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There has long been a creative tension between spoken word poetry and the printed poem, rooted in questions of performance, permanence, and audience. Spoken word thrives in the immediacy of the live moment—it is usually rhythmic, embodied, often political, and made to be heard. The printed poem has been considered to be a moment in private, inviting reflection and re-reading. Spoken word may risk losing something vital when lifted off the stage and fixed in type, while page poetry can struggle to carry the full emotional weight without the presence of a voice to animate it.
Yet the divide is not absolute. Some poets successfully bridge the gap, translating the urgency of performance into compelling written work. Raymond Antrobus, for example, began in the spoken word scene and now produces critically acclaimed collections that retain the musicality and emotional clarity of his live work. Hollie McNish and Kae Tempest also move fluidly between page and stage, with poetry that maintains lyrical intensity and political edge across both forms. Their success suggests that, rather than being in conflict, spoken and printed poetry can enrich one another.
At the Poetry Pharmacy we often recommend that a 'prescribed' poem be read out loud, in order for the poem to be embodied, and for the reader to feel a more intimate connection to the words, both in their sound and meaning- to properly inhabit the poem. And it is good advice to the poet used to the printed page, to speak their poem out loud, to test its musicality, to see if there is breath and rhythms that can work to enhance the poem and bring it to life.
This week we look at a few of these poets who walk the line with verve and aplomb.
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Poet Spotlight
Dan Whitlam is a South London–born poet, rapper, spoken-word artist, and actor known for his ability to translate the introspection of poetry into vivid, emotionally charged performance. Blending lyrical storytelling with elements of jazz and hip-hop, his work moves fluidly between page, stage, and song.
His spoken word performances are delivered with raw vulnerability and melodic rhythm, making it feel immediate, accessible, and resonant with many audiences. Whether in intimate venues or through viral clips on social media, Dan’s art form sits at the crossroads of poetry and performance, using voice, tempo, and tone to connect with audiences in real time.
 Dan Whitlam performing at KOKO in London in 2024
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In his spoken word performance Young Minds, Dan Whitlam blends poetry and musicality to explore the pressures facing a younger generation, from identity and vulnerability to mental health.
I Don’t Want to Settle is his debut poetry collection and is published on the 4th of September and we're excited to be collaborating with Dan on a Poetry Pharmacy project, more details further down this newsletter!
It’s a book for anyone who feels like they’re running out of time, unsure what to do with their life, or questioning whether they’re making the right choices.
If you find yourself comparing your milestones to everyone else’s, weighed down by pressure to succeed, growing one day and stuck the next - this collection is for you.
Blending much-loved viral poems with never-before-seen pieces, illustrations, and honest reflections, Dan explores love, self-worth, uncertainty, and the strength it takes to choose yourself. With the rhythm of performance and the intimacy of an open hearted conversation, his words offer comfort, clarity, and connection for anyone who has ever felt a little bit lost, and is learning not to settle
You can pre-order a copy here.
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Raymond Antrobus performs his poem Signs, Music in this video. He shows how sign language, vocal rhythm, and physical presence shape and enhance not just the delivery, but the meaning of the poem itself.
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In this performance of Mathematics, Hollie McNish uses spoken word to dismantle xenophobia with wit and clarity. Mathematics is found in Hollie's Book, Cherry Pie. Her spoken word poem Embarrassed is equally powerful, you can watch it here.
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Take a look
Here are some more spoken word performances we've enjoyed. Strong language alert for those of you with a sensitive disposition.
Joelle Taylor with the title poem from her award winning collection C+nto and you can enjoy it here.
Kae Tempest performing More Pressure at Glastonbury in 2025 The poem is from the album The Line Is a Curve, released in 2022.
Caroline Bird performing Dive Bar, from her book The Air Year.
Jasmine Gardosi performing Be Poet. Their first print poem, Hurtz, is available here.
Rudy Francisco performing A Lot Like You, from his collection, No Gravity.
If you'd like a deep dive, check out the Roundhouse poetry slam 2025 final to hear from a huge range of new-to-the-scene poets. The performances start from 19:30 in the video.
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Further Reading
Joelle Taylor's article for The London Magazine on the rise of spoken word is a fascinating read and w e’ve curated a selection of our favourite books from spoken word poets if you'd like to explore a little further.
The list is wide-ranging, featuring diverse voices - some critically acclaimed, some long-standing favourites, and others fresh to the scene. You can browse the full list and purchase any of the titles from us by clicking here.
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We're very excited to be welcoming Dan Whitlam to the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street a day ahead of publication of his first collection I Don't Want to Settle
The first 30 people will also receive a free bath bomb containing a small extract of poetry and Lush are generously donating some give-aways on the ground floor for visitors to the event.
We're also working feverishly with Bonnier Books to hand-make a new bottle of restoratives, Don't Settle - for Self-Worth & to Reignite an Inner Flame - all extracts taken from Dan's poems. Available from our website very soon.
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Write Through the Storm: A poetry workshop for
difficult times
In this workshop, poets Julia Webb and Rosie Garland show how poetry can help us come to terms with the past and help us reimagine the future - building beauty from adversity, and finding hope in unexpected places. The poets will lead a writing workshop and each do a short reading with Q&A at the end of the session. Tea or coffee and cake will be provided.
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Ronald Blythe: The writer who inspired a generation of nature writers
Join Ian Collins for a talk about his newly acclaimed biography of the forefather of nature writing: Ronald Blythe. Loved and admired by the greats of the nature writing genre, such as Robert MacFarlane, Roger Deakin, Patrick Barkham, Richard Mabey; Blythe inspired artists, poets and writers alike.
Ian will be joined by artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, a friend of Ronald's after painting his portrait, here he exhibits for the first time a series of drawings inspired by the dream-like Bottengoms: Blythe's home in Colchester now bequeathed to the Wildlife Trust. Refreshments included.
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How can we make more space for poetry among all the pressing demands of daily life?
The Poetry Habit introduces you to the transformative effects of a daily poetry prescription. We explore innovative ways to read, write, learn and share poetry, placing particular emphasis on cultivating everyday habits that inspire joy, deepen meaning and build creativity.
This course will reward anyone who wants to bring more wonder and connection into their daily life. It is designed to reward both those who are completely new to poetry and to bring fresh inspiration to more experienced poetry readers and writers. All that matters is to come with an open heart and mind.
"Brilliantly structured, thought provoking, mind expanding and playful"
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Join Holly Winter-Hughes for a guided online session
 How to Leave a BodyWednesday 15th October, 7-9pm GMT+1
Online
Join poet Holly Winter-Hughes for a gentle workshop exploring how writing can help us reconnect with our bodies and the stories they hold. With readings from her new collection How to Leave a Body and space for reflective, somatic writing, this session invites creativity, healing, and connection
''Holly Winter-Hughes' visceral writing turns the human form inside-out, mapping the contours of trauma, abuse and hard-won resilience. It urges the reader to follow and 'Breathe deep to the creak of your heartwood'. Darkly imaginative and pearled with fresh phrase-making, these are poems that compel attention and linger." John McCullough
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Explore the richness of our inner and outer landscapes
Sunday 2nd November 2025, 10.30-3pm
Bishops Castle
Join poetry Roz Goddard and Jane Commane for a poetry spa morning of workshops and readings. We will explore the richness of our inner and outer landscapes where new creative ideas can spontaneously arise and be used for experiments in writing poetry..
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Join Tom and Rozi for an intensive poetry weekend
Join Tom Hirons and Rozi Hilton for a weekend intensive in the territory of what they call the Feral Angels of Poetry: poetry with its blazing head in the cosmos and its feet in the muck and murk of this world. Immersive, alive, embodied and richly experiential, these are not your average poetry weekends.
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Personalised poems crafted on a vintage typewriter
Sunday 28th September and 19th October
12-4pm
Poetry Pharmacy, Oxford Street
Drop in
Jen is an award-winning poet and creative copywriter who transforms feelings, memories and ideas into heartfelt, personalised poetry. At her regular drop in events at the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street, she crafts bespoke poems live on her trusty vintage typewriter, capturing individual stories and emotions and turning them into unique keepsakes.
“Jen is an exceptionally talented writer. Her poetry conjures such vivid images that transport you somewhere else, and the way she puts words together is a beautiful art in itself.” Ceri, Poem recipient
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Poetry as Medicine: with Deborah Alma
Join Deb, editor of the Poetry Prescription series, in conversation with author and poet Nadine Aisha Jassat as they explore how poetry can be a practical tool for good mental health. From easing anxiety to offering encouragement, poetry has a unique power to comfort, inspire and connect. After the event, you’ll have the chance to receive your own poetry prescription.
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From travelling as the Emergency Poet, to opening the world's first walk in Poetry Pharmacy
Join our own Deb Alma in conversation with local poet Juliette Hart, discussing Deb's journey from the Emergency Poet to the Poetry Pharmacy. The event will include a live poetry consultation and some readings from The Poetry Prescription anthologies, including poetic cures for life’s ailments.
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Thank you so much for reading.
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