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An extract from May’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

08-05-2012

This is an extract from May’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

Welcome! This month – Tuesday 29 May, to be precise – I will be hosting Gallery Sessions, but I need your help! I need to compose a piece to read – do you want to donate a line of text? I’d like your words, song lyrics and quotes to build a Snakebasket inspired masterpiece! Possible themes and writing rules also welcome, e-mail me before the end of the month with suggestions! This will be the first Gallery Sessions of the year, with 4 eclectic and powerful poets taking to the stage. The studio gigs are taking a back seat for now as we return to the intimate café bar where you will have the opportunity to sit back, sip a drink and listen to some unique voices. A new addition to the event (apart from my hosting skills!) is a 5 minute opening slot from a local talent, a way to see what great writers are living in Barnstaple but slipping through my net.

Before that, though, FORKED is back and shaking its spectacular spoken word feathers and shimmying delightfully. With 3 out of 4 poets on the bill direct from the South West, I’m flying the flag high for regional gems. The 4th poet is also very good indeed and coming from Brighton with a passion for freeganism – pretty cool too! That’s Thursday 24 May – info here.

So, with two shows in the same week there’s plenty to celebrate and pick from, whether you fancy some thoughtful words, comedic charm or captivating stories, come celebrate the new season with a good old poetry shin dig!
See you there!

Gina Sherman
Programme Coordinator, South West
gina@applesandsnakes.org / 01392 275 741
Apples and Snakes South West Facebook group

This is an extract from May’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

Apples and Snakes’ Snakebaskets are monthly newsletters tailored for each region we work in. Here you will find lots of exciting poetry stuff and more about what we are up to in your area. Why not join our e.mailing list? Click here for more.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from April’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

03-04-2012

South West

This is an extract from April’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

Hello beautiful readers, here we are in sunny spring ready to indulge in some sumptuous spoken word shenanigans.

The Daffodils have sprouted, the parks are full and the beach too, isn’t the South West of England beautiful this time of year? Whether you live near the rolling hills and valleys, by the golden coast or in the hustle of a creative city, here’s to embracing the inspiration all around us.

Just one Apples and Snakes type event this month, but plenty more happening in May! We’re thrilled to be supporting The Hip Yak Poetry Shack again, and what an incredible line-up they’ve got! Check out the info here.

So, May: be well prepared and get your tickets for the next FORKED nice and early: the crème de la crème of the South West spoken word scene and beyond. Festival favorites, slam winners and exciting newcomers will all feature alongside Mama Tokus of course.

I am also pleased to confirm the final line-up for the new and improved Gallery Sessions, the first of the year. Each Gallery Session will now feature a 5 minute slot from a local performer, be it poetry, prose, comedy, playwriting, monologues or songs, so if you’re a North Devon artist interested in showing your work, drop me a line. There will also be some amazing performances from storyteller Rachel Rose Reid, international poet Chanje Kunda and London-based Raymond Antrobus.

Finally, a big thank-you to those who attended the Rural Touring Workshop in partnership with Take Art: feedback was brilliant and we hope to bring you more events like this in the future.

Gina Sherman
South West Programme Coordinator

This is an extract from April’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from February’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

01-02-2012

South West

This is an extract from February’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

This month we begin by welcoming the splendid touring children’s show Spin, set to get children and their families all fired up about the fun of poetry. With a spectacular selection of top notch poets, storytellers and rappers, it’s one show you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

We have two amazing shows at Studio@QT this season, starting with the ground-breaking Opposition by Hannah Silva. With everything from live Twitter feeds, loop pedals, inventive language play, a penny whistle and your very own rosette, there are so many reasons why you must be there. Hannah is also offering a fantastic workshop for FREE in conjunction with the show, perfect for all those wishing to explore the world of text and language. Sign up now by e-mailing me gina@applesandsnakes.org.

Two weeks later, Dizraeli and the Small Gods are set to rock the stage with support from Toby Thompson and The Breaks Collective. Having been personally requested by the theatre due to their popularity across the UK and with group bookings flooding in already, you better get your tickets fast as Hip Hopping Speaks to you! Follow this link now to get a fantastic money saving offer for both Studio@QT shows.

Phew, it’s going to be immense and I can’t wait!

Gina Sherman
Programme Coordinator

This is an extract from February’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from January’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

16-01-2012

South West

This is an extract from January’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a fine festive break and have come back feeling creative and ready for a fun filled 2012.

I can’t wait to get the ball rolling so to speak and kicking things off this month we welcome back FORKED. With all its delicious poetic treats, comedic turns and musical mischief, it’s just the ticket to warm your hearts and tantalise your ears this January. Check out the fantastic line up and get your tickets online today! Speaking of which, The B-bar have updated their online ticket service, so you can now buy all the tickets you need for all the FORKED shows you want. Click here and look for the show you want, there’s no excuse now for missing a gig!

If you want 2012 to be the year you develop your skills, look no further than our exciting partnership training event taking place towards the end of the month: Releasing your Fundraising Potential. This full day workshop will focus on fundraising and is a great opportunity for poets who want to place themselves and their work within a wider performance context and community. Find the information below to register for your place and Take Art will then be in touch about payment.

That’s it for now, keep in touch on the Apples and Snakes South West Facebook page and I’ll see you soon!

Gina Sherman
South West Programme Coordinator

This is an extract from January’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from December’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

08-12-2011

South West

This is an extract from December’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

I must say, I’m feeling rather festive of late. Could it be the smell of BBQ pork rolls and the long cue of gloved hands reaching out to grab them on Gloucester Road, Bristol? Speaking of which, I’ve just had the absolute delight of listening to Inua Ellams perform in a very festive looking living room in Stokes Croft. Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars is the beautiful new poetry pamphlet from Inua who is currently travelling across the UK filling living rooms with his words. Apples and Snakes have been helping Inua get from A to B and Bristol was his first stop, and you can read all about it on his blog!

Get the party started early by heading to Frome the weekend before Christmas and catching the new mighty poetry beast that is The Hip Yak Poetry Shack. Supported by Apples and Snakes and Take Art, Hip Yak is a poetry cabaret event run by the talented trio Liv Torc, Jonny Fluffypunk and Chris Redmond plus special guests and open mic. Hip Yak will be touring throughout 2012, including a FORKED take over in March!

FORKED is back in the New Year with a tasty pallet of heartfelt hip hop infused lyrics from Last Child Dancing sharp tongued yet sweetly sincere words from Isley Lynn and extreme comical ranting from Ant the Rant! Tickets on sale now from the B-Bar. I’m also thrilled to be working alongside some fantastic South West Arts organisations to bring you an all day session on Releasing your Fundraising Potential. For all poets, artists and theatre makers looking to find funding for projects or simply de-code the funding world. Very limited places so book now!

I bid you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, here’s hoping you get all the poetry pamphlets you could wish for.

Gina

Programme Coordinator, South West
gina@applesandsnakes.org / 01392 275 741

This is an extract from December’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from November’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

10-11-2011

South West

This is an extract from November’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

A chilly hello to all as we welcome in a dark and cold November. It’s a time of appreciating the finer things in life like thick socks, a nice tipple, good food and of course fantastic entertainment. I can offer you all of the above (minus the socks) with another brrrrrilliant FORKED! I’ve hand – picked, with my programming fingers, a toe-warming, smile-bringing selection of spoken word which is sure to keep away the winter blues. Featuring this month are the well established, witty and wonderful talents of A.F Harold and Audi Maserati as well as the fresh new South West voices of Rebecca Tantony and Megan Beech. Add to that some spicy noodles and a big dollop of Mama Tokus and you’ve got yourself a winning night.

If you’re a Dorset based poet thinking: What is this slam poetry world all about? Then register for a place on our Slam Workshop with Pete the Temp in Bournemouth this month. Hurry though – only a few places left!

Apples and Snakes National youth slam project Shake the Dust is well underway now, and you’ve just got time to apply for the roles of Poet Coach and Shadow Artist. Look below for details, and be sure to check out the Shake the Dust website to stay up-to-date with this phenomenal project.

Enjoy the sparklers, bonfires and Christmas shopping (those of you who are organised) and don’t forget about the poetry. See you soon!

Gina

This is an extract from November’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from August’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

12-08-2011

General, South West

Hi folks,

Welcome to August’s Snakebasket. It’s a quiet month for poetry traditionally but surprisingly busy in the South West as you will soon discover.

Look out for our one off open-mic, Mic Me Proud! For all budding poets, lyricists, MCs and beyond. This is a FREE event taking place to bide our time until the next FORKED which we welcome back next month. It’s not a replacement of course but it’s a new opportunity, which if successful may set the shape of future events. Sign up today for your 5 minute slot by emailing me and telling me a bit about what you fancy showcasing.

I’m very pleased to announce that Polarbear is coming back to North Devon with his beautiful spoken film, fittingly called Return, a story told with poetry and projection. Supporting Return is Devon based hip hop band The Brakes Collective, so it’s a 2-for-1 deal! Don’t delay: get your tickets today and join us for this much anticipated show which is set to sell out fast! Remember if you are a student or young person under 25 you can get a discounted rate on your ticket – well worth it!

Gina
Gina Sherman, South West Coordinator
gina@applesandsnakes.org

This is an extract from August’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

Apples and Snakes’ Snakebaskets are monthly e.newsletters, we tailor these for each of our regions. Here you will find lots of exciting poetry stuff and more about what we are up to in your area. Why not join our e.mailing list? Click here for more.

‘just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!’ London Snakebasket reader.

An extract from July’s South West Snakebasket

By: gina

21-07-2011

General, South West

Hello,

Welcome to July’s edition of Snakebasket which shines brightly with summer optimism and joy. As with every summer, festival season is in full swing and I’ve had the delight of experiencing some immense spoken word across the South West and beyond.

Perhaps the greatest festival for innovative theatre and spoken word is the Edinburgh Fringe and I am very excited to say that Opposition by Hannah Silva, produced by Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, in association with Apples and Snakes will be showing there between 14th-28th August. If you are venturing to Edinburgh this August make sure you catch this outstanding piece of work.

It’s all about looking forward this month to all the glorious events that will fill the autumn season. I am planning, planning, planning my snakebasketers.

One such event or series of events, starting soon is Shake the Dust, an exciting national project run by Apples and Snakes in each region. The Barbican Theatre, Plymouth will play host to a fantastic series of events and participation opportunities. Keep your eyes out for more news on this coming soon.

This month we also say farewell to two of our much loved staff, George our Marketing Coordinator and Irenosen our National Development Coordinator are both leaving for new horizons. A huge thank you for all your hard work especially down here in the South West. And a huge thank you to all those Snakebasket readers out there, see you again soon.

Gina
Gina Sherman, South West Coordinator

gina@applesandsnakes.org

This is an extract from July’s South West Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.

‘just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!’ London Snakebasket reader.

On the road with poetry, storytelling and rap – SPIN goes to Bristol

By: alice

03-06-2011

Education, South West

This crazy character is SPINning with live poetry...

Despite the shock of a 5am start, it was a very merry poetry party that wound its way to St Bonaventure’s Primary School, Bristol on 17th May. After a sleepy-eyed meet up at Euston, myself, Jan Blake (storyteller), BREIS (rapper) and Joe Coelho (poet) settled onto our train and spent a very pleasant two hours speeding to Bristol. Jan and I entertained ourselves by looking through my knitting patterns book.

Before we knew it, Bristol Temple Meads station was achieved, and it was destination St Bonaventure’s, situated in the Bishopston area of the city. Our mission? To deliver a SPIN performance (the Apples and Snakes produced poetry gig for children) for the whole school, followed by a workshop led by each artist. We received one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever experienced in a school – all the staff members were clued up about what was happening, from the reception and admin staff through to the headteacher who stayed close to us for the whole day. Anyone who’s ever been a visitor working in a school will know what a difference that makes.

The SPIN show itself went off with a bang in the school hall – the children, some as young as four in the reception class – were exceptionally well behaved and listened and took part very attentively for over an hour. BREIS, Joe and Jan took the children and teachers on a journey that visited riddles, rhymes about food, poems about paper and hamsters, raps about colours and birds, and a story about three sisters and a lion.

After a splendid shared lunch prepared by the teachers, each artist spent 90 minutes with one of the KS1 classes, doing what they do best. For Joe this was playing with poetry, for BREIS a mix of poetry and rap based activities and for Jan, another captivating story with call and response, joining in, and a whole class re-telling. For all involved this was a wonderful day of poetry, storytelling and creativity.

To find out more about SPIN, click here.

Alice Ochocka
Education and Training Coordinator

Poetry Blogging With Bite

An extract from May’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from April’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from February’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from January’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from December’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from November’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from August’s South West Snakebasket

An extract from July’s South West Snakebasket

On the road with poetry, storytelling and rap – SPIN goes to Bristol

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