After multiple rounds of intense competition and heart-stopping performances, Roundhouse are thrilled to unveil the winner of the highly anticipated Roundhouse Poetry Slam final! Birmingham based poet Bradley Taylor has won the award after facing strong competition against 10 other finalists and making it through six fiercely fought national heats over the last few months.
Dedicating his award to fellow finalist Ray, his nan Pat who was in the audience and the late great Benjamin Zephaniah – winner of the Roundhouse Poetry Slam final for 2024, Bradley Taylor said: “All I have is my words and for my words to get me this far is beautiful and fulfilling. I hope this award inspires kids who would rather perform than write because performance poetry is just as important as written poetry, that’s how people get heard”.
Bradley Taylor is a poet and spoken word artist born in Birmingham, where he now hosts the monthly spoken word evening ‘Overcoat Poetry’ at Fletchers Bar in Kings Heath as well as around the city, performing ‘poetry on demand’; using his typewriter to gift strangers with a unique poem of their own choosing. Last year he was selected by Jasmine Gardosi to write a commissioned poem for the Birmingham Festival 2023, which he then performed as part of the closing ceremony. He is also part of the Verve Collective, consisting of 12 poets who represent the evolving Birmingham poetry scene.
Now in its 19th year, The Roundhouse Poetry Slam in partnership with Taylor Wessing returned tonight and took place at the opening of The Last Word Festival which runs until the 30th June at London’s iconic Roundhouse. Renowned for showcasing the best in emerging spoken word, Roundhouse is committed to providing a platform for the most vital young voices to share their thoughts, experiences and perspectives. The Roundhouse Slam is one of their most anticipated events, first hitting the stage in 2006 and becoming the heart of The Last Word Festival since 2013.
Eleven incredible wordsmiths have battled their way to the top, captivating audiences with their raw emotion, compelling narratives, and undeniable talent and tonight we have our winner!
Jack Prideaux, Senior Producer tonight said: “For the last 19 years the Roundhouse Poetry Slam has provided a platform for some of the most exciting and important voices in poetry, spoken word and beyond – this year’s champion Toby is an incredible addition to the illustrious list of winners. Tonight was electric and the quality was as high as we’ve ever had. The Slam is such an important part of our programme and it was brilliant to have one of the biggest audiences we’ve ever had.”
The Roundhouse Poetry Slam was hosted by broadcaster Anita Rani she said: “The level of talent that graced the stage at tonight’s Roundhouse Poetry Slam was huge – it was great to witness these artists first hand. Congratulations to all who took part and to this year’s winner Toby. I’m in awe of the fearlessness and the talent, they definitely have a way with words. The programme for the rest of The Last Word Festival showcases even more talent – make sure you check it out!”
Musician, author and broadcaster Cerys Matthews, award-winning poet, playwright, and curator, Inua Ellams and writer and ten time Slam Champion, Vanessa Kisuule judged the final.
Kirstie McGuigan (Responsible Business Partner, and member of the UK Executive Board at Taylor Wessing) who announced the winner on the night shared:
“As a law firm committed to innovation and responsible business, our values align naturally with the Roundhouse. Witnessing this round of Slam finalists’ performances, which explored pertinent social and political themes in such eloquent ways, was incredibly inspiring and highly entertaining and illustrated the impressive pool of poetic talent out there. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Roundhouse, ensuring we can provide even more incredible wordsmiths with a platform to share their talents year-on-year.”
The Last Word runs until 20th June 2024. More information can be found here.
