“For spoken word artists developing their first show or new work, Paul is the perfect facilitator.”
‘Paul Stones has been a champion of the grass roots spoken word scene in Brighton since the 1990s. I am one among many poets still writing, performing and making money from our art, who owe Paul an enormous debt for his passionate support and encouragement from our very earliest gigs.
Paul gave many of us our first opportunities. And amongst many open-mike, cabaret and spoken word platforms that he provided, it is often forgotten that it was Paul alongside talented rapper MC Brainiac, who instigated and hosted Brighton’s very first Poets v MC’s Slam, now a major date in Brighton’s spoken word calendar.
Paul provided practical support, sometimes driving groups of poets across the country for slams and gigs, and if the gig had gone badly and we were running low on confidence, he talked many of us out of giving up by the time we’d arrived home.
Paul has the ability to create fun, friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environments. He helped me and many other emerging poets to develop our performance skills through workshops which applied his theatrical knowledge to the performance of poetry. I was also lucky enough to work with Paul on our first piece of “spoken word theatre” in 1998, a good few years before the term became ubiquitous on the spoken word scene.
Paul has the gift of being able combine his considerable personal warmth with his directorial ability to support performers to create shows which remain true to themselves and are the best they can be. Although I haven’t lived in Brighton for many years, I continue to call on Paul’s keen listening ear and sage stage advice whenever I get stuck creating a new show. Paul has had a hand in two of my recent family shows The Jumble Book and Dictionary of Dads, at decisive moments in their development.
Paul always makes you feel relaxed in his company and I’d highly recommend him to anybody who requires a shot of confidence and some stage skills before making a presentation. Also for any writer who wants to be a more engaging presenter of their work and for spoken word artists developing their first show or new work, Paul is the perfect facilitator.
Justin Coe, performance poet.
“Justin’s performance was slick and professional, magical and inspirational. The children and dads enjoyed the interactive elements and joined in with great spirit.The poems, raps and songs were diverse and engaging and appealed to a wide age group. Poetry has never been more popular!” – Katharine Pond/Anne Bonham, Bookstart and Children’s Manager, Southend Libraries
“Funny and tragic, real and make-believe, Jumble Book is authentic, insightful and human.” – Radio Reverb, Brighton Fringe Festival review
“The most talented, funny, original and obliging of performance poets.” – Jenny Seaton, Hastings Education Action Zone