Evening Performances

A variety of Creatives to listen to and become inspired by

Kezzabelle Ambler

pOET

Meet Kezzabelle Ambler, the 11th Bard of Northampton and a Pushcart Prize nominee.

This dynamic performance poet weaves wit, wisdom, and humour into her one-woman show, "Permission To Love Yourself," and her workshops, "Weaving Words."

Her fifth book and audio collection, "Permission To Speak," tackles themes like nature, mental health, and love.

Kezzabelle works across communities, festivals, retreats, and mental health wards, helping people express their thoughts and feelings.

Touring the country, she passionately shares her craft, inspiring and uplifting everyone she meets with her boundless love for words and people.

Sophie Garner

Singer

Sophie began her career with the National Youth Theatre, eventually becoming the first artist to play the London O2 Arena. Her success led to tours across Europe and the Middle East, supporting artists like McFly and Sugababes.

A natural educator, Sophie believes in the holistic and deep effects of music, using it as a therapy and life skill to help others express themselves confidently and develop socially. Sophie's nurturing nature continues in one-on-one music therapy sessions with children with special educational needs and behavioral issues, providing a supportive environment for troubled children to express their feelings.

In 2019, she earned a Master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and published "The Creative Songwriting Journal" in 2020, endorsed by UK parenting expert Sue Atkins.

Marcus Pibworth

Story Teller

Marcus Pibworth is a storyteller, father, and seeker of quiet places. Originally from Warrington, just outside Olney, he now resides in the picturesque foothills of the Black Mountains in rural Herefordshire.

Marcus' passion for storytelling goes beyond mere entertainment; he explores the magic of the world and facilitates change through his craft.

Marcus brings stories to life by putting on captivating storytelling shows and running immersive workshops. He travels around in his magical storytelling caravan, known as the Bardic Caravan, sharing his tales with diverse audiences.

Through his work, Marcus aims to inspire wonder, ignite imagination, and foster a deeper connection to the world around us.

Marcus's unique approach to storytelling makes him a beloved figure in his community and beyond.

Newton & Cowper

HISTORICAL sKETCH

In 1779 a hymn book was published with the title of the ‘Olney Hymns’ which since then has never been out of print.

Cowper & Newton Museum Trustee, Amanda Molcher, will be joined by local residents William Cowper and the Rev’d John Newton to explore how they collaborated to write hymns which are still sung around the world today.

Patricia Lee

Performance Prose

Patrica spent her childhood at the seaside but has been landlocked ever since, living in Oxfordshire, Kent, Belfast, Cheshire and West Yorkshire.

At Oxford University Patricia didn’t enjoy reading for a degree in Jurisprudence but did enjoy parties, punting and Pimm’s.

Patricia's Master's Degree is in Ethnomusicology, analysing global cultural perceptions of musical talent.

Patricia has recorded Talking Newspapers for the Blind, given public readings at several Festivals including Bath Literary Festival, Speed-Reading and Poetry Recitals at Leeds Metropolitan University and is the voice of the announcements at Market Harborough Theatre.

Patricia is thrilled to be a part of the Inaugural Olney WordFest 2024.

Charles Corbett

Poet

My poetry is not for performing.
It doesn’t do cavort.
It doesn’t wear loud, stripy shirts
and it doesn’t like to shout.

No, my poetry is not for performing.
It won’t swing from a trapeze.
It won’t make the elephants dance round the ring nor incite the chimpanzees.

No, this poetry is not for performing.
It’s more for the ear than the eye.
It’s more an anxious tug at your sleeve than a smack from a custard pie.

But I wish it was for performing,
with an in-your-face sort of style.
It’s more what the age demands of one; more gumption, less guile.

But it is what it is. I can’t help it.
I come from a long ragged line,
who left the acting to others,
and sat quietly to pen verse and rhyme.