The Soho Reading Series in London encapsulates a growing trend of informal literary parties where literature meets socialising. Founded by Tom Willis in 2023, these events are accessible to all, focusing on fun and community. Similar movements are also found in Glasgow, showcasing a new approach to live readings that contrasts sharply with traditional literary events.
On a bustling Saturday night in Notting Hill, London, a crowd of tipsy young people gathered outside a tailor’s shop on Portobello Road. They weren’t there for fashion but for a live reading event infused with a buzz of excitement. This gathering is part of the Soho Reading Series, launched in summer 2023 by writer and PhD student Tom Willis who aimed to create a vibrant literary scene where anyone can enjoy literature alongside a party atmosphere.
The concept of live literature readings isn’t a novel one. Salons, poetry slams, and open mics have been around for ages. Yet, events like Soho Reading Series have breathed new life into this tradition, popping up across the UK. Inspired by the vibrant literary culture of Soho during the 80s and 90s, Willis has crafted an inclusive space that feels less like a formal gathering and more like a raucous party. The venue shifts for each event, hosted in various spots, including a historic pub in Harringay and a church on Ladbroke Grove.
“If you’re a published writer, attending your publishing house’s Christmas party means everyone knows each other. We’re building the unprofessional literary scene,” Willis explains, chuckling. Attendees often use the term “scene” accompanied by air quotes, hinting at a light-hearted view about pretentiousness. In reality, these events are accessible to a broad audience—with no tickets, barriers, or exclusive handshakes required.
Willis believes the gatherings attract diverse crowds united by a shared love of literature, stating, “It’s a party of like-minded people who care about literature.” Some attendees openly admit they came for the social aspect rather than the readings. “Some people come for a party. Some people come for readings—often they stay for what they didn’t plan on,” says Sophie Barshall, editor of The Toe Rag, a DIY arts magazine that hosts its own live readings.
At a recent Soho Reading Series in the tailor’s shop, the evening kick-off was delayed by an hour. With no microphone, readers projected their voices amidst all the commotion. The snug space, usually reserved for cashmere shoppers, overflowed into the street where eager listeners, some even FaceTiming friends, attempted to catch every word.
There was no fixed theme for the readings. They ranged widely—from short stories in prestigious publications to a humorous review of the Pixar film Ratatouille. Many attendees were first-timers, having discovered the event through social media or writers’ online newsletters. Half the crowd consisted of passionate readers or budding authors, with others simply fascinated by the allure of a literary gathering.
As the readings drew to a close and the audience transitioned to a local pub, one attendee confessed that the readings weren’t his thing; he just came to mingle with people who might appreciate them. “It’s probably not for everyone, but there’s self-selection here. That’s the scene—why literature is great for scene-making,” says Willis.
In Glasgow, a similar movement has taken off with initiatives like thi wurd and Shrill. Leo Bussi founded Waterwings Press to connect with the local art scene. With each event featuring five writers, genres vary, often highlighting contemporary poetry. Bussi likens the evenings to throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks, where improvisation can lead to rewarding performances when everything aligns.
These events bring together individuals with formal writing backgrounds and casual enthusiasts alike. It diverges from mainstream publishing, appealing to diverse voices and fresh ideas. In the Bookseller’s survey, 73% of publishing respondents identified as middle class and 86% as white, explaining why spaces like these are essential for genuine representation.
Writer Rachel Connolly co-hosts New Work, a space for sharing unpublished writing, affirming, “Our ideal reader is good at writing, funny, sexy, and a bit weird.” This sentiment echoes through the community, where socialising often intertwines with literature—sometimes even flirtation.
The vibe is reminiscent of a music gig more than a traditional reading. James Massiah’s east London series, Adult Entertainment, mixes poetry with a DJ session, encouraging an atmosphere where performance meets partying. “What do people like at parties? They love dancing, meeting new people, and having fun,” he states.
Joey Frances, organiser of Manchester’s Peter Barlow’s Cig series, adds, “Any live literature event is about bringing work into the world and sharing it with others. You’re having fun, hanging out, and connecting with fellow lovers of words.” Massiah believes this joy is the secret sauce behind the success of these events, stating, “It’s not a lecture; it’s like a gathering for the words, much like people congregate for music at parties.”
The rise of informal literary parties in London and Glasgow marks a shift in how literature is consumed and enjoyed. Events like the Soho Reading Series and Waterwings Press create inclusive spaces for socialising while celebrating the written word. There’s a blend of fun, community, and creative expression happening, making these gatherings a new wave in the literary scene where anyone can feel welcome and participate. It’s not just about the readings—it’s a party infused with creative energy.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com