Thu 19 June, 7pm
Apples and Snakes
free poetry

A fast-paced open-mic night hosted by the UK’s foremost promoters of live poetry (always seeking out new talent!). With special guests, genial hosts and a friendly, sparring atmosphere. Arrive early to sign up for your five-minute slot.

Free, no booking neccessary

Guests will include Midlands based performance poets,
Marcia Calame and Emma Purshouse

CELEBRATE WOMEN'S WEEK with KIRSTY McGEE and support
Friday 7th March from 8pm

Kirsty McGee is a powerful singer-songwriter and guitarist. She has been nominated for both the best newcomer and best original song at the BBC2 Folk Awards. Her music is resonant with her love of Nick Drake (to whom she has been likened), Cohen and Joni. Her fourth album promises to encapsulate the ‘hobopop’ style in a new collection of simple, edgy songs played on traditional American instruments many of which she makes herself. She is accompanied by her multi-instrumentalist musical partner Matt Martin. 'Absolutely superb, memorable... I love her songs, I love her way' - Bob Harris (BBC)

Also appearing: EMMA PURSHOUSE: See below

OLA BROWN: See Below
Tickets: In advance: £7.50 (Concessions and Groups of 4+: £7); On the door: £9


EMMA PURSHOUSE Performance Poet 7th March as part of the Women's Week Celebration
Emma will be performing her "Strip Poetry" as part of our Women's Week Celebration. www.emmapurshouse.co.uk.
for prices see above

OLA BROWN In her own words 7th March as part of the Women's Week Celebration
Brimingham born and bred, Ola Brown is a singer, songwriter, playwright and aritist. Ola brown wrote "Popcorn and Icecream - Journey of the single mother" which was showcased at the Collide festival 2004 and has just finished writing a one woman show called "She Galloped Over Fileds of Milky Way" which will be performed by local actress Tonia Daley-Campbell. Ola is currently doing backing vocals for Rob Carvahlo and his extended family and is in the process of making her first album
For ticket prices see above

That's the way to do it!
All lovers of poetry, drama and puppetry
Are summoned to attend:

A PUNCH & JUDY STUDY DAY
Saturday 23rd February 2008
At Darlington Street Methodist Church, Wolverhampton
(School Street entrance)
10.00am til 3.00.pm

This exciting and unusual event is organised by the W'ton Branch of the Workers Educational Association and will consist of a morning devoted to the history and traditions of Punch & Judy, (presentd by our local "Professor" - Derek Peasley) and an afternoon with Emma Purshouse, our local performance poet, who will present her new one-woman multi-media show giving Punch & Judy a new 21st Century interpretation.

Tickets are only £10 (£8 for full time students) and must be obtained from

Maureen Moore, 12 Catherine Road, WV14 9AD before 16th Feb.
(Tel. Enquiries 01902 674493, or to Ned Williams on 01902 773376)

Big Bilston Love Slam!
Saturday 9th February 2008
Imperial Banqueting Suite, Lichfield Street, Bilston, WV14 0AJ
• 8pm • £8/£7 concs. Ticket price includes food!

Tickets available from Big Deal Music
128 Salop Street
Wolverhampton
01902 423567

Treat your Valentine to romance, rhythm and rhyme!

It’s the time of year when love is well and truly in the air, so follow the pheromones and check out the competition as a medley of Valentine versifiers declare their most passionate poetry in a cut and thrust contest to win the hearts and woo the hearing parts of the audience. The first round is on the theme of romance – after that, anything goes…

Partners in rhyme Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore will compère thee to a slammer’s way, while random judges rate the writing, measure the performances and find the wordster with the X-factor. Who will be the reddest rose or bluest violet? Make it a date at Bilston’s premier poetic love-in and show your adoration for the talent on show! Up-and-coming poets who fancy taking part in a bid to seduce the applaudience, please contact Marcus on 01285 640470 or email info@spiel.wanadoo.co.uk

all you need is a heart that beats and a mind that speaks


WHAT IS SLAM?
poets compete
in a number of heats
with three minutes each
during which to try and reach
the hearts and minds
of those discerning kinds
who hear what they say
and respond in their own way
with tears or cheers
laughter or applause
with cries of encore
or a silent pause

judges judge how
the audience reacts
it’s competitive and lively
and some would say perhaps
it’s a bit like the Booker
because occasionally you find
that some crazy...
...poet…
… emerges as the winner
who is not a Slam! champ
but just a brave beginner
who has the guts
to get right up
and stand and deliver
a stanza that captures
the moment and enraptures
those who are there

Sara-Jane Arbury

Wednesday, 06/02/2008 at Arena Theatre - Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE

Things That Can’t Be Said is an ensemble of stories where performance poetry meets theatre.

Shabina Aslam, a leading director of spoken word, theatre and radio drama, has worked with five eclectic spoken word artists from the West Midlands to create an exciting high-octane production about things that can’t be said.

Artists: Michèle Barzey, Marcia Calame, Cherri Gillings, Vincent Gould and Shaun Welch perform a collection of stories using music, movement and sound, creating a visual tapestry of love, life and relationships.

Introduced by guest poet Emma Purshouse.

Things That Can’t Be Said is co-produced by r:evolve and Apples & Snakes.
Venue website: www2.wlv.ac.uk/arena
Bookings: 01902 321 321

Thursday January 17th 2007 - Women Who Write
Monthly women's writing workshop lead by Emma Purshouse.
Venue: Bilston Community Centre, Prouds Lane, Bilston
Time: 7.00 - 9.00pm
Cost: Free - All women writers are welcome
Contact: emmaasif@hotmail.com

Cinnamon Cafe
Bridgnorth
Tuesday 4th December 2007, 8pm

Performance Café, an evening of prose, poetry, music and comedy. Admission £3/£2

Emma Purshouse and Jane Seabourne will be amongst the acts appearing.