Author: Dave Pitt

Tuesday 15^th October was another helping of PASTA. We were entertained with rich words on buses, public transport, and lamb[1] based meals. But it wasn’t just entertainment. It was also educational. Did you know there are some trees in Walsall Arboretum that smell of toffee apples? No, nor did I[2]. Did you know one of our poets cannot swear in front of Canadian people? No, nor did I. Did you know there might be a connection between driving a Mercedes on Wolverhampton Ring Road and public displays of self-satisfaction? No, nor did I? But I did have my suspicions about that one.

We had poems, ballads, short stories, and Gilbert and Sullivan cover versions[3]. More importantly we had those people who are “nervous” but managed to push those fears into the ground long enough to walk to the mic and deliver some great works. Back in the day when the three P’s first sat in a pub we wanted a way to bring new people into poetry and get people to perform for the first time. PASTA is an amazing and unique platform for rookies and long may that continue.

Next month’s PASTA is on Tuesday 19^th November. The theme is “I” or if you hold it upside down… well, it’s still “I”. But if you hold it sideways it could be “H”. It could even be “1”. So write some stuff about yourself, about Arnold Rimmer[4] or about Malcolm McDowell[5].

See you in November.

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[1] I’m sure Emma and Steve would like to point out vegetarian versions of lamb are available.

[2] They smell of toffee apples even if there isn’t a caravan next to them selling toffee apples.

[3] Acapella and with slightly different lyrics.

[4] A reference which probably went over the heads of everyone under 50.

[5] A reference which probably went over the heads of everyone who doesn’t watch semi-obscure British Gangster films.

Whenever you return to a gig after a bit of a break for the Summer you always wonder if it will have a negative impact. Will everyone have suddenly discovered a new poetry night which is split into two halves with the first half being on a theme and the second half being on any subject and all held together with shambolic professionalism? It’s possible. We imagine there are thousands out there. Somewhere.

If there are, it didn’t have a negative effect. What a night! As always a wide mix of voices took their turns to entertain what we’re sure is one of our biggest PASTA audiences ever. It didn’t matter if it was juxtaposing football with a new term at Uni, talking about a dream world where writing is financially viable or expert use of the word “protozoa” – we had big laughs, rich language and provoked thoughts. 

Now I don’t want to bring the vibe down, but you know the Pandemic? It was bonkers, wasn’t it? So it was nice to not only see some new faces trying their hand but also seeing some old faces us PPPers hadn’t seen since the “before times” of a pre-pandemic world. We miss your faces. We hope you’ll be back.

As always, seeing those people who trust the event enough to make it the first time they read their work in front of an audience proves we’re doing something right. And it also shows how nice and supportive you all are as an audience. 

Thinking about it, it’s amazing there aren’t thousands of nights like this. People obviously want this stuff. Then again, maybe it’s because in that place, with these people, there’s a bit of magic happening you can’t get elsewhere. 

Whatever makes the magic next month will be worth a punt. If you want to pop along it’s 15th October at The Arena Theatre and the theme is “BUSES” or maybe “BUZZES” if you’re Black Country.

Dave Pitt
18th September 2024

When the theme was choosen for PASTA in March and it came out as “Scary Panda” I can’t have been the only one who thought, “Oh! That will be tough.” But one thing PASTA always brings out is a level of creativity which is varied, sublime and astonishing.

So yes we had work on scary pandas, and scary Panda-monialists and creatures in general. Then in the second half everyone stretched their wings (or would a more suitable metaphor be “puffed up their fur”) and the mix of subjects, voices and emotions was immense.

It’s great to see how PASTA has grown over time and the variety of faces and experiences which are coming through our little night.

The truth is, when you dare to assemble poets and storytellers you shouldn’t really be surprised at the magic which comes out and it always does. We’ll see you in June.