The Last Word festival at the Roundhouse announces new events

Further programming has been announced for The Last Word festival at the Roundhouse this July.

The London venue will reopen with seven days of electric performance between 24 and 31 July.

Newly announced events include internationally renowned DJ, broadcaster and Sunday Times bestselling author Annie Macmanus bring her acclaimed Changes podcast to the Roundhouse on 24 July with guest photographer, filmmaker and activist Hassan Akkad recording an episode in front of a live audience.

Also on 24 July, Gboyega Odubanjo launches his pamphlet, Aunty Uncle Poems joined by the highly acclaimed poet and director, Caleb Femi, as well as award-winning poet and former Young People’s Laureate for London, Theresa Lola, joined by a live band.

On 31 July, Nigerian-British poet, playwright, facilitator and recipient of the 2019 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship, Yomi Ṣodewill be doing a live podcast recording of First Five with special guest Hannah Azieb Pool.

Meanwhile available online (26 – 31 July) will be unique poetry and dance piece Seder from Adam Kammerling, the former UK poetry slam champion.

And on Zoom, Young People’s Laureate for London and previous Roundhouse Poetry Collective member, Cecilia Knapp, will be in conversation with the recently appointed US National Youth Poet Laureate, Alexandra Huynh (25 July).

There will also be a panel for 18 –25 year-olds with industry experts Magdalene Abraha (Jacaranda Books) and Tallulah Lyons (#Merky Books) about the different routes through which to get published (27 July). hosted by writer and poet, Bridget Minamore.

Ahead of the festival, there’s also the Roundhouse Poetry Slam Heats (6 – 8 July) taking place online.

For more information and tickets, visit roundhouse.org.uk.

Jack Prideaux, Senior Producer for Roundhouse, commented: “With less than six weeks to go until we reopen our doors, the excitement is building! As we re-emerge from the last year and a half, there’s no doubt that the vital stories and perspectives that make the festival what it is will resonate in a unique way.

“We can’t wait to welcome audiences back into the Roundhouse to experience this amazing line up of emerging and established voices, as well as reaching new audiences through our digital programme.”