Old and young poets performed to a full house last night, beautifully compered by Michaela Ridgway. Faber’s Fergus Allen, Tommy Sissons and Gramski (from the Spoken Word) for two sets each, intersperced with the open micers.
Fergus Allen is a genius. At 90 he is full of energy and humour. His poems ranged form melancholic to ironic humour. Starting with ‘Curtains’ he moved swiftly through a whole range of topics including pubic hair. I bet he would hate to be called lovable, but quite simply, he was!
On sale too was his book ‘Fergus Allen’s New & Selected 
Poems’ which contains some poems from his first collection, published at seventy-two, four collections from the next twenty years, and twelve new poems. I did not buy it at the time, bit too busy on the door etc. But now looking it up on line! Honestly a guy who first got published at 72! Brilliant! 
Tommy Sissons is currently the Brighton Hammer and Tongue Slam Champion, coming 5th in the national finals. He works closely with ‘Word Up’ and ‘Audio Active’ among other organisations. He writes about urban lifestyles and working class values among other subjects, mixing wordplay with rhythm. He is humorous as well as thought-provoking. I loved his stuff about learning to cook.
Gramski specialises in taking a word from the audience and making a nonstop association with it. A breathtaking feat followed up with all kinds of variations on several different themes. Great poem too in praise of woman and his mum in particular.
10 eager poets signed up for the open mic slots and with just 2 minutes each managed to give us a wonderful variety of poetic styles.
Please note – confusion has sometimes arisen regarding opening times for Pighog Plus. I can confirm that the cafe is closed from 7,pm to 7.45 while it is busy setting up for the event. The actions starts at 8.pm and entry costs a modest £5 and £3 for concessions.
Quite honestly might be best to book on-line as this event has got so popular. Tea, Coffee, Wine etc are available from the friendly Redroaster staff.
Next one the last Thursday in April. Don’t miss out on the brightest poetic event in Brighton, great audience always friendly and the whole range of Pighog Press’s pamphlets on sale.
Trying a bit harder with my own poetry, managed to get some off to latest comps.
Ann Perrin 
Sounds a great night (but then it always is). Sorry I missed it but your review almost made me feel as though I was there.