Last night, I performed the short version of my play, ‘Nowhere Like Home’ for the first time.
It was at a Scratch Session with Freedom Studios, at Kala Sangam in Bradford. I was the last of nine performances from my fellow Writers Group alumni. Most used professional actors to see their plays come to life for the first time, but me and Izzy Smith did everything ourselves, writing, producing and performing solo pieces.
Here I am, doing my thing, stolen from Laura’s photos, because I didn’t take any. It went down well: one of the audience even said it was relatable! That’s never happened to me before.
Now to work out what happens next with this. Watch this space!
A very old HLF Slam at Small Seeds. It’s a lot busier these days!
This is going to be a great night! HLF Slam was my first, just a year ago. I wobbled onto that stage, a complete newbie, not knowing what to expect – and I loved it!
Going back this year with a shed load more experience, and loads of my mates are in it, too… Can’t wait!
I’m going to be out and about plugging this poetry gig for the next couple of weeks: my guest slot at Attic Stories, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield – and possibly the pinnacle of my poetic career so far!
It’s only £3 to come to the very nicest open mic around, with Rose Condo, the nicest host in the business, and me, the also quite nice guest for the night. Come along to read, or just to listen: I’d love your support.
I like to write one every year – it’s a nice reflection point – but they are generally too miserable to inflict on others.
This year’s poem was a little more cheerful.
The video’s a bit quick so here’s the text as well.
Life Notes
You have arrived at fifty four: What a great accumulation of years Several lives of wild experience Carrying the weight of all this. Some things are easier; others not There’s more time to reflect But what’s going on with the body? All those miles aren’t helping much! It would be nice to move without pain But the upside is freedom gained. Weighed up, against the alternative It’s something you are prepared to live with.
Free poems! I’m in an area with lots of those little free libraries, so it feels rude not to provide them with some old lady anarchist literature!
Today was a rainy day, so I spent the afternoon doing this. I used a load of throwaway shorter poems and bits of ideas – ones I won’t use anywhere else, but once I’d put them together on the page, they feel like an interesting collection of thoughts around a theme. I suppose this is why poets like to have pamphlets published!
The photos don’t really do it justice. There’s a road map going on in the layer beneath the poems and in the photos it just looks like a representation of my smashed phone screen. ☺️
Keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about, and you might come across one. I think I’ll also take a handful with me to my next load of gigs. I rather like the idea of having stuff to give away!
Attic Stories, Lawrence Batley Theatre, 24th April
This is mega for me – joining a long list of amazing poets who have guested at this night during the two years I’ve been a regular there. Feels like an immense achievement!
I’m also going to be at The Chemic for my birthday at the Poets Talking Bollocks Open Mic, 7th April. There will be a live podcast recording with Eleanor May, who is doing her one woman show ‘Does my Fanny Look Big in This?’ in Leeds the night before – and she’s launching her zine as well. Impressive! I look forward to picking her brains…
And then Getting Gobby in the Lobby on the open mic 17th April in Wakefield. Looking forward to hearing Steve Pottinger, Emma Purshouse and, of course, the fabulous Aamina Khan!
Finally, there’s the short play reading on 27th April in Bradford. I’ll add info when I get it.
The collage I made yesterday at my coaching session. Completely irrelevant, but a nice pic for this post.
I’ve been spending a little time drafting the short version of my play, getting it ready for its first public exposure. Freedom Studios will be hosting a read-through on 27th April, for some of the short plays from our writing course. I’ll share exact details when I know more. I’m not really sure how I go about actually getting this to the stage, but I suspect that is the starting point.
I ended up writing a full 50 minute play, but the expected course outcome was a 10 minute script, so I wrote a short one afterwards – then I didn’t like it! The short play felt like it was missing all the complexity that made the longer play interesting. Now that I’ve put some more work into the short version, I’m a little bit happier with it. It feels like a coherent story, at least, but I’m aware that it is difficult for me to judge that. (I think most people do this the other way round – start with a short and then develop it into a long one. Not me!)
It’s a monologue with poetry, based on my own experience and performed by me. Although it’s intended as a stage piece, I’ve made a very rough sound recording on my phone, which makes it feel a bit like a radio play. I haven’t read the stage directions aloud, because that spoils the story in this form – there are some movements and interactions with props that don’t come across in this version.
Since I’m very new to this, I’d really appreciate any feedback that might help me improve it before anyone hears it performed live.
I’d love it if you’d have a listen and let me know what you think – especially any ideas for ways I could make it better. Drop me a line at lateralgpoet@gmail.com or even on messenger if you use Facebook or through Instagram if that’s your preference. I don’t do any of the others!
Nowhere Like Home
(I don’t think I’ve felt so nervous about putting my work out in front of people for ages!)
Phew! The last five weeks have been manic. I’m having a calmer rest of March. With a bit more rest… maybe.
So, in no particular order:
Got some coaching coming up, through Bradford Producing Hub, to work out how to manage my next steps. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the play I’ve written, when I’m already up to my ears in poetry gigs. There are worse problems to have, but I am hoping a bit of coaching might help me to plan it all so I don’t get burnt out, trying to do too many things at once.
Super excited to have been given a guest slot at Attic Stories, Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield on April 24th. I’ve been a regular at the open mic there for two years, ever since I started my first wobbly steps on the stage. It feels amazing to be joining the illustrious list of quality poets who have headlined that particular monthly event. It’s also the Literature Festival, so it just feels like the perfect month to be performing in Hudds!
My hat is in the ring for the Huddersfield Literature Festival Slam, on 20th April at Small Seeds. Wait and see. Go anyway – it’s a fab night!
It’s my birthday early this month, so I’ll be going to The Chemic in Leeds on the afternoon of Sunday 7th April. Not sure what I’ve let myself in for there. It’s the Poets Talking Bollocks live podcast and variety show. I’ll be drinking, and doing a turn, I reckon. I’ve written something obtuse for their theme!
Finally, on Saturday 27th April, I’ll be doing a public reading of the short version of my play, with some of the other plays written by members of the Writers Studio, run by Freedom Studios. I think the others are using actors to read, but mine is written and performed by just me. As I say, taking it easy. 🥴
Lateral G 