Ugh, February is dreary. Although to be fair, life with a small boy life is never entirely dull: in just the last week Gruff has been to his first rave at the Southbank Centre – where he waved a glowstick to ‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)’ – had his first haircut, and learned to say eyes, mouth and melon.
There have also a couple of enjoyable poetic nights out – a performance of Luke Wright’s fantastic new show ‘What I Learned from Johnny Bevan’, which had real depth and political punch, and a chance to read in Lewes at the Monday Literary Society, where I caught up with Catherine Smith (and grabbed a copy of her latest pamphlet ‘The New Cockaigne’ – a very funny, filthy satire).
Mainly though, I’ve been playing singing ‘Old Macdonald had a horse’ and staring at raindrops.
Spring though! It’s coming, and with it lots of excitement. Not least the start of my Ovid tour. I’ve just received copies of the gorgeous letters the artist and poet Sophie Herxheimer has made as props, and am spending all today rehearsing in my living room whilst passing neighbours and postmen look at me through the window like I’m crazy. And here are the first dates (drumroll):
Lancaster, Sunday 8th March, 8pm (a pocket version of the show … performance and partial set, no stage lighting) The Gregson, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster LA1 3PY
Tickets: in person at the Visitor Information Centre, The Storey, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster LA1 1TH or via http://www.litfest.org
Prices: £10 / £8
York, Monday 23rd March, 8pm
Quad South Hall, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk YO31 7EX
Tickets: free, but must be booked via http://www.yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk
Bristol, Thursday 21st May, 8pm Alma Tavern Theatre, 18-20 Alma Vale Road, Avon, Bristol BS8 2HY
Tickets: 0117 973 5171
http://www.almataverntheatre.co.uk
Prices: £10 / £8
Oxford, Thursday 9th July
Burton and Taylor Studio Theatre, 11 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW
Tickets: 01865 305305
http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/aboutus/btstudio.aspx Price and time tbc
Hope to see some of you there.
While I’m here a couple of other links too. I’m very pleased that Ovid’s Heroines is now available as an ebook (currently a bargainous £5.37) And I have also reviewed a selection of recent pamphlets in the latest Poetry London – you can read the review online. Will be back with a proper blog soon…
clarepollard 
At this time of year, I usually share this video to help people through the dark months of January and February. You can never hold back Spring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgeZEdbv_m8
And not to forget: “You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” —Pablo Neruda