Alan MorrisonCome along to Chichester Library and listen to highly-rated Brighton poet Alan Morrison giving the first public reading to launch his latest acclaimed collection, Captive Dragons/The Shadow Thorns. Live musical interludes and open mic poetry will combine to provide an exciting blend of creative writing and music!

Sussex writer Alan Morrison will be confronting inner demons and dragons of the mind when he headlines at Chichester Library for A Celebration of Poetry, which incorporates the March session of Open Mic Poetry (usually held monthly at New Park Centre, Chichester). Alan will be launching his new collection of poems dealing with themes of mental illness and the unexpected insights that disturbance can bring.

Awarded an NHS Trust Arts sponsorship at Mill View psychiatric hospital in Hove, Alan worked closely with patients in workshops exploring their creative impulses, leading to a life-affirming publication of their work, edited by Alan entitled, The Hats We Wear.

Alan’s experiences at the hospital stimulated him into writing his own book of new poetry, Captive Dragons/The Shadow Thorns. As respected critic Andy Croft says, “Exploring the world of mental health he ends up writing about the mental health of our world, and the real dragons of our time – bankers, speculators, politicians – who lay waste to everything they touch.”

Alan’s book, has received a rapturous critical reception. “Quite simply a masterpiece,” says Steve Spence of Stride, while Frances Thompson of The Journal asserted, “Morrison may well be one of the great poets.” Chichester audiences will get the chance to judge for themselves when Alan gives the first public reading of his new book at Chichester Library on Thursday, March 29th at 7.30pm.

Event organiser Barry Smith comments, “We’re delighted to be able to feature Alan’s compelling but accessible poetry. It’s a real coup for the library and Open Mic Poetry to be staging such an important book launch – Alan’s work normally premieres in London. In fact, his last book was recorded for audio release by notable actor Michael Jayston.”

In the second half of the evening, local poets get the chance to share the limelight with Alan Morrison when they can read their own work to a sympathetic audience. Barry says, “Our last open mic in the library was a fantastic success with a packed audience equally enjoying both guest published writers and local poets. People now come regularly to our events from as far afield as Winchester, Petersfield and Brighton. The quality of poetry is very impressive, with wide-ranging subjects and diverse styles.” Potential readers and those who just enjoy listening to poetry are equally welcome at the event, which will also feature live music. The ticket price includes a complimentary glass of wine in the interval.

A Celebration of Poetry/Open Mic Poetry, Chichester Library, Tower Street, 7.30 pm, Thursday 29th March. Tickets (to include a complimentary glass of wine) cost £4 and are available from the library, Call the library on: 01243 777351 for further details or to book tickets.

About the author

Katy Lassetter wrote 40 articles on this blog.

Katy Lassetter (Chichester Copywriter) specialises in copywriting, SEO, social media marketing and marketing consultancy. She also enjoys creative writing: poetry, children's books and fantasy novels.