Venue: Pangolin Craft Beer (Hillsborough)
An afternoon of spoken word and music to celebrate the publication of Helen Rice’s new poetry collection, published by Written Off. Featuring music from John Dyson, nibbles, and a guest appearance from Beardog, with a Q&A hosted by Beverley Ward. Ticket price includes a drink from the bar.
Copies of the pamphlet will be available for sale. Please note the bar is card-only but Helen can accept cash or card for books.
About the book Step or ‘blended’ families are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with an estimated one in three families now fitting this description. Yet throughout history and across cultures, from fairy tales to Fleabag, the stepmother is rarely portrayed positively. Surely not every stepmother is wicked? In I’m Not Your Mother, writer and performer Helen Rice reflects on the experience of reaching middle age and being technically childless yet, in her roles as a stepmum and auntie, living a life that is certainly not child-free. These poems explore the feelings this complex identity has inspired alongside the effort, passion, disappointment and love that go into sustaining a delicate family ecosystem.
"Helen’s poetry is lighthearted and engaging, tackling large themes without pretension, and taking on serious topics without ever taking itself too seriously."- Leanne Moden, Poet
"Helen Rice's poems are important: they're funny, honest and human."
- Helen Mort, Poet and Novelist