Today we talk about a common loss that only a gal understands. Yes, the loss of a bag.
Our bags mean a lot to us and when the handle comes off a much cherished pale blue basket (see photo above), it is devastating.
My bag met its demise during a poetry reading at Turnham Green so I guess it was a fitting end at least. My clever pal Trisha Broomfield has written an apt and fitting tribute on such a loss. Great piece, do read on…..
An Ode to a Much Loved Pal
You’ve helped me my sweetness through so many years,
you’ve seen laughter, frustration elation and tears.
Wasn’t that just wonderful?! Thank you so much, Trisha. Beautiful piece that sums up our pain of letting go.
And talking of Trisha, (and me), please catch us with the marvellous Sharron Green as The Booming Lovelies at the Guildford Fringe on Friday 7th July upstairs at the beautiful Keep Pub. See you then….
Welcome back to the talk show studio, and we are honoured to have writer Alice Fowler on our show today….
Welcome to the show, Alice. Now fill us in a bit on your background ….
Hi Heather, thanks for inviting me on your blog. Well, for me it’s always been about the words.
While at university, I did work experience at a local paper, which I absolutely loved. After university, the paper offered me a job. I stayed there for a couple of years and then moved to national newspapers, where I worked for many years. I did everything from interviewing Victoria Beckham to carving up biographies for serialisation.
What a great start to a great career. When did writing become a part of your life?
The honest answer is at primary school. I attended a very small and old-fashioned primary school, which I realise now had barely changed since Victorian times.
We chanted times tables, sat silent with our fingers on our lips and were schooled in the ‘three Rs’ in a very traditional manner! Amidst all that, the headmaster – an austere figure in a three-piece suit – taught a subject called Composition: which really meant,writing stories.
I still recall some of the strange tales I scratched out in my red-covered exercise book, under his stern eye. Perhaps being taught by the headmaster convinced me creative writing was a higher calling. Certainly I formed that view early on, and haven’tchanged it since!
I’ve been writing fiction, both short stories and longer fiction, since my sons were young. Ten years ago we moved to Guildford and I was able to attend some local creative writing classes. I began entering short story competitions, just to see how I’d get on. Winning some competitions and being listed in others gave me fantastic encouragement to keep going.
I also review theatre for the Guildford Dragon website. That keeps my journalistic hand in, as well as ensuring my ‘artist’s well’ is kept topped up. I’ve been lucky enough to watch and review many productions by the wonderful Guildford Shakespeare Company and other theatre groups.
That is such a rich field, Alice. Fascinating. How did you conceive of The Truth has Arms and Legs?
There are twelve stories in the collection, written over around five years. Though I conceived the stories individually, there are certain themes running through them: for example, love, loss, reinvention and the complex relationships between parents and children. The transformative power of education is another theme, which resonates with my own life.
Overall, I’d say the collection explores resilience, and our ability as humans to expand and grow.
I submitted the collection to Fly On The Wall Press last summer, and was delighted when it was accepted.
That’s fantastic, Alice, and such a classy publisher too. Which story is your personal favourite?
That’s a good question. I think it has to be ‘Becoming Your Best You’, in which a woman resets the course of her life and marriage, through a conversation that takes place in a make-up artist’s chair. Though it takes place in a confined setting, the story travels very deeply through the woman’s life, to show how she’s reached this point. I had a lot of fun writing that story.
I’ve been lucky enough to receive some wonderful endorsements for my collection, including one from the acclaimed short story writer Wendy Erskine. Wendy did let slip that this was her favourite story too.
I know you had a successful reading at the Surrey New Writer’s Festival recently, which I was proud to attend – but what is the best reading you’ve had – and the worst?
I can’t answer that – because my recent reading at the Surrey New Writers’ Festival was actually my first! The festival’s ‘Best of Surrey’ theme struck a chord with me, and I was very pleased to be asked to kick-off the open mic.
I read a story called ‘Fight or Flight, April 1916’, which is a darker story than the one I’ve just described. It’s hard to tell what effect you’re creating as you read, but afterwards, several people told me they enjoyed it, and even mentioned it on social media.
I really enjoyed doing the reading, as it’s such a direct way to connect with readers. I sensed the poets who read that day – including you, Heather – were much more practised at reading aloud than I was.
I’d say generally there are fewer opportunities for short story readers to perform their work. I’ve been thinking for some time I’d like to stage a Short Story Showcase, inviting the many talented short story writers around Guildford to read aloud their work. Watch this space!
Well Alice, that story was truly absorbing and I look forward to reading more. Thank you so much for coming on the show. And good luck with your launch on the 6th.
There’s details below to get a copy of this fascinating collection, Poetry Lovers, and I can thoroughly recommend it.
The Truth Has Arms And Legs can be pre-ordered from Fly On The Wall Press here, or from Amazon or Waterstones or your favourite local bookshop. And you can use the app below;
Find out more about my work at www.alicefowlerauthor.com, Twitter @alicefwritesand Instagram @alicefwrites.
Thanks very much for having me on the blog Heather, I wish you all the very best for your writing too.
Thank you so much, Alice.
Wasn’t Alice a wonderful guest, Poetry Lovers. I’m looking forward to getting a copy of The Truth Has Arms and Legs.
Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. We’ll be back with more poetry adventures real soon…..
We’re quite literally on a countdown now to 7th July. This is when the Booming Lovelies will be performing at the Guildford Fringe. Upstairs at The Keep Pub is the place to be at 8 pm that magical night.
We did some great rehearsing yesterday in the lovely Sharron Green’s garden.
Our lovely talented poet and fellow Booming Lovely Trisha Broomfield has recently been touched by the cold hand of COVID.
This ruthless virus plays no favourite and can be random in its selection. Fortunately Trisha recovered swiftly …
Meanwhile, in her usual prolific guise, Trisha penned this splendid piece, which sums it all up. Great piece, Trisha, and so glad you’re on the mend. Well done and keep them coming….
You assumed correctly. Cry Freedom on Sunday was indeed a huge success. Playing to a huge and receptive audience, our words were heard and appreciated. There was a strong atmosphere on and off stage.
For a full review, PL’s. Click this link to the Mark Aspen website http://mark aspen.com. Or if you’re looking to stay on board, you can hear this great interview with Anne Warrington, Cry Freedom’s co-creator.
Interview with Anne Warrington
Turning Poetry into Performance
Heather Moulson
Thanks for coming on the show, Anne and well done.
So, how did the production of Cry Freedom come about?
Anne Warrington
… a spin off from our Anthology, Poems for Ukraine, which in turn was a response to Russia’s invasion and occupation of parts of Ukraine. Many of us throughout the world were aghast when on Thursday, 24th February 2022 television footage was shown of cruise missiles crashing into buildings, and of Ukraine’s civilian population being terrorised and killed by explosive weapons.
As stories filtered through of people fleeing their homes and taking refuge into other European countries, including the UK, our poets at Poetry Performance felt that they would like to do something .
Not unsurprisingly many poems were written about the conflict, and a good number of these were printed and published in our Anthology, Poems for Ukraine, the profits of which have been sent to British-Ukrainian Aid. During the compilation of the Anthology there was a lot of discussion about the concept of Freedom, which in turn led to our production, Cry Freedom.
Heather
How did you and Ken Mason compile the script?
Anne
In many ways this was the easy bit. Once all the poems had been sent, I was able to categorise them into subsets. I supplemented content with other pieces already known to me and which I very much admire, namely Edwin Muir and George Orwell. These writers, I consider are visionary, and their works embody the political structure of a number of regimes of the times, and which are still recognisable in today’s world. Once I’d selected the poems, I was able to link them through the use of narrative,
Heather
How difficult a task was it to select the poems and relevant material?
Anne
No, this wasn’t difficult. In many ways I was spoiled by choice. There were so many good poems sent in. The biggest challenge was in having to reject poems, not because of content or structure, but because I needed to put a limit on the number of poems I could use. If truth be told the poems that were selected were those poets who quickly prompted to my request, providing they had a strong performance element to them and that some of them would be suitable for choral performances.
As we are talking about challenges, Heather, another was in selecting the performers. The extract I used from 1984, for example, is quite lengthy and needed a strong actor with theatrical experience to perform it. Luckily we were blessed with the inclusion of Francis Abbott from the Richmond Shakespeare Society, who not only is an extremely good actor but has a phenomenal memory: he can switch off from one major role and then almost immediately put his mind to another as he did in this production. We were also blessed with other actors who have strong theatrical experience such as Sue Bell, Keith Wait and Sam Ball, who was just wonderful as one of our main presenters. Other poets and performers have what I would call, a natural flair for performance such as Nathan Haisley, Dilly Orme, Andrew Evzona and you, of course, Heather.
Heather
There was quite a lot of music in Cry Freedom. How was this managed?
Anne
Again I was very lucky in that I was able to call on the musicianship of Ian Lee-Dolphin, Annie Morris and Suzy Rowland. Ian and Annie also play guitar. I would say that their inclusion and performance went a long way in making the evening such a success. Ian now has access to an electric guitar and although at first it afforded me a few headaches, once he’d gauged the volume, his playing was electrifying.
Heather
What was it like co-directing a production?
Anne
At times this was a challenge for we both have different approaches to directing. Ken works from what I would describe a clean slate, a bit like Stanislavsky and his method of acting whereas I tend to have a lot of things worked out beforehand. Both methods of course work. However, I was extremely mindful of Ken’s very long experience in directing and in this production he succeeded in creating some really imaginative blocking that aided the subtext of the poetic lines, thus helping to fucus the audience’s attention as for example in the incarceration scene. I learned a lot from working so closely with Ken on this production
Heather
How did you feel about the final result?
Anne
Well, to be honest, the final dress rehearsal, apart from a few performers, was pretty ropey and I just wanted to go home! But to my absolute delight the final result, I thought, was pretty good and I think there’s no better way on finishing this interview by letting a few performers and members of the audience have their say:
“Thank you so much to Anne and Ken for bringing us all together for such a thought provoking and entertaining performance.It was lovely to perform alongside you all, I really enjoyed the whole experience.” Dilly Orme
“Wonderful time, thought–provoking poetry and stories all with meaning emotion and often sadness but with hope for a better world. What an amazing day I’ll remember you all what you performed.” Barbara Lee
“I really enjoyed Cry Freedom yesterday. It was a thrilling, fast moving and diverse performance with much to enjoy. It was great to see so many old friends from PP having such a good time performing. The poetry was very high in standard. I obviously enjoyed the music parts as well. All that hard work in rehearsal definitely paid off..” Clive Rowland
“I just wanted to say how much I (and a friend) enjoyed yesterday’s event – thank you (and all your team) for your hard work putting the varied programme together and ensuring that it was a real ‘performance’ of poetry. And such a good, appreciative audience!! Margaret May
Heather
… and future plans for Poetry Performance?
Anne
Well, I’d like to do another poetry walk, they are great fun but the next bigger theme I have in mind is titled God’s People!! More about that in the next month or so.
Heather
Well, don’t keep us in suspense too long, Anne. That’s very exciting news. Thank you so much for giving us such an insight into a great production, and very well done.
Here are some images from backstage….
Wasn’t that a fascinating and insightful interview with an innovative and prolific director?!
Thanks for tuning in, Poetry Lovers and sharing this extraordinary journey. We’ll be back real soon…….
This is to tell you that Cry Freedom will be at Hampton Hill Theatre on Sunday 4th June.
Directed by Anne Warrington and Ken Mason, with strong poetry, this promises to be a great production.
This is the rehearsal from yesterday at the White House. Many great performers are working hard, including Heather Montford, Connaire Kensit, Sam Ball, Suzy Rigg, Ian Le Dolphin, Sue Bell and many others. Not to mention innovative direction from Anne Warrington and Ken Mason.
We hope to see you there at 4 pm on Sunday.
Thanks for tuning in, Poetry Lovers. We’ll be back after the Cry Freedom performance with a full review. Don’t touch that dial!!
On a sweltering Saturday, I went to the Surrey New Writer’s Festival at the University of Surrey. What an enriching day that was …
While my friend Trisha was in the How to Make a Living as an Author class, I was establishing the two vital points of the day – the cafe and smoking area – then I was satisfied enough to explore the Writing for Performance Panel in the Triangle Room. A powerful team, chaired by Annum Salman, talking about putting words into performance.
Reuniting with the fabulous Jeremy Loynes,
we skipped into the Lunch Time Open Mic in the Square Room (why does this remind me of Play School?!). Here we were treated to fabulous performances from Alice Fowler, a good friend on Twitter, who read from her wonderful new book The Truth has Arms and Legs. Powerful writing, Alice. I can’t wait to get a copy.
Then many delightful pieces including Genevieve Grant-Thompson, Liz Kendall, Elaine McGinty, Sharron Green and Trisha Broomfield
No idea who that last poet is. Blagged her way in there, I’m sure!
A hasty lunch before we embraced the Square Room once again for a conversation with Ellery Lloyd interviewed by the marvellous Sharron Green
I’ve been a big admirer of this crime writing team, and they offered fascinating insight into how they worked together. Keep up the good work, you two!
Then a high tea with Neel Mukherjee and Monica Ali. Nice intelligent writers and even nicer cake! Num! And the day did not stop there, at 5 pm in the Round Room was a Paths to Publication Panel and in the Triangle Room, a Visual Writing Panel.
So wonderful to spend a day with my lovely pals, Trisha Broomfield, Sharron Green and Elaine McGinty
Thank you for an enriching day out, Surrey Writer’s Festival, and thank You, Poetry Lovers for tuning into my story. We’ll be back with more poetry adventures real soon…..
Yes, PL’s, you heard right. I spent the entire afternoon with Roger McGough at The Exchange in Twickenham. And yes, me and at least 300 others but….
Myself and the lovely Sharron Green aka rhymes_n_roses and Booming Lovely, were honoured to be among the finalists in the Roger McGough Poetry Competition.
It was also a pleasure to meet the talented Claudia Court and Lara Frankena, who I have loved on 1000 Monkeys zoom readings. Plus a real bonus to meet Judith Wozniak from the SKEGS stanza group
Judith was placed third with her lovely poem Five Foot in her Slippers. A great piece and a great poet, well done Judith.
Now I know what you’re thinking, Poetry Lovers, did I win first prize and take my rightful place Up There with the hallowed Roger? The answer is No, (bore!).
However as compensation, I got Roger to sign my anthology and had a photo taken with him. He stood up especially. Bless him
Am I a schmoozer or what?!
The adorable Sharron Green got in there too;
Us two, eh? No stopping us. I am honoured to be part of this anthology and I strongly recommend it
It was a lovely afternoon, directed by Anne Warrington, with some delightful poetry and a great atmosphere. Presented to perfection by the wonderful Sam Ball. Catch him in Cry Freedom at Hampton Hill Theatre on 4th June at 4 pm. A real delight.
Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. I have more adventures to share real soon……
This week, we give another nod to lovely poet and tutor Sue Burge who feeds me a poetry gym keyword every week. I would thoroughly recommend it.
A very recent task was to make a poem using the word H. This particular letter has a distinct sound as you draw breath to say it. And it’s at the front of all sort of fun words and emotions.
Here’s a hapless piece (you’re getting it already, aren’t you!) I drew up. Grim in places but you know how it is…..
Hapless Piece
Homesickness woke me but hope warmed my coffee
Happiness not at home but humility washed the dirty plates
Hovering cigarette in the ashtray and an unwashed floor
Hatred could so easily take over the household, with
Humiliation moving in as its housemate.
Haplessness could so easily succumb to hysteria but
Home is the only place I have.
H Moulson 2023
And if that one didn’t depress you, this one will….
Got up. Happiness not at home so
Hope warms up my coffee
Heartwarming clothes on the dryer
Wool engulfs my cold skin
However, the day looked dire
H Moulson 2023
Do have a shot at this. All the letters we take for granted can open up a new meaning. I look forward to your H pieces first.
Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. More poetry action real soon…..
Now I love writing about housework, I have no idea why. I’m not an avid follower of this practice. (Sneezes from the dust).
I mean, my dollshouse is immaculate, not a hair out of place but a 1:1 home …. Well….
The lovely talented poet Trisha Broomfield has given us a sharp insight into the nostalgia we carry of our mothers doing housework as we were growing up. Who remembers Fight the Flab by the hallowed Terry Wogan? Everybody, I think. This is so well summed up.
Do read on for this lovely piece….
Dusting
Mum wore stilettos to do the dusting
kicking them under the sideboard
the minute Terry Wogan began his
Fight the Flab.
She bent, stretched,
plied her way round the dining room,
stopping only to make a coffee
with full cream milk.
The dust awaited her return,
settling down softly
behind her back.
Afternoons were filled with ironing
she burnt through dad’s vest
while watching the racing on TV,
as her choice romped home lengths ahead.
The next day, more dusting,
spraying surfaces with Pledge
daring dust to settle.
It took no notice.
Motes floated,
slid along sunbeams chuckling
daring her to flick her yellow duster.
But she did,
stilettos at the ready, duster in hand
she gave battle daily.
20/04/2023Trisha Broomfield
Wasn’t that wonderful, PL’s. Thank you so much, Trisha. Please keep them coming. There is housework in all our souls, as cherished as cooking…..
Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. We’ll be back with more poetry action real soon….
Heather Moulson
Many of us throughout the world were aghast when on Thursday, 24th February 2022 television footage was shown of cruise missiles crashing into buildings, and of Ukraine’s civilian population being terrorised and killed by explosive weapons. 
We were also blessed with other actors who have strong theatrical experience such as Sue Bell, Keith Wait and Sam Ball, who was just wonderful as one of our main presenters. Other poets and performers have what I would call, a natural flair for performance such as Nathan Haisley, Dilly Orme, Andrew Evzona and you, of course, Heather.
Ian now has access to an electric guitar and although at first it afforded me a few headaches, once he’d gauged the volume, his playing was electrifying. 
Both methods of course work. However, I was extremely mindful of Ken’s very long experience in directing and in this production he succeeded in creating some really imaginative blocking that aided the subtext of the poetic lines, thus helping to fucus the audience’s attention as for example in the incarceration scene. I learned a lot from working so closely with Ken on this production
then I was satisfied enough to explore the Writing for Performance Panel in the Triangle Room. A powerful team, chaired by Annum Salman, talking about putting words into performance. 
Catch him in Cry Freedom at Hampton Hill Theatre on 4th June at 4 pm. A real delight. 
Heather Moulson 