A
event
on Saturday 23rd October. The event starts at 17:00.
Chewing Gum is here!
Join us to for a night of queer Grease-inspired shindiggery to celebrate the glorious new collection from poet and all-round excellent human Bridget Hart. Hosted by the magnificent Chuck SJ, your pre-night out dose of poetry will feature an opening song from Chuck, reading from the inimitable Bridget Hart and a DJ set from DEE2 to get us all dancing.
The ticket price is £10 and includes a signed copy of the book! (Don’t pre-order the book if you’re planning to come!)
5-9pm
**Dress-up encouraged**
A bit about the book:
Inspired by Grease (and Grease 2), Bridget Hart shakes the dust from these old familiar characters and wipes away the heteronormativity for new queer possibilities. Exploring sexuality, masculinity and re-inventing identity, Chewing Gum draws on real life trivia and 'off-screen' elements to recreate a narrative enriched with queer history. Chewing Gum gives closure to those left on the ground as Greased Lightnin' disappears into the sky.
Featuring stunning full-colour illustrations by Lisa Rose throughout, this little book is a thing of beauty.
'This collection is my favourite combination of fun and quietly heartbreaking. It made me want to rewatch Grease as I pause and read out these wondrous words. Bridget has made something really special' – Travis Alabanza
'Tender yet funny, simple yet revolutionary, these poems breathe fresh and deliciously queer life into a classic.' - Maria Ferguson
---
Bridget Hart (they/them) is a poet, editor and producer in Bristol. Not a multiple slam champion but known for being mouthy.
Bridget has performed at a variety of events including Manchester Punk Festival, Shambala, Boomtown Fair, Audacious Women Festival, and properly your back garden circa 2011-16. In 2017 they released the debut pamphlet Better Watch Your Mouth with Burning Eye Books. Their work is also published in Poetry Rivals, Paper & Ink Literary Zine, Untitled Writers, Dear Damsels,, Ink, Sweat & Tears and the Poetry Health Service.
----
Chuck SJ is a multidisciplinary artist, often exploring trans and autistic matters through various forms. Chuck has performed at Manchester pride, L-Fest, 2000 Trees, Brighton Pride, Anarcho Folk Festival Amsterdam, Trans Pride, LadyFest Maastricht and numerous off grid locations; including 'trailer parks' in Germany, Switzerland and Amsterdam, woodlands scattered throughout Europe. Chuck is well known for their gripping stage performance, unique guitar skills and brutal honesty
---
DEE2 is a Bristol based DJ, co-founder of Bad Reputation and has played at nights like Hush, Queer Prom and Punka.
---
For those unable to attend we'll also be hosting an online launch (details to follow).