Our annual explosion of political poetry and unflinching wordplay is back. Exploring social issues through high-octane performances from some of the greatest wordsmiths of our time. This year’s Poetry with a Punch will take place in the incredible St George’s Hall, a venue famed for hosting radical social activists, from the suffragettes to the abolitionists, and the perfect setting for an evening of passionate poetry.

Opening their souls to us this year are multifaceted spoken word artist George The Poet, with punk-poet Atilla the Stockbroker, award-winning writer Anthony Anaxagorou, musical artist Caleb Femi, Palestinian poet Farah Chamma, and writer and actress Rosie Fleeshman.

About The Poets

George The Poet

George The Poet is a multifaceted artist, championing a new brand of poetry, that has been critically acclaimed. From his poetry collection Search Party to his striking and thought-provoking podcast Have You Heard George’s Podcast, George unearths and addresses a vast array of political, cultural and social matters.

Atilla the Stockbroker

John Baine, better known by his stage name Attila the Stockbroker, is a punk poet, multi instrumentalist musician and songwriter. He performs solo and as the leader of the band Barnstormer 1649, who combine early music and punk.

Anthony Anaxagorou

Anthony Anaxagorou is a British-born Cypriot award-winning poet, fiction writer, essayist, publisher, and poetry educator. He has published nine volumes of poetry, a spoken-word EP, and a collection of short stories. He is the founder of Out-Spoken. GB.

 

Caleb Femi

Poet and director featured in the Dazed 100 list of the next generation shaping youth culture. Using film, photography and music Caleb pushes the boundaries of poetry both on the page, in performance and on digital mediums. Between 2016-2018, Caleb was the Young People’s Laureate for London working with young people on a city, national and global level. Caleb performs and speaks internationally gracing major stages, institutions and festivals.

Farah Chamma

Farah Chamma is a Dubai-born Palestinian performer. She is currently doing her MA in Performance and Culture at Goldsmiths University.

Rosie Fleeshman

Rosie Fleeshman has worked as an actress since the age of 10, beginning her career in the Peter Pan stage play at The Lowry Salford. In addition to an extensive stage experience, she has regularly recorded radio plays for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 7

About The Host

Testament

Testament is a writer, rapper and world record breaking human beatboxer. His play Black Men Walking was nominated at the UK Theatre Awards and the Writer Guild Awards. Testament’s work includes the celebrated Hip-Hop album ‘Homecut: No Freedom Without Sacrifice’ and ‘play Blake Remixed’. He’s recently presented BBC Radio 4 Pick of The Week.