Past Events

Verbalise is one of Brewery Arts’ most beloved community events, where emerging voices meet world-renowned artists on a shared stage. Join us either Live or Online, sign up and take part, or sit back and enjoy!

February guests are Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger.

Please email annthepoet@gmail.com to book an open mic spot of up to 4 mins, including introductions. Include your words so they can be screen-shared during your performance. Please state if you will be attending live or online. 

• Tickets – In-person Attendee£8.50      Online Attendee£5.00

‘Two Wolverhampton storytellers and poets share their one-man / one-woman show.’

Steve Pottinger’s Sweat & Mugs & Rock and Roll, uses anecdotes, stories and insights into life as a stage manager across some of the biggest festivals in Europe.

Emma Purshouse’s Poet Laureate in a Pandemic talks about loving the place you live, even if it isn’t always that lovable. Expect poetry ruminations about Wolverhampton’s Red Emma and famous Man on the Oss.

Tickets:

Standard £15     Member £12     Under 18 £6

A special event open mic for Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival with guests Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger.

All are welcome and all who wish to will get an opportunity to read. No need to prebook – just sign up on the night.

£5 on the door with refreshments included in the ticket price.

This event is part of celebrating the National Year of Reading 2026 at Newcastle Library

Join Emma Purshouse, Steve Pottinger and Nick Degg for an entertaining session of poems from three clever wordsmiths!

FREE but BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Please contact Newcastle library for more information and bookings:

01782 485312 newcastle.library@staffordshire.gov.uk

Join us for a lively and heartfelt morning as Emma Purshouse reads from her latest poetry collection, Unsung, published by Offa’s Press. Known for her sharp wit and emotional depth, Emma’s work blends humour, poignancy, and powerful storytelling rooted in the Black Country.

Emma is a freelance writer, performance poet, and novelist who served as Wolverhampton’s first Poet Laureate (2020–2022). She’s a poetry slam champion, a published author for both adults and children, and her work has earned national recognition including third place in the prestigious National Poetry Competition in 2022.

Expect an engaging performance filled with laughter, insight, and moving reflections. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry enthusiast or simply curious about voices from the Midlands, Unsung offers a unique and memorable experience.

Emma will be MCing an evening of top-notch spoken word featuring Dave Pitt, Morgan Birch and Priyanka Joshi.

There will be 9 open mic slots available of a strict 5 minutes each.  Sign up on the door, names will be drawn from at hat to see who gets to share their work.

This is a Free event as part of Roundabout Fringe.  To find out more about other events going on over the weekend of the 28th/29th/30th November then head to…

https://www.theasylumartgallery.com/fringe-arts-wolves

Emma will be performing her poetry at Gratitude Cafe in Wellington.

There will be books for sale should you wish to purchase Christmas presents.

Join Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger for an afternoon of top-notch spoken word at K Teas Cafe.  Emma will be reading from her new collection, and Steve will be performing work from his recently re-printed collection.  This is a free event.  There will be books for sale should you be on the lookout for Christmas presents.

No need to book just turn up.  K Teas is an independent cafe with an great atmosphere and an amazing range of tea and cakes!

Emma will be reading at Penn Library from her latest collection ‘Unsung’.  The book is a celebration of Black Country culture, history and heritage.