Just wanted to say what another great night it was at the Tudor this week. I thought someone else may set up a thread but comments seem to be going on FB instead.

Rachel Bond did a superb job as compere and the theme of admonishing headmistress went down very well - though it gave one of my sisters (who's a teacher) horrible flashbacks!

Though there were lots of poets, they exercised good self discipline so the night didn't drag on too long. It was good to see Paul Blackburn, Scott Devon and Nat Clare over from Bolton, along with their special brand of humour. I loved all the puffing and panting Paul did behind a pillar - very atmospheric and in keeping with the Tudor taste in poetry.
It's hard to pick out favourites. Dave Carr always entertains with his witty words. Chris Yates manages to hit poignant and turn it into funny. There were great moments of song from Petrova and lovely poetry from Elaine. Little Susie never ceases to shock us with the butter that definitely melts in her mouth...

I haven't liked the idea of guest poets having long stints at the Tudor. It is already a very busy successful venue and I thought it would encroach on the evening. I did enjoy Pete's spot though. I think true performance poets like him get into the groove more if they have time to build up and rock an audience.

What more can I say? I think I'll leave it to someone else...

Loved the Tudor on Thursday !!Personally.I do like the idea of a guest poet each month as everyone should get a chance to grow in confidence and showcase a variety of their poetry.Ideal environment to give it a go!

Rachel did a fab job,and suited the dominatrix role rather too well for my liking!Haha!

Hard for me to pick out faves this week as there were so many differing styles,but Mr.blackburn's spooky stalker poem was hilarious and menacing at the same time!

Roll on next month!

Mmmmm - I still have my reservations about this poet of the month spot. It is fine when you have a gifted performance poet, or a poet/comedian up there. Not so fine if you have to listen to 15 minutes of depressing angst or worse still poetry about something you aren't interested in. For me that would be poems about trains, football, love lost... For others it might be something other....

I guess I can always top up with gin before it all starts...

Susie Mason is next month's poet. It is up to the poet how they use their time. Maybe 15mins is a little too long. Perhaps 10mins would be more suitable.

And yes, it was another cracking night last week.

Eeee - I'll ave a pint of what ever you're drinkin - let's make it 8...minutes that is LOL

I'm sure I'll get my head round this poet of the month thing... especially when it's me! x

Let me chip in here! I've been popping in to the Tudor nights over the last year or so. Why do I come back? Because I see people 'trying'; I see people comfortable in an environment in which they feel not only safe, but in which their effort alone is appreciated.
By all means tweak and seek to improve but just remember... this aint Rock'n'Roll; it isn't about acclaim; it is not about any success, it's open, creative expression and from what I've seen so far, it's 'rough at the edges' but it's the real McCoy.
To all who contribute... As you are and steady as you go.

Keep it up!

Recently done a 20 min and a 10 min spot which have reminded me just how long this is to read. (And for others to sit through!) I think 10 mins should be adequate esppecially as this is a new idea, Win x

Thanks for this thread Isobel.
I was the guest poet at this event and had the opportuunity to read for 15 mins, I read for 11 mins and that was stretching it, I really feel that 10s the magic number, maybe 15 if you really rev it up, perhaps switch styles, I have done many many performance events and slams and from experience 10-15 is adequate, I have had enough of hearing most people after this time, it gets difficult. Alos i'm quite wary of the fact that its about everyone- The Tudor is very inclusive, if you are going to take over its good to involve the audience in some way, i think that perfromance poetry is about involving and emotionally engaging the audience, if you alienate, then 10 mins is going to be a long time of stoney silence. Ive seen this on the circuit, the Tudor has never been about this, then again its not strictly a comedy club either, I hope we can achieve a balance.If you are not experienced it could be even harder to carry 10-15 mins, whilst its great to encourage beginners, its better to build your set length over time as you gain confidence and proven material. You can never tell how a new piece will work uuntil you try so its sometimes a good bet to include what has worked in the past as part of your set. The tudor is on the whole a performance based event with a slant towards comedy. That is why it works, the mix of peole is usually just right to balance the evening. This is the reason why the tudor is at the moment THE performance poetry event in the North West. I think that Rachel did great. I was happy with my set for once, I'm not sure how it went down with the audience as you can never tell whats going on out there, it sounded lively though. I picked Susie Mason form the hat for next month, I think I'm compering but this has yet to be confirmed. Many thanks to Louise Coulson for organising this section of the night. There is also a £20 prize fund which you can use to buy us drinks or give to the compere! The unwritten rule is that prize money goes back into the system if poss. (vodka usually).

I have to say I do miss the Darren Thomas reviews.
I also miss the piccies, not as many as the old days!

These events should aslo be filmed.

Although I agree that the filming sounds like a good idea it should be up to the performer - don't think I would ever have got the courage to get up on stage if I thought it could be re-lived!

Re the 10 / 15 min guest slots .... we try it for a few months & drop it if it's not working.

I disagree with the notion that only established performers will do it justice, it could be a challenge to newbies to show what they can do - - - if Susie goes ahead with what she's planning it will be a treat not to be missed!!!!!!!

Hi All

Peter - A voice of experience and reason, yes to 10 mins.

Joy - Yes, video by permission, It could put a lot of new performers off otherwise.

If it is 10 mins then a flop (Thats a terrible word and one which has accopanied my attempts in the past and no doubt in the future)would not really ditract too much from a good night. The unexpected is always an attraction and new poets need a stage.

Contrary to other comments here I have found the Tudor more of a bear pit than a coffee lounge.

Win x

sounds like I missed a good 'un.

I think the Tudor has its own special mix of the absurd, comic, poignant, etc.

Witness Baz's 'Bed scenes' over the years, Joy's performance poet piss-take (can't see that being done in other places without causing offence!), Isobel in her Wedding dress, Louise Coulson in a Fez, then the times where a poet will grab the attention of even those bar flies and loud lads with a calm, emotive poem on love, death, family. (A recent Darren Thomas performance of a love poem had the whole pub enraptured)

What I think the guest spot could off is a chance to give one of the poets a chance to shine, to try something new, to experiment, to show a little more of themselves, to take a chance. Not every one is entered for the guest spot draw - poets are asked if they wish to put their name forward for a chance to be drawn from the hat.

We'll try it for a few months and see how it goes. The Tudor event is its own beast of a night and always will be, thanks largely to the poets and peoples who come each month and the support they give each other as well as newcomers to the Tudor family.

The Tudor is the place to be for any aspiring poet as the eclectic mix of people who throng there on Thursday nights have made it one of the best venues in the north west if not the best.
The audience is supportive and hungry for the entertainment in store for them and yes I do agree that ten minutes is plenty enough for any poet.
Big thanks to everyone who participates in this event every month because folks you are The Tudor :-) xx

I'm all for poets showing more of themselves - but not the poetesses - which brings us nicely back to Darren Thomas, who comperes as well as he reviews - sod the love poetry!

And Pete has a point re the prize money - though he was only saying it cos he's compere next month LOL! The compere works harder than anyone on the night - often sacrifices socialising to listen to every last drop of poetry - which can be hard work when there are so many...reading poetry is easy peasy compared to that so perhaps they should share the money.

Best thing is to give the thing a go....as others have said in previous comments...people can choose not to participate and I believe most people who attend the Tudor could do a ten minute slot.

I don't necessarily believe only a select few should be able to showcase a selection of their stuff either.

Let's see what we all have hidden inside ourselves! I have a feeling we may be surprised!

ps Thank you Peter Makin, whoever/wherever you are...

It is great to think that all us poets are doing something right and the fact that you bothered to log in to tell us that is wonderful! x

It's no secret that I love the Tudor and its poetry nights, although I'm well aware too that it's had its critics over the last few years. Usually those who butter themselves in full-fat pretension or who take themselves and their poetry far too seriously but the Tudor is without doubt one of the better venues to measure your ability to perform poetry under the watchful eye of semi-lucid, raucous and often unbalanced individuals - and the men are just as bad.

Yes – the Tudor has had unfair criticism I think – often by those who need to see a bigger picture. I think the Tudor ‘get them on and get them off’ culture has come in for a slagging – often by people who read their own and then bugger off half way through the second half or before. Anyone insisting on a completely free hand in how much poetry they read should also have the courtesy to stay right to the very end, whatever time that might be and listen to ALL the other poets - unless they are elderly. It’s the same with expecting pin drop quiet when you are up there on stage. No point in complaining about someone whispering in someone’s ear if you yourself spend all your night boozing and chatting in the bar. For those sitting in the poetry area, it takes some stamina listening to 23 + poets. On the whole, the Tudor audience is a very respectful one and we all manage to make ourselves heard above the hum of the bar. It is a great venue – has a great atmosphere – as John Togher says, probably down to the very colourful characters you get there.
Women do seem to be growing in numbers, though I might quibble with Darren’s description of us – perhaps that’s why the Tudor is going from strength to strength… I do think it is time we had a spurt of male comperes for a change though – so come on lads – put the pints down…

Isobel, when you say put the pints down....
I think the 10 minute slot is worth a try.
It shouldn't prevent anyone from doing a slot, which is the great thing about the Tudor. Everyone seems to get a chance to read something, which isn't the case elsewhere. Also bear pit or not
most of the bears are quite friendly. Enjoyed the schoolmam compering this week Rachel. Must remember my gym knickers next time.

I'm sure no-one was attributing that to you Rachel. In fact, I think you are about the only one who takes photos now so there will be even less in future.
I think Paul Blackburn, John Togher and Darren Thomas used to take more but they seem to have found other things to do...