ode , Birmingham, Last Thursday
Parole Parlate, Worcester First Thursday
The Poetry Evening, The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse,.First Thursday
The Shipping Forecast Sheffield, Second Thursday
Speak Up, Bulls Head, Moseley, Birmingham, 3rd Thursday
Word Up , Aston, Birmingham, first Thursdays
Yard of Tales,Joules Yard, , Market Harborough, first Thursday
Friday
Spoken Worlds , Burton on Trent Third Friday
Saturday
Notes From the Underground , Hollybush, Cradley Heath ,Second sat, monthly
Poets Place, Birmingham Central Library, alternate Sats twice monthly:
Cold steel envelops
A cruel lattice
Faint light smears
Opaque glass, broken panes
And tilted mirrors distort
Seen through bulging eyes
A bare grate
Kept cage
The door slightly unhinged
The last thing I said to you
Was don’ t leave me alone
Naked in the corner
Hunched, bare
Boards scrape my feet
Cold light freezes my skin
Musky air fills my lungs
Eyes fixed in a glazed gaze.
Until you return.
Crazed love child of the tip
From whose rotten corpse
Sulphuric acid flows
Spewing rusty liquid.
From punctured wounds
A scabrous puss seeps,
Wreaking silent retribution.
Laying waste as it too was wasted,
Redemption lies only
In the passing seasons,
Balm to violated waters.
Napowrimo 26
1 Tanka
Artemis2
Accelerating
Into the florida blue
Eyes once young now old
Search for its meaning beyond
Leaving earth behind seems good
Last night was the first ever “What’s On” broadcast for Radio Wildfire offering an expanded look at the month ahead. It’s pretty exciting, and I have great hopes for its evolution:
Patrick Kavanagh Public House, Moseley
NEW theatre company, Don’t Go Into the Cellar specialise in Period theatre. This show, a sister to “Gothicana”, has a bawdy theme, as the show title suggests, but is still presented in a Victorian context. Part Gothic Macabre, and part comic Variety show, the space offered by the first floor performance room in the Patrick Kavanagh was ideal to showcase their talents.
Madame Morganne, played as a psychic cross between Mystic Meg and Marti Caine, wonderfully realised by Rachel Green, acts as de facto MC for the evening, cajoling the audience and amazing everyone with her (lack of) Spirit World prowess. Jonathan Goodwin provides the star quality with two very strong interactive monologues, first as Van Helsing, then as Lord Byron. As Van Helsing we are treated to a tranche of Vampire gags, as an inebriated Lord Byron, Goodwin very skillfully plays the crowd in an impressive ad lib section in which he creates rhymes and rhapsodies around the names of female members of the audience.
ZEST AND VITALITY
A surprise highlight of the evening was “Lizzie”, played by Kaz Luckins, who sang two great songs in “was I standing at the Church” and “Ann Boleyn with her head tucked under her arm in the midnight hour”, injecting much zest and vitality into the show in a one woman ball of energy. In a contrast of styles, Matt Pritchard enthralled with a straight magic act.
Gary Archer, as William McGonagal, performed two humorous poems, “The Alleged Assassination of the Queen”, and “Glasgow” , around a substantial and entertaining character piece, ”Aiden the Nutter” performed ”The Freaks Tale” in a powerful tale of the macabre.
The show was funny and substantial, running to just over two hours with a half time interval. Well costumed, a few members of the audience arrived in Gothic garb themselves, a trend I suspect may grow in the future. Licensed premises suit this show with Lizzie Luckins returning for a sing along finale which was lustily entered into by the entire audience. It’s combination of monologue, theatre, magic, music hall song, poetry and Tarot Card reading is unique and very effective. Crucially, each show is different with a rolling roster of performers, Louise Stokes and Jade Cole played supporting roles tonight. An off-beat treat.
“Ghouls Aloud” returns to the Patrick Kavanagh on Thursday 28th April at 8pm, “Gothica” returns to the Shakespeare Memorial Room Birmingham Central Library, Tuesday 26th April at 7.30pm. 31-03-11
Gary Longden
This list pulls togther those poets who primarily are involved in organising events around the Midlands, or who hold Laureateships, as a guide to some of the names that regularly pop up on the circuit.It is not a list of my favourite poets! (Although of course several are)
Dreadlock Alien AKA Richard Grant, past Birmingham Poet Laureate, Festival favourite,BBC Radio 4 National Slam Final presenter and tireless performer.
Deborah Alma Self styled “Emergency Poet”, a regular at festivals
Fatima Al-Matar Rising young female star with a feminist perspective. Academic,lawyer, human rights activist and journalist as well as a poet has worked with BBC Radio 3, studied at warwick University now resident in Kuwait but with strong Midlands connections.
Jo Bell Wiltshire, pastDirector of National Poetry Day now involved with Winning Words, a strong advocate of Midlands poetry, and often to be found supporting or performing at, Midlands events.
Jodi Ann Bickley Rising young star, organiser of Speak Up at the Bulls Head, Birmingham, a smash hit on the summer’s festival circuit.
Matt Black Derbyshire Poet Laureate 2012/14
Julie Boden Past Birmingham Poet Laureate, author and poet in residence at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
David Calcutt– Local novelist (Crowboy & Shadowbringer) and fine poet, a Lichfield Poet and regular performer.
Gary Carr – Host of “Spoken Worlds” , monthly Spoken Word event in Burton on Trent.A talented page and performance poet.
Richard Bruce Clay Founder of the Spoken Word night at the Hollybush Cradley Heath, novelist, poet and a man who does not need a microphone
Jane Commane Co-editor of Nine Arches Press
Catherine Crosswell Worcestershire Poet Laureate Finalist, and member of “Four Tart Harmony” group.
Jonathan Davidson midlands and national Poetry svengali who cordinates the Burmingham book festival
Malcolm Dewhirst- -Staffs Poet Laureate 2012/13 Host of monthly “Fizz” at Polesworth Abbey. Workshop leader, film maker, Polesworth Poetry Trail Co-ordinator and page poet.
Maggie Doyle Worcestershire Poet Laureate 2012/13.
Giovanni “Spoz” Esposito Past Birmingham Poet Laureate,Slam organiser and doyen of the Birmingham poetry scene.
Jack Edwards new MC for the Spoken Word Night at the Hollybush, Cradley heath
Dee Maure Fitch Malvern Slam and Youth Centre stalwart.
Simon Fletcher Organiser of City voices in Wolverhampton, poet and novelist and editor of Offa’s Press.
Kim Fordwoh co-ordinator for the Glocester Arts fest
Roz Goddard Past Birmingham Poet Laureate,author with work broadcast on BBC radio.
George Hardwick Organiser of Pure and Good and Right in Leamington Spa, youth leader and troubadour
Brendan Hawthorn Black Country Poet, publisher and event co-ordinator, specialises in local dialect poems.
Brendan Higgins Organiser of “Sunday Express” and renowned for the poem “Shopping”.
Glen James Organiser of “42” a Gothic, Sci fi, horror night inspired by Douglas Adams, an artist, writer and promoter of all things Gothic.
Adrian Johnson Past Birmingham Poet Laureate and events organiser.
Liz Lefroy award winning poet who has founded the Poetry Evening at the Shrewsbury Coffee house.
Helen Mort Organiser of Chesterfields “Spire Writes”
Richard Tyrone Jones Edinburgh Fringe stalwart, widely published, and midlander back on the scene after a serious illness.
Charlie Jordan Broadcaster and poet. Charlie has broadcast nationally and locally and is a past Birmingham Poet Laureate.
Brian Langtree organiser of the Poetry Night at the Giggling Goblin Coffeee Shop, Ashby de la Zouch
Sarh Leavesley (nee James) Author,award winner, Polesworth Poetry Trail Poet, and Worcestershire Poet Laureate Finalist.
Gary Longden A short fat greying bloke sitting somehwere with a notebook and pen, or a mic, in his hand.
Roy McFarlane Past Birmingham Poet Laureate, event co-ordinator and driving force behind “Celebrate Wha” a collection of Black Midlands Poets.
Fergus McGonigal Itinerant minstrel, amongst the best performance poets around.Worcestershire Poet Laureate Finalist.
Lorna Meehan Organiser of “Rhymes” bimonthly Spoken Word event on Birmingham. Actress and poet and co-founder of Rogue Play Theatre Company
Matt Nunn Co-founder of Nine Arches Press, Under The Radar magazine and co-promoter of Shindig at Leicester
Antony R Owen Co-organiser of Night Blue Fruit in Coventry, poet and author of “The Dreaded Boy”, a critically acclaimed contemporary war poetry collection
Bobby Parker Kidderminster based author and poet.
Barry Patterson Co-organiser of Night Blue Fruit in Coventry, poet and author who hails from the North East
Bohdan Piesecki – Apples & Snakes Regional co-ordinator. Host of “Hit the Ode”- Birmingham’s International Monthly Spoken Word Showcase, and a fine multi-lingual performance poet in his own right.
Emma Purshouse – Leading light in Offa’s Press, organiser and host for “Bilston Voices” monthly spoken word, co-ordinator of “Snug” a touring site specific touring show, workshops and writing groups. A hugely talented Slam Poet in her own right.
Amy Rainbow Poet, juggler, philosopher, uni-cyclist ,fire-hoop performer and fairy.Worcestershire Poet Laureate Finalist.
Brenda Read- Brown Gloucestershire Poet Laureate 2012/13
Dave Reeves Owner of Spoken Word radio station “Radio Wildfire”, poet and author.
Alison Riley Organiser of Derbyshire Stanza
Jacqui Rowe – Organiser of “Poetry Bites”, co-founder of Flarestack Poets, published poet and workshop organiser.Author of ” Apollinaire”
Anna Saunders Co-ordinator for the cheltenham poetry festival
Jane Seabourne Author and poet whose work has appeared in The Guardian and who is part of Offas press
Dina Smith Warwick Poet Laureate 2011/12
Geoff Stevens Who sadly died in Feb 2012, former industrial chemist, much published and renowned Black Country Poet, founder of the magazine The Purple Patch.
Rob Stevens organiser of Word Wizzards at Buxton, poet and musician.
Lee Stoddart Marketing and press officer for The Drum in Birmingham, organiser of “Speak Up” at the same venue.
Tony Stringfellow author, poet, artist and sculptor, based in Wolverhampton. Marc Bolan expert. Chairman of the Shifnal Festival, perfoms with the Shropshire collective Spoken Worlds, organises Poetry Train
Jonathan and Maria Taylor Husband and wife poets and academics who co-promote Leicester Shindig and are Directors of Crystal Clear Creators, a not for profit arts organisation which produces the poetry magazine “Hearing Voices”
http://www.writingeastmidlands.co.uk/writers/writer_of_the_month/january_-_jonathan_taylor/
Sarah Tamar Co host, with Heather Wastie of Mouth & Music at The Boars Head Kidderminster
Theo Theobald Inaugral Worcestershire Poet Lauraeate
Lisa Ventura – Worcester Literary Festival Organiser, and promoter of Worcester’s “Parole Parlate” a thriving and hugely successful Spoken Word evening.
Jan Watts Birmingham Poet laureate 2011/12, Rhuabarb Radio presenter and workshop co-ordinator.
Heather Wastie Co-founer of “Snug” ( see Emma Purshouse),poet, musician and singer,Worcestershire Poet Laureate Finalist.Co – hostCo , with Sarah Tamar of Mouth & Music at The Boars Head Kidderminster
Matt Windle Past Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, boxer and poet of international repute.
Peter Wyton Gloucestershire 1000 poet Laureate, author and widely published in the press.
Laura Yates Northfield Arts Forum Chair, Write Down Speak Up Poetry Collective Co-ordinator and Decadent Diva.
Thursday 31st March “Ghouls Aloud” Patrick Kavanagh Cafe Woodbridge Road, Moseley,Birmingham 8pm:£6, Prepare to be grabbed by the ghoulies…. From “Don’t Go Into the Cellar” Theatre Company
Thursday 31st March “Wedensbury Poetry” The Royal Oak, Meeting St, Wednesbury,7.30pm Open mic, free in
Thursday 31st March- Sun 3rd April:The 1st Cheltenham Poetry Festival kicks off on Thursday 31st March, with a host of bardic delights taking part. Sara-Jane Arbury will be appearing in FLASH, a multi-media performance/prose show with Glenn Carmichael, Lucy English and Anna Freeman on Friday 1st April, Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, 7.30pm, £8/£6 concs. Visit http://flashpoetry.co.uk/ for more information about the show. Detectives amongst you may be interested to know that she will be staging Poetic Licence To Kill! in the atmospheric chapel at Francis Close Hall, Swindon Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ on Saturday 2nd April, 6-8pm, £6. To book tickets, telephone 0844 576 2210 or visit http://www.cheltenhampoetryfest.co.uk/.
Saturday 2nd April “Smoke & Mirrors” Malvern Youth Centre Malvern, 8pm: £4 Open mic and performance.
Monday 4th April, “Bring & Share- Mothers day, Library Theatre,Birmingahm Centarl Library, 7.30pm, free in: Hosted, and performances by Birmingham Poet laureate, Roy MacFarlane
Tuesday 5th April , Night Blue Fruit, Coal Vaults, Canal Basin St Nicholas Street, Radford, Coventry,8pm: Free in, Open Mic
Thursday 7th April: “Parole Parlate: Spoken Word”, Little venice 1-3 St Nicholas St, Worcester,7.30pm,£3: Open mic plus headliner Roy Macfarlane.
Sat 9th April “Talking Cities” Birmingham Library Theatre, 6.30pm: Free in.Hosted by, and featuring, Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Roy McFarlane plus a host of special guests, this evening of performance poetry looks at cities – our own and those we visit. Supported by Birmingham Libraries.Partly inspired by Poet Laureate Roy’s recent visit to Amsterdam, this event encourages other poets to think about the places that mean something to them – home and away.
Lively, touching and not without laughs, this showcase has been devised specially for The Spring Thing. Julie boden, Bohdan Piesecki, “Kurly”, Dave Reeves, Keisha Thompson, Kokumo and Roz Goddard perform.
Monday 11th April: “Pure and Good and Right”Sozzled Sausage, 141 Regent St, Leamington Spa, 7.30pm, £3: Open mic and headlinerTheo.
Tuesday 12 April “City Voices”, City Bar, King st Wolverhampton7.30pm :Bob Hale Headlines.
Friday 15 th April *NEW*Old Moseley Arms, on Tindal St, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. 8.30pm : Free, open mic, first night! Organised by Marcus Taylor, for more details:marcus1parcus@googlemail.com
Sat 16th April, Lit FuseBirmingam Mac, 7.30pm:£7. How far can you push the boundaries of performance? See what happens when some of the most exciting spoken… word poets around leave their comfort zones.Lit Fuse, developed jointly by mac Birmingham and Apples & Snakes, is the first in a series of events showcasing brand new work devised by emerging UK poets in collaboration with top directors and producers.
Features, Fatima Al Matar, Jodi Ann Bickley and Matt Windle. Directed by Amanda Wilde from Red Earth theatre who writes:
“ I have been working with 3 dynamic, committed, talented and tireless performance poets on the Lit Fuse project, initiated by Apples and Snakes and Mac Birmingham, exploring how far the boundaries of performance can be pushed for spoken word artists. For Red Earth this is a project working outside our comfort zone and that’s a good thing; it energises and gives us new perspectives. Collaboration is at the heart of Red Earth’s work and I have learnt so much already from working with Fatima Al Matar, Jodi Ann Bickley and Matt Windle. Performance poets are really brave. They bear their souls in performance. Unlike actors, they don’t have the luxury of hiding behind a character. Now, the poets will develop work with Bohdan Piasecki from Apples and Snakes to develop their ideas and write a new poem for performance at the Lit Fuse event .”
Friday 22nd April, “Spoken Worlds”, *New venue*: The Old Cottage Tavern, 3b Byrkley St, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 2BG, free entry, 7.30pm, open mic, poetry, monologues and drama, and thereafter May 20, June 17, July 22 and August 19.
Sat 23rd April “The Curse of Shakespeare’s Revenge has Risen from the Grave A.D. 1913” Shakespeare Memorial Room, Central Library, Birmingham. 6.30pm & 8pm: £7, a hammer house of horror style reimagining of the most ghastly of the Bard’s tales .From “Don’t Go Into the Cellar” Theatre Company.
Tuesday 26th April “Gothicana” Shakespeare Memorial Room, Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham 7.30pm: £6, Gaslight Horror from the Masters of Menace! From “Don’t Go Into the Cellar” Theatre Company
Thursday 28th April “Ghouls Aloud” Patrick Kavanagh Cafe Woodbridge Road, Moseley,Birmingham 8pm:£6, Prepare to be grabbed by the ghoulies…. From “Don’t Go Into the Cellar” Theatre Company
Thursday 28th April “Wedensbury Poetry” The Royal Oak, Meeting St, Wednesbury,7.30pm Open mic, free in
Thursday 28th April, Bilston Voices, Metro Cafe,Church St Bilston. 7.30pm: £2 Set Bill, not open mic, headliners include Janet Smith
Thursday 28th April, “Hit the Ode” Victoria Pub, 48 John Bright St Birmingham:7.30pm, £5:
“Hit the Ode”: electrifying spoken word poetry by the best performers from around the corner – and around the world.
Featuring: Polarbear, Hollie McNish, Sebastian 23 & Lars Ruppel
Hit the Ode is an evening of poetry, but not the dried up poetry you dissect and analyse to death. No, this is living, breathing verse; these poems will slap you, hug you, go home with you and refuse to leave. Plus here, if you want know “what the authors meant by that”, you can find them at the bar ask them. And it’s not just any old poets, either! So roll up, one and all, and enjoy the storytelling styles of the best know Brummie spoken word artist, Polarbear; the rhythmic and melodic verse from Hollie McNish; and the words of German slam superstars Sebastian 23 and Lars Ruppel.
As always, DJ Soesmix will provide musical counterpoints to the spoken word.
And if you write and perform poetry yourself – there will be a (very) few open mic slots available, so get there early on the day to sign up!
For more information, contact Bohdan Piasecki (bohdan@applesandsnakes.org).
Praise for Previous Editions of Hit the Ode:
“More like watching a rock star than a poet.”
“The atmosphere was what every performer dreams of.”
“It was magical, minus the Disney.”
“Best poetry reading I’ve ever been to.”
“Hit the Ode = utterly effin’ fantastic.”
Line-up:
Birmingham: Polarbear
Polarbear is a writer from Birmingham who fell into spoken word in 2005. Since then he has been lucky enough to speak his work on stages all over the world from Glastonbury to Kuala Lumpur via Ljubljana and California. A love of Hip-Hop and a ‘less is more’ philosophy permeates his work.
Find out more: http://www.homeofpolar.com/
Watch Polarbear in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K2jdmcuvSc Cambridge: Hollie McNish
Hollie McNish is a published UK poet and spoken word artist who has been taking the scene by storm since her first reading in 2009. She has released two poetry albums, “Touch” and “Push Kick”, both to critical acclaim, with the latter prized for contributions to maternal research by the University of London. She has appeared in venues as diverse as Glastonbury festival, Ronnie Scotts Jazz Bar, London’s Southbank Centre and Cambridge University. She has been featured on Radio 4’s Poetry Diaries, Women’s Hour and BBC 2, and recently opened the WOW Women of the World Festival at the Southbank Centre, London
Find out more: www.holliemcnish.bandcamp.com
Watch Hollie in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5kxtz9J2hw
Germany: Sebastian 23 & Lars Ruppel
Lars Ruppel was born in 1985 and is the youngest professional Slam Poet on the German-language scene. Since the tender age of 16 he has been travelling across Europe and captivating ears and eyes with his impassioned performance poetry – and the largest glasses since Buddy Holly. He has won tons of important slams in Europe, the national team-competition and the German TV Poetry Slam. In 2009, Lars Ruppel published his oeuvre in three books of poetry.
As for Sebastian 23, he is a poet from the unknown industrial town of Bochum. Born in 1979, the son of a coalminer, he somehow grew up to become a poet. Today he is one of the most successful slam poets in Germany, having won several National Slam Competitions, touring throughout Europe, Africa and America, and appearing as Special Guest at the US National Poetry Slam 2009..
Find out more: http://www.sebastian23.com/ and http://larsruppel.de/
Watch Sebastian & Lars in action: germanpoetstour.blogspot.com/
odic verse of Hollie McNish; and the wise words of German slam superstars Sebastian 23 and Lars Ruppel.
As always, DJ Soesmix will provide musical counterpoints to the spoken word.
And if you write and perform poetry yourself – there will be a (very) few open mic slots available, so get there (very) early to sign up!odic verse of Hollie McNish; and the wise words of German slam superstars Sebastian 23 and Lars Ruppel.
As always, DJ Soesmix will provide musical counterpoints to the spoken word.
And if you write and perform poetry yourself – there will be a (very) few open mic slots available, so get there (very) early to sign up!
Friday 29th April “Spoken Word” The Hollybush, Newtown Lane, Cradley Heath, 8.30pm, Free in, open mic
Friday 29th April- 1st May, Much Wenlock Poetry Festival:A warm welcome to the second Wenlock Poetry Festival. We have a great festival for you, including poetry readings, performance poetry, poetry choir, poetry take-away, knitted poetry, poetry in art, poetry workshops, poetry party (for Friends) poetry for kids, street poetry and even a poetry café!
We are confident that we have lived up to our aim of providing the very best of contemporary poetry in exciting and varied ways. Our streets will be buzzing and humming all weekend. We’ll nod to the Royal Wedding with all of our High Street shops displaying their favourite love poems, and there may well be a sense of love in the air in this spring-time festival, but more than anything, there will be love of poetry in all its forms and guises.
The 2011 festival will include The Ian McMillan Orchestra, Spoz and Dreadlockalien, Andrew Motion, John Hegley, Jo Shapcott, Carol Ann Duffy, Jackie Kay, Mario Petrucci, Paul Evans, Simon Armitage and many, many more.
Contact us if you would like to become a Friend of WPF 2011 or to join our mailing list. You can even follow us on twitter @WenlockPoetry. But best of all – do come and join us. Anna Dreda, Artistic Director, WPF”
http://www.wenlockpoetryfestival.org/
Future dates for your diary
Tues 17th May, Fizz 7, Polesworth Poets ,Poleworth Abbey, Polesworth,7.30.: free in ,open Mic/ Polesworth Poetry Trail poems.
Fri May 20th, Spoken Worlds”, *New venue*: The Old Cottage Tavern, 3b Byrkley St, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 2BG, free entry, 7.30pm, open mic, poetry, monologues and drama,
Fri June 17th, Spoken Worlds”, *New venue*: The Old Cottage Tavern, 3b Byrkley St, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 2BG, free entry, 7.30pm, open mic, poetry, monologues and drama,
Fri 1st -10th July Ledbury Poetry Festival: The Uk’s leading and most prestigious poetry festival, for full details:http://www.poetry-festival.com/
Tues 19th July -Fizz 8, Matt Merritt Polesworth Abbey Refectory, Refectory ,Polesworth:7.30pm.Donations.Headliner plus open mic
Fri July 22th Spoken Worlds”, *New venue*: The Old Cottage Tavern, 3b Byrkley St, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 2BG, free entry, 7.30pm, open mic, poetry, monologues and drama,
Fri August 19th Spoken Worlds”, *New venue*: The Old Cottage Tavern, 3b Byrkley St, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 2BG, free entry, 7.30pm, open mic, poetry, monologues and drama,
Tues 20th Sept -Fizz 9, Tony Owen Polesworth Abbey Refectory, Refectory ,Polesworth:7.30pm.Donations.Headliner plus open mic
Tues 22nd Nov -Fizz 10, Polesworth International Film Festival. Polesworth Abbey Refectory, Refectory ,Polesworth:7.30pm.Donations.Headliner plus open mic
Garyswordz 