11 January, 2009  sees the beginning  of a brand new Performance Poetry and Spoken Word initiative that was born in Milton Keynes.

 

“Tongue in Chic” is a new regular Poetry and Spoken Word night taking place at MADCAP Performing Arts Centre, Wolverton every two months. Tongue in Chic launches on Sunday 11 January. This will be a combination of Open Mic spots for local writers and performers to showcase their work and a special Headline guest at each show.

 

Forget the dry, dusty poems you read at school: Poetry and Spoken Word performances are growing in popularity across the country especially in the “Slam” arena (where poets compete against each other in a number of rounds. The last Poet standing is the winner).

 

Tongue in Chic however, will be a much less daunting first step for writers and performers new to the scene. Anyone can take the Mic to read their own work or a favourite poem by a published author. An enthusiastic crowd will be on hand to lend their support. The focus is on inclusion and participation, although the terminally shy are welcome to just watch, have a good time and a drink.

GLASTONBURY’S POET IN RESIDENCE AT LAUNCH NIGHT

 

Another important and innovative feature of Tongue in Chic will be a headline guest at every event. January’s guest is A F Harrold who was Poet in Residence at Glastonbury this year. By turns funny and thoughtful he was described by Brian Patten as an 'English eccentric with a subversive humour that is quite brilliant'...,

 

A F Harrold was chosen to be the Poet in Residence at Glastonbury this year during which he read “almost everything he wrote”.

 

A WEBSITE FOR THE LOCAL POETRY COMMUNITY

 

As well the bi-monthly events the Tongue in Chic website will become the online home in for local poets. Members can upload profiles, poems, get feedback on their work and join in forum chat about all things poetic. Performers will also be able to upload audio and video clips.

 

A Poetry Diary will keep everyone up to date with the latest local events and opportunities. www.tongueinchicpoets.com

 

“I know there is a lot of writing talent already in Milton Keynes.  I’m convinced there are many more writers and poets that haven’t yet gone public. I’m so excited about the talent that could emerge at Tongue in Chic.”

says Mark Niel. (Organiser of Tongue in Chic).