42 worcester - 2nd birthday werewolf/full-moon theme

Last night, Zoe and I attended the wonderful 42 Worcester 2nd Birthday event. The theme, somewhat aptly due to something bright and fat hanging in the sky, was werewolves and the full-moon. 
    The evening got off to a flying start thanks to some great poetry from Jodie Rose McLoughlin, the latter of which was written on the train over, though you wouldn't have known it. Next up was that eloquent wordsmith, Michael R. Brush, whose essay featuring Snarks and Agent Smith from The Matrix was, as always with Michael's writing, a very thoughtful and pleasurable experience. Then it was the turn of Cass Osborn, whose poetry was delivered with considerable aplomb. Kevin Brooke's YA spin on the werewolf tale was masterful and would put that Stephanie Meyer lady (who?) to shame. Catherine Gardner unleashed her own brand of nursery-rhymes - infused with elements of the night's theme - on the unsuspecting audience, and did a great job. Mikel J. Koven's sensual tales - including a somewhat disturbing Red Riding Hood poem - were delivered artfully. Next up was the inimitable Suz Winspear, whose family of were-foxes brought a much welcome lighter air to the proceedings. Her story makes you wonder if the ASBO collectors at the end of the street are, in fact, more than they seem. Andy Kirk was first up after the interval with his gore-drenched lupine tale, and his Grim Reaper was a great start to the second half. Ian Ward was up next, reading three poems that were a delight to listen to. Myfanwy Fox's contributions were one of the highlights, especially the LinkedIn CV which had a wonderful, unexpected punchline that raised perhaps the loudest laugh of the evening. Holly Magill's poems were wonderful, particularly the one involving a Tesco security-guard. Tana Durham's suggestive inclusion was like Fifty Shades Of Twilight (but good!) and managed to squeeze in a highly anticipated howl at its denouement. Next up, Tony Judge's comical look at death as a trio of ex-military try to give their recently-deceased friend the send-off he would have wanted. Very funny, and quite poignant at the same time. And finally, it was the turn of Rod Griffiths, who did a great job with his story of missing miners and mutilated sheep. The night was held together perfectly by Polly Robinson, standing in for a vacationing Andrew Owens. All in all, this was a perfect night for fans of horror and poetry, with readings from some extremely talented minds. This night was to celebrate the 2nd birthday of 42. In years to come, perhaps when they're celebrating their 10th - or even 25th - birthday, this lunar-themed evening will be remembered with some fondness.

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