What’s On: Spoken word in August 2016

If you’re worried that everyone’s effing off up to Edinburgh Fringe this August and leaving Manchester bereft of some spoken wordy goodness, then, thankfully, you are wrong. So very wrong. There’s a whole host of the regular nights bringing what they bring, as well as a light smattering of some one-off events in the form of LGBT literature and art fair Lit Up! and the launch of Gerry Potter’s new book The Story Chair.

For more details do check through the links, as while entry to some nights will be available on the door, others have strict pre-sign up ticketing and open mic policies. Don’t turn up and be too late – plan your month of poetry loveliness now.

2ND AUGUST – WORD WAR 3MT HEAT SEVEN (REGULAR)

A Word War heat is a night well spent: always a thrilling and entertaining evening of competitive poetry. Slamming is Alex Webb, Dean Park, Sean Cordwell, Micah Davidson, Stephen Quinlan, Eleanor Moss, Trevor Meaney and Colin Davies. Tues 2nd Aug. 3MT. 19:30. £3 OTD.

8TH AUGUST – EVIDENTLY (REGULAR)

Salford’s spoken word mecca brings Saquib Chowdhury and Hannah Davies to a powerhouse performance night. If you don’t know Evidently, literally where have you been? “Forget what you learned in school. This is poetry at its best.” Mon 8th Aug. Open Mic slots available. Eagle Inn. 19:00. £3 OTD. Event.

14TH AUGUST – LIT UP!

Celebrate LGBT culture with this unique event combining short film, live art, drag, spoken word and book stalls. Involving Aspidistra Books, Vada Magazine and The Gay Agenda radio show, this day-long event is not to be missed. Sun 14th August. FabCafe. 15:00. Free entry. Event.

15TH AUGUST – FIRST DRAFT: FAN CLUB (REGULAR)

The art of fan-fiction, impression, tributes through comedy, spoken word, fiction and music. Tunes from Bo Power, laughs from Thom Bee, Adam Blaize, Sophie Galpin, words from Thom Hammersley, Trisha Starbrook, Anna Percy, Julie Burrow, Marli Roode and Reece Williams. Mon 15th August. The Castle. 19:30. Free entry. Event.

18TH AUGUST – THE STORY CHAIR BY GERRY POTTER: BOOK LAUNCH

Scouse/Manc hybrid legend Gerry Potter launches his sixth collection of poetry, The Story Chair (Flapjack Press). Exploring his fascination with Ireland and a culture steeped in storytelling he retraces history, experiencing passion, politics and conflict. Guest poets include Conor Aylward, Ciarán Hodgers and Conchúr Ó Ceallaigh. Ends just in time to run over to NQ and join Ode if you’re in the mood to for a double feature. Thurs 18th Aug. Manchester Central Library. 6pm. Free entry. Event.

18TH AUGUST – ODE @ ODD (REGULAR)

This new venture at Odd bar brings the talents of Shara Al Shamiry and Abnormal Sleepz in a mix of spoken word, live lit, emcee culture and live music. Full of flavour. One open-mic performer will be crowned “Ode:mon”, chosen by an audience noise-ometer, and will receive an extended guest slot as well as an Ode tee. Open mic slots available. Thurs 18th August. Odd bar. 8pm. Free entry. Event.

25TH AUGUST – THE OTHER ROOM 63 (REGULAR)

Experimental poetry night boasting a broad and flavoursome array, including Joey Frances, David Kennedy, Wanda O’Connor and Associate Director of Hubbub James Wilkes. Thurs 25th Aug. The Castle Hotel. 19:00. Free Entry. Event.

31ST AUGUST – BAD LANGUAGE (REGULAR)

Join Saboteur Award-winning Bad Language for a night of excellence. Guest TBC but July’s guest was Booker longlistee Wyl Menmuir. Open Mic slots available. Weds 31st Aug. 19:30. The Castle Hotel. Free Entry. Event pending.