The nights are drawing in, the air’s getting colder, and at the Arena Theatre, that can only mean one thing — PASTA is back, serving up another rich helping of poetry, performance, and just the right dash of mischief.
This month’s theme was HALLOWEEN, and the first half of the evening delivered everything you’d hope for: scares, fears, and a fair few memories from childhood Halloweens gone by. There were poems about ghosts and ghouls, strange sounds in the dark, and the kind of fears that follow you into adulthood. The audience threw themselves right into the spirit of things too — joining in with ooohhhsss and spooky sound effects whenever the chance arose. Someone even attempted a bat impression at one point. Let’s just say… admirable effort, but a little more practice might be needed before the next full moon.
After the break, the tone shifted — as it always does at PASTA — to take in the wider world. We had poems on the recent robbery in France, complete with brave (and occasionally questionable) attempts at the accent, as well as reflections on current troubles and the protest marches filling our streets. There was even a haiku read in Japanese, which sounded wonderfully impressive… though those who were there might suspect that Paul Elwell was taking a shortcut or two in his Japanese lessons.
It was, as ever, a night of warmth, wit, and words shared among friends — exactly what PASTA does best.
The next PASTA will be held on Tuesday 18th November, with the theme FALLING LEAVES. Expect poems of change, loss, renewal, and perhaps the odd leaf-based pun (you know who you are).
Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, bring your words, bring your ears, and join us for another evening of poetry, stories, and community.
PPP
24th October 2025