Toast - Dizraeli / Joelle Taylor

First popped under the grill back in 2016, Lewis Buxton's 'Toast' spearheaded a resurgence in the popularity of spoken word events throughout Norfolk, and has brought many top names to the county, from Norwich to Sheringham. Over the years, the venues have got bigger, the audiences have grown larger, but the format has remained the same – two headlining acts, augmented with local poets, audience participation and, of course, Buxton's ebullient and enthusiastic hosting.

'Toast' had moved to Norwich Theatre Playhouse this month, and even in this much larger venue, nearly all the seats were taken as Lewis welcomed us, before introducing Norwich-based writer John Osborne to the stage. John was here to promote his upcoming project, 'Norwich – A Love Story'. By way of a teaser, he treats us to a nostalgic and charming Facebook Group inspired piece, 'Norwich Pubs That Are Gone'. The full show will be performed at Norwich Theatre Playhouse on April 11th.

First half headliner is Joelle Taylor, sartorially splendid in three-piece check suit, complete with pocket watch, and with splendidly quiffed hair. Proudly declaring as a butch lesbian, Taylor takes us through several spoken word pieces from her new book, 'C+NTO' (the name is derived from the first person conjugation of the Italian verb 'cuntare' – 'to recount'). Her passionately read poems recall the London lesbian subculture of the 1980's, and several are set in the fictional bar 'Maryville'. Her readings are bold and combative as she recounts the London AIDS epidemic, and we are reminded of the coming together of the gay communities to help in centres such as the London Lighthouse hospice. It was difficult not to be moved as Taylor recalled those memories with a mixed sense of sadness, pride and joy.

During the interval we are encouraged to write a Valentine love poem, beginning with the classic line,“Roses are red, violets are blue..”. The entries are whittled down to two before an audience vote decides that the winning entry should be, “If I sit on your face, will you make me a brew?” Who said romance was dead?

Irish-born writer, poet and UEA researcher Shannon Clinton-Copeland kicks off the second half the evening with an, as-yet, uncompleted spoken piece inspired by a Celtic trinity of St Brigid's Day, Irish sideboards, and the Sinead Morrissey poem 'And Forgive Us Our Trespasses'. Filled with nostalgia and warmth, it was a topical and tender prelude to the main attraction.