Into The Uncanny – Poetry Reading and Open Mic, Saturday 7 June, 7.30pm

In our first-ever poetry event at The George, acclaimed Cheltenham-based poets Zoe Brooks and Anna Saunders will read INTO THE UNCANNY, a collaborative sequence of poems drawing on the ‘other worlds’ of myth, fairytale and legend to address urgent topical themes.

After the break, Steph Smith hosts an OPEN MIC SESSION for poets and would-be poets to read their own work. For more info and details of how to take part, see below.

This is a PAY AS YOU FEEL event – please donate what you can to help cover our running costs. Bar and snacks available. ALL WELCOME. Please note: space in our upstairs Gallery is limited. To be sure of a seat, please book a free ticket using the form below.

MEET THE POETS

Zoe Brooks loves performing and has been reading poetry (her own and other people’s) since the 1990s. Her work has appeared in many anthologies, and her long poem Fool’s Paradise won the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition award for best poetry e-book 2013.

Anna Saunders has been described by the literary magazine The North as ‘a poet who surely can do anything.’ Her latest book is The Prohibition of Touch (Indigo Dreams, 2022). Based in Cheltenham, Anna works as a creative writing tutor,  journalist, broadcaster and  copywriter/editor.  She is also a co-founder and joint director with Zoe of the Cheltenham Poetry Festival.

ABOUT THE OPEN MIC

If you’ve written an original poem and would like a chance to read it to a live audience, this is for you!  Anyone can participate, whether you’re a seasoned poet, a budding writer or just someone who enjoys poetry. The session will be hosted by Steph Smith. Poems should be no longer than 40 lines and each participant will have a four-minute slot.

• Please arrive in good time and add your name to the list provided at the entrance to the Gallery. The list will close at 7.15pm.
• The session will begin with a reading by Steph. Participants will be invited to read in list order.
• Come prepared: Have your poem clearly written out, and read it with confidence.
• Be respectful: Listen to the host and other performers, and follow the guidelines.
• Have fun: Open mics are enjoyable and creative!