Live Brum: Spoken Word Events

Panel Discussion: New Writing vs New Work, 25 May 2012

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:26:02 +0000

25 May 2012 at mac

A lively and topical discussion about the practices and processes of developing new work. Where are the crossovers between the traditional models of “new writing” and the collaborative nature of devised theatre? Is it even useful to preserve a distinction between the different ways of making and sharing work? An expert panel of practitioners and producers share their experiences.

Knights School , 25 May 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:19:05 +0000

25 May 2012 at Moseley Park

(suitable for under 18s)

Headline acts: knight training, storytelling, crafts

Capital Theatre Festival: High Jump , 25 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:59:46 +0000

25 May 2012 at mac

In 2012 Talking Birds will be 20 years old. Perhaps less widely known, 2012 is also London's Olympic year and so, to celebrate both those things, we are embarking on a year long project called Decathlon - ten artworks, each inspired by the decathlon's ten sporting disciplines. It is designed to involve a wide range of people as participants and audience...without them having to don shorts or get out of breath. The High Jump is one of them.

Earlier this year, Talking Birds, in association with Capital Theatre Festival and Writing West Midlands, put out a call for submissions for 5 minute pieces (stories, monologues, plays) which engaged with the high jump, either metaphorically, or literally. The plays or stories needed to be completed - not part-works, or works in progress - but fully realised in, and embracing, the 5 minute form.

The Nubian Readers Book Club, 25 May 2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:08:13 +0000

25 May 2012 at The Drum

The Nubian Readers’ Book Club continues to meet at The Drum on the last Friday of each month to discuss books written by African, Caribbean, Black British and African American authors. It’s a popular forum for literature enthusiasts and a one of its kind in promoting and discussing Black literature. The group has had a steady increase in the take up of male readers. Suitable for ages 16+

Networking: Red Teapot, 26 May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:03:24 +0000

26 May 2012 at mac

FREE

If you are a theatre-maker, working in the West Midlands at the moment, what are the things you feel the sector should be talking about? We'll be asking this question via twitter in the weeks leading up to the festival - and will be using your suggestions to provoke the discussion and help shape the calls for action drawn up at this informal networking event, hosted by www.redteapot.co.uk

Walk and Talk around Weoley Castle Ruins, 26 May 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:31:10 +0000

26 May 2012 at Weoley Castle

Find out more about this fascinating medievel manor house 2pm £3.50

Panel Discussion: Fringe Benefits, 26 May 2012

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:27:02 +0000

26 May 2012 at mac

FREE

In these straightened times, what are the avenues for new work and new writing? How can writers build relationships with theatres, both regionally and nationally? Is self-producing an option? How does that impact on efforts to build a sustainable career? A valuable and informative insight into the artistic policies of producing theatres and regional festivals.

Capital Theatre Festival: Rehearsed Reading, 26 May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:07:33 +0000

26 May 2012 at mac

In February 2012, Capital Theatre Festival ran a 6-week Writing for the Stage course at mac birmingham. The workshops provided twelve local writers with a comprehensive introduction to the tools and techniques of playwriting.

Writers were encouraged to develop their own ideas for a one-hour stage-play as the course progressed. Four of the writers were selected for one-to-one mentoring and their resulting works-in-progress can be seen in two rehearsed readings, performed by regional actors.

Capital Theatre Festival: Rehearsed Reading, 27 May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:07:45 +0000

27 May 2012 at mac

Tell Me On A Sunday, 27 May 2012

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:39:35 +0000

27 May 2012 at Ikon Gallery

FREE

Theme: secrets and lies

We know you have a story in you. Unleash it. Conjure a memory, recent or ancient, good or bad. Tell it to yourself, re-tell it, hone it, cut it, embellish it. Pitch it to us. Get on stage and tell it.

The Sunday Xpress, 27 May 2012

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:48:18 +0000

27 May 2012 at Adam And Eve

FREE

Now in it's sixth year, the Sunday Xpress has a track record of providing new and emerging poets, storytellers, musicians and artists the platform to practise and hone their talents in a relaxed atmosphere. Hosted by Birmingham's unofficial poet laureate Brendan Higgins, aided and abetted by an eclectic selection of guest artists, the events doors open at 3 with the afternoon's entertainment starting at half 4.

Attila the Stockbroker, 27 May 2012

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:08:03 +0000

27 May 2012 at Kitchen Garden Cafe

Attila the Stockbroker is a performance poet, and folk punk musician/songwriter. Inspired by punk, and especially The Clash, he’s loud, radical, lyrical, reflective, and will make you roar with laughter as well as seethe with anger. A regular at Glastonbury, Attila's melodically political musings are both thoughtful and entertaining.

Tuesday Talks, 29 May 2012

Sun, 06 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

29 May 2012 at Birmingham Cathedral

FREE

Jeffery Deaver , 30 May 2012

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:02:47 +0000

30 May 2012 at Waterstone's, High Street

Birmingham High Street is pleased to welcome back crime superstar and author of the latest James Bond novel 'Carte Blanche' Jeffery Deaver. Jeffery will also be discussing his latest Kathryn Dance thriller 'XO'.

Fragmented Recollections, 30 May 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:51:55 +0000

30 May 2012 at Artrix

"Through a series of visits to a local care home we have captured and documented spoken word, images and video recordings. The installation looks into the lives of residents, their memories, characters and lives once lived. Using verbatim theatre practices the recordings captured have been re-worked and fragmented to allow an insightful and sensitive view on memories that linger and hold still.

This performance has been made to complete my Masters Degree in Contemporary Arts through Manchester Metropolitan University and will be performed by my current BTEC Extended Diploma Performing Arts students at NEW College."

NB - The performance installation lasts 2 hours; in that time audience members are invited to walk around, sit, comment and peruse the documentation of the creative processes undergone.

Soho House Tour, 31 May 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:38:31 +0000

31 May 2012 at Soho House

Celebrate Local and Community History Month by booking your place on this special tour.

While Soho House is closed for the redevelopment of its visitor centre, we are conducting limited tours. Come and learn more about Soho House and Matthew Boulton with this exclusive tour between 11:00am and 12:30pm, light refreshments included.

Pre-booking is essential. Tickets cost £6 each. For further information or to book a place, please contact Soho House Museum on 0121 554 9122

We are Poets, 31 May 2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:10:09 +0000

31 May 2012 at The Drum

We Are Poets bravely flips the image of British youth on its head, as six remarkable teenage poets are chosen to represent the UK at Brave New Voices, America’s most prestigious slam poetry competition. From their inner city lives in Leeds, North England, to a stage in front of the White House in Washington D.C, the team must prepare for a transformational journey of a lifetime. Intimate, honest and imaginative, We Are Poets is a moving testament to the power of creativity, community and the dynamism of young people.

Candi Miller: Author Event, 31 May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:11:05 +0000

31 May 2012 at mac

FREE

Join Candi Miller as she talks about her novels Salt and Honey and Kalahari Passage, published by Birmingham’s prize-winning independent publisher Tindal Street Press. She will read from her novels and talk about her inspiration and creative process. There will be an opportunity to ask Candi questions, and she will be signing copies of both books, which will be available to purchase at mac birmingham that evening.

Candi Miller, born in Zambia and brought up in South Africa, has been a journalist and advertising copywriter. She now lives in Stafffordshire where she teaches Creative Writing. In 1994 she undertook an expedition to the Kalahari Desert to visit groups of San (Bushman) people. There she was caught up in a huge veld fire, charged by a bull elephant and enchanted by Ju/‘hoansi story-telling around a campfire.

This event is presented in association with our course The Writers’ Reading Group - a reading group with a difference. They meet fortnightly to discuss a book or poetry anthology they have been reading, then explore writing styles and techniques through set exercises.

Fragmented Recollections, 31 May 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:52:12 +0000

31 May 2012 at Artrix

NB - The performance installation lasts 2 hours; in that time audience members are invited to walk around, sit, comment and peruse the documentation of the creative processes undergone.

Poets' Place, 2 Jun 2012

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:04:14 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at Birmingham Central Library

Organised by Birmingham Libraries and Apples & Snakes, Poets' Place is an informal gathering of poets that meets twice a month. The Poets’ Place is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, give and solicit feedback on your poetry, or just sit back and write for a couple of hours without interruption. You can use the Poets’ Place to make new friends, discover new poets, share and have your work critiqued, make useful connections, set a writing schedule...

Whether you are a published poet, a slam champion, or someone who is just wondering whether poetry might be worth a try, stop by. There is no need to sign up or book a place: just show up with your poems or a blank notebook. There will be someone there to make you feel welcome and advise you on how to make the most of your time there. The Poets' Place can be whatever you as a poet decide to make of it.

Cressida Cowell, 2 Jun 2012

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:21:41 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at Library Theatre

Don't miss the chance to meet Cressida Cowell, creator of 'How To Train Your Dragon. Suitable for family groups and children aged 6+.

An Orphan's Tale - Returning Voices, 2 Jun 2012

Sun, 13 May 2012 18:46:03 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at mac

An Orphan's Tale - Returning Voices - The voice of an Orphan is silenced. Take a moment to stop, and look. Look once more and you will see that the eyes of an orphan hold heart-rending stories of pain, suffering and most of all, loneliness.

At Ethar Relief, we hope to return the voice of the orphan. Join us on the 2nd of June for an evening of inspirational art including a unique theatre performance, spoken word, nasheed, real life stories and much more. The occasion promises to give you a profound insight into the lives of refugees in Eastern Sudan, and highlight the plight of the forgotten children. Together we can make their unheard voices be heard. Support Ethar Relief to eradicate poverty and help vulnerable orphans.

Nigel Benn & Steve Collins , 2 Jun 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:05:58 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at St Andrews Stadium

A star studded sports evening at birmingham city football club brought to you by WGE & Sapphire the night consists of a 3 course gormet meal after dinner speaches and photo opportunities with 2 of the worlds greatest legends.

Meet the Miller , 3 Jun 2012

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:48:36 +0000

3 Jun 2012 at Sarehole Mill

Meet our miller and find out how stone-ground flour is made, 12-4pm. Entry to the mill is free on this day.

The Book Bash, 4 Jun 2012

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:33:10 +0000

4 Jun 2012 at Aston Hall

(suitable for under 18s)

There will be eight marquees packed with entertainment including appearances by top children's, authors, poets, storytellers and magicians.Come along for a chance to meet some great children's book characters and to take part in our Magical Tea Party. Activities will also include mehndi hand painting, face painting, craft workshops, a book shop and you can also join your local library.

F**K It Works, 4 Jun 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:47:15 +0000

4 Jun 2012 at Birmingham Buddhist Centre

With John Parkin

The Book Bash, 5 Jun 2012

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:33:20 +0000

5 Jun 2012 at Aston Hall

(suitable for under 18s)

Conservation Tour of the Staffordshire Hoard, 6 Jun 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:50:23 +0000

6 Jun 2012 at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Come and find out more about the Staffs Hoard with the gallery and conservation studio tour led by experts. The tour is from 12.30 - 1.45 and tickets are £20 each - advance booking is essential.

Story Telling in the Courtyard , 6 Jun 2012

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:51:48 +0000

6 Jun 2012 at Sarehole Mill

Help us to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens and come to listen to his stories as read and performed by Julie Ann Cooper. 12.30 - 1.30pm

In the Box, 6 Jun 2012

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:04:02 +0000

6 Jun 2012 at Solihull Arts Complex

With the stars of BBC Radio’s Test Match Special

Following the huge success of Sticky Wicket and Rain Stops Play, the team of raconteurs from BBC Radio’s Test Match Special are on the road again with their new show - In The Box.

Ralph Dellor once again hosts this hilarious and memorable evening with Test Match Special commentators and cricketing legends as they recall their favourite anecdotes from life In The Box.

Ralph will be joined by BBC cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew and two others from a squad of luminaries which includes former England captains, Mike Gatting and Graham Gooch, New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney, England bowling stalwarts Angus Fraser and Neil Foster and the current chairman of selectors, Geoff Miller.