Octopus & Other Sea Creatures We Shine Portsmouth

The Front Room presents Octopuses & Other Sea Creatures – 360° Deep

On Wednesday, February 23rd 2022, The Front Room presented a thematic rendering of ‘Octopuses and other Sea Creatures’ which was first presented as a multi-disciplinary performance piece in March 2019 as part of the New Theatre Royals Festival of the Sea.

Becci Louise reads from her book Octopus Medicine at the launch event for the Octopus Story project in February 2022.

An evening of spoken word, music, performance, and laughter. The audience was told to expect shadows from the deep, sea-shaped spoken words, and maritime musical musings.

The event marked the launch of the Octopus Story project, a six month journey featuring workshops in writing, storytelling, immersive theatre, and an art exhibition all leading to a 3-day finale event at Portsmouth Cathedral in November 2022. This extravaganza was produced by one000plateaus who were on hand to provide more details of the various happenings.

The evening included presentations from :

  • Reading based poet and writer Becci Louise with extracts from her book ‘Octopus Medicine’
  • Janet Ayres and guests with ambient choral pieces reflective of the deep
  • Sam Cox with work reflective of her love of the Sea and Portsmouth
  • Sea Shanties from The Powder Monkeys
  • Jackson Davies will knit together proceedings as well as presenting material

There were also limited opportunities for further guest slots in an ‘open mic’ session, curated by host Johnny Sackett.

The event took place during Portsmouth Book Fest at The Loft, Albert Road which is above The Kings Pub, (by The Wine Vaults) Southsea.

Portsmouth Bookfest 2022 Logo

A PORTSMOUTH BOOKFEST 2022 EVENT

Download the Bookfest programme here.

Or visit the Bookfest website here.

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Arts Council England

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the kind support of Portsmouth Library Service.