Bristol is a city that is rich in culture, and it is no wonder that it has a vibrant spoken word scene. From local poets that perform regularly on open mic nights and poetry slams to established performance artists who have graced stages across the city and beyond, spoken word bristol is a force to be reckoned with. In this article, we will delve into the spoken word scene in Bristol, showcasing some of its talents, events and venues.
One of the most popular events in the spoken word calendar in Bristol is the Word of Mouth. These events give poets a platform to showcase their work to an engaged and supportive audience. For those that are not ready or interested in entering poetry slams, open-mic events provide an excellent opportunity to perform and engage with the community. There are several Word of Mouth events around Bristol, including at the Loco Klub, a creative space in the tunnel under Bristol Temple Meads station. The energy in these events is electric, and the passion for poetry can be contagious.
Another notable event is Milk Poetry, which is a monthly poetry night that takes place in The Room Above, a space that affectionately refers to itself as ‘Bristol’s littlest theatre.’ Milk Poetry has created a culture of welcoming and supporting spoken word in Bristol. The organization also sponsors poets, runs workshops, and provides mentorship programs over the year. What sets Milk Poetry apart from other poetry events is their focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Bristol is also home to several poetry slams, including Raise the Bar, which has been running since 2011. Raise the Bar is a masterclass in combining poetry, storytelling, and comedy. The poets have three minutes to perform their piece and try their best to convince the audience that their poem is the most worthy of winning. Winners get a cash prize and an opportunity to perform at other events across the city.
Spoken word in Bristol is not just limited to traditional events, though. The city has seen an increase in interactive theatre productions and performances with spoken word elements. The Small Hours, produced by the Bristol Old Vic in 2017, is an immersive show that incorporates spoken word poetry, live music, and visual art, and invites audiences to participate in the performance. The Pull of the Tide, a show by Still House, is another example of a production that incorporates spoken word poetry with dance and multi-media.
Bristol’s spoken word scene is rich with talent. Vanessa Kisuule, a Bristol-based poet, is one of the most well-known and celebrated spoken word artists in Bristol. Kisuule was Bristol City Poet in 2018-19. She was also the recipient of the 2014 Farrago UK Slam Champion and the 2012 Slambassador National Poetry Slam Champion. Her work often addresses race, gender, and identity in a way that is poignant and accessible.
Another rising star in Bristol’s spoken word scene is Tom Denbrough. Denbrough is a performance artist and Spoken Word Creator, co-founder of Milk Poetry, and Slam Champion runner-up of 2017. His works are tender, witty, and reflective, and he is known for his impressive vocal range and ability to connect emotionally with his audience.
If you’re looking to engage more with spoken word in Bristol, aside from attending some of the events mentioned earlier, there are a few venues that you should have on your radar. The Wardrobe Theatre is a small, but creatively inspiring building that hosts interactive theatre, music, comedy, and spoken word events. The Bristol Old Vic, which opened in 1766, is a staple of the city’s arts scene, and the theatre puts on spoken word performances throughout the year.
In summary, spoken word bristol is a vibrant and exciting scene that is rich with talent and events. From open mic nights and poetry slams to interactive theatre productions and performances, spoken word in Bristol offers something for everyone. Bristol has ushered in a creative era of poetry that is inclusive, accessible, and engaging. If you’re looking to explore the spoken word scene in Bristol, attending events and performances by the Word of Mouth, Milk Poetry, or Raise the Bar is a great place to start.