Bare Fiction Issue 2 launch

I’m delighted/fortunate to have had a short play (“The Naked Major” – spot the subtle Goya reference) published in issue 2 of Bare Fiction Magazine, and went along to the celebratory Cardiff launch at Gwdihw café-bar.

The evening kicked off with a couple of open-mic poetry slots: from Sion Owen (pensive, Welsh-themed), and Simon King (slyly humorous). Rhian Elizabeth then read a startling extract from her Valleys-set book “Six Pounds Eight Ounces”, before issue 2 contributors Bethany Rivers and Carly Holmes provided vivid examples from their oeuvres. This was followed by Rachel Tresize giving us a story from her excellent “Cosmic Latte” collection, after which Bethany W. Pope regaled us with a selection of colourful pieces.

The second half began with another open-mic segment, John Davies giving a lively reading from his hospital-themed novella, and experienced performance poet Mark Blayney effortlessly maintaining the comic mood. Susie Wilde then offered up a selection of prose and poetry, followed by London-based May-Lan Tan reading from her acclaimed debut collection “Things To Make And Break”. Adam Horowitz then treated us to an actorly reading of his largely rural-themed verse; Tania Hershman read her issue 2 piece “Missing My Liar”, and an amusing story about biochemists at a party; and host/editor Robert Harper wrapped things up with great geniality.

An enjoyable night, with the venue’s questionable acoustics made up for by the quality of the bottled cider on offer.