Interview: Anna Freeman, Blahblahblah

This weekend, Bristol poetry / spoken word programmer Blahblahblah presents three days of performances and conversations with some of the biggest names in poetry and spoken wordery.

A collaboration between Tangent Books, Bristol Old Vic and The Thunderbolt Arts Pub, the weekend features performances from John Hegley, Vanessa Kisuule and London’s hottest spoken word night Tongue Fu, plus a stripped-back, intimate spoken word performance from 2014 Mercury Prize nominee Kate Tempest and a session on writing for theatre by Bristol’s Amy Mason. Other events include silly workshops for young ‘uns and discussion tea parties, a poetry disco bar and more.

I’ve been hosting Blahblahblah since 2013, when I took over from the legend that is Byron Vincent. Byron had already built Blah into a brilliant platform for spoken word, and I was dead scared I’d take this wonderful event and somehow make it die, which is exactly how I feel whenever someone hands me a baby to hold.

It hasn’t died. It’s been growing, and learning to do stuff like sell tickets all by itself. And, just like any parent, I bang on about it on Facebook far too much. Its success has a lot more to do with the poets we feature but still, I’m well proud. Look at its lovely faces.

I programme Blah by choosing the poets I most want to watch, and then I get paid to see them be ace, and all I have to do is stay sober enough to stand up and introduce them – which isn’t that sober, really. It’s a brilliant gig.

Kate Tempest

We sell out almost every month. Spoken word is creeping from the underground and people are starting to realise that poetry is relevant, funny, beautiful – everything GCSE English tried to stop you noticing.

Blah’s Big Weekend is our celebration. Working with Tangent Books and The Thunderbolt Arts Pub, we’ve managed to catch some of the most exciting voices in the UK and we’re going to make them say stuff to us.

This isn’t just a performance showcase, though. We’re having discussion tea parties (with cake, obviously) about the best ways of getting published and how to make spoken word theatre, with agents, producers and publishers invited to speak. We’d love the writing community to come and really get involved, be a proper part of the discussion.

Jonny Fluffypunk

We’ve also got writing workshops. The anarchic and delightfully moustachioed Jonny Fluffypunk (above) will be running a workshop for 5-7-year-olds and Amy Mason, writer of the award-winning The Islanders, will be running a workshop for adults. Vanessa Kisuule, our poet in residence, will be in the foyer creating custom poems for anyone who needs one. Lots of the stuff we’re doing is cheap or free – on Saturday you could come to the Old Vic at 10.30am and stay till 11pm, and only spend the same amount you might on a pub lunch.

My top recommendations? Um, all of it. Of course, Kate Tempest and John Hegley. But I’m especially excited to be able to bring poetry collective Tongue Fu to Bristol. Their poets do their stuff with the improvised backing of a live band. The poets could ask for something specific, ‘I’d like a cover of the Jurassic Park theme but played in 90’s Grunge style,’ or something abstract, ‘Can you play me a song that smells like the corridor at school?’ and the band come up with it on the spot.

Tongue Fu. Pic: Steve Ullathorne

They’re incredibly intuitive musicians, and will be featuring Bellatrix, Female World Champ Beatboxer. I’d go to an event just to see her do her stuff. The poets themselves are amazing and all really different from each other; the witty and astute Salena Godden, lovely, beardy comedian Tim Clare and Vanessa Kisuule, Bristol’s own, who recently represented the UK at the World Slam in Paris. Any of the three of them could headline a night by themselves.

I’m also excited about the last event, Kick Back Sunday at The Thunderbolt Arts Pub. I’ve managed to persuade Tim Clare, stand-up comedian Angie Belcher and World Slam Champ Harry Baker to come and give previews of their Edinburgh shows, and we’re making it a totally free event. The weather looks like it’ll be rubbish, but you can come and sit in the pub and watch Edinburgh Fringe shows absolutely free. And there’s a covered garden. And there’ll be homemade stew. I’m pretty chuffed about all of that.

Blah’s Big Weekend is at Bristol Old Vic (Thursday, April 30-Saturday, May 2) and The Thunderbolt Arts Pub (Sunday, May 3). For more info and to book tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/blahbigweekend.html 

Anna Freeman photo by Paul Blakemore