Evidently: Third Birthday

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Image courtesy of Evidently / Dan Simpson

Evidently: Dan Simpson and Sam Illingworth at The Eagle Inn, 10 October 2016 Entrance is free

Maybe you’re a Manchester veteran but new to the live literature and spoken word scene; perhaps you’re a complete newbie, just off the Magic coach from That There, here in time for Freshers’ Week. You might even have been frequenting poetry and prose nights for years, but not yet plucked up the courage to, er, pluck from your back pocket that crumpled collection you’ve furiously been scribbling away at.

Well, if it’s inspiration you’re after, try checking out the new YouTube channel from the guys behind long-running and well-respected Evidently (Guy Garvey booked them for his Southbank shindig earlier in the year, no less). Incidentally: My First Time (episode one here) features eight spoken word artists – Northern or based in the north – each sharing their experiences of the first time they stepped into the limelight, aimed at encouraging first-time performers who may be anxious about getting on stage.

And where better to start than at Evidently itself, run by Ella Gainsborough and Kieren King. The regular night celebrates its third birthday on 10 October, welcoming two special guests fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe. We caught Dan Simpson’s show up there and can promise laughs alongside verse. He’s joined by his pal Sam Illingworth, while the rest of the night sees an open mic – your chance to face your fears?

Evidently: Dan Simpson and Sam Illingworth at The Eagle Inn, 10 October 2016 Entrance is free

Where to go near Evidently: Third Birthday

food and drink
Restaurant
Belzan

Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.

food and drink
Restaurant
NORD

A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Mahoe Blue

Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.

music 2
City Centre
Music venue
Rough Trade

The largest of Rough Trade stores, it’s record shop, event space and concert venue in the heart of Liverpool, complete with its own gift shop

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Hamilton Vault Studios

A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Lake Gallery

Lake Gallery is an artist-run space in West Kirby, showcasing fine art and contemporary craft in regularly changing exhibitions.

literature
Library
Birkenhead Central Library

Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.

library
Shop
The Reader, Calderstones Park

The Reader brings people together through a shared love of literature and their home is in the beautiful Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

bar
City Centre
Brewery
Ye Cracke

Hidden in the Georgian Quarter, Ye Cracke is a historic Liverpool pub, known for being John Lennon’s local in his student days

record shop
City Centre
Shop
81 Renshaw

81 Renshaw is a record store in Liverpool city centre, selling new and second-hand vinyl from a location with a long musical history

shop
Lark Lane
Shop
Larks

Larks is a vintage clothing and gift emporium in a bright pink shop where you’ll find a bit of everything, sprinkled with glitter.

What's on: Literature

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.