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Welcome to the Poetry Hour! A chance for you to enjoy some wise and witty words from the wonderful Henry Normal and his special guests, in ten Inspire libraries around the county, completely free, as part of Nottingham Poetry Festival.
Audience members are encouraged to bring a poem to read or simply to come and enjoy the poetry.
Nottingham-born Henry Normal began his career as a stand-up poet and went on to become a co-writer of award-winning TV and film hits including The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show and Coogan’s Run, and producer of Gavin and Stacey, Alan Partridge and the Oscar-nominated film Philomena.
Saturday 21 April, 11am – 12pm | Hucknall Library
Henry begins his tour of Nottinghamshire libraries and will be accompanied by Kev Fegan, described as “Britain’s most innovative playwright”. Audience members are invited to bring a poem along to read.
Saturday 21 April, 2.30pm - 3.30pm | Mansfield Central Library
The second library visit of the day takes Henry and Kev up the A60 to Mansfield. As with all Library dates, audience member are invited to bring along a poem to read.
Monday 23 April, 6pm – 7pm | Newark Library
Henry continues his tour of Nottinghamshire libraries visiting Newark, accompanied by Michelle ‘mother’ Hubbard. Michelle is a performance poet, storyteller, script writer, African drummer, cultural arts practitioner, workshop facilitator, and founding member of spoken word open mic event, BlackDrop. Audience members are again invited to bring a poem along to read.
Tuesday 24 April, 6pm – 7pm | Arnold Library
Henry continues his tour of Nottinghamshire libraries visiting Arnold, accompanied by Nottingham’s
Young Poet Laureate and founder of Mud Press, Georgina Wilding. Please come along, enjoy the poetry and bring along a poem of your own to read.
Wednesday 25 April, 6pm - 7pm | Beeston Library
Henry is joined by his old friend Pete Ramskill. Pete is a brilliant poet, artist, sculptor and designer, a man of many talents! Pop in and join them for an entertaining hour of poetry and bring along a poem of your own to read.
Thursday 26 April, 3pm - 4pm | Retford Library
Cited as “The hardest working poet in the East Midlands”, Andrew Graves delivers poignant, hard hitting and socially conscious performance poetry. His 2015 “God Save The Teen” was shortlisted for a Saboteur Award and toured nationally to great acclaim. A troubled poet for troubled times, don’t miss Andrew and Henry on the same bill, and please do bring along a poem of your own to read.
Thursday 26 April, 7pm - 8pm | Worksop Library
Andrew Graves accompanies Henry for library date number two of the day, this time they visit, Worksop.
Friday 27 April, 6pm - 7pm | Southwell Library
Pete Ramskill rejoins the tour, this time at Southwell Library for another hour of brilliant poetry.
Saturday 28 April, 11.30am – 12.30pm | Stapleford Library
Henry will be Joined by Leanne Moden, poet, performer, workshop leader and event organiser. Leanne began performing stand-up poetry in 2010 and is now a feature at club nights, poetry slams and music festivals across the UK. Recent sets include WOMAD Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe and Bestival. Leanne was crowned Fenland Poet Laureate in 2013 and is now part of the team at UNESCO Nottingham City of Literature.
Sunday 29 April, 11.30am – 12.30pm | West Bridgford Library
Pete Ramskill joins Henry for the final date of his tour of Nottinghamshire Libraries.
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