After 12pm, Books, Poetry

Poets Murray Lachlan Young & Clare Pollard explore the bizarre lives and stranger works of fantasy author Lewis Carroll; literary nonsense artist, author and poet Edward Lear and the lesser-known James Taylor, the proto-surrealist of the 16th century. Guests are encouraged to share their own nonsensical ponderings…

• Written by: Murray Lachlan Young

Windswept Productions presents Murray Lachlan Young's verse drama, set to a 1990s soundtrack, in which mayhem ensues when a couple invite their oldest friends down to the South West from London to help celebrate their wedding anniversary.

An eclectic and experimental night of poetry, performance and spoken word, held on the second Friday of each month.

The legendary Mancunian punk poet, who is a spiritual godfather to the likes of Mike Skinner and Plan B hauls his insatiable laconic wit on tour.

Avant-garde spoken word, film and music fusion night describing itself as 'playing host to the sinister and the sanguine'.

A rare opportunity to see charismatic German chanteuse Ute Lemper. Famed for her interpretations of Kurt Weill, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Stephen Sondheim, Ute Lemper presents an atmospheric evening of song based on the love poems of Pablo Neruda. This very delicate and beautiful songbook is…

The UK premiere of Enrique Gonzalez Medina's evocative work will be performed by the Cuban guitarist Ahmed Dickinson, along with nine poetry readings from actor Jamie Nicols.

Writer, perfume expert and jogger Alex Musgrave talks about his life in poetry and scent (he's Business Manager of Penhaligon's), with a chance to smell the perfumes he mentions. Ages 16+. Booking is essential.

Poetry writing workshops for aspirant storytellers and performers.

A fusion of experimental music with poetry by the two guitarists and poet.

Take one enlightened rap poet artist and all round freedom guy, put him in a sauna live on stage, turn up the heat, bring in the audience, cue the action! It's hot, it's hip, it's a happening. A lyrical journey of pure delight. Better come prepared to be inspired! (Towel not required.).

A rare recital by the Leeds-born poet, introduced by fellow local writer Anthony Clavane.

John Burnside reads from Melissographia - a sequence of poems scattered with embossed, hand-painted, pollen maps. This is his long-standing collaboration with artist Amy Shelton. He also reads Bee Myths, a new work which reflects on the role of bees in the evolution of myth, husbandry, cultivation and healing. Sean…

The Beguilers fill The Front Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall with tender, mellifluous singing and finely wrought harmonies inspired by the poems of Blake, Shakespeare, Joyce, Clare and others. Composed by Fred Thomas, these songs invite your imagination to be moved, released and ultimately beguiled. The Beguilers are…

The poet presents a journey around the human anatomy, using poems set to music.

Poet and translator Constantine and Brecht expert Tom Kuhn read the playwright's German-language poetry, with live musical settings from composer Dominic Muldowney and theatre director Di Trevis.

Paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, photography, sculpture and poetry inspired by the woodland, waterways and rivers of Gloucestershire, exploring the notion of the in-between.

Featuring performaces by multi-media punk band Jackdaw With Crowbar and Formby.

Join 2002 Eric Gregory Award winner Caroline Bird and performance poets Andy Craven-Griffiths and Callum Mitchell for an evening of poetry.

A relaxed session of oral storytelling, poetry by memory, music and song.