Slamchester – 53two

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in the past 24 hours, it’s that Manchester has an absolutely electric slam poetry scene – not only Slamchester where I was lucky enough to be a guest last night, but also through the many, many, many dates of events that charismatic host, Kieren King peppered through the night.

Slamchester itself is a passionate evening of competitive poetry, where 8 incredible poets have 2 rounds of 3 minutes each to show off their spoken-word work to a raucous crowd and 5 judges. It was amazing to see how full the venue was on a rainy Sunday in February, and the atmosphere was really supportive.

The night kicked off with Kieren King explaining the rules and warming up the mic with one of his own poems about his wife. Kieren was a warm host, who clearly cares a lot about the artists and the poetry scene, as well as a great poet who I happily would have listened to more from.

Poets were scored for their performance as well as the poetry themselves which led to really dynamic sets incorporating movement, dramatic pauses and in some cases a small amount of singing.

The night kicked off with Georgie Mcvie who started her poem asking Google why her nether regions (not the word she used but I fear my editor might have a heart attack otherwise) itches. The poem followed the struggles of female health in the patriarchy and was depressingly relatable In the second part of the evening Georgie did a poem about wondering if she fancied Jodie Comer and questioning her sexuality. Georgie’s style of poetry was very much storytelling of her own life and earned some passionate clicks and giggles from the crowd.

Tonks, wearing the most fabulous, long, fluffy gilet was a real pleasure to listen to. Her first poem covered, with passion, the environment and the rhyming pattern was almost rap-like. Her second poem “Weird Love” was very funny, with clever lines and an enjoyable flow. I only wish perhaps she had slowed down a little, as the laughter was so raucous, some golden lines were missed.

Aminah Zaman confidently read two powerful poems about immigration and her experience with racism. Aminah’s delivery was clear (not always easy when full of such passion), and her lines often felt like a gut punch. A really strong poet and performer.

Next was Jack Washingdale, whose first performance was very quiet and measured. Jack has a voice that makes you cling on to his every word and a way of creating an interesting tension in the room. His second poem spoke of his father and was at times absolutely heart wrenching, while still maintaining his soft cadence. I was really intrigued by Jack and would love to see more of his work.

Kyia KB was the next poet and actually ended up coming third in the competition. Her first poem Mr Underdog was a passionate look at class and society, and her second followed a single ADHD thought – something that was very relatable. Kyia’s performance was very high energy and confident.

Half Beard, Half Poet gave a really dynamic performance of his two poems. The first answering the question “What poetry do you write?” With a flow that reminded me of Watsky’s poetry, and the second asking the audience how they stay angry in the current world. A really interesting and enjoyable performer to watch.

Cesar – who (spoiler alert) ended up being the winner of the night, performed two poems – one with a lot of clever football references, taking a nostalgic look at a childhood spent playing outside and the other discussing the important of darkness in growth. Cesar had some really clever lines that stuck with me after the event and a buttery quality to his voice that was perfect for his style.

Fauzia Agbonhin was the final poet of the evening and if I’m honest, was my winner, despite coming second. Her poems felt like they physically hurt my soul. Her first poem explored the “madness” of artists and asked whether Michelangelo would still have painted the Sistine Chapel if he could take a pill that rid him of his obsessive need to do it, when he physically suffered for his art in a number of ways. Her second started with the lyrics of Que Sera, Sera but got stuck on the word “pretty” as Fauzia shared the times she’s been told she’s “pretty for a Black girl”. This was another sucker punch of a poem earning passionate clicks and agreement all around the audience.

We were also treated to some work from Lol the Poet who is the reigning champion and has since won many different poetry competitions and accolades. It’s easy to see why, with the confident delivery style and fun Manchester Easter eggs hidden in her poetry.

While the judges deliberated, we were treated to some open mic style poetry which was fantastic. A special mention to the first lady who delivered a poem that brought me near tears about being asked when you’re going to have children, when you have struggled. And to the very witty not-Priest who told the bittersweet, heartbreaking story of a grandmother with Dementia, and having to pretend to be a Priest for her.

All the poets of the night were brilliant, and I’d have happily listened to more of their work. Well done to Cesar, the judge’s winner of the night who received a cash prize, while Kiya KB and Fauzia will be invited back to compete again.

Reviewer: Codie Wright

Reviewed: 15th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: