A lively and popular spoken word poetry event which brings together an eclectic line-up of writers and performers from Essex and beyond. Come along and see who takes the stage at this Essex Writers House special, hosted by Southend born and bred poet Hollie Dee and headlined by Hazel Mehmet and Bethany Down. With many more acts raring to go…

About the poets 

Hazel Mehmet
Hazel Mehmet has been using their voice to speak on all things political, all things parenting, and all things queer, since October 2019. They have headlined a number of incredible UK shows, such as The Big Queer Poetry Show, BYOB, Trouble Tongues, Big Trouble Poetry, Brixton Says and Moetry, and have been interviewed for several radio shows. When not parenting, writing, working or correcting people on the pronunciation of their name Hazel also works to help the homeless communities, both personally, and via their global platform Shxts & Scribbles.

Bethany Down
Bethany Down is a Birmingham-bred actor, spoken-word artist, office monkey and part-time Avril Lavigne fanatic. Her poetry is a mix of brutal honesty and personal epiphany; expect tales of heartache, a foul mouth and zero prisoners taken. Her passion for blurring the lines between theatre and lyricism have earned her a Genesis slam title, feature slots with Mind Over Matter, Process Productions and The Big Queer Poetry Show (to name a few) and most recently, a global commercial.

Hollie Dee
Hollie is an intuitive & gifted performer. A trained dancer, actress & poet she draws from her collective personal life experience exploring topics such as mental health & mindfulness. Her poetry styles rhythmical, melodic & combined with simple lyrical movement. She creates a conversational story telling feel that’s unmistakeably authentic.