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Writers’ Shack in association with Waddington Street Centre and Talking Pen proudly presentsPOETRY JAM
Featuring ELAINE CUSACK, LEWIS BROWN and LUCY DAWLISH.
ELAINE CUSACK has been writing and performing poetry since her teens. Her debut pamphlet 'Bed and Breakfast with Lydia Lunch' was published 40 years ago and since then she’s collaborated with artists, photographers and musicians in order to explore and challenge her creativity. Elaine has worked as a journalist, volunteered in community radio and is currently Patron of Felling Volunteer Library. Recent books include memoir ‘The Princess of Felling’ and last year’s pamphlet ‘Don’t hassle me with your sighs, Blyth.’
LEWIS BROWN is a Newcastle-based poet and spoken word performer, fascinated with horror, alienation and queerplatonic love. He has performed in galleries and graveyards, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Royal Albert Hall, the Scottish National Slam Championships and on BBC Radio Newcastle. Lewis has been featured in anthologies and periodicals. He published the Spooky Poet Club anthology.
LUCY DAWLISH is from Chester-le-Street and describes herself as mildly eccentric rather than a freak. Her free-verse poetry is an eclectic mix of personal experience, life as an autistic woman, and a deep connection to the land. Writing became a way to quiet the thoughts bouncing around in her head, keeping her work raw and unapologetically human. She discovered a passion for live poetry performance in May 2026 after reading publicly at The Late Shows in Gateshead. She loves portrait photography, landscape painting, and playing bass guitar.
Three fantastic guests plus quick-fire open floor readings of wide-ranging poetry in the cosy Waddy café lounge - ideal for road-testing new work in front of a warm and appreciative audience. Beginners and slam champions have graced this space. Bring your words and join in. Or sit back and soak up the lyrical atmosphere. Either way, get on down to Waddy - jamming good poetry in Durham City since 2009.
Admission Free
Doors Open 7.00pm
Open Floor Slots 7.30pm
Waddington Street Centre, 3 Waddington Street, Durham, DH1 4BG
near viaduct, behind new students’ accommodation, three mins walk from bus station
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Event venue
Waddington Street Centre, 3 Waddington Street, Durham, DH1 4BG, United Kingdom
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