http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/9789892/Is-poetry-the-new-comedy.html

Goes through the usual clichés for this type of article that pops up every few years. They also never follow anything up.

Interesting link John. It doesn't hurt to have such articles being written though. Just a few years ago I had no idea that performance poetry existed - that such venues existed. I regret not having gone to any London gigs - that's something I'll do one day, when I have more leisure time.

There seems to be an emphasis on comedy in this article. Comedy might be the way of opening the door for many non poets. I'd hate to see it totally dominate performance poetry though. I don't always want to hear a lot of rap either. There has to be a place for words - words that are given time to breathe, words that can be heard and that move you.

Same old cliches. Same old stage versus page binary oppositions, as if you had to be one or the other. There has been an explosion in all kinds of poetry that I haven't seen for years. But journos were wittering like this back in the days of Cooper-Clarke and Linton Kwesi Johnson. One day, lazy journalism may be punishable by having your fingers glued to an early first generation Apple Mac. Till then, don't hold your breath for an accurate picture of what's happening. One day some bright spark might even give one of the Torygraph's journos a ticket out of London. Then you might find the sky full of winged porkers...

Steven, keep whipping. You often make my day, you and Freda. I like 'clever' when it is saucily fresh and funny, or gravely considered and concerned, either way. I agree with Isobel, that poetry publicity waters new seeds somewhere. Sometimes, it feels as though we are 'drowning in poetry' these days; but, more population- more poets - it's a given.

pretty dim topic really from the Telegraph Is poetry the new comedy? There's always been comedic poetry so nothing new there then. It's just like asking 'Is graffti the new art form?'
Tastes in everything are cyclical. I should know - just look at the old clobber in my wardrobe which is coming round for the umpteenth time. Yes I know journalistic material is subject to editorial approval and redaction but as John says -Why no follow-up.Why sully the art of poetry by linking it very strongly with dingy back rooms of pubs? I found the article very dispiriting. I don't think it inspires the uninitiated to try it.