19-28 October The programme for October's So: To Speak festival of words has been announced, boasting over 60 events around Southampton.

 

The festival was created to celebrate and promote the talent and creativity in the city in theatre, literature and writing, spoken word, flash fiction and film.

The line-up includes the premiere of a new play about Jane Austen, performance poet Lemn Sissay, below, Pam Ayres at the Nuffield Theatre, writer and historian James Evans, and playwright Hannah Silva, pictured above, whose one-woman show, Schlock! was acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Art House has programmed Short Film Awards nominee Lexi Wolfe's new play, The Pendle Witch, The Travelling Talesman, and award-winning singing guitarists, Maneli Jamal and Jon Hart.

As part of Black History Month, the festival is featuring a talk on the sinking of the SS Mendi off the Isle Of Wight in WWI, and RIDE!, a new play based on a racially-motivated murder.

Fairytale Hairdresser author, Abie Longstaff heads up a half-term programme for young people.

Performance poet Lemn Sissay

Organisers say there will be lots of free events, and regular open mic and poetry get-togethers are hosting special festival nights. So: To Speak concludes with Words On Wheels, bringing poets, storytellers and vintage buses together, followed by The Anti-Slam, a competition where the worst poet wins!

“It is strongly rooted in our stories, our history, and our creative talent, which makes this a truly Southampton event, and that is reflected in the number and variety of partners making it happen,” said festival director Charlie Hislop.

So: To Speak runs from Thursday October 19 to Saturday October 28. For full listings see the festval’s website at www.sotospeakfestival.org/