Book Slam stages another sparkling night at the Clapham Grand

Described as a “literary nightclub”, Book Slam at the Clapham Grand is a monthly event featuring readings from some of Britain’s top authors, followed by live music and a DJ set. 

With past guests including David Nicholls and Kate Nash, the latest edition of Book Slam featured yet another impressive line up, with comedian Dominic Frisby keeping the audience amused with entertaining anecdotes between acts.

Opening the evening, spoken word artist Talia Randall shared her witty musings on the subject of life in London – “a city where there are more chicken shops than people – fact”. Covering personal subjects, from her awkward high school years to her family’s heritage, Randall’s poems endeared her to the audience and set the scene for a night of entertaining and innovative performance. 

In his set, author Matt Rudd read an extract from his new book The English: A Field Guide, which had members of the audience in stitches, as did the performance by Jenny Fawcett, the eccentric yet lovable alter-ego of actress Louise Ford, who expressed herself through a combination of mime, movement to music and a hilarious attempt to tap dance on a carpeted stage.  

In the evening’s headline act, Welsh singer and writer Cerys Matthews shared extracts from her “songbook for the family”, Hook, Line & Singer. Playing along on her guitar, Matthews encouraged the audience to join in with nursery rhymes and classics such as Frère Jacques and Whistle While You Work, bringing the night’s performances to an enjoyable end. 

With an excellent selection of wraps and cakes for sale, as well as its own book stall and well-stocked bar, Book Slam is a unique event. Carrying on until late, with a buzzing atmosphere closer to that of a literary tent at a festival than a typical book launch, Book Slam is the perfect social night out for any book lover.

Melanie Weaver
Photos: Laramie Shubber

Verdict: ★★★★★

For further information about Book Slam and future events visit here.