Hammer & Tongue Solent’s monthly poetry slam showcases some of the BEST Spoken Word in the UK, as well as bringing high quality, up and coming talent to the local stage.

This friendly event is open to anyone who wants a fun night out where verbal dexterity tops the bill. 8 poets sign up for the monthly poetry slam to perform their best work, impress the judges, and where one wordsmith will win a place in the Regional Finals and a chance to compete in the 2019 National Poetry Slam Final at The Royal Albert Hall.

Our March 14th show also features TWO of the UK’s most exciting, up and coming Spoken Word performers. We’re excited to announce that both the 2018 National Poetry Slam Champion Usama Minhas and the 2018 National Poetry Slam Runner–up Desree will be performing in Southampton at the Art House, fresh from their exhilarating successes at the Royal Albert Hall.

Usama Minhas mixes sophisticated wordplay with philosophy and satire to bring us a fresh perspective on the way he sees the world as well as insights into our shared human condition.

Desree is a high-quality wordsmith who uses rich imagery, rhythm and a passionate delivery to highlight issues of empowerment and relationships.

The Monthly Poetry Slam is an open-to-all, poetry competition, Each poet sigs up at 7pm has 3 minutes on the mic (which begins as soon as they start talking on the mic). On the night, 5 randomly-selected audience members judge each poem (not the poet) on its content, its delivery or how the poem made them think or feel. Top and bottom marks are deducted and the poet with the highest overall score gets a place at the Regional Final in December 2018. So, Come and enjoy what Hammer and Tongues Solent brings to the stage. Local and National talent bringing their unique style to say what should be said.