28th October 2009
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Folk & Poetry Retro Night at the Garden Café We had no idea what to expect from Poetry and Folk Retro Night at the Garden Cafe, but this random mix of guitarists and wordsmiths turned out to be a cracking evening. Mo Robinson, over from California, gave us three high-energy spots, mingling his own powerful narrative ballads with political satire from Tom Russell, and 15 open-mic performers ensured a stonking eclectic medley of music and words. Several contributors seized the retro theme: Roger Wiltshire's witty rant inspired responses from both Lucy and Neil Howlett. Andy (Leonardo's Bicycle) Morten dropped by; Dianne Penny performed a moving personal tribute to Sharon Olds, and it was great to see how well the high-energy of music mixed with reflective poetry. Definitely a formula to repeat.
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16th September 2009
13th May 2009
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May Madness came to the Poetry Cafe, led by delightful guest poets Dianne Penny and Jo Butts and enthusiastically supported by sixteen readers and performers from the floor. Surprise open-mic contributor was Bristol slam-champ David Johnson with an entertaining take on the madness of the modern world. All the pieces were much appreciated by the attentive audience, with Phyllis Higgins' poem musing on meanings of 'Made' and Alison Clink's short story 'Nipples' as hilarious highlights in the open-mic section.
Next events will be in the festival -
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19th March 2009
Chimes Of Freedom
“You can cage the singer but not the song”
CHIMES OF FREEDOM RANG OUT AT THE MERLIN
A wealth of talented writers and readers from Frome and beyond, took to the stage at the Merlin Theatre last Thursday.
Internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize judge Victoria Glendinning, introduced this eclectic mix who read works from famous writers. Many of these writers have been imprisoned or killed for their belief in the right of free speech. A single empty chair on the stage poignantly represented any writer who could not be there, because they were incarcerated.
Organised by local writer Crysse Morrison, the evening was in aid of Pen. Now an international charity, it was set up in 1921 to promote literature as a means of greater understanding between cultures. H.G. Wells, John Galsworthy and other luminaries were founding members. Pen now has groups in over 100 countries throughout the world.
The evening delighted the well-attended house with writings as diverse as Euripides to Pinter. Local best selling author Steve Voake narrated a moving account from Iranian writer Reza Baraheni.
Award-winning poet Rose Flint read with great flair, ‘I am not Afraid’, an uplifting poem by the Russian dissident writer Irina Ratushinskaya.
Further demonstrating its international flavour, we were treated to a Spanish rendition of Pablo Neruda’s writing by Jim Taylor, who also read the English translation.
We heard an amusing account of how John Thelwall campaigned for our civil liberties in 1794, by Steve Poole.
The second part of the evening took on a musical flavour and was very much the domain of the young. Members of Amnesty International Youth Group entertained us with a dazzling array of songs and musical renditions.
The astonishingly competent host Gemma Turnbull introduced a selection of outstanding talent. Luke Dean, pianist extraordinaire who is headed for a stellar musical career, played his jazz interpretation of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Others entertained us with guitar, flute and songs, many composed by the youngsters themselves. The evening ended with a duo, Steph Parker on the piano playing a song composed by Sam Phripp, whose singing sent us home with joy and hope in our hearts. A truly uplifting evening.
Niamh Ferguson
4th March 2009
Life is a Carnival
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Mardi Gras night at Frome Poetry Cafe Mardi Gras: a dash of razzmatazz, a score of performers, and a Garden Cafe-ful of enthusiastic audience. The theme of celebration enjoyed wide interpretations, from Stephen Ledbury's ode to Shepton Mallet carnival to John Payne's charming Quantocks bestiary, from Bev's Salvadorian story to Lucy Howlett's fish-eye view of fairground life. James Stokoe brought us Euridice and Rose Flint evoked Venus: A fantastic range of delightful reads and performances.
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1st December 2008
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The Garden Cafe was crowded on Monday night (1st December) for a scintillating night of poetry and prose. Guest poets Rose Flint and Malinda Kennedy opened, followed by nineteen local writers all offering thoughts the theme of "Difficult Journeys" inspired by the Merlin Pantomime 'The Wizard of Oz'. Theatre Director Paula Hammond was delighted with the diversity, and picked out many for special praise, with Linda Perry and Rosie Jackson winning tickets to the pantomime. Also highly commended were Dianne Penny, John Slater, Lucy Howlett, Caroline Toll and Imogen Cliff.
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Thursday 6 November 2008
Madabout Words presents
Words are the Best Medicine
At Rook Lane Chapel, Bath Street, Frome
Merlin Theatre ‘Spoken Word Coordinator’ Crysse Morrison will break the child-proof cap and shake out measured doses of our featured artists:
· Sassy poetry duo Live & Lippy
· Best selling author Debby Holt, whose novels hit the ‘hot 10’in Heat
· Rose Flint, national and international poetry prize winner
· Witty dialogue from short story queen Alison Clink
· Up-to-the-minute words from Rosie Jackson
· Gordon Graft, popular performance poet
· Frome’s new Festival Poet Laureate: David Sollors
· Magnus Nelson, Frome Festival Fiction Contest top-pick for 2 years running
· Irish charm from personality columnist Niamh Ferguson
· Rosie Eliot with a brand new comedy drama with special guest verminous Caleb Parkin, rodent bard of Poetry Can
· ‘Cabaret Sans Frontiers’ dramatic songsters Annabelle Macfadyen and Howard Vause
All funds raised for Little Gift Theatre Co. and Positive Action on Cancer.
June 2nd 2008
Frome Poetry Cafe
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Love in a Warm ClimateBristol bard David Johnson is our featured guest, reading from his new poetry collection Bombazine Bring your words of longings, lusts, and sustainable futures to The Garden Cafe in Stony Street, If it's a fine night we'll be under the stars readers and audience equally welcome |
Monday 7th July 7.30pm
Frome Festival Poetry Cafe with Nathan Filer
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Double-bill bonanza!Not only the 'goofy but uproarious black comedy' Unmissable, whether you come to compete or to applaud. Garden Cafe £4 |
Monday April 7th 2008
when Frome Poetry Cafe sprang forward once again in the Garden Cafe in Stony Street.
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Everyone welcome, readers and audience alike. The theme is simply Spring - whatever that means to you: burgeoning, bluebells, or mowing the blooming lawn... Exhuberant 'Big Mouth' wordster Rosemary Dun from Bristol will lead off and then the floor is yours! 7 for 7.30 start, £1.50 at the door. |
March 29th 2008
The very wonderful Luke Wright -"The best young performance poet around" - Observer. - is coming to the Merlin Theatre on 29th March.
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"A rip-roaring raconteur..." "This man is a genius." "Britain's brightest young bard ... hugely engaging performer, smart and widely read without a trace of pretension" "..genuinely funny and charming ...quick wit and blinding talent... a born performer." |
February 10th 2008
WICKED PASSIONS
Sunday February 10th, in the Media Arts Studio (opposite Merlin Theatre), Frome.
Wicked workshop led by poet John Richardson 4-6pm and Passionate readings from John and others 7-9pm
The 2008 ‘Valentine Special’ event for Frome poets is especially special – Wiltshire poet John Richardson will be giving a workshop on Love Poetry, followed by a reading with open-mic performances by local poets to be recorded on DVD!
John writes for publication and performance, and believes every passion a fit subject for poetry. He sees poetry as a means of self- exploration, as well as a playful way to explore language and ideas, sounds and rhythms.
December 16th 2007
Resonate at the Media Arts Studio
Frome poets Live 'n Lippy performing in a multi media event including improvised tribute to Stockhausen
December 3rd 2007
Snow Queen Night at Frome Garden Café.
Frome's Garden Cafe was crammed on Monday night (Dec 3rd) as panto season launched with a special Spoken Word event on the theme of fairy tales, frosty weather, and all things seasonal.
18 readers delighted the audience with poetry and stories, showing yet again the amazing talent in and around Frome. Paula Hammond, director of the Merlin, had theatre tickets for the 'best' performance and found judging a hard job with so much quality and variety of imagination.
Rose Flint and Gordon Graft were especially praised for their poetry, and the overall prize went to Phyllis Higgins and Mike Witt for their hilarious comic performances in the best pantomime tradition.
October 26th 2007
Madabout Words
Merlin Theater Foyer
Madabout Words morphs back for another cabaret night of local talent and special guests, featuring audacious duo Live & Lippy, alluring Annabelle, a brace of duelling Festival Poet Laureates, and much much more.
Expect the unexpected as the Merlin foyer seethes with poems, songs, stories, and drama- anything with words. ‘Cos we’re madabout them.
October 1st 2007
Poetry Dreams Café,
At the Garden Café in Stony Street, Frome
Tread softly… Dreams of glory, reveries over the rainbow, fantasies, destinies, magical mystery tours or even nightmares… The 14th annual National Poetry Day celebrates the theme of Dreams throughout the week of 1st – 4th October.
The writers’ workshop on Monday 1st October will be about exploring this theme in poetry or experimental prose & will be led by Crysse Morrison. There will be a chance to share your words to a wider audience at the Garden Café that night, at the Poetry Dreams Café starting 7.30.
22nd July 2007
Launch of Crysse Morrison’s anthology “Are we Nearly There Yet” with readings, at Christie’s Wine Bar
July 9th 2007
Festival Fizz at the Poetry Café
Frome Festival Poetry Café
Over 60 people crammed into the Garden Café on Monday July 9th for the festival Poetry Café to hear the political comedy of Elvis McGonegall and to find out which of the competing local poets would win the title ‘Frome Festival Poet Laureate.’
Twelve contestants braved the public vote, and every one was highly rated. An appreciative audience heard a wonderful range of themes and chose two overall favourites: Jenny Gilling from Warminster took the bubbly, with the formal title going to Dave Angus from Bath.
Guest star Elvis rocketed the evening to a fantastic start with his poetic polemic, showing politics, verse, and stand-up comedy can mix into an intoxicating brew with a potent aftertaste. Elvis deals with serious stuff like war and climate change in a way that’s hilarious and passionate too, and his poems are as up-to-the minute as the last match at Wimbledon.
March 10th 2007
Poetry night at the Merlin Theatre:
Featuring “Luke Wright – Poet Laureate”
If you were at Frome’s Big Poetry bash ‘Urban Scrawl’ you’ll remember Luke Wright. He’s the one who looked like the lead singer of a boy band and bounded around advocating random homicide.
Since then, Luke has won awards and rave reviews up and down the country. London-lad- makes-bad Luke Wright is back at the Merlin on 10th March, featuring at the Film & Media festival on Saturday night at a one-stop event on his current national tour Luke Wright, Poet Laureate. Don’t miss this “showcase of poetry superbly performed, with very funny and disturbing visuals.”
March 4th 2007
‘Telling the Truth’
Workshop and reading with poet James Nash, at Christies Wine Bar.
February 12th 2007
Valentine Poetry Café
It was full house once again Frome's Garden Cafe for poetry performance night on Tuesday 13th February. With love in the air, eighteen varied voices entertained a rapt audience with poems of passion, poignancy, wit, and sheer absurdity. Guest poet Rose Flint was stunning in her sensuous observation of emotion and environment, and Gordon Egginton moved from humour to eloquent feeling with breathtaking skill.
From the floor, David Johnson, of Bristol's 'Paralalia' was a big hit with his musings on sex and travel (Two of my favour activities, which I'm often invited to combine) and debut reader Tracy Wall won everyone's heart, and one of the prizes, with her gymnastic musings.
Distributing further prizes among such brilliant readers and performers was a near impossibility, but with the goodwill of a brilliant audience the awards were: Chris Robinson, Mike Witt, Mandy Griffiths, and Annabelle Macfadyen.
July 10th 2006
Festival Café with guest Peter Hunter
Champagne Slam at the Poetry Cafe
Performance poetry for all! Join us for an effervescent evening of varied voices and the chance to win a bottle of bubbly as ‘best on the night’. Lead poet is radio star and multi-slam-champ Peter Hunter,‘the Poetry Hulk”.
The Garden Cafe was bulging at the seams on Monday 10th July when the Festival Champagne Slam returned for a third successful year, with fifteen highly entertaining poets competing in the main event. The poems performed varied from hilarious to moving and thought- provoking, and the attentive audience clearly appreciated the privilege of hearing all the personal thoughts and feelings shared.
The title 'Poet Laureate of Frome Festival Poetry Cafe and the bottle of bubbly - donated by Frome Wholefoods - went by popular acclaim to Gordon Eggington who presented both serious and witty work with conviction and panache.
Peter Hunter, the 'poetry hulk', of BBC Radio 4 fame, opened and closed the evening's feast of words and treated us to some hot-off- the-press thoughts on Zidane's football action. Many thanks are due to all those who participated, and to Will Angeloro for supplying the sounds system so that the overflowing audience could all enjoy the night.
March 7th 2006
‘Kind of Kerouac’
Poetry on the theme of beat and journey, at Christies Wine Bar.
February 13th 2006
Valentine Poetry Café at the Garden Café
Frome’s Garden Cafe was full to capacity and beyond as poetry-lovers flocked to enjoy 30 poets present their words on Valentine’s eve.
Appropriately, the main focus was on love in it’s many guises, with moods ranging from witty cynicism to poignant memories from featured guests Lucy Howlett Mike Greenhaugh, Mandy Griffiths and the diverse voices of ‘open mic’ performances. Among those especially appreciated were pieces by Mike Witt, Linda Perry, Leah Campangna, Geoff Hooper, Fred Phelps and Kevan Manwaring, each of who took home a Valentine gift as a prize. ‘A brilliant evening’ was the verdict of one visitor - ‘really enjoyable readings, and a terrific atmosphere. Frome is clearly still at the forefront of Spoken Word in the southwest.’
July 4th 2005
POETRY UNDER THE STARS
Frome Festival Poetry Cafe
in the Garden Cafe from 7.30
Since the first festival, Frome has emerged as a mini-mecca for poets and poetry performance. The inaugural Champagne Slam in 2004 was a sparkling success and this year’s event promises further effervescent entertainment, as guest of the night is scintillating slam champion and TV bard Rob Gee.
Rob’s live act combines stand-up comedy, theatricality and rap.
Veteran of over a thousand live shows and every major festival, he has toured Europe and performed with luminaries from Jo Brand to Tony Benn, Harold Pinter to John Cooper Clarke. “One of the most gifted and funny poets in Britain today” was the verdict of Hammer And Tongue , and Rideout reported: “Razor-sharp wit, machine-gun delivery and the ability to see the bizarre in everyday situations – Rob Gee has it all”
And as if Rob’s act isn’t enough, the cream of local and not-so-local poets will be competing for the prestigious title of Frome Champagne Slam winner. This is an open contest, with anyone welcome to sign up on the night to read a short poem - or 2 - and brave the verdict of the audience! The focus is on fun, so newcomers can enjoy the challenge of performing alongside seasoned slammers.
As always, drinks and snacks are organic and delicious. If the evening is fine, the event will be in the garden. Come early to be sure of a seat.
Event review:
An enthusiastic Full House at the Festival Poetry Cafe on Monday night enjoyed the ranting antics of guest performer Rob Gee and 18 local and not-so-local poets as they competed for the prestigious title "Champagne Slam Champion". Poems varied from hilarious to poignant, but all were rated excellent by the appreciative audience.
Voted best on the night were: debut slammer Anne Newbegin, Mike Greenhough from Cardiff, and Frome's very talented Lucy Howlett, with
Gilly Duckworth from Bristol scooping the title and the champagne.
Gilly performs as 'Mo the People's Nun' .
January 2005
The first poetry cafe of the year was an all open-mic affair, with contributions from regulars and from three voices new to Frome. Hazel Stewart stood in for resident mc Crysse Morrison (currently running writer's workshops in Thailand - in an area unaffected directly by the destruction of the Tsunami!) to introduce poems on the usual wide variety of subjects and diversity of styles.
The first half of the evening's readings opened with a thoughtful piece on the Tsunami from Mary Tout, and the programme included mythological themes from Norman Hodghton and Helen Feltham, and light-hearted pieces from Chris Robinson, Wren Thatcher, John Payne and Steve Barton. New voice Lesley Rocker braved his first public reading in the first half and encouraged fellow cafe 'newbies' George Phipps-Lang and Tor to join the regulars in the second half. More serious, reflective pieces were offered from Chris, Wren and John after the break, balancing the overall mood of the evening. Hazel read a couple of 'seasonal' poems-in-progress, as well as some favourite lines from young poets at Selwood School, and reminded everyone of the forthcoming URBAN SCRAWL event at the Merlin on 11th February.
November 1st 2004
Frome Poetry Cafe continues to attract the liveliest and most entertaining voices performing in the southwest today, and at the November event played host to 'Brendan the Pop Poet' from Bath. Winner of poetry slam contests in Bristol and Glastonbury and a previous Bard of Bath, Brendan's topical rhyming verses vary from hilarious to bitingly political and are always memorable. Other poets brought a brilliant range of themes and styles, from thoughtful seasonal reflections to witty ditties. Lucy Howlett, our youngest contributor, again revealed a rare talent both in writing and presentation, with both her poems - on school dinners and life as viewed by a ghost - showing awareness of social issues as well as superb poetic style.
September 6th 2004
Lucy English at the Poetry Cafe
Following the success of the festival 'Champagne Slam', Frome Poetry Cafe on Monday 6th September features one of the most sparkling names on the slam southwest scene.
Lucy English, successful novelist and creative writing tutor, won a Bristol Poetry slam in 1996 and has never looked back. She is already a veteran of big-name literary festivals, has toured extensively, and her poetry has been broadcast in BBC "Poetry Please" and "Loose Ends" programmes.
As well as welcoming Lucy as our guest poet, we will also have the usual 'open mic' bookable on the night.
Readings and performances run as usual from 7.30 to 9.30 and all are welcome but space is limited so come early for a seat. Entrance £1.50 at the door.
July 2nd 2004
Frome Festival Poetry Cafe
As a special event for Frome Festival, the Poetry Cafe on July 2nd will be an all open-mic event with a Champagne Slam!
If the thought of a slam! fills you with poetic panic, or even bardic bewilderment, have no fear - this will be a good-humoured Frome-style version of this usually-competitive ‘extreme sport for
poets.’ Why not come along and find out more?
If you want to enter, bring 2 or more poems of maximum 3 minutes reading time. Voting will be by audience appreciation, with a bottle of bubbly to the lucky favourite. Non-competing poets are also welcome. We want this to be a relaxed and enjoyable night for everyone, with just a splash of lively contest in the middle.
If the night is warm we’ll be in the garden, so tell your friends and join us for poems under the stars.
June 9th 2004
Champagne Slam
As a special event for Frome Festival, the Poetry Cafe on July 2nd will be an all open-mic event with a Champagne Slam! - a subversively good-humoured Frome-style version of this extreme sport for poets. If you want to enter, bring 2 or more poems of maximum 3 minutes reading time. Voting will be by audience appreciation, with a bottle of bubbly to the lucky favourite. Non-competing poets are also welcome. We want this to be a relaxed and enjoyable night for everyone, with just a splash of lively contest in the middle.
If the night is warm we'll be in the garden, so tell your friends and come and join us for poems under the stars.
June 9th 2004
LIQUID JAM MEETS THE LLAMA
It's Friday July 9th:, you're nearly all festivalled out, there's Glen Miller down the road and music oozing from every pub in Frome. Where to go, where to go? Easy. Slide into the Garden Cafe for a unique fusion of music and words as LIQUID JAM MEETS THE LLAMA.
Back by popular demand after their amazingly successful debut last summer, this is the line-up that captivated an audience and seduced Will Angeloro into creatively mastering their first CD - LIQUID JAM AT THE GARDEN CAFE. With new material especially for the night, enjoy Brian Tasker's gem-like haiku, Annabelle Macfadyen's poignant and exquisite singing, Sam Moran's dark and haunting poetry, and the unique LIQUID JAM trio of Laurence Parnell, Hazel Stewart and Crysse Morrison: "superb.. really exceptional... breaking new ground"
A new voice, Salisbury poet and 'Prince of Tragedy' Marcus Smykowski is also guesting, and the whole evening will be recorded live by Will Angeloro.
With an entry price of only £4.50, on the door, how can you resist? If the evening is fine we'll be in the garden and performing from 7.30 onwards. Come early for superb organic food and wine, and even more delicious entertainment.
March 2004
Marcus Smykowski
Frome Poetry Cafe March 1st
In sub-zero temperatures Frome Poetry Cafe raised the temperature to simmering with an extraordinariy and memorable lead session by Salisbury poet Marcus Smykowski, who blended raw emotion with sensuousness in his dark and powerful poems.
Sixteen supporting poets also took the floor to provide a wide diversity of themes from comic to poignant. Time became a recurrant theme, and there were moving elemental pieces from Helen Feltham and newcomer 'Rachel'. Among several debuting at the Poetry Cafe, Scott Maciillican from Vancouver and 'Brendan the Pop Poet' from Bath proved popular new voices while regular readers were also highly appreciated.
The next Poetry Cafe will be on May 3rd, with visiting poets from the Indian King Arts Centre in Cornwall and, as always, an open mic session for your poems.
November 2003
Frances Fletcher
Frome's Garden Cafe was crowded yet again on Monday November 3rd for another successful night of the popular Poetry Cafe.
The readings opened with a set from the young poets of Selwood Middle School, whose work ranged from humourous to deeply thoughtful and was presented with delightful energy to an appreciative audience. Seven young poets read personal work, some of which had been inspired by a workshop on National Poetry Day by performance poet Hazel Stewart. All the work was strong, with several pieces standing out, such as Robyn Clarke's poem Black and the confident performance of trio Ami Krajniewski, Sophie Campbell and Lucy Thomas.
Lead poet for the night was Frances Fletcher, whose lyrical yet often spiky poems encompass all of life's experiences. Frances says she writes "from and for the heart - about issues that affect myself and other human beings...What can I do? speak my truth and speak it loud." Her
lilting rhythms challenged current concepts from 'civilised society' to 'sensitive men'!
Twelve other poets, including two debut performers, read work ranging from Mike Johnson's witty frivolity and Stephen Bingham's discovery of Hitler's hamster to more serious themes and tributes to mourned friends.
All the poems were much enjoyed.
The next Poetry Cafe will be on January 5th 2004
September 2003
Adrian Bishop
The last Poetry Cafe of the summer, held on Monday September 1st at the Garden Cafe, was once again filled to capacity by an attentive audience who found much to enjoy.
Guest of the night, Adrian Bishop, ably fulfilled his promise to provide a witty social commentary from a surreal world of adulterous gorillas and jobseeking Daleks, and an angel exasperated by the task of teaching Jesus to walk on water.
Adrian's quirky humour was complemented by a range of other styles, with thirteen local and not-so-local poets reading their work throughout the evening. Regular favourites were joined by several poets making their debut as performers.
Themes ranged from Stephen Bingham's problems when attempting to sex a duck in winter to Caroline Toll's inspirational personal dragon which shines in a dark cave.
One of the new voices on the Frome poetry scene was Frances Fletcher. Frances admits to being influenced by Benjamin Zephaniah in her lyrical rhythms. She will be returning to the next Poetry Cafe on November 3rd as a lead poet.
AUGUST 2003
LIQUID JAM
The Garden Cafe in Frome was crammed to capacity and beyond on the final Friday in August for an innovative event billed simply as Liquid Jam - a wonderful eclectic mix of words and music combining into an exciting evening of first class entertainment.
The opening set, a three-way collaboration between musician Laurence Parnell and poets Crysse Morrison and Hazel Stewart, used the musician's amazing loop-station ("a glorified echo-box" ) to amazing effect.
Laurence's songs, like his instrumental interludes, are evocative and lyrical and both poets brought their own sensual yet scathing perceptions to the themes of lonliness and love.
The second set began with a vibrant performance by Annabelle Macfadyen of her new song Sans les Mots. Accompanied by accordian, this was written especially for this event to celebrate the enriching reciprocity between wordsmiths and musicians. Mike and Noelle McElya brought in the sunshine of their Drum Company with lively djembe drum rhythms, followed by some of the bitingly passionate poetry of Sam Moran. The pace changed with a song and reading from Liz Ounsted, followed by Brian Tasker whose delicate haiku were subtly decorated by sounds of rainsticks and haunting chimes. Emily Gerrard's plangent poem Requiem to Maeve, followed by a lament on guitar by Laurence Parnell, ended this incredibly varied and exciting set.
Despite the late hour many of the audience stayed for more, and were rewarded by a fine didgeridoo and djembe piece featuring Dave McAleece from Edinburgh followed by strong rootsy poems from new voice Frances Fletcher. Brian Tasker returned to the mic by popular demand, and the evening ended as it had begun with a final set from Laurence Parnell and poets Hazel and Crysse. As the audience began to leave, one question recurred among the enthusiasm and inspiration: when's the next Liquid Jam? If the organisers respond to public demand and stage another similar event, judging from the comments there are likely to be even more people wanting to take part.
JULY 2003
Words@FromeFestival Poetry Cafe Special
"Session to be held in the garden, weather permitting" the brochure stated, and the weather permitted, offering a beautiful balmy night on Monday 7th July as seventy poets and listeners gathered at Frome's Garden Cafe for three hours of top-quality lyrical entertainment.
Poets from as far afield as Bristol, Pilton, and Salisbury joined with local writers, some familiar faces and others making their debut. Readings ranged from the shortest poem ever written -"My newt's minute" - to Villanelle, Haiku, and free verse, with personal styles varying from elegiac to comical.
Highlight of the evening was the featured performance from FnF, those 'Feminists in Fishnet' who refute the charge that feminism has become fuddyduddy with their cutting-edge chic and witty ditties.
A truly inspiring night, and a wonderful event.
Crysse Morrison
MAY 2003
Sam Moran and Grace Gauld
Frome's Poetry Cafe with its vibrant and accessible atmosphere was taken as a model of excellence when Salisbury Arts Centre set up a similar venture recently, so it's appropriate that two high-profile poets from the Salisbury Poetry Cafe were our guests on May 3rd. Sam Moran and Grace Gauld entertained and enchanted a packed Garden Cafe audience with their varied but equally appealing poetic styles.
As well as regular local poets, who are always appreciated, several first-time voices made their performing debut and were much enjoyed. In particular, Jane Williams's moving poem had everyone spell-bound.
The next session will be a special event for Frome Festival - so come early!Frome Poetry Cafe has become a don't-miss full-house evening.
As well as the popular Open Mic sessions, that funky duo fnf will be sharpening up the cutting edge of performance poetry as featured guests.
MARCH 2003
Christine Coleman
The March Poetry Cafe drew a larger than usual crowd, with several new readers as well as visiting performance poet Christine Coleman. Since that night, Chris tells us she has been shortlisted again for another prestigious national award, which won't surprise anyone who heard her contemporary and lyrical pieces which skilfully blend myth and fable into timeless themes with sensuous visual imagery.
Frome's local poets showed their talents too in an exceptionally entertaining evening. Among many highlights were Fred Phelps' dryly humerous poems, a minimalist piece 'From Yew to Me and from Me to Yew' by John Paine, and haunting evocations of Africa from Pippa Howell. A rapt audience also enjoyed poems from Christina Day, Margaret Bond, James Pearce and Mike Case, as well as popular regular readers.
Our 'interval activity' - a whip-round of one-line contributions on the theme of The State of the Nation - created the following caustic cornucopia, sent as promised to the BBC poetry website with a note explaining (excusing?) it as a 10 minute combined effort from the Frome Poetry Cafe
Email to God - need Divine Intervention, PDQ
Tell us all please, what the hell are we to do?
The doves are in a corner, the hawks are overhead
Moral choice and moral right is all they ever said
And if we don't take action, soon we'll all be dead.
Then none of us will care about the Euro
Or the Scud or Patriot or what we used to think
All forever lost in the Federal Bureau.
And the anti-Europeans will really cause a stink.
Wessex will have a government, Worzel will be king
and that can't be worse than the state we're in.
We'll have to make a difference in a different way
-can we have some new Commandments, please; the last lot went astray.