losing poetry

[Universalchild]

I don't know that no open mic night = no poetry. Is there a local writers' association? Are there fairs, festivals or other events with poetry competitions? And in almost every city in the world there are groups of poets who get together in cafes, sometimes doing readings, sometimes just workshopping or having a bit of a chat about their writing (some of these people are deathly dull, beware!). Performing poetry is an art in itself -- I believe penguin is a performance poet, I'm sure he has some tips to share. (With the number of artists of all kinds to come out of the West Country, I can't believe there aren't plenty of opportunities for a poet -- and if there aren't, I'll bet there are plenty of people willing to take an opportunity if it's created for them.)

There are three writers groups, but one is stories only, and the other two charge and I don't want to pay just to discuss writing. Or more, I can't afford to pay just to discuss writing! There is one event every three months held at the local theatre, I plan on going this august.

Performing poetry is what I want to get into.

And trust me, I make an effort. I even made a new contact the other day, she said she is trying to start her own group. I think I live in the wrong city for poetry : P Buuut Bristol is nearby and they have a really good poetry scene.

There's plenty of good modern poets, I think, but I'd find it difficult to name any great ones. Same would apply to novelists and with bells on. But, you know, if I were young and a gifted wordsmith like, let us say, Alex Turner would I wanna be a promising poet or lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys and shagging Alexa Chung? I rest my case.
Where do you live, Universal Child? And do you have a proper name? Must be Bath or Cheltenham by the sound of things. I know there's places in Cheltenham.

I would really like to find some good modern poets. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them. And any tips on performance poetry, haha.

No, I live in Plymouth. My name is Phaedra : )