On Thursday 1st February, SoapBox held the first 'Words & Verses' - spoken word open mic - of 2024, free entry, at the lovely Steamboat. I got super organised and have booked in ALL the dates for the whole year already. Generally we'll be there on the first Thursday of the month, with the odd exception, but I will also be holding some infrequent special poetry events, ticketed, which will be paid entry.
Im super excited to be working with The Steamboat, as it gives us more room to welcome more people, and it is an accessible venue too! They have a fab in-house PA which they kindly let me use, so I don't have to carry as much stuff over town on the buses. There is also free on-street parking after 6pm, they serve fab pub grub too (generally between 5-7pm), and well-behaved dogs are welcome too. Check out their website >>>HERE<<< to get the current menu and more info.
Words & Verses is a spoken word open mic, so we welcome all kinds of literary linguistics, from newcomers and professionals alike. You can expect anything from poetry through to rap and storytelling. All ages and abilities are welcome, and I work very hard to make this a friendly, safe, warm & welcoming place for people to share their private scribbblings in public. I am a particular fan of supporting new people to take the mic, so if you've not read your work out loud before, then this is definitely the place for you. Im always happy to give some tips on using a mic and mic stand too, so please don't let that put you off.
Everyone get 5-10 minutes each, and we're also happy with folks who just want to pop up and try out one poem. The event is hosted by me, Amy Wragg, and I always a read a selection of my own original poems, and some covers too. I have worked professionally in Poetry for almost 20 years. I have a stupendous knowledge, passion & love for poetry, so my covers are always from some of the most exciting writers & performers in the UK today. Unlike traditional poetry, all my favourite poets are alive! I absolutely adore silly, politically engaged and comedic poetry too, so this event is a very vibrant night of spoken word that breaks the old ideas about what poetry is. Many people have left my events saying they 'didn't know poetry could be like that'.
14 people shared their poems and stories and words with us, at the first event of 2024. The quality and breadth of topics, performances and content was remarkable. It really is a magical place, and it is the people who share their words on the mic that make it so. Audience members are much encouraged too, so you're very welcome to come along and listen. If you do want to perform, you can either turn-up on the night, or pop me an email is you would prefer to have your spot booked in advance. My email is amy@getonthesoapbox.co.uk
Words & Verses dates for 2024 ::
Thursday 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May, 13th June, 4th July, 5th September, 3rd October, 7th November, 5th December.
A huge, massive, intergalatic 'thank you' to everyone who got on the mic, turned up to support, clapped, cheered & laughed with us. See you next time.
Love & Boxes, Amy x