It may be a bit of a trek from Brighton but poetry at the Troubadour in Brompton Road is well worth a visit. The last reading before Christmas was a chance to forget winter blues. Although the theme for the poetry was blue, we had invited poets reading poetry their own and other people’s, as well as a musical quizz. The advantage of Troubadour is the warm and welcoming atmosphere, both in the cafe and at the poetry sessions in the basement.
There was an intriguing range of poems, covering many associations with of the colour blue. There is a long list of poems linked with the theme on Anne-Marie Fyfe’s facebook page.
The invited poets reading were all ages and wondered how they had chosen what to read, and/or what exactly had inspired their own poem. I found myself taking a quick photo of most of the poets, I loved watching how the light fell on their faces.
The poetry was of course wonderful, so many poets in quick succession and so many different styles. 
Over the season Anne-Marie Fyfe has arranged for poets such as Billy Collin, Paul Muldoon, Mark Doty, Mimi Khalvati and Tamar Yoseloff to appear. Faber poets and poets from the Poetry School have also been reading. I think poetry at Troubadour is almost a course in enlightenment in it’s own right.
If the Brighton to London train services were not so dreadful on Sundays I would have attended more of Anne-Marie’s workshops. Although a leg injury has slowed me down a bit recently.
Anne-Marie’s workshops are so inspirational and supportive, I just love them. Was sorry to have missed one on time and clocks, but sometimes she repeats them, as they are often over subscribed! Maybe the service from Brighton to London will improve as promised, when the next series starts.
Ann Perrin 