THE SEVENTH edition of The Last Word Festival will host its biggest lineup to date, showcasing over 20 shows and events, set to spark conversation and push poetic discussion to new heights.

The month long event will shine a light on some of the UK’s most influential wordsmiths, thinkers and tastemakers as they open the doors to the worlds of spoken word, music, theatre, film and podcasts.

A celebration of inclusivity and community, the lineup features shows, workshops and events from the likes of The Receipts & Friends and #Merky Books, and will see writer and poet Anthony Anaxagorou join theatre-maker Travis Alabanza on the judging panel for the highly anticipated Roundhouse Poetry Slam Final.

In a festival-first, the groundbreaking #Merky Books will join The Last Word this year. Founded by Stormzy, the Penguin Random House imprint has fast become the home for a new generation of readers, and a new generation of writers. Dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry from under-represented writers, the imprint is set to demystify the book world at The Last Word Festival, through writing workshops, discussions and more. Full details of the event will be announced shortly.  

The acclaimed culture podcast The Receipts will be opening up their intimate audio sessions to the public for a one-off special, exclusive to the festival. Hosted by Milena, Tolly T and Audrey, the three will record their podcast in front of a live audience – baring their brand of honest hilarity in a frank discussion on all things from relationships to situationships to everyday life experiences. Expect unadulterated girl talk with no filter. 

Novel interactive show, The Money, will join the lineup for the first time, offering players the opportunity to work with a set of strangers with the aim of reaching a unanimous decision on what to spend a sum of money on. With one hour to play, unified agreement will see their decision become a reality, but if heads clash, the money rolls over to the next game. The exciting social experiment will see players’ personalities, needs and morals come head to head in a financial showdown like no other.

A staple of The Last Word Festival, Roundhouse Poetry Slam Final will see some of the freshest emerging talent from around the UK compete for the coveted slam champion title following the gripping regional heats. With some of the most respected names in spoken word set to sit on the judging panel, including writer and poet Anthony Anaxagorou, audiences will also have their say with a chance to cast votes on their winner.

With tense regional heats across the country, the mighty BoxedIN CLASH will host its grand finale at the home of many a dramatic showdown, the prestigious Shakespeare Globe. Concluding the battle’s trilogy on neutral ground in the heart of the city, 2019’s winners, East London and South London, will fight it out for the title with a team-captain-selected team in a soundclash-inspired poetry battle. Guests can expect whistles, horns, passion, special guests and more.

Told through spoken-word poetry and live music, British Book from Roundhouse Resident Artist Kirk-Ann Roberts, follows the journey of two siblings navigating their experiences of the UK immigration system. The moving show explores how commonwealth migrants cope with the lengthy and uncertain process of applying for citizenship, cultural assimilation and family separation.

Mid-June will see Nuestra Voz: British Latinx join the eclectic lineup for a moving intimate show that explores the beautiful and unique identities that come from the stories of migration from British Latinx poets. The incredible show will see a stellar line up of British Latinx poets opening up about the struggles, highs and lows, and the wonder of being the first member of a community to break new ground.

Roundhouse Associate Artists Global Voices Theatre are back with a unique selection of international plays never before performed in the UK and specially curated for the festival, shining a light on young international playwrights followed by a discussion around the works.

A special edition of the Roundhouse’s recently launched Self-Made Series for 18-30 year olds – this year’s festival will see the team behind The Imposters Club podcast dive into the theme of Imposter Syndrome.

A moving exploration of the practice of Carribean migrant parents leaving their children behind in search of a better life, Barrel Stories is an audio installation, allowing guests to hear intimate audio testimonies. Being especially created for The Last Word, the installation will also include a special story workshop for migrants

Jack Prideaux, Producer of the The Last Word Festival says: “Over the last seven years, The Last Word has grown from a festival showcasing the best poetry and spoken word that London has to offer into a unique platform for a diverse range of artists and voices to present boundary-blurring work that has something to say, that challenges, entertains, and reflects the world around us. 

“The Last Word also provides an opportunity to showcase work from our Young Creatives programmes for 11-25 year olds including the Roundhouse Poetry Slam which will bring together rising stars of spoken word from across the UK via heats in Gloucester, Hull, Wrexham and London to take part in the always-amazing Final during The Last Word where we will crown this year’s champion.

“We’re excited to be working with some amazing partners for the festival this year who are helping us to amplify these vital voices and stories and work with artists, audiences and communities across London and the UK, including #Merky Books and Counterpoints Arts.”

From poetry to live podcasts, sound clashes to writing workshops, Roundhouse’s spoken-word extravaganza The Last Word Festival has it all. For more information and tickets please visit here.