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

Poeting in the Forest of Dean

Janine returns to the Forest of Dean to perform at Mitcheldean’s regular poetry night at Jolter‘s. It is nearly five years since Janine’s last visit to the area, so expect loads of fabulous new material.  

Queer Out Loud, Plymouth

Janine is the feature poet at Plymouth’s ‘Queer Out Loud‘. Following last year’s excellent gig, Janine will entertain the good people of Plymouth again, and will also sit back and enjoy the open mic. Queer Out Loud: a word from … Read More

Word Central, Manchester

Watch out, Word Central! Janine will be popping up to perform a single poem. She’s in town, after all, and previous appearances at Word Central have been most enjoyable. Now, which poem will it be? Word Central is a free … Read More

We Shall Overcome – Derby

Janine delivers a poetry set as part of an awesome bill at We Shall Overcome’s all-day event. The line-up: Matt Johnson Joe Solo Attila the Stockbroker Jonny Wallis Luddites UK Mary Moden Band Just Fran Matt Hill Sophie Sparham Janine … Read More

Arts Junction, Arundel

Two years after her storming previous appearance, Janine is the guest poet at the South Downs Poetry Festival‘s Arts Junction event. In the upstairs Red Room of the Victoria Institute, Tarrant Street, Arundel, BN18 9DG. Arts Junction, Arundel

Slamming at Some-Antics

Janine returns to Leicester’s Some-Antics spoken word night.

We Are The Headliners, Leicester

We Are The Headliners is a monthly, Saturday afternoon poetry event in Leicester Central Library.

Queer Coffee Link Ups, Leicester

At Queer Coffee Link Ups, Leicester’s LGBT+ community gets to hear performances from most excellent local poets.

Good Shout: Poetry in Peterborough

Janine returns to the place she grew up with a feature set at Good Shout – her first performance of poetry in Peterborough since the city’s Radical Bookfair in 2023.

Mad Kin zine launch

Janine will be performing poetry to help launch Mad Kin zine. Expect to hear Not OK and other poems about mental health. A word from the organisers … Mad Kin zine launch Join us to celebrate the launch of Mad Kin zine … Read More

Soteria in the Pub

Poeting for humane, non-coercive mental health services. Ticket information to follow.

Soteria in the Pub

Poetry from Janine features in the latest Soteria in the Pub. A Sunday afternoon of music, spoken word, information and pleasant company in support of more humane, non-coercive mental health services. A work from the organisers … Soteria in the … Read More

NeurodiVERSE for the Fire Brigades Union

Janine provides poetic entertainment for Fire Brigades Union members at the union’s Disabled and Neurodivergent Members’ Forum in Leeds. Also performing will be neurodivergent poets Kate Fox and Rick Dove. Private event.

Poeting in Seaford

Janine returns to Seaford on the East Sussex coast. A word from the organisers in Seaford: A warm welcome awaits you at the Wellington Hotel for another of our popular Open Mic Poetry sessions. All are welcome to read or … Read More

Some-Antics

Janine pops up for an open mic slot at Some-Antics, which modestly describes itself as “Leicester’s third best poetry night”. The feature poet is the marvellous Rob Gee. Some-Antics takes place on the third Friday of every month at The … Read More

Bodacious Poetry!

Janine pops up for an open mic slot at Leicester’s Sunday afternoon poetry gig. Bodacious! organised by Dare to Diva Janine performed Bristol’s Brilliant Bus Boycott and Who’s the Refuser?

Launch of What Rough Beast: poems on Trump and Trumpism

An online reading of poems from the anthology What Rough Beast: poems on Trump and Trumpism. This will include Janine reading Hallelujah President Trump, as well as other poets reading their contributions. Zoom link to follow. What Rough Beast: poems … Read More

‘A Disorder for Everyone’ festival

Janine will be a poetic participant in this online event challenging mainstream narratives about mental health and ‘disorder’. This will include a showing of the video of Janine’s poem Not OK. Information and tickets for the event are available on … Read More

Poeting at In Good Hands, Shrewsbury

Janine returns to the venue where she wowed the audience at Shrewsbury Pride this year and last year. This festive evening of poetry will be hosted by the fabulous Sofia Lewis, and will include some of Shrewsbury’s excellent local poets … Read More

Warming up for Attila the Stockbroker

Attila the Stockbroker comes to Leicester As Attila’s Tory-free tour hits Leicester, Janine delivers a short warm-up set. Information and tickets here.