Review: (Not) The End Of The World Open Mic

Despite the best efforts of the ice and snow to knock our merry band of creative writing enthusiasts off our bikes, we made the short ride out to the event only a few minutes before the first acts were due on. This was an error on our part…

The night started as all Creative Writing Society nights start: in a loud, bustling, and undersized room in one of Norwich’s array of wonderful pubs and cafés. This time round, it was the The Bicycle Shop, a fantastic bar/café on St Benedicts Street. The room was packed to absolute capacity (in a space that seats around 30, there were 50 including the bar staff). Every available surface was being sat on or leaned against. Us latecomers had to find a space on the stairs!

Marie-Claire Emecheta performing one of her captivating poems

Each performer had five minutes for their little slice of creativity, and all were packed with so much honesty and emotion that not a single one felt over-long or undeserved. The speakers’ energy was buoyed up, and was reflected by the atmosphere and support of the CWS crowd, who never failed to feel welcoming.

The 15 person line-up was so good that every performer was a highlight, but those that really stepped up were Emily Chou and Marie-Claire Emecheta.

Emecheta rounded off the night with a fantastic set, but an honourable mention goes to Otto Billström for being the only singer-songwriter on the bill and still killing it.

This Tab reviewer also says thanks to the organisers and comperes Megan Pattie, Lewis Buxton, and Alex Valente (with probably more than a little help behind the scenes from the ever growing CWS-family).

The night ended as it began: cycling in the snow. Slightly sober, smiling.

If you have never been to a Creative Writing Society event, then The Tab urges you to check out their Facebook page.