Open Mic Night

A wealth of nervous talent sat sipping the beverage of their choice whilst awaiting their turn to step up to the microphone at the Verulam Writers’ Circles first ‘Open Mic’ night.

Around thirty writers and published authors were there to share their current, new or emerging works. A beautiful blend of poetry and prose entwined to create an evening of laughter, tension and depth. Members from the Tring and Leighton Buzzard writing circles came along to share their work. Not to forget those who’d seen the advertisements locally and dropped in to join the fun.

Just a look around the faces of those listening was proof enough of the power of manuscripts read. The audience were regaled with laughter one moment only to be dragged to a dark place by the next reader. An excellently balanced evening all kept in order by the wonderful Brian Higgins who gave his time free to compere the evening.

The poets took us on a journey from intricately woven words, to the cheeky and rude and on through the thought provoking and heartfelt beauty of others. These were interspersed with prose in various genres.

Children’s authors took us from fairy trouble making us laugh out loud to the darkness of being buried alive within a coffin; even the air around the room dropped a degree. The shades of light and dark continued throughout the evening which never became boring. The material for the adult market was peppered with the political, religious (or not), risqué, historical, radio scripts or documentary stories and on to the slightly sinister. These were all shared by knee shaking readers and responsive audience.

But none of this could have been achieved without the excellent organisational skills of Ian Cundell and a very supportive Jes Guy. And of course without the kindness and support from the Goat Inn on Sopwell Lane.

This has to be repeated again. It can’t be a one off.