There is a very lively Slam scene in Manchester and they can be very good fun.
The thing about Slams is that they are totally open, anyone can stand up and spout.
Which means that they are unpredictable. Sometimes you sit there cringing, sometimes you are suddenly hit by something good. The audience participates fully. The best work rarely gets the warmest reception. It is more like panto than anything. Which is why poets like Rosie Lugosi do so well hosting Slams. The audience is often very wild - that is part of the experience of a Slam. Most people behave like 'morons' when they are drunk btw.
If you want to participate in a poetry riot, go to a well established Slam. If you want to read quietly and deeply and be inter-lect-ully challenged, it might be better to buy a good book off Chris and sit and read it.
Then you could send us all an interesting review and everyone would be improved.
Liz
