All Staffs English and Creative Writing students are eligible to attend regular, social Open Mics.
These sessions attract students from all years of study, a diverse group of academics, and even English and Creative Writing alumni.
They’re a great opportunity to hear the great variety of work our creative community is crafting.
You can also choose to participate, improve your confidence and reveal your work to a friendly, supportive audience, or find like minds to collaborate with.
At our last Open Mic, students, alumni, and academics debuted a variety of poetry, short stories, one-act plays, and more.
3rd year student Jamie debuted a one-act play with their friend Marshall.
“I’m doing something tonight with one of my friends, it’s the first time I’ve written a thing that’s not just me. A lot of things I write are more monologue based, so I thought tonight I might as well experiment and try something else. I get quite nervous but I quite like the notion of coming together in this genuinely quite friendly environment where we all tell stories or whatever.”
Returning English alumnus Danny Morris showcased a dramatic piece of poetry.
“It’s these Open Mic nights that have allowed me to kind of bring myself out and try different things. It’s a really great atmosphere. The lecturers, even beyond graduating, they still foster a kind of creativity and academic journey for you. They’re really invested.
Creatively, this is the place to be for me.”
A Vibrant Celebration
"Our Open Mic Nights are a vibrant celebration of the developing and carefully crafted products of our writing, literary and creative community. Showcasing poetry, short scripts, stand-up comedy, and short prose alongside literary readings, critical observations and music. These events provide the opportunity for students to give authentic professional performances within a supportive and celebratory environment alongside their tutors and visiting writers."
Dr Philippa Holloway
Senior Lecturer, English and Creative Writing (Fiction)