Words & Verses

WORDS & VERSES 2026

Word nerds unite! Join Ipswich’s longest running spoken word open mic – now in our 14th year – for a night of funny and fearless spoken word in the New Wolsey Theatre bar.

Words & Verses is a friendly, authentic and welcoming event for writers and performers to share their work, often for the first time. Poetry, rap, comedy, storytelling – originals and covers – all words welcome. Don’t want to take part? That's cool too. A gig is nothing without an audience, so come along and soak up the literary linguistics of our brave open-micers. No participation required.

If you do have something to share, we’d be utterly delighted to hear your poems, words, stories, jokes, and ideas. Its our favourite thing in the world! Sign up to perform upon arrival. Sign ups continue throughout the event. Roughly 5 mins per person. We always ensure everyone gets some time on the mic. Latecomers welcome.

Hosted by Ipswich poet Amy Wragg, from SoapBox Spoken Word CIC. Amy has performed at WOMAD, Strawberry Fair, Harlequin, Foreword Fringe, Maui Waui, and many more. She gigs regularly across the region, with a special love for festivals. Part-poetry, part-comedy, part-politics, her work is honest, playful, and bold.

Free handmade SoapBox Zine for all attendees. Only available in-print on the night.

Adult language content warning. 18+

Please note: We are a proudly inclusive event so we do not endure prejudice of any kind. Words & Verses is a safe and supportive event, so we ask that there is no audience participation/heckling, unless explicitly requested by the performer.

Event format: We only ever have a maximum of 4 performers before there is a break. We generally have (at least) 3 intervals throughout the event. Latecomers welcome.

Open Mic: If you are travelling, or need to book on the open mic advance, please email [email protected] to arrange. Please book your ticket to the event through the New Wolsey Theatre before getting in touch.

www.getonthesoapbox.co.uk

INSTA @getonthesoapbox