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The five new poets were Seni Seneviratne, Shazea Quraishi, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Rowyda Amin and Denise Saul. Each poet read a selection of their poems, some from books they have published and some from the Bloodaxe anthology, TEN. All five of the new poets had a couple of similarities: they had all been through a two year mentoring scheme, working closely with poets who had inspired them, and who had also guided them with their work; and they were all poets from a diverse range of backgrounds. But that is where the similarities indeed stopped, as the poets explained the inspiration behind their poems; varying from real life experience, and reactions and opinions to stories, myths or history that had influenced them. The afternoon ended with a question and answer session, where audience members could ask questions about the mentoring scheme, and how it felt to work closely with another poet. An interesting afternoon.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 22 May
Rating:
Laura Hayward

The only slightly deranged Doctor Austin (Theoretical Zombiologist at the University of Glasgow) presented an illuminating discussion on the subject of zombie science to an attentive crowd of students at the Caroline of Brunswick lecture theatre this evening. With the aid of informative Powerpoint illustrations, crude weaponry and cheap groceries, the good doctor smuggled hard medical science into his talk, alongside helpful survival tactics in the event of an outbreak of zombieism. This was genuine educational entertainment, in the footsteps of such great scientific thinkers as Heinz Wolff, Brian Cox and Johnny Ball. A stupidly funny and thought-provoking night.

The Caroline of Brunswick, 23 May
Rating:
Stuart Huggett

Victorian engineer Magnus Volk, creator of Brighton seafront’s Volk’s Electric Railway, is an ideal Fringe show candidate. Inventive and persistent, though not always successful, his madcap schemes represented that charming characteristic of the city’s people: the tireless pursuit of an idea, no matter how ill-advised. Actor Robert Cohen remained admirably in character as he, playing Volk, enthusiastically recalled failed endeavours, such as the fascinating ‘daddy long legs’ Pioneer train (which actually went through the water) or the explosion in his apartment leaving him with scorched hands. Historical fact, humour and period detail – not to mention free gin – made this a fun half-hour history lesson.

Hendricks’ Horseless Carriage Of Curiosities, 23 May
Rating:
Nick Aldwinckle

Aung San Suu Kyi’s answer (delivered by video clip) is that the young people must realise their power and help themselves. This awareness-raising discussion outlined the complex political problems of Burma while asking the positive question of how the people might move forward. Interesting issues were raised concerning the efficacy of western sanctions, how the internet may help the democratic cause and parallels were drawn with the Arab Spring phenomenon. An engaging discussion concerned whether liberation can only come from non-violent action. Zoya Phan, the young Burmese novelist and campaigner spoke movingly of how she has been inspired to fight for basic human rights for all Burmese.

Corn Exchange, 17 May
Rating:
Fleur Shorthouse