Abi shone

Thanks for supporting me on my first compere job!

Dam was great and Baz is moving up too. Great to see .

It was a bit rushed for me as I had just emerged from court (fighting a speeding ticket (won!) )

errr, yes well I was nervous at first but Baz and Gordon put me at ease and all other poets helped me out with the set list.

The hardest part was actually timing the list and choosing the best combination.

I enjoyed all the poets and although the first half was a little slow it picked up quickly.

The smoking ban has made an impact in terms of people getting up and coming in and out, also it's quite noisy in the bar next door so you do need louder punchy poems at this venue. If you can tame the crowd in the bar you are doing good. I think we all did rather well!

Thank you to Gillian and Julian also for your kind words and support

I missed Paul and Dave's prescence I see them as security blankets sometimes

Yikes!

I'm getting in on the joke before anyone else does:

Quote ' I see them as security blankets sometimes' (Dave Morgan and Paul Blackburn)

errrrr......I also see them as day-glo vests, pillow covers and people.

Guest Poet Idea was good -

I think this made it varied but also giave everyone else a fair crack, as on normal 'guest' slots they go on too long and over do it. This Guest just did 2 poems and took same amount of time as us all so keeping true to the spirit of the Tudors original intentions, give us all a chance to read in a comfortable and supportive environment.

From the other poets I talk to many agree that Guest poets take over sometimes on nights which were originally intended to be open mike. I think if the time slots are tight compensations should be made to all our running times.

All we want is fair chances, fair exposure this way we feel we are valued and in 99% of events I've been - especially WOL ones, thankfully this has been the case.

Well done Tudor, Gillian and WOL

I missed last month but was so impressed this time around. The stage looked the biz.

Peter I wouldn't have guessed it was your first compere, you were a natural at it.

I enjoyed it a lot and was kept far more engaged and entertained. I was more impressed with more poetry as well.

I loved Julians poem Street Lullaby, that was the stand out poem of the night for me.

My only suggestion would be, the middle doorway - could we put a curtain up there? Just to dampen some of the bar noise. From where I was sitting too much noise got through. If they can't I'll sit somewhere else lol

Anyway well done all

dam

Hi Dam

yea that curtain idea I agree with. I have beentrying to think of a benefit of NOT screening the noise level (and I mean just natural pub noise its not bad) I cant see any benefit for the noise though I understand it is just the way its set up. Its a good stage and good lights, the PA was clear and just needed a click down on the volume.

Dam I liked your different delivery technique, once you get to see poets a few times you start to open up more and are abloe to see and hear particular traits and styles - I find that great fun

Im a fan of Wigan too as the train times work perfect for me!

Dam do you attend any other local events?, I have not seen you around, how about posting some poems for us on another thread?

I really enjoyed my visit to Wigan. Thanks, everyone, for your warm welcome! If anyone would like to view the poem I performed The Red, White, and Blue, here is its online location:
http://thirdeyemag.com/redwhiteblue

Melissa
Leuven-B & Michigan-USA

Hi Pete,

Yes click down on volume. Its good having some noise and I think the entrance near the stage provides that. I thought the atmosphere there was excellent last week

Thanks for the compliment. Ah I've got lots more delivery techniques lol which I may try out.

I've been around for ages, used to host Originality at The Citadel in St Helens and there were some great nights there but it just never took off the way the Tudor can. Done lots of stuff in Liverpool too. Of late though the Tudor is one of the few places I've been performing although there's hopefully a couple of gigs coming up.

Sure I'll post a couple of poems on a different thread and I don't mind them being ripped apart at all, in fact please do it is a great way to learn

dam

Hi Dam

did you used to get guest slots?

I wonder how we poets get to be invited to read, or is it just a matter of hassling people yourself.

It seems some poets never get guest slots yet they are excellent.

I have never understood it.

then you get a total newcomer and they are doing every show

strange.

or is it that clique thing>?

anyway, are you gonna do the tudor again?

Ill ask Paul and the boys if I can do another compere!

ha

Pete

Dam, I would not rip your poems apart, just read them, but I know you are the type who does not want applause if they are not enjoyed by the particular reader or listener

Yeah its hard getting guest slots, I did try sending out my CV with sample work got a few guest spots from that. Apart from hassling just gotta get yourself noticed in as many places as possible.

But also you gotta work towards getting a book published and yes there is a clique thing going on

But yes I’ll be doing the tudor as much as poss from now on, I get the feeling that its really gonna take off and I’m sure they’ll let you compere again.

As a Tudor regular I'm really pleased that you poet types seem to enjoy the Tudor.
Please keep putting your criticisms (constructive or otherwise) on the site, as they are passed on to the management by myself.
Not that I have any clout, but I am allowed to swear at Russ without getting barred.
See you next month. I've already found something else to hate!

Peter, Dam
Re your comments about a curtain to block out bar noise.
I am tempted to agree apart from one fact, this being that several people have mentioned that they have written a few poems in the past and are considering going on stage to recite them.
However a curtain would make it a wee bit clique, and put them off.
WOL is supposed to be open to all and the open stage makes it so, with people taking an interest when they otherwise wouldn't.
If it had a curtain at first, and seemed a little 'select' I doubt I would have tried my hand either. Though some may say that would be no bad thing. Ha

Ok Baz I see what ya mean!

what do you think to me bringing a projector for a slide show or would that distract?

will we hear any of the baz shakspeare stuff next time round?

see you at next one

Baz,
I'd really like to come to the Tudor - I really like Dam's style and would love to see him perform - I live in Chorley which isn't far from Wigan - but Liverpool would be more difficult to get from.
Any hoo point is I'd have to bring the kids who are 12 and 13 as I'm a single mum - now this isn't a massive problem at some of the events - because of the seperate room thingy - but don't if the openess of the Tudor would/should prevent me from bringing them?
Magi
xxx

Sorry Maggie, kids are a no no. The nature of the pub (disgraceful bar banter) is the main reason.
Pete
Didn't intend doing Shakespeare stuff, for fear of it becoming tedious, but have a couple of ideas, so may do. It simply amuses me as a new poety bloke to attack the big boys.

Thanks Baz,
Dam guess you're going to have to come to Bolton for me honey! I'm going to sulk till you do.