Verbose with Joe Stretch at Fallow

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

Verbose with Joe Stretch at Fallow Cafe, Manchester 23 April 2018 Entrance is free

The monthly live literature night – shortlisted in this year’s Saboteur Awards (which you can vote in until 9 May) – is back after its star-spangled March outing featuring legendary Haçienda DJ Dave Halsam. This time round, the theme for the three headline acts and open mic performers to navigate is coming of age, and who doesn’t have a story about that, say hosts Joanna Howard and Zena Barrie.

Finding out will be headliners Joe Stretch, James Friel and Quina Chapman. Joe Stretch is the author of three novels: Friction, Wildlife and The Adult, which was published by Vintage, nominated for the Portico Prize and picked up the Somerset Maugham Award. As if he weren’t busy enough, penning The Posthumous Affair and four other novels, James Friel is also programme leader of MA Writing at Liverpool John Moore’s University. Quina Chapman is Artistic Director of Poison Apple Theatre and also a storytelling artist who uses spoken word and original live music to tell tales.

Verbose with Joe Stretch at Fallow Cafe, Manchester 23 April 2018 Entrance is free

Where to go near Verbose with Joe Stretch at Fallow

toastrack publication manchester
Manchester
Tourist Attraction
Toast Rack (building)

The iconic MMU Hollings Campus, or the Toast Rack as it is more affectionately known. Nikolaus Pevsner described it as “a perfect piece of pop architecture” when it opened as a Domestic and Trades College in 1960.

Manchester
Park
Platt Fields Park

Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield is steeped in history, the land having been acquired by the Platt family in 1225.

Manchester
Gallery
Gallery of Costume

Re-opened in 2010 after a £1.3m renovation, the Gallery of Costume in Manchester’s Rusholme houses one of the most important costume collections in Britain

Manchester
Restaurant
Al Madina

One of the most highly-rated places to eat on Curry Mile, this modest takeaway has fans all over the UK thanks to its exceptional food.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ice Shack

The first all-vegan desserts parlour in the North, also sold at high-profile venues such as the Deaf Institute, Greens, Croma and more.

City Centre
Restaurant
Monkey Trio

Manchester’s first ever Japanese sake bar, Monkey Trio, is unique in the city. Visit for an evening of quiet luxury.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fuel Cafe

Withington is home to Fuel Cafe, who serve only vegetarian and vegan food, as well as hosting quiz nights and lively open mics. They are well known for their hangover busting, meat free, full breakfast menu, and the decor is pleasantly found-object-eclectic.

What's on: Literature

Tom Branfoot
LiteratureBradford
More Song at The 1 in 12 Club Library

In Bradford’s year as City of Culture, More Song is back with a line-up of poets featuring Rowan Evans, Sean Roy Parker and Rebecca Lockwood, plus an open mic.

from £1

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.