Out Loud: Live Poetry in the Library

an 18+ event 

Spork! Poetry presents a night of fabulous live poetry and spoken-word at Paignton Library. An evening celebrating LGBTQ+ voices with a range of styles from the sublime to the downright silly. Poetry that’ll smack you right in the feels, lick your funny bones, and leave you (hopefully) wanting more!

Featuring theatre maker and poet Eryn McDonald, the Exeter City Slam winner Casey Garfield, and silly wordsmith Chris White.

Eryn McDonald is a poet, performer and theatre maker from the South West. They have performed at events across Bath, Bristol and beyond, including NozStock Hidden Valley Festival, Soft Butch and Mind Over Slammer. In 2023, they were part of the Apples and Snakes ‘Future Voices’ commission, creating the poetry film Murmuration. 

Eryn is the writer of the solo spoken word show 'She Doesn’t Live Here Anymore' (2023) and co-creator of 'Girlhood on T' (2024) with Aish Humphreys. Their work often explores trans and non-binary identity through poetry, performance and theatre. 

Casey Garfield is a queer poet based in Exeter. The author of several published collections including ‘hi hello I love you, my name is Casey Garfield’ (Ghost City Press), their work has appeared in publications such as Maudlin House and Ink, Sweat & Tears. They’ve performed everywhere from libraries and arts centres to punk gigs and drag shows in the back room of a nacho restaurant. They’ve facilitated and made work for Exeter Pride and Exeter Trans Pride, and for the NHS Wellbeing Service.  They are the current 'Bard of Exeter' and recently won the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature City Slam, and so will represent Exeter in Slamovision 2026.

Informed by their experiences of ongoing recovery from long COVID, Casey’s recent practice focuses on exploring health and rest, sharing queer joy, and celebrating comfort and tenderness wherever it can be found or made. 

Chris White is a performer, poet and the soggiest bottom in all Exeter. The founder of Spork! Poetry, he’s a slam winning poet who frequently performs his work at nights and festivals from WOMAD to Tongue Fu. He was the first Riddler in Residence at Exeter Cathedral, has performed on buses and boats, and likes writing silly words about queerness, identity and ducks.

A night of spoken-word brilliance that you’re bound to love. With a chance for you (yes you!) to get involved, with an audience poem, and a Devon Limerick Competition!! Come along with pre-written limericks or write them on the night! Prizes will be up for grabs

Out Loud is a series of LGBTQ+ poetry events in Devon Libraries; a collaboration between Exeter based poetry night Spork!, with Villages in Action, and Libraries Unlimited. Plus support from Doorstep Arts. This event is funded by Arts Council England

This event is for ages 18+, as there will likely be some strong language and adult themes. Open to all adults, LGBTQ+ people, allies, or poetry-curious!!

Doors open at 7pm. The show starts at 7.30pm. Running time is approx 1hr 15 mins including an interval. 
There will be a bar serving soft drinks.

Tickets are £4 for Library Members (£6 for non-members) plus a small booking fee when booking online