I’ve only really started reading poems from memory this year, but rarely an entire set. I admire those poets who not only memorise long, often VERY long poems, but communicate them with panache and seeming ease. But is reading from memory a requirement of a memorable reading? Does reading from memory always enhance the listener’s experience? Just howRead more ⟶
Tag: poetry reading
Two steps forward one step back (or vice versa)
Last week I was deep in Telltale Press business which is probably why I didn’t post an update here. I’ve also been distracted by the process of ‘moving house’ which I put in inverted commas because I’m not entirely sure whether it’s actually happening, or just something I imagine is happening. Rather like those vividRead more ⟶
Reading at Pighog Poetry Night in Brighton
Pighog Press has hosted a poetry night at the Redroaster cafe in Brighton for many years. I’ve attended quite a few times and it’s always an eclectic mix of the familiar, the unusual and the colourful (especially in the famous open mic slots). The events are organised and hosted by Michaela Ridgway, herself a talentedRead more ⟶
Submissions – to enquire or not to enquire?
First of all a huge thank you to Matthew Stewart of Rogue Strands who has once again mentioned my blog in his ‘Best UK Poetry Blogs of the Year’ roundup. It’s exciting to be in there with such great company, and always very nice to know this blog is read and enjoyed. I think allRead more ⟶
This Thursday: Swindon Shuffle / Blue Gate Poets
If you’re anywhere near Swindon do come along to what should be a great night of poetry and music – The Swindon Shuffle @ The Core in association with Blue Gate Poets. I’m going to be reading alongside Stephen Payne, Anna-May Laugher and Jadine Eagle. Many thanks to Hilda Sheehan for inviting me – reallyRead more ⟶
‘Wordsworth’s Skates’ by Seamus Heaney
A wonderful little poem by Seamus Heaney. Seemed right for the season. ‘Wordsworth’s Skates’ from District & Circle (Faber & Faber, 2006). Happy Christmas.
Robert Hamberger’s ‘Being the Sea’ (video post)
You can read this poem in Agenda Vol 46 number 3, ‘Retrospectives’.
Smith, McCullough, Curtis, Lasky at the Red Roaster
Lovely evening last week at the Red Roaster in Brighton, for the launch of Abi Curtis’s new collection The GlassDelusion. Not too crowded, some familiar faces and a really nice selection of work being read. I’ve a soft spot for Abi ever since she and I were involved with the University of Sussex ‘Poetry Soc’Read more ⟶
Upcoming poetry events in Lewes, Brighton & Seaford…
Very pleased to be invited by Tom Roper to be one of the poets reading at Seaford Live this year on September 12th. Last year I did the open mic. It’s an intimate venue – the Crypt Gallery – rather lends itself to ghost stories or something creepy. I’ll see what I can conjour up…Read more ⟶
Ambit at the Betsey Trotwood
Took Lucy along to an Ambit poetry night yesterday at the Betsey Trotwood pub, a little island of old London tahn amidst the chaos and cacophony of Farringdon Road and on the edge of Clerkenwell Green. We weren’t prepared for the evening to start on time, but it did, so we missed a little ofRead more ⟶