Tue 07 Oct
|The Straw Yard
Cabaret of Words
An Open Mic Night for Writers & Lovers of the Spoken Word
Time & Location
07 Oct 2025, 19:00 – 22:30
The Straw Yard, The Barracks, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DF, UK
About the event
Writers, performers, and lovers of the spoken word, welcome back to Cabaret of Words! This popular open-mic night is your chance to take the stage, share your original writing, and soak up the electric atmosphere of live literary performance. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or trying out new material for the first time, this is a space to bring your words to life.
This October, we’re thrilled to be part of the Berwick Literary Festival week, and we’re inviting writers to respond (if they wish) to this year’s Festival theme: “The Things That Make for Peace.”
Bonus opportunity: Writers who perform a themed piece may be invited to read at the Festival’s closing party on Saturday 11 October. If you’re interested, please let us know in advance at: hello@berwickwritersforum.com
Come to perform. Come to listen. Come to be part of a community that loves words as much as you do.
DOORS OPEN AT 6:15pm
EVENT STARTS AT 7:00pm
HOW IT WORKS
8 performance slots (a maximum of 10 minutes each) To secure your performance slot, you’ll need to provide your name, email, mobile number, and a brief note on what you plan to perform (poetry, short story, memoir, etc.). Performers will receive full event details via email.
Prefer not to read your own work? You’re welcome to nominate a reader. Just be sure to book one Participation Ticket for yourself and one General Audience Ticket for your speaker. At least 2 wild card slots on the night (a maximum of 5 minutes each)
For the last-minute scribblers, the spontaneous souls, and those who want to see how the night unfolds, you’ll have a chance to step up and share your work in the moment.
AUDIENCE MEMBERS
Book your ticket, come along, relax with a drink, and enjoy an evening of varied live performances in an informal, welcoming space.
About the Berwick Writers’ Forum Cabaret of Words is part of the Berwick Writers’ Forum, a year-round initiative of the Berwick Literary Festival.
The Forum exists to support, connect, and celebrate writers at all stages of their journey - from established authors to emerging talents - through events, information, networking and mentoring.
📩 For more information, get in touch at: hello@berwickwritersforum.com