From the laugh-out-loud funny, through the wonderfully surreal, to the thoughtful and emotional: Loud Poets continues to prove that spoken word offers something for everyone.
~~~~
Tom Bird (they/them) is a Dundee-based writer and poet, and performer in poetry-music duo 2 Stoned Birds. Their spoken word poetry often delves into human nature, neurodivergence and trans identity with warm honesty and sometimes fantastical hope. In 2022, they were the recipient of the Creative Non-Fiction award and overall winner award at the SMHAF Writing Competition. In 2023, Tom won the title of East Coast Champion at the Loud Poets Slam East Coast Heat. This year their poetry film Creature That Breathes was exhibited at Neuk Collective’s members exhibition in Edinburgh, Pittenweem Arts Festival, and will be displayed at Push the Boat Out Poetry Festival, with their pamphlet of the same name released winter 2024.
EmmaClaire Brightlyn grew up in Canada to Scottish parents, leaving her with two passports, two National Insurance numbers, and some ever-shifting vowel placements. She has had a day job telling stories and playing with swords for the past 20 years, and is only now getting to really live the dream: be a mum and share poems. Ever grateful to the New Mothers Writing Circle and I Am Loud Poets for welcoming her in, dusting her off, and giving her the kick in the butt to play with her words.
Ben Macpherson is a Nottingham based writer, performer and theatre maker. His work encompasses plays, poems and prose, and each carries his signature playfulness. Ben’s credits include BBC Radio 2, 4 extra and Local radio as well as live shows that have toured the country. He is also a director of Nottingham Poetry Festival. His debut poetry book Serious Nonsense for Terribly Grown-Up People was published in 2023 by Big White Shed with his second collection due out in autumn 2024.
Mike Yuill is an Edinburgh based performance poet who focuses on often bittersweet poetry, revolving around love, heartbreak and perseverance in a world that can feel increasingly isolating. Having started performing his poems two years ago at Loud Poets' own open mic, he has been featured at various nights around the city and is now being published in Ross Wilcock's Poetry Experiment's Poetry Anthology. His own illustrated collection will be published through Typewronger this winter.
~~~~
“Loud Poets is tearing up the landscape, bringing the ancient art to contemporary audiences – spreading mirth, giggles and talent along the way.” - Corr Blimey
“Go listen to Loud Poets and hear them say the things you’ve been trying to say yourself.” - Shane Koyczan
“There’s a humour, poignancy and most of all confidence which serves to inspire.” - Scotsman
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Magical images created by young carers are on show in a special free-to-see exhibition of photographic illusions as part of Edinburgh’s 15th annual MagicFest.
READ MORESherwood Forest comes to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this season's fun-filled festive Macastory Panto!
READ MOREJoin magician, psychologist and writer Professor Richard Wiseman in a fascinating local history talk exploring the surprising and little-known magical history of Edinburgh.
READ MOREEnjoy erudite entertainment, peek into the secret world of magic, and witness the world’s greatest card trick at this intimate show with Richard Wiseman!
READ MORELaugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show at Scottish Storytelling Centre!
READ MOREStep into a world of wonder with ‘Tinsel & Tricks,’ a captivating magic show presented by young, up-and-coming magicians, Logan Ford and Jamie Leonard!
READ MOREOracle is a jaw-dropping thought-reading experience. Come and brace yourself for moments of true and deep astonishment!
READ MOREClose-Up & Personal blends tricks and illusions with colourful storytelling as Chicago born sleight-of-hand artist Tim Licata reveals his personal journey into the conjuror’s craft.
READ MOREFollowing sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe 2023 and 2024, award-winning magician Dan Bastianelli brings his close-up magic experience to MagicFest on 29th & 30th December!
READ MOREJoin Will Houstoun as he pulls back the curtain on some of the most incredible magicians of days gone by and shares his fascination with the history of magic!
READ MOREJoin psychologist Richard Wiseman and sleight of hand expert Will Houstoun as they introduce you to the world of magic!
READ MOREJoin Tim Porteus and friends on 20th January, for an evening of stories, songs and music to bring us together with hope, humanity and laughter in a dark time!
READ MOREJoin storytellers Bea Ferguson and Jane Mather for a nostalgic celebration of our weird and wonderful new year customs, with a generous dollop of heart-warming stories!
READ MORECome and celebrate Robert Burns as we learn his favourite love song and some of his lowland mooth-music in this workshop with acclaimed singer John Morran at the Scottish Storytelling Centre!
READ MOREDelivered with Mairi Campbell's trademark wit and unparalleled musical ability, this funny and heartfelt show resonates with wider universal truths.
READ MORECelebrate Burns' birthday with family and friends, dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band on 26th January at the Scottish Storytelling Centre!
READ MOREJoin friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories as we celebrating Robert Burns!
READ MOREThe National Theatre of Scotland is touring in 2025 with a brand new show 'Through the Shortbread Tin' and stops off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 8th & 9th April!
READ MORECome along to Love Wednesdays, Scotland's BIGGEST Wednesday night, hosted in the award winning WhyNot Nightclub!
READ MORECome and join the Cyrenians for their delicious Syrian food cooked with love by their award winning chef Noura!
READ MOREJoin The White Heather Ceilidh Club for a bonnie (and wild!) evening of Scottish Ceilidh Dancing in the heart of Edinburgh!
READ MOREJoin this open group at The Salisbury Centre to explore the amazing symbolism of the Tarot, and the many ways in which the cards can support our wellbeing!
READ MOREEnjoy Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other magnificent works by Candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta!
READ MORETalk about doing what it says on the tin! Here you go a carload of simply the best comics on the contemporary Scottish circuit.
READ MOREFrom the utterly sublime to the unapologetically ridiculous, Monkey Barrel Comedy presents a night of comedy at the cliff's edge of surreal humour.
READ MOREBrought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.
READ MORE