The Remedy - Renegade Writers at the George By Cilla

I don't often get a night out but tonight was it. It was change for me to put on a frock and do my hair, have a few drinks and be entertained. But I had to get out my pen and start writing, didn't I? I'm not a critic at all, but this is what I made of the night. If you missed it you should try and get there next time.

Pete Coulam

The evening included music as well as the spoken word - kicked off by Pete Coulam, a guitar soloist and singer. He sang a brave version of Bowie's Ziggy Played Guitar and Leonard Cohen's Suzanne, which to my amusement had most of the Renegades singing along. I think this guy is like a guitarist without a home. He can certainly sing and certainly play, felt like a cross between Roy Harper and Chris DeBurg but he shouldn't be on his own. He sang a couple of his own songs, too - his finale, 38 Years Too Late was impressive. Pete has a single out on 28 November.

First up for the Renegades was Daz, the 'Bloke from Stoke' (and one of thisisUll.com first contributors!). His first poem, Electronic Liar was welcoming and lovely! Daz writes with a social conscience, approaching subjects such as the homeless (his poem The Big Issue). His poetry is relevant, dark and at times depressing, although Tai Chi saw him poking fun at himself. He said he tried it for a while but couldn't do it! His delivery of You're My Home was excellent, like a waterfall of words without a stumble.

Daz, the 'Bloke from Stoke'

Rich Mills.

Rich Mills, his first time performing with the group, read an unrehearsed repertoire of bitterness and vitriol, including Divorce No.2, Needle Whore and Digital Shitty - a poem shaming the corrupt and culturally bleak establishment of Hull. The Remedy - angry and cynical. Nice one, Rich. Rich has been thisisUll.com biggest supporter, from our launch in August.

Elsie Creek, decked out in Bunny Girl gear is extrovert beyond belief. And her writing is the same. Her poem Prayer is a brilliant observation of a girl getting ready to go out - and it is - exactly like a girl! The Mistress was painful and personal, and shows a mature understanding of the way life really is. Elsie's writing seems to shrug its shoulders as she tackles a subject, sees clearly what the truth is, and tells it. Just like that. Some of her work shows another character - reading Jaffa Cakes made her eyes twinkle - the flirt, the shocker, the attention seeker. An extrovert, for sure.

Elsie Creek.

Nick Boldock

Nick Boldock, feeling 'pretty fucking chirpy' announced that he wanted to sound like John Cooper Clarke. He did very well! Godfather of Cool was one such recital. A rapping poem that you remember later for its sound, rather than its words. Guitarman was sad and cynical and masculine, it showed no sympathy for its subject. I wondered who it was written about. His poem Tramp was serious, truthful and feeling, showing sensitivity and depth. His sense of humour and ironic view on life came across in My Front Lawn, a fantasy about having Glastonbury festival in his garden, and Fuck War, Let's Fuck - made me think of 21st century John and Yoko. What a good idea.

Trevor Edge is a star. This guy was so entertaining; I very quickly forgot to take notes. And I don't think that matters because he held my attention so completely, from his duet with Jane Foster, another Renegade, to his rendition of his poem about Black Beard, complete with eye patch, beard and cutlass. No hook though, but he did stand on one leg - no mean feat at that time in the evening - in a pub! This guy was fab. Terry From Upstairs has got to be real - and I think half the audience knew him too. Fuck Buddies and Friends, based, I think on Sex in the City, made me smile with perhaps a touch of cynicism. I think I'd like to read them all again. Especially that one.

Trevor Edge

Shelly Dee

Shelly Dee took to the floor pronouncing herself to be electronically unaided - turned her back to the microphone and proceeded to take total control of the ever-more inebriated crowd by standing in the middle of the floor and projecting her personality, along with her voice right at them.

She got complete attention immediately and then delivered her poetry with ever increasing confidence capturing her audience with her harrowing and heartfelt words. One She Was in Care is so traumatic, so touching - you know immediately that the author has felt those feelings of rejection and fear - I really had to swallow hard to stop myself from crying. Haunting words. Gay, Bi or Straight is light-hearted by comparison, raising a laugh from the audience. The balance was right with this performance and I think Shelly Dee may get more fans of her work from it.

Jane Foster performed for the first time with the Renegades, looking like a 1960's Cleopatra and reading her sometimes funny, sometimes black and aching poetry. Thoroughly Post-Modern Millie was a story of sadness, hurt and disappointment, continually spiralling from optimism to anti-climax. Detox was really thought-provoking. Jane is gorgeous and she's good and I think she enjoyed herself. She's confident as a writer and performer and from what I saw at The George, she deserves to be.

Jane Foster

Lee Cassanell.

Lee Cassanell takes the stage like a pro. Cigarette in hand, he is the Renegades showman. With his sharp wit and clever observations, he can captivate the crowd with the merest reference to a non-existent lady puking at the back! His poetry shows that underneath the sometimes bitter and cynical exterior, lies genuine talent.

Cracktown, well worth staying back for, not only performed after the Renegades evening but also joined the audience for the entire event, showing their support and adding to my evening, at least, with their wit and commentary. Love Me I'm a Liberal was their first number - delivered in such a straight faced and immaculate way, I'm still laughing when I think about it, now. Love their stuff and this was the first time I'd heard them play. A guitar, harmonica and a couple of cool, sarcastic and clever blokes that is Cracktown rounded off my evening perfectly and I staggered out of there with a big grin on my face!

Cracktown.

Continued on www.thisisull.com...... The Humber Mouth Homepage.

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