Verbose MCR

One of Manchester’s longest running spoken word events, Verbose, returns on Monday 15th December 2025 at the Kings Arms.

Verbose has a proud history of bringing together a vibrant mix of live literature from poetry, prose and everything in between. Verbose welcomes new talent to the open mic alongside established writers and performers wanting to showcase new material, giving audiences the chance to hear work that is on its way to be published or perhaps feature at festivals including Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe and many more.

Over the years Verbose has hosted writers who have since gone on to win local, national and international awards for their work or feature on national radio and beyond. A night that offers any audience a chance to see an incredible array of talent month in, month out.

Introducing our headliners for December!

Stephen James Smith

Stephen James Smith, born in Dublin, is an Irish poet, writer, performer, playwright, and educator. His short poetry films have captivated millions, earning them the opportunity to perform alongside notable names like Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Patti Smith, Shane MacGowan, Bono (U2), Imelda May, and Glen Hansard.

With close to 1,000 gigs worldwide over the past 20 years in locations from Ballydehob to Bangkok, and significant performances at venues like Glastonbury, the Radio City Music Hall, New York, the Nuyorican Poetry Café, the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Paris), and the Barbican and Palladium (London). Stephen has demonstrated a commanding presence on the stage.

As a recording artist, Stephen’s work has been lauded both nationally and internationally, leading to Stephen being dubbed “Dublin’s unofficial poet laureate." His creations have been extensively published, translated into eight languages, and have received numerous awards and nominations. Stephen also makes regular contributions to Irish TV and radio cultural programmes. Acknowledging that success is a blend of luck, hard work, and subjectivity, Stephen invites you to form your own opinions about their work.

(photo credit – Dan Comerford)

Janoma Omena

Janoma Omena is a queer Nigerian creative writer and poet, and author of 'The Mess That Is My Mind'. Her work explores the themes of identity, queerness and belonging. A regular at Manchester's poetry scene, such as Pull Up and Speak and Verbose, Janoma’s writing has been featured in Brittle Paper and multiple anthologies. She is also the founder of AfroQueer Lit, a writing community that supports LGBTQ+ writers of the global majority through workshops, writing circles and resources.

To enter the draw for an open mic slot, please email us on verbosemanchester@gmail.com between 26th November & 2nd December

Tickets are pay what you can from the link

Verbose: Monday 15th December 2025

Kings Arms, Bloom Street Salford 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Find us on Instagram and Facebook at @verbosemcr