Martin Figura: Mortality, I Could Live Without It

Special guests Helen Ivory, John Osborne, Hannah Jane Walker and Luke Wright + MC Yanny Mac  Norwich’s own Martin Figura launches his new book Mortality, I Could Live Without It (Nasty Little Press) with what he promises will be a raucous fun event with some very special guests for about 75 minutes followed by a party to make a significant birthday with extremely danceable music from DJ 78. He returns to the mischievous satirical style of Boring The Arse Off Young People. He is considerably wiser and aches in the places he used to play – but for one night only will dad dance until his knees give way at the after party.

A free glass of fizz on the way in (none of your rubbish, but not actual champagne obviously). No gifts thank you – but go on – buy or book, buy two or more – an excellent Christmas Present. The bar will remain open until 11pm – then on to who knows where to carry on.

Martin Figura “Figura, was a revelation – funny, sharp and on top form”.  Robert McCrum, The Observer ” Martin Figura’s poems are sharp and funny. One of the best performing poets on the circuit. Has never disappointed when I’m booked him for festivals and club gigs.”   Luke Wright “Poetry, boring?  Think again, riveting.”  *****  Fringe Review “Martin Figura’s poetry is brimming with brilliantly clear observations and pin sharp wit.”   Daniel Cockrill (Bang Said The Gun) “I didn’t think old people could be funny, you were very very funny. ”       Ten Year Old Boy Port Eliot Festival Martin is a word-storming, crowd-warming, poetry-performing delight. He’s an engaging act, with witty and poignant poems interlinked by charming chat.

Martin brings a positive and lively energy to the stage, with his work readily connecting to an audience that he brings on-board in his own personable style. Fantastic.  Dan Simpson  Stand Up & Slam How brilliant was Martin Figura at Bang Said The Gun tonight?  He was one zillion out of ten and we loved it.  Matt Abbott, Bang Said The Gun Oh my word @thebutchery has been most entertaining. ….F**k it, I’m buying a book. I know.

He’s that good. …started the day saying you weren’t big on poetry – look at you now!   Twitter Response,  Book Slam Martin Figura’s collection and show Whistle were shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award and won the 2013 Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show.  Shed (Gatehouse Press) and Dr Zeeman’s Catastrophe Machine (Cinnamon Press) were both published in 2016. In 2021 he was Salisbury NHS Writer in Residence; the resulting pamphlet My Name is Mercy (Fair Acre Press) won a national NHS award. A second pamphlet from Fair Acre Press Sixteen Sonnets for Care came out in October 2022. The Remaining Men was published by Cinnamon Press in 2024. in 2026 a collection of selected work translated into Greek, is to be published by Thraka for the Thessalian Poetry Festival.