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Tue 22nd Jan 2016

Justin came Just in Time to 'Save the Day'!

As some of you may have noticed in our forthcoming news, Adnan al-Sayegh was due to guest perform but he'd double-booked a poetry tour in Paris and Egypt and we were in a bit of a conundrum till Speech Painter suggested Justin' and we're pleased he agreed to do it. 

Justin Coe, a favourite with poets, 'brought in' a carload of poets from Bournemouth's 'Poetry on the Spot' including Bob Hill and Carrie Carrie (who'd just seen him at the 451 and was keen to see him again).

No way to describe Justin Coe, except as someone who bursts on the stage with instant energy and charisma. He knows how to connect with the audience; a fabulous performer who teaches kids poetry, as well as being father of three. The audience was totally responsive, as his theatrics went from serious to profound to humour. Starting with 'Pretend you're at the Royal Court... ' he did both parts of a poetical two-hander, called 'The Village Jesus', (every lesson he taught was like the sermon on the Mount) and, 'If someone steals your crisps, give them all your crisps' .. 'keep your pride inside'.

Justin saw 'Werzel' as someone worthy to follow and described his school days from adolescence up through puberty when 'a single pubic hair marked he was normal'; he then discovered boys. A love affair between inquisitive youths leading him into all kinds of problems, including telling his parents. The word 'Gay' became his word! The more he rebelled, the louder it sounded. He finally became its defender but, still, his curiosity led him to ..how to 'do it' and Werzel was sent in to teach. So many questions...all had answers. There's no way to describe the physicality of Justin's ability to express his anger at repressions and his excitement discovering new thinsg. Werzel was his hero until Justin asked a single question that got the wrong answer. He then understood, 'The only Jesus that believes in me is the Jesus of the Gays'.

He spoke of his childhood in Deal, the summer job he had – (it didn't last long). 'The only thing that's true in life is death'...He played guitar with the audience singing - even mimicking the teacher of a dyslexic class (from his book). The audience also 'pushed' as his first child was being born. The description and poetry that went with it, were real and 'touching', it would have been hard not to relate. Much of his poetry dealt with childhood issues. It worked. Of his many concerns; 'One day, there'll be no homeless on the street'.

We couldn't have asked for a more successful evening. He proved a hit with a full and very enthusiastic audience. And our new premises, 'Folly Upstairs' is a huge success. 'Great room. 'Perfect for a poetry and music evening!' - constantly being said ... for which we thank Jerry, Gavin, Johny and Chloe for the room and even helping set it up!

Following, Bob Hill did a tribute to David Bowie as did several others. 'I don't know where I'm going but I know it's better than this'...he recited of times in history, persecution of peoples, 'that needed to fail'. He talked of hearing the adage, 'If a child lifts his father, his scrotum will blindfold him' and told of a time he, his father and son got together – of knowing when men needed to know when to step aside, and let their sons move in. How each generation takes over the previous but only when it's the right time. David Roberts did a tribute to David Bowie as well ('Starman') and a poetical summary of 'The Purple Rose of Cairo', 'Manhattan' (the place for falling in love) and 'Vicky, Christina, Barcelona'. Richard Hawtree's poem was based on the oldest surviving medieval Welsh lullaby, 'Dinagads', an account of battles in the old North, the 7th century text known after its protaganists (worth a listen to the youtube).

Carrie Carrie, first timer, did 'On the Bus' based on two passengers together but with a barrier between – 'we occupy different spaces'. Colin Evesleigh who teaches about mindfulness, read about 'Just a Thought' and then continued with thoughts of overthinking...'The passing moment..is this all it is. If you want to be mindful, you need practice…'. Lynn Fornieles, an architect and artist, inspired by a piece of charcoal pencil, wrote 'Mark on the Wall', creating a lovely visual experience of the charcoal, embers...fresh wood..everyone around the fire. Stories being told.

Phyllida added some new songs to her repertoire on the harmonica including 'Life is just a ball'. Damien O'Vitch, who recently had his poem in the 'Hammer & Tongues finals at Albert Hall, performed a very angry poem, 'Prayer' for some 'young blokes he saw in a takeaway' saying 'the world doesn't revolve around you', 'we've only just met, yet, . you show this car crash of your personality'. Then, 'Warm Public Love', where 'cheeks against yours is an embrace'….ending with 'please wash your hands'.

Bruce Parry played a lovely Irish tune, 'Ineshea' on his hammer dulcimer and followed with a poem about 'Charity Shop Ghosts' – describing each item having its own life..wanting 'to be seen again. To be wanted again'...finally ending up tidying all the vinyl records (a labour of love, m'thinks') as he sees the shops as museums. Jilly Funnell, guitarist and songwriter did 'I need Words', about finding words that come from her gut. Then, the clever 'Jeremy, Jeremy' (name rings a bell) 'Your beard hasn't tickled me once this week' and 'I'm labour till I die', then 'pick up the phone. Get permission to call me from Ken Livingstone.' Finally, a song for Richard Digance, next December's WA guest performer, 'I'm not Ginger Rogers. You're not Fred Astaire. Still we just might pull it off'.

Audi Maserati did the Salvadore Dali, from his dada notebook – 'want to feel the buzz of being alive', and other poems, 'The Piano and the Peach' as well as 'Afternoon tea', when Aristotle and Billy the Kid were discussing nuclear fusion and Buffalo Bill came in through the window. 'Timing is everything'. Together, they 'sorted out the world'. All good fun! Chris Sangster, having spent 'the longest day of his life', with Jackie - babysitting - ended the evening with his ukelele and two songs, ''Sweet Dreams', and 'Goodbye Love' which speaks for itself. Also a poem, 'Quest', about adventuring across the sea creating an empire. A good beginning for an ending!

The raffle for the wonderful, exotic 'Lemon Grass' restaurant was won by a newcomer – a great prize. We hope she enjoys it. (it's one of our favourites).

It was certainly a full and eclectic evening with people standing at the bar, sitting on chairs or relaxing on sofas. Roars of laughter were the keynote for the evening and, hopefully, inspiration came through for those who haven't yet got up to the mike – and for those who did!

My apologies for any mistakes I may have made. It was a good start for to new year!

 

   
   

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