2 – 3pm | £5
A Commonplace – Poetry, Commentary & Ephemera
Jonathan Davidson’s newly published collection, A Commonplace (Smith|Doorstop 2020), is unusual in containing not only his own work but also ‘guest poems’ by nearly a dozen other poets, including Mick North, Catherine Byron and Jackie Kay. The poems are linked with a commentary – the back-story to some of Jonathan’s own poems, tiny essays on why these ‘guest poems’ are so important to him, and a series of footnotes carrying useful and useless ephemera.
In this event, Jonathan will attempt to recreate the 98 page conversation that is A Commonplace. He will read a few of his own poems but will also invite the audience to hear these poems through their own voices. There will be some conversation about the importance of bricks and apples for contemporary poetry, and about memory loss and the English Revolution and Bertolt Brecht in Finland, and about how to write a collection that refuses to be a slim volume.
Welcome to Kendal Poetry Festival. This year, the 3-day festival in our beautiful South Lakes town has become a 9-day immersive online experience, bringing together poets, audiences and organisers from across the UK. Tickets range from £0 to £5 for readings and £16.50 to £45 for workshops. We also have a limited number of £60 festival passes, giving access to all events (excluding workshops). This is a huge saving of £40 if you bought each ticket individually. All audience members will be issued with invitations to two free half-hour sessions: “Zoom for Beginners”: Thursday 4th February, 19.00; and “How to make the Most of Your Online Festival Experience”: Thursday 11th February, 19.00.
The first 200 people to buy a ticket will receive an exclusive Festival Survival Kit contains a limited edition Kendal Poetry Festival badge, surprise gifts from a couple of our local sponsors, and an exclusive pamphlet – featuring work from Dove Cottage Young Poets; visual art from our Young Artist in Residence; and work from local poet and artist Alan Forsyth.
With our trademark emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, we continue to offer free tickets to young people and people with disabilities. We have extended our offer to include all local care home staff and residents. These are difficult, distant times, but poetry brings us together. Whether it’s your first time at our festival or whether you’ve been before, whether you’re in Kendal or Canada, Windermere or Wisconsin, we’re happy to have you with us.
PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT
Brewery Members receive a 10% discount on most ticketed live performances and event tickets, sign in to your account to take advantage of these discounts.
All our ticket prices include a 50p commission. This fee helps us continue to fund our diverse programme. Creative learning classes & workshops are exempt.
Audio Description (AD) is available in Screen 1. Infrared audio system is available in both Cinema Screens 1 and 2. Induction loops (T) are in place in the Theatre, please ask for assistance on the door.
Some live events may carry strict age restrictions, these are outlined on our website. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times during evening events.
Unwaged* – For those in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax credits, Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support. Discounts may not be applicable on certain events.
