Queer'Say at Canada Water Culture Space

A POETRY reading with a difference will take place at the Canada Water Culture Space next week.

Organised by comedian and radio presenter Rosie Wilby, Queer'Say features three spoken word artists who will perform on stage before being taking part in a Q&A.

The idea for the event came about as a result of an hour-long radio programme Rosie hosts on Resonance FM, a community radio station which broadcasts in South London from its base in Borough.

"We always have some really interesting guests on the Out In South London show I host including musicians who come and sing live, poets and artists," says Rosie.

"I'd noticed spoken word is a really big scene in London at the moment and featuring them on the radio works really well.

"However we only broadcast for an hour a week so I wanted to do something to showcase what they are up to and have it as an extra element to the show.

"I also thought a live event would enable us to reach out and engage more directly with our audience as well as others who may not have heard the show and thought having a Q&A as an added extra would help us do that.

"I got a bit of funding from the Arts Council and put on a show at the Bedford Pub in Balham and now we are doing the first of two performances at the Canada Water Culture Space."

The first one on Friday, July 4 will feature Jasmine Ann Cooray, Cat Brogan and Lambeth-based Nick Field. The second will be in October.

"It's very exciting because they are great acts and will be really interesting to see, hear and chat to," adds Rosie.

"Nick Field is very visual and so it will be great for the audience to see him and what he does as well as be part of a recording and see how it is all put together.

"After each act has done their bit, I take them to the other side of the stage, we have a chat - I try and make it feel as though it's in my sitting room - and then there is a Q&A with the audience," she adds.

The show will be recorded live and then be edited before it goes out on the radio. Those who want to hear the whole thing can also listen on the Out In South London website.

"It has the potential to become a regular event which I'm really excited about," says Rosie.

Queersay takes place at the Canada Water Culture Space on Friday, July 4 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10, £8 concessions.

Visit www.canadawaterculturespace.org.uk/events/queersay or www.outinsouthlondon.wordpress.com or call the box office on 020 8692 4446.