Lit Crawl 2023 free ...around town programme supported by Cheltenham BID
Join us for a fast-paced evening, of comedy, open mic sessions and performances, pick your favourites from each phase as part of your Lit Crawl adventure across Cheltenham on Saturday 7 October, 6pm – late.
PHASE 1
Because I Don’t Know What You Mean and What You Don’t
6–7pm, Waterstones
Comic mastermind Josie Long discusses her brilliant collection of stories with much-loved Cheltenham comedian Shirley Halse.
Fairy Tales For Grown Ups
6–7pm, Bottle of Sauce
Sarah Liisa Wilkinson invites you to meet the strange girls and beguiling monsters from the fairytale forest. Dark, funny and enchanted – these are stories with iron teeth.
Read The World! Open Mic Night
6–7.30pm, The Everyman Studio Theatre
Join Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, P3 and Kings Table for an inspiring evening of poetry, spoken word and creative writing. Enjoy a showcase of our incredible local talent with hosts Martin Lytton and JPDL.
Frozen Continent: Exhibition
6-8pm, The Wilson
Talk starts at 6.15pm
Join great nephew of Edward Wilson David M. Wilson and polar historian Anne Strathie as they chat to associate curator Ann-Rachael about Wilson’s fascinating life. Take a sneaky peak at his expedition diaries and try on the replicas of his expedition kit.
PHASE 2
Power of Words
6–8pm, The Wilson
Drop in, talk starts at 7.15pm
Use your words to shout out for change and create your own earth-saving slogan boards with Planet Cheltenham. What does it mean to be an ‘activist’? Artist and climate justice activist Tolmeia Gregory explores why there isn’t just one way to be a part of the climate movement. Whether you’re an artist, a baker or an accountant, there’s a role for you!
F*ck Up Nights
7.30–9pm, Boston Tea Party
We all f**k up at some point... from businesses gone bust to failed relationships. In this hilarious and thoughtprovoking night, join a bunch of strangers as they share their shortcomings. Register to share your story here.
Ars Poetica
7–9pm, Drop in, Waterstones
Meet our resident poet, Olivia Dodd and receive a beautifully printed custom poem created just for you
Cheltenham Poetry Festival Grand Slam
7.30–9pm, Waterstones
Enjoy an electrifying evening of spoken word with Chloe Jacquet, Dan Cooper, Colin Wells, Derek Dohren, and Tanya Feasey aka The Bovine Poet.
The Fourth Bride
7.30–9.30pm, The Coffee Dispensary
Performances start every 20mins
Some say she’s a tragedy. Many call her a monster. But how does Lucy Westenra see herself? Moth Sanctuary Productions provide a platform for Dracula’s first English victim to tell her story in this entrancing exposé.
Guess Clue?
7.30pm, 8.15pm, 9pm, 9.45pm, Hotel du Vin
There’s been a murder, and it’s up to you to solve whodunit. Using your wits, along with some helpful clues, can you guess whodunit?!
Tokyo Café
7.30–8.30pm, Hatchards
Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s incredible series Before The Coffee Gets Cold explores the stories of customers in a time-travelling café in Tokyo. Join us for this rare opportunity to meet the author.
Unreflected Reflection
8.30–9.45pm, The Everyman Studio Theatre
Glimpse into the history and narrative of Muslim communities in Gloucester in photography exhibition Through the Lens and short film Gloucester’s Glory.
PHASE 3
Carnifolk Presents: Carving’s Carnival
9–10.30pm, Bottle of Sauce
Grab a pint, create a character and join us for love, music and tomfoolery in this riotous night of choose-your own-adventure games.
Raise the Bar
9.30–10.45pm, VOICEBOX
A chance to see some of the leading names on the spoken word scene, with Bristol’s biggest monthly spoken word poetry event Raise The Bar.
Lit Crawl After Party
10.45m – late, The Urban Fox
Top off your Lit Crawl experience with our afterparty. Grab a drink and hear live music presented by The Music Works.
With thanks to our event sponsors
