Writing: Poetry Performances

Janine has performed at hundreds of gigs around the UK, and internationally in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Toronto, New York City, Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle NSW.

She regularly performs at music gigs as well as spoken word events; at festivals including Edinburgh, Tolpuddle, South Downs, Glastonwick, Something Else and Shambala; at trade union, Labour Party, political and campaign events; as part of the NeurodiVERSE crew; and in solidarity with strikers alongside fellow Poets on the Picket Line; and with (other) Loud Women.

Funny, biting and original.
Francesca Martinez

Janine Booth is an incredible performer – like a mature Kae Tempest her words simultaneously entertain and cut deeply into the heart of social justice, human frailty and what it means to be an ethical person in this world, while never skipping a beat.
Magdalena Ball, Compulsive Reader (New South Wales)

Janine Booth is a 1980s poet who just happens to be a 2010s poet too: her vitriol and stage-presence are, if anything, more finely-honed than they were back then (she’s put the years in, after all) and it’s great to see her winning over new audiences every time she performs. And even better, she’s not simply resurrecting past glories but continues to produce new material all the time. Highly recommended!
Russell Thompson, Apples and Snakes

A one-woman riot.
Joelle Taylor

Janine Booth brings humour to her politics. Her poetry is passionate and on point, and audiences are won over by her down to earth manner and wry witticisms. Don’t let the bastards grind you dour.
Tim Wells

Janine Booth will have you belly-laughing at her witty observations on life, then takes you to a place where you truly see through the eyes of those we often don’t, but need to see if we are to be better people. All done with the intensity and connection that only a fine and passionate poet can do.
Michael Reynolds, Passionate Tongues, Melbourne

As ever, Janine’s poetry charmed, wowed and inspired a packed venue. I’m always amazed how she gains and holds the attention of an audience who’ve come to watch loud music, and immediately turns them into fans. Love her to bits.
Cassandra Fox, Loud Women

Utterly magnificent.
Phill Jupitus

Janine Booth came to Sunday Slips and blew our mind. Her words are full of honesty and power, she welcomes communication and growth! Janine shook our souls and moved the dialogue of the night to a deeper meaning. She always has a home in Berlin at Sunday Slips. Thank You Janine Booth, from the family at FREUDIAN slip club.
Liliana Velásquez

Janine is absolutely brilliant – witty, sharp, radical, passionate, intense, one of the best performance poets around.
Attila the Stockbroker

Side splitting and hard hitting.
Oliver New, Ealing Trades Union Council

Janine Booth is one of the best spoken-word artists around and her characteristic humour, laced with biting truths and social commentary, never fails to move hearts and minds.
Bob Oram, Morning Star

Brilliant. Her poem ‘Night Tube’ is Auden-esque.
Jeremy Corbyn MP

Love Music Hate Racism, Worthing

Janine contributes half an hour of poetry to this evening of anti-racist entertainment. Love Music Hate Racism

Run Your Tongue, Leicester

Janine will be popping up for an open mic slot at Leciester’s Run Your Tongue. A word from the organisers of Run Your Tongue We are back for another edition of Run Your Tongue – the spoken word open mic … Read more

Soteria in the Pub

Soteria in the Pub Janine will be poeting in the pub (The Betsey Trotwood in Farringdon, London), in the latest in a series of Sunday afternoon events in support of the Soteria Network, campaigners for humane, non-coercive mental health services. … Read more

Wigan Diggers’ Festival

Janine joins the roster of artists performing at this annual labour movement shindig, which celebrates the life and ideas of Wigan born and bred Gerrard Winstanley and the 17th Century Diggers‘ (True Leveller) Movement. The full Wigan Diggers’ festival line-up: … Read more

Write Out Loud Sale

Janine is a feature poet at the lovely Write Out Loud Sale at the Waterside Arts Centre. Expect poems from Janine’s book, Amplify.  

Soteria in the Pub – a Sunday of solidarity

Three months on from the previous instalment, here comes an afternoon of information and entertainment from radical mental health campaign Soteria, featuring poetry from Janine, music from Dadford and Sons, and an open mic for others to contribute their experiences, thoughts, poetry or music.

Oswestry Pride 2024 Variety Show

Dungeons & Drag Kings Founder Jenn Deere will be hosting the Oswestry Pride Variety Show at Attfield Theatre, featuring performances from Chester’s drag king Mr Brake Down, poet Janine Booth, drag queen Coco Canal, and more!

Poeting at Glastonwick 2024

Janine will be pumping out the poetry on the first night of the 2024 Glastonwick Festival, returning two years after her last tour de force at the Sussex shindig. Held at Coombes Farm, Coombes Road, Lancing BN15 0RS, Glastonwick is … Read more

Listen: Brum Radio Poets, March 2024

An hour of poems and chat about poetry, with Rick Sanders in conversation with poets Janine Booth and Mehdi Yavari. Broadcast on Brum Radio.

Witney Pride fundraiser: Do You Remember The Verse Time?

For poetry lovers, for poetry sceptics, for those who never appreciated the full force of verse until it’s been heard, this is the event for you. Join us for a special edition of Witney’s best and only spoken word night. … Read more

Video: Job cuts

A poem in the Welsh poetic form of Clogyrnach (which is remarkably similar to a limerick), written in support of Unite the Union’s strike ballot of steel workers employed by Tata in South Wales, whose jobs are under threat.

Video: Steel workers’ jobs are on the line

A poem in the Welsh poetic form of Cyhydedd Fer, written in support of Unite the Union’s strike ballot of steel workers employed by Tata in South Wales, whose jobs are under threat.

Caffe Grande Slam, Dudley

Venue: Caffe Grande at the Albionn, 15 Stone Street, Dudley, DY1 1NS Janine will be the feature poet at this mini-slam at the Caffe Grande in Dudley, in the West Midlands. Come along and hear her perform verse from her … Read more

Oooh Beehive: poetry in Swindon

Janine is the feature poet at Oooh Beehive, Swindon’s Sunday afternoon poetry gig. More information on the Oooh Beehive Facebook page.

Poeting at Steyning Festival

Together with Henry Normal and Attila the Stockbroker, Janine provides some poetic content for the annual festival in Steyning, Sussex. A fantastic night of poetry from three Sussex legends of the poetry scene!

Powerful punk poeting at 0161 Festival

Janine takes to the acoustic stage of Manchester music and culture fest, 0161. Venue: Broughton Park Rugby Club, M21 7TL Details and tickets from the 0161 website, here

Oooh Beehive! Swindon

Janine is the featured poet at Swindon’s Sunday afternoon poetry shindig. Venue to be confirmed.

International Women’s Day celebration, Ealing

Janine’s annual poetic performance at Ealing Trades Union Council’s International Women’s Day celebration. There will also be speakers and music, and a good time will be had by all. Venue: to be confirmed  

Open Mic Lewes

Janine will be the feature poet at Open Mic Lewes, a monthly extravaganza of music and words at Only With Love café, Malling Community Centre, compered by the incomparable Anna and Terry.

Soteria in the Pub, London

Join us another Soteria in the Pub open mic event to raise awareness for compassionate alternatives for people in distress on Sunday 3rd March 2-6pm at The Betsey Trotwood (EC1R 3BL). This a ticket only event please book online free/donations welcome.