Here's a list of what we think are the best poetry events happening in Nottingham...
TRUTH, Mental Health Open Mic
The Grosvenor
£3
TRUTH, a mental health support network, is a fresh off the bat open mic night set up by poetry pioneer Michaela Plentiful-Poet. Providing a safe and non-judgemental space for people affected by mental ill health, this stage is for all: from the veteran virtuoso to the very first timer. So come forth Spoken Word Artists, Rappers, Singers, Musicians, Bands, Comics… If your speciality’s been missed off the list, don’t wozza and come show us what you’re all about! If you’re not quite ready to take to the stage, simply show some support as a spectator.
Last Wednesday of the month, 8pm - 11pm
Write the Poem, Workshops
Debbie Bryan (St Mary’s Gate)
£3
Join well-versed workshoppers Chris McLoughlin and Anne Holloway for a proper good Wednesday writing sesh. They’ll be exploring poetry of various forms and techniques, using interesting exercises that’ll freshen up where you’re currently at on the writing flex. Come generate some new ideas ducks, meet other writers from the local area and bask in the beauty of Debbie Bryan’s rustic workshop space.
2nd Wednesday of every month, 5pm - 7:30pm
Crosswords Open Mic
Cock and Hoop
£2
We’re very fortunate in Notts to have a healthy dose of open mic nights. From poetry to prose, storytelling to drama and everything in between, Crosswords love all things Spoken Word. This event provides a space to listen to fellow performers and share pieces that’ll be received by delightful rounds of supportive applause… Not one to be missed, the night tastefully closes with a very yummy cherry on top in the form of a talented headliner.
Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm
Crosswords Undercover, Discussion
Malt Cross
Free
As of January 2019, Crosswords welcomes the very intimate Crosswords Undercover. In the spirit of Dead Poets Society, expect a beaut of an evening to share poetry, talk about the poets who’ve influenced and inspired your creative juices and generally just confabulate with other poetry appreciators. If you’re interested, act fast because the very first Undercover session sold out quick snap!!
Last Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Blackdrop
Currently seeking a long term venue - please check their Facebook page
£3
Founded by the warmhearted Michelle ‘Mother’ Hubbard, this night’s been running for yonks – since 2003, to be exact – and has a big focus on cultural exchange as well as social commentary; all through poetry, rhymes and beats. As well as featured acts, there’s usually an open mic to get stuck into. There’s always a really friendly vibe so get following them on the social medias ducks, and waddle on down!
First Thursday of every month
Nottingham Young Writers Group
Nottingham Central Library
£5
One for the yoof! If you’re an 11-15-year-old aspiring writer, grab yer notebooks, grab yer pens and swagger across to Notts Central Library for some Saturday scribbles. These workshops are run by writer and author Jim Hall (lover of poetic rap battles and Max Paprika crisps), and poet and editor Joshua Judson (recent graduate of Guildhall’s School of Music and Drama). Know a young person who’d enjoy a friendly and creative writing workshop led by talented professionals? Look no further.
Sessions take place on Saturdays and are aimed at 11–15 year olds. AM sessions run from 10am - 12pm. PM sessions run from 1pm - 3pm
Chapter and Verse
The Lord Roberts (Temporary venue until a more permanent nesting place is found)
Free event, with a bucket collection for the performers
Currently based at The Lord Roberts, Chapter and Verse brings some seriously slick line-ups of poetry and performance. Offering a spice of something slightly different, this regular early Saturday evening shindig is a showcase of concepts. Here, poetry blends with theatre and storytelling comes alive. Featured poets will take to the stage but there’s also open mic slots up for grabs as well.
The first Saturday of each month, 4:30pm
DIY Poets
The Maze
£3
Fancy a very well-rounded poetry evening that packs a punch? Look no further than DIY Poets. They’ve been in the sphere for over ten years now and produce their own poetry zines, which you may have seen dotted around some Nottingham venues. Check diypoets.com where you can download previous editions free of charge. The group meet upstairs at Broadway on the first Wednesday of every month. Here, you can get involved in event planning and receive feedback on work... Then there’s the quarterly showcase at The Maze – always a top night.
Meeting: first Wednesday of every month upstairs at Broadway, 6:30pm
DIY Poets showcase: takes place on a quarterly basis at The Maze, 7:30pm
Between the Shadow and the Soul
City Arts
Pay what you can
Come, one and all, to be carried through an evening of beautiful verse and heartstopping emotions. Expect a lineup of poets sharings honest and vulnerable words in the intimate space that is City Arts. This night is the perfect platform to mingle with like-minded souls, check out local talent and generally absorb peaceful feels in the plenty. Fancy taking to the stage? They’re a truly lovely and inclusive bunch who’ll be more than happy to set you up with a slot. Contact: m.me/betweensouldandshadow
First Wednesday of every month, 7pm
Clickbait
Jam Café
Free
Set up by fellow wordsmith Christopher Lanyon, Clickbait boasts 2 feature poets from the University of Nottingham’s Poetry and Spoken Word Society, two talented headliners and an open mic to boot. Expect good words, good people and good drinks… The Clickbait open mic is aimed at everyone, and signups are on the night are from 7pm. So get yersen’s down for a joyous evening of poetry and decent company.
Dates vary - check Facebook event page - 7pm
Tentacles Writers Collective
Nottingham Playhouse
Free
Tentacles is a collective for disabled and deaf writers. Expect a friendly and inclusive space where you will write and challenge your creativity. The workshops are led by disabled writers Neal Pike and Maresa MacKeith, with the addition of guest workshop facilitators - from a variety of disciplines - on a periodical basis. Held at Nottingham Playhouse, workshops are as accessible as possible to all. Tentacles welcomes writers of all age and ability.
Last Wednesday of every month, 5pm - 7pm
Nottingham Poetry Society
Nottingham Mechanics
£3, £4 for non-members
“Promoting the best in poetry”, Nottingham Poetry Society hold a variety of events throughout the year from workshops and slam competitions to lectures, readings and more… Sound like stuff you’d like to get stuck into? If you’re not already a member, no worries because meetings are open to all and take place at Nottingham Mechanics on North Sherwood Street. Some events will be held at alternative venues so check the Facebook page to be sure!
Fourth Saturday of each month, 2:45 pm
Totally Wired Poetry
Wired Café
A poetry reading series at a right tasty venue in the heart of town: Wired Cafe on Pelham Street. Be sure to expect feature poets offering up words and rhythms for you to mmm and click to. There’s also an open floor policy which means you can take to the stage and deliver some of your own poetry prowess. Keep it traditional or feel free to get a little experimental. Previous open-mics have welcomed singers and musicians with open arms.
Last Wednesday of the month, 6pm
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