-From the page to the mic stand
“That is the song of Essex,” is how Lavinia Greenlaw concludes her poem Essex Rag, followed by humble yet honest laughter in the warm atmosphere of Zest bar, on Newland Avenue. This is the University of Hull’s first hosting of a poetry performance this semester; part of the Larkin Centre’s Visiting Writers series. Reputed poet and novelist Lavinia Greenlaw is here tonight, reading poems
and excerpts from works old and new, and, as a newcomer to these events, I find myself thoroughly enjoying it.
On entering the bar for the first time, there is no feeling whatsoever of not being
welcome; no one gives you the ‘local pub’ stare, the staff are friendly and talkative, and the general ambience is laid back and inviting. The audience hush politely as the poet is introduced, and willingly
clap as she steps up to the microphone, clutching numerous sheets of paper. Once she ends her set, which lasts just under an hour, everybody returns to their drinks feeling slightly better than they did before, and for whatever reason, twice as sociable – the joint experience becauses one to feel perfectly able to approach anyone, including Greenlaw herself.
The atmosphere of these events
alone makes it worth going. Besides that, there is also a great variety and breadth of award-winning writers set to take part in such events, which this semester alone includes prolific Scottish poet Douglas Dunn, T.S. Eliot Prizewinner Alice Oswald and up-and-coming writer Padrika Tarrant. Such a literary smorgasbord of writers means that there is likely to be something for anyone and everyone who is a fan of literature of any kind. The effect of the last visiting writer (Greenlaw), who previous to this I was unfamiliar with, has convinced me to go out and purchase one of her novels, and it is cheering to think that any further performances may inspire one the same way.
The cool, snazzy decor of Zest bar provides a more than suitable venue for these events, and its welcoming vibe makes one feel instantly comfortable – couple this with the brilliant host of writers set to perform in the near future, and it will be difficult to make an excuse not to go.
Will Harris
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