Poets John Hegley, Lucy English and Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, plus 1Xtra’s Ras Kwame join The Lyric Lounge line up at The Y Theatre
Posted on 30th July 2009
John Hegley, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Lucy English and BBC 1Xtra’s Ras Kwame are among those appearing. For seven days and seven nights, from 25th –31st July, The Y Theatre has been transformed into a unique performance space celebrating the power of live literature – as part of the cultural programme for the Special Olympics. The Lyric Lounge is part of Renaissance East Midlands’ contribution to the region-wide Igniting Ambition programme and is undertaken in partnership with Arts Council England East Midlands.Delve deep into the world of one of the UK’s most prolific storytellers. Radio regular, published writer, and popular glasses wearer, John Hegley has made his mark everywhere. From sell out shows at Edinburgh Festival to comedy festivals worldwide, his poems about dogs, glasses and a whole lot more, have really gone the distance.
High priestess of poetry Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze is a Jamaica-born, internationally renowned artist. Her published works ponder social and political issues, as well as her own experience of mental health. Breeze’s intensely rhythmic poetry makes for a compelling performance not to be missed, with roots in her history as a leading ‘dub’ poet.
Lucy English has appeared at many literature festivals, including Edinburgh Fringe, Cheltenham, Hay on Way, Austin Texas, Calgary and Copenhagen. She teaches a module in performance poetry at Bath Spa University – the only one of its kind in the UK, and is the author of 4 books
Hip hop guru Ras Kwame first made his mark as a major DJ, in some of London’s premier venues, before carving out a career in broadcasting. Ras Kwame is 1Xtra’s Homegrown presenter and has also presented for Channel U.
Saturday 25th July: ILUVLRICS show & open mic, compered by Ras Kwame, 7-9pm at The Y Theatre. Tickets £5/ £3 concs. Lyricists, spoken word artists and poets can compete for a cash artist development bursary.
Sunday 26th July: WORD! with Lucy English, 7.30 – 9.30pm, at The Y Theatre. Tickets – £5/ £3 Concs. Enter open mic by registering with Lydia Towsey, at 7.30pm, on the night.
Monday 27th July: Showcase Live (exploring young men’s mental health issues through poetry, rap and spoken word). 7-9pm, at The Y Theatre. Tickets are £5/ £3 Concs.
Tuesday 28th July: Special Olympics Cabaret featuring Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, 7pm, at The Y Theatre. Tickets: £4/ £2 Concs.
Wednesday 29th July: Write Way Up (multi media feast of poetry inspired by museum artefacts), 7-9pm. Tickets £5/ £3 Concs.
Friday 31st July: John Hegley Music Hall Cabaret Benefit Gig at The Y Theatre, 7-9.30pm. Tickets are £10/ £5 Concs. All profits from the evening will be donated to local disability organisations. Also featuring a community performance.
Tickets for all evening Lyric Lounge shows, can be booked via The Y box office, on 0116 255 7066/ www.ytheatre.co.uk. Parental guidance for young people aged 12 and under. For more information on the full programme of Lyric Lounge events and workshops, please go to www.lyriclounge.co.uk or contact 2Funky Arts on 0116 222 0639/ info@2funkyarts.co.uk.
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