Talk of the Town is a queer open night where the personal, political and petty all collide — a space to share the too real, the too funny, the too tender, the too much. It’s less tumbleweed open mic night vibe— it’s giving more gossip with your babs at the smoking area, plus a mic & a cute audience.
We’re running a series of themed nights celebrating the chaos, care and creativity of queer lives in Birmingham—from heartbreak and hookups to activism, aesthetics, and emotional admin. Some sessions get sexy, some get sad but all are gloriously fab.
Hosted and Facilitated by proud Birmingham Bab Hassan Hussain.
Interested in sharing? Here’s our Advice and Guidance-
What’s it about?
Each speaker can define the month’s theme however they see fit and can define ‘monologue’ however they want – this could be songs, performance, readings, audience participation.
After everyone has shared, Hassan will invite the performers to gather on the sofa to briefly talk about their own and each other’s sharings. Sometimes there’s time for comments from the audience.
How to take part/attend?
If you’re planning on attending, rock up around 7pm for a 7.20pm start. Whilst the event is hosted in a venue that serves alcohol, we’re not an alcohol-focused event – it’s OK not to drink.
Talk of the Town is FREE – and we encourage you to register for a ticket through the link for each event. It’s not easy to get up and talk in front of a crowd – so we ask attendees to be respectful, supportive, and welcoming. We like to keep things nice and friendly!
Tips and tricks for talking!
Everyone is welcome
We’re a queer-centered event- but you don’t need to identify as or be queer to perform or attend.
Respect
Please be considerate and respectful in your content – some people like to provide a content alert before they start, and we actively encourage this to allow people to make an informed choice.
No experience? No problem!
You don’t need to be an experienced performer – many people have never done an event like this before – and we encourage and support first-timers!
Be yourself
You don’t need to judge your content or performance against anyone else – we all have different styles, stories, and ways of being.
Come prepared
We strongly advise – we can’t say this strongly enough! – that you put thought into preparing your sharing. The performances that feel most clunky are when someone ‘throws-out’ an idea they’ve just had: it’s hard to do this well.
Rehearse beforehand
Practice it a few times – and time yourself. Time passes faster than you think- 10 mins will feel like 2!
On reading
Some people read from a paper script, or from their phone notes, or index cards. Others have learnt their piece by heart or have a few prompt notes. Do what works for you. There is no ‘right’ way.
Held Space
We have the gorgeous Hassan hosting the evening, and there to support conversation, questions, and discussion after the sharings.
It’s okay to pause, to ask to restart. Remember to breathe!
