According to the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, Vogon poetry was the worst in the universe.
But you may be in for something even more dire if you head down to the Basement…
The idea behind York’s first ever anti-slam is to showcase poetry that’s “so bad it’s good”.
Throughout 2014 and 2015, the Say Owt Slam has held a number of high energy, sell-out showcases of talents from across the city and beyond.
It has been attended by poets from Newcastle, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Durham and, of course, York.
They’ve been nominated for a Saboteur Award for Best Regular Spoken Word Event and started a podcast of guests.
But now they want to try something a little different.
Bad = genius
A quickfire live spoken word competition, the Say Owt slam is won by the best poet on the night. But for the anti-slam, the worst poet will be victorious.
A selection of York’s finest poets, comedians, actors and theatre-makers have been challenged to create some terrible poetry.
Which one can write a poem so bad it transcends bad into genius?
Expect a unique feast of good humour, outlandish performances and lashings of spoken word silliness!
The Anti-Slam will be hosted by Dan Simpson. Dan has performed at Glastonbury, Lamar Tree Festival, The National Theatre, BBC Radio & BBC Edinburgh Slam.
He’s “a bundle of nerdy goodness, vibrant performer and charmingly exuberant stand-up spoken word star”..
Dan will also be leading a workshop on Saturday 30th April. But this one will be about writing great poetry!
It’s in the upper-foyer of York Theatre Royal 11am-1pm and costs a mere £5. Anyone welcome, whatever their experience.