A local performance poetry group is to hold a night of impromptu music and rhyming this weekend.

Penny Productions, led by well-known poet and musician Jackie Morrey-Grace, is hosting ’Open the Orb,’ a poetry and rap open mic night which takes place at the Mitre Hotel, in Ramsey tomorrow night (Friday), from 7.30pm

The evening is free to enter and anyone with a desire to get on stage and either recite their own or a favourite piece of poetry or piece rap music is invited to come along and give it a go.

There will be a Bluetooth-compatible PA available to use for people who want to perform along to backing music.

Jackie, a former winner of the Manx Litfest open poetry slam, has recently put her own poetry to music.

She said that the ’Open the Orb’ evening is being held to reflect the growing popularity in the writing and performing of poetry and that the art form goes hand-in-hand with performing original rap.

She also believes that many people began to write their own poetry during the lockdown period and that many would appreciate an opportunity to perform it in a relaxed, friendly and informal public setting.

’There have been masses of virtual spoken word open mics since the lockdown ended, but not many opportunities to share them on a physical and social level,’ said Jackie.

’We are so lucky on the island to have this level of freedom we’ve been enjoying and I thought that it would be nice to celebrate that.

’We also know lots of people, some new to writing, others old hands, were penning verses during the lockdown, so it’s going to be great to meet up for everyone to share, although there is no restriction on theme.

’And of course it’s for entertainment too, so anyone not wanting to perform is more than welcome to come along and join in with the fun too.’

Each performer will be given a five-minute slot to perform in, and there will be the chance to collaborate with others on the night.

The night has been backed by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

More details are on the Penny Productions Facebook page.

by Mike Wade

Twitter@iomnewspapers