Thanks for commenting everyone, I'm glad my piece struck a chord. You are absolutely right that the Tudor encapsulated what we are all about in the performance poetry movement, Julian - it did the same for musicians trying to get a foot on the entertainment ladder. And the Tudor for me is synonymous with performance poetry in Wigan - I just can't get out of the hang of referring to it as that... it's going to be really hard to lose that label.

I'm not sure it this link will work but here goes - it's all over facebook so let's go out laughing...


https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10203024511721275&pnref=story

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I love the lines "Though I do realize you were
Completely out of this physical basket". Tommy

Comment is about AN ODE TO MY GRANDDAD... (blog)

Original item by Manasa Krishnan

Cynthia, thank you for taking the time to comment on the Koan.
Have you seriously never been out in moonlit rain?
You must surely have experienced a rain shower in sunlight, it's just the same thing but at night.
As for the koan, it is a wonderful way of thinking but writing less words.

thank you once again for commenting.

regards,

Graham

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks such feedbacks give poets a sense of direction!

Comment is about The survival of the slickest (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Great short piece - punches right to where it should.

Comment is about The Cathedral (blog)

Cynthia - about Graham's koan poem - one of the best-known examples of a koan is 'what is the sound of one hand clapping?'. It's meant to make the person think in different ways. In my last poem Jigsaw - that was going to be a koan initially, asking the question if a swing was a swing if you didn't see it swing.

It's good that you're puzzled - that's part of the point of them :)


Here's a link to an explanation of koans

http://www.karate.butsu.net/onzen/zenkoans_intro.html

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Lovely tribute Is - really lovely.

And I reckon Dave is right - I'm still calling it a Tudor night in my mind, wherever it is!

Had to laugh about the drunk lumbering in front of the stage/on the stage :D Having filled both of those positions, I can confirm that you could get away with much more in there than you could in any other pub! You fell over? People gave you a hand back up :D

And it was actually a band I'd gone to see, the night I walked into the Tudor. Then saw this wonderful woman I'd met at a previous gig and got on really well with. 'Come to see the band?' I asked her? 'No', she says, 'I'm doing a bit of poetry'. I had no idea she 'did' poetry. I'd never really read any, wasn't into it, and certainly hadn't written any.

Well, that wonderful woman was Rachel Bond, and my god, I sat there in the darkness while she tore me in two with her words (one line of which went into a poem about that experience!).

Driving home, still choked with her poems, I thought to myself 'Hmmm...I've got things to say too...'. And that was that! Start of a whole new life - filled with the astonishing beauty of words in a way I'd never considered before. People like me, and as Is says, people who finally GOT me, who 'overthought' EVERYTHING - ahhh sheer joy haha :D And every last one of them completely bananas in their own way :D :D

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I agree that this poem does have flair, first with the topic itself which is very universal, and then with your treatment of it. The right details to develop your idea is a vital component of free verse, and you have chosen really well.Keep writing.

Comment is about Validation (blog)

Original item by Judi Strega

This is very strong, pelting forth in a torrent of feelings and thoughts that don't require 'organisation' - just expression. Life is often like that: honesty is muddled, but intense.

I enjoy your style - your turns of phrase like 'soft soaping the weekend away' - super.

Comment is about Sometimes Things Just End. (blog)

Original item by Charlotte

Hi Cynthia I'm glad you liked the poem. I had in mind rural communities in times of war who are always at the mercy of roaming bands of soldiers scavenging for supplies and whatever else they fancy. There are languages where those words have got mixed up and I've been learning Modern Greek which has different body language for 'yes' and 'know'. There are also villages in Greece and elsewhere that have evolved very sophisticated whistling languages. The one in Greece evolved at the time of the Ottoman invasion - not that the poem is specifically about Greece. It could be any time and any place.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Really good - insisting upon thoughtful reading and encouraging personal thought. I presume it could be a 'study' of village life anywhere, people separate from intense population and self-reliant through desperate seasons.

Comment is about Village Life (blog)

Original item by David Cooke

This fine tribute to a place and its people
brought to mind an analogy with some famous
words from The Rhubaiyat of O.K - something
about the moving finger having writ moveth on.
The place may have ceased to be but the rest
"moveth on"...that much seems a "given" to this
reader who never even knew the place.

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I love this Natalie. this is how I would have spaced it, please don't be offended at my suggestions, it's just another point of view.

As beautiful as the cathedral is,

I wonder

How many homeless people could have been sheltered there?

How many starving children fed?

by a century's worth of golden grandeur, spent

to house and feed a god who needs neither,

who doesn't care where we pray.

I really like your work, but always think sparsely. Imagine you're paying for the words.

regards,

Graham

Comment is about The Cathedral (blog)

I can imagine this being read aloud against
the crackle of a log fire while the wind rattles
the windows.
Superior imagery that takes the mind on a
journey.

Comment is about This Autumn (blog)

Original item by stephen smith

And thank you Andra. I love to get other people's views and thank you for sharing yours with us. Certainly Silva's work is a real conversation starter and it's a conversation that needs to be had.

Comment is about 'Schlock!' Mesmeric, shocking, and over-ambitious (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Julian for your comment.

Comment is about 'Schlock!' Mesmeric, shocking, and over-ambitious (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I had the pleasure of witnessing Hanna Silva's SCHLOCK at the Mac Birmingham last Wednesday and I have to say that there are several parts of this review that I would disagree with. I welcomed the multi-themes and layers and found the show richer for it. Theatre and Poetry often are the first and last bastions of complex matters. 'where was the poetry?' the show itself was the poetry, fresh with numerous details that invited us into the world Silva had created, our world anew - a fully conscious baby bearing omens, the taunting streets of a healing Mexico or the dehumanisation of uninvited pain. all united beautifully and like the best of poetry leaving you with floating images and an overall mood. Silva didn't miss her mark in delivering poetry at all.

As a male audience member I never once interpreted any part of the show as 'casting the role of men as baddies' her critique lay at the foot of glamorising non-consensual dominance and/or submission as its the root of '50 Shades...' yes the male baby illustrates this through out - a metaphor of Acker's cancer, E. L James' specific adventures into female sexuality and the pregnant place Hannah brought those two writers (as well as herself) to meet.

The BSL i thought worked well, i didn't need interpretation. movement is another language unto itself and like dance I don't need subtitles to help me read the intention beneath it, as i stated before the experience is richer for it's multi-lingual approach. In the end like many good poets work I've seen performed, i left comprehending that what's important is not that i part understanding everything or even hearing every word but if i spend less time trying to decipher every metaphor I can actually take home a hand full of provocative images and a cherished feeling. I wouldn't say it was over-ambitious, it was ambitious enough to challenge it's audience. I would recommend anyone interested in theatre and experimental theatre/poetry to hunt down Hanna Silva's performance.

Comment is about 'Schlock!' Mesmeric, shocking, and over-ambitious (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

And another terrific review from Judy Gordon. Thank you. Wish I had been there, thanks your words.

Comment is about Eastern flavour as past and present collide at Manchester's Poets & Players (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you very much! I appreciate the read and lovely comment:)

Comment is about Alone (blog)

Original item by Spoken_Thoughts

Thank you very much xxx

Comment is about The Shame (blog)

Original item by tina

It can never really be true of anywhere that "all life is there" but it didn't half feel like it sometimes. Thanks for this Izz - spot on. I suspect we'll be calling the new night the Tudor for years, wherever it settles.

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It's been rough these past few days, but I wanted to take time to comment on this since you took the time to put into words what so many feel. I only had the pleasure of visiting The Tudor once, but I can tell you that I felt every bit of it.

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Tina,ok,so you are not ABLE as yet to provide food for your children.But how about patting yourself on the back for providing the MOST important thing-LOVE!Situations have a habit of changing.Hang in there!

Our best regards and sincere concerns.

Patricia and Stefan.xx

Comment is about The Shame (blog)

Original item by tina

being as beautiful as you are young lady,you won't be ALONE for long.Nice/sad poem though.xx

Comment is about Alone (blog)

Original item by Spoken_Thoughts

Dearest Isobel, what a superbly-written, heartfelt tribute to perhaps the most iconic of Write Out Loud open mic poetry nights. As you say, so many memories, but you compering in that wedding dress is one of my favourites.
John Togher has been the power behind the throng who made The Tudor so special to us all, and deserves our praise for doing so.
I have to say, Isobel, that your article deserves wider reading, as it is not just about the Tudor, but reflects what the whole open poetry movement is about: people getting together to share what they want to say with like minded (sometimes not) people, in a wonderful atmosphere.
It certainly was a great place where, as you say, you could be yourself, but you could also be someone else and still be accepted.
Many, many thanks to Russ and Frances and Russ Jr, for all their support of this phenomenon that was Write Out Loud at The Tudor. The Tudor king is dead, long live the court.

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Well done for getting off the mark by the way!

Comment is about She (blog)

Original item by Ryan Ritchie

Ryan this would read better if you shortened the lines and made them more applicable to each other.

Comment is about She (blog)

Original item by Ryan Ritchie

This is a lovely heartfelt tribute (as are all the other personal remembrances) to a place that I didn't know, but many held dear.

The only comment that I would make however is that (as an outsider) the place itself isn't the issue. The Tudor was merely a conduit to bringing all you like-minded people together.

You will find another Tudor in due course.

The analogy that I would compare this to is that of the Ebook taking over from the paper page.

I think that it is the content not the medium that counts. Paper or electronics, it's just the same.

You good people are the content. you will find another medium.

Don't bemoan the loss of the maguffin that brought you all together, celebrate it and find another.

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks and LOL

Comment is about The wind of the North (blog)

Original item by Rollo

Wow, whose this lively old chap?

Comment is about David Andrew (photo)

Thanks for this great tribute, Isobel. I'm really glad that I managed to get to the Tudor earlier this year - it was a special pilgrimage up north, you could call it that. What struck me particularly was the warmth of the occasion. Isobel was compering as well - thought not in her bridal gear that night - and called out to me from the stage: "This is a bit different from your trips to the Festival Hall, eh, Greg?" And, of course, it was. Vive la difference! The Tudor was a place that embodies the values of Write Out Loud - come on up and have a go! You never know what might happen next ...

Comment is about 'Laughter and tears: there was nothing sedate or predictable about the Tudor' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Did this one actually happen or was it postponed, as the rumours have it?

Review is about Write Out Loud - Middleton on 26 Oct 2014 (event)

Sad, I did my first open mic there after Joy France had told me about it and invited me down, will miss Tudor. But enjoyed Thursday at The Old Courts...

Comment is about End of an era for Write Out Loud Wigan as the Tudor closes its doors (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

and long-VERY long,may she continue with that capability Jack.

ps-more poems like this one please-lovely!x

Comment is about A LAST FOND KISS (blog)

Original item by Jack purvis

although I love your warring poetry Rollo-I would NOT like to meet you on a dark night!-

......unless I was in the company of a knight!

only acting the court jester!x

Comment is about The wind of the North (blog)

Original item by Rollo

Thank you Solar Winds I also envy my wife's suppleness

Comment is about A LAST FOND KISS (blog)

Original item by Jack purvis

Many thanks, Julian. He deteriorated over his final years but it's important for us to remember the man he was for 80 of them.

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

very unusual type of poem.Needs a few reads I think.x

Comment is about She (blog)

Original item by Ryan Ritchie

what a lovely,lovely poem to have read.What a lovely game to sit and watch,especially on a nice summers day and well equipped with a cornet or two!How on earth Jack,does your wife manage the position she is in,in this photograph?

is it thanks to that stuff that fortifies the over.....(wont suggest an age-might be rude!)

x

Comment is about A LAST FOND KISS (blog)

Original item by Jack purvis

beautiful!-absolutely!x

Comment is about Winter afternoon (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

absolutely fab Natalie!-love the sloping format.

x

Comment is about Laughter (blog)

This is a beautiful, well-written eulogy of which your dad would surely have been proud. I feel enriched for having read it. It is a privilege for us that you have shared this, and your dad, with us. Thank you.

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks, Greg. One of the more concerning aspects on that day was being pall-bearer. I am 6feet tall but was dwarfed by other relatives. I thought he might slide out! Plus he was no Twiggy!

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I like the story about your dad's hair, John. It's really important to be able to express your feelings and love at these moments. As Tommy says, because we're writers, it's an obligation too, but I was very grateful to be able to find the words when my own father died. Thanks for sharing your words with us here.

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It was a lot easier to write than to say, Tommy. That's for sure. We all choked a bit.
But strangely had a fantastic time afterwards. Thanks for commenting.

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

: )

Comment is about I Have a Choice (blog)

John a testament often evokes warm feelings and pride, but I also like to think of it as an obligation, righteous and true. Well written. Tommy

Comment is about EULOGY TO MY DAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Laura -I think your talent would love the challenge of forms -I know you would find the tension of rhyme very stimulating - you have the images!
Steve Smith

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks Laura -I think your talent would love the challenge of forms -I know you would find the tension of rhyme very stimulating - you have the images!
Steve Smith

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks Laura -I think your talent would love the challenge of forms -I know you would find the tension of rhyme very stimulating - you have the images!

Comment is about This Autumn (blog)

Original item by stephen smith