From humble beginnings above a Soho pub in 2007, Polari has gone on to become an award-winning literary movement with a regular residency at London’s Southbank Centre, as well as a touring schedule that brings it to venues and festivals throughout the UK.

Join host and organiser Paul Burston and his hand-picked panel, including playwright and author of ‘The Girl Who Just Appeared’ Jonathan Harvey; critically acclaimed ‘Comedienne’ author VG Lee; performance / video artist Paula Varjack; and writer-performer Christopher Green, creator of faux country singer Tina C and rapping OAP Ida Barr. Together they’ll bring us an evening of ideas and bonhomie guaranteed to entertain, please and educate as they explore their work, its themes and how it all relates to the world at large.

“Lively, funny and inspiring – a gay-themed salon of interest to anyone remotely interested in literature, whatever their sexual bent. Paul Burston’s achievement in consistently bringing together writers and performers who will stimulate and inspire is remarkable” – Patrick Gale

“Always fun, always thought-provoking – a guaranteed good night out” – Sarah Waters

Polari from event brochere

About The Performers

Christopher Green

Christopher Green is an Olivier award-winning performer. His solo work includes comic creations US country music singer Tina C and pensioner rap star Ida Barr, both of whom appear regularly on BBC Radio 4. His theatre shows include ‘Office Party’ and ‘The Frozen Scream’, written with novelist Sarah Waters. Trained in both hypnosis and hypnotherapy, his book ‘Overpowered!’ is the first popular, illustrated history of hypnosis.

Jonathan Harvey

Award-winning playwright, screenwriter and novelist Jonathan Harvey’s many writing credits include the landmark gay play ‘Beautiful Thing’, the TV sitcom ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, and everyone’s favourite soap ‘Coronation Street’. He has also published four best-selling novels. His latest is called ‘The Secrets We Keep’.

VG Lee

VG Lee is a comedian and author of five novels and a short story collection. In 2012 she was nominated for a Stonewall Award for writing and in 2014 won The Ultimate Planet award for Best Established Author. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines including The Lady Magazine.

Paula Varjack

Paula Varjack is an artist working in theatre, spoken word and video. She has performed at numerous arts festivals and cultural spaces including Tate Modern, Glastonbury Festival, Berlin International Literature Festival, The Victoria & Albert Museum and the Southbank Centre. She recently developed a new solo show, ‘Show Me The Money’, exploring the economic reality of being an artist in the UK based on interviews with artists and aspiring artists.