Diary Saturday 11th June 2016

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My mum’s 76th birthday today and though she is very ill and effectively housebound she liked her card and present that I got for her, a copy of the Sherlock Holmes movie, Mr Holmes. I spent most of the day online before heading to Manchester in preparation for an unusual creative writing and cabaret workshop. For many years the North West has played host to Dr Sketchy’s, a life drawing class that draws inspiration from burlesque and erotica modelling. Tonight saw the debut of Dr Scribbly’s, a companion creative writing workshop run on the same structure. I never went to a Sketchy’s event as I can’t draw at all, but this was much better for me. The event used a lovely theatrical performance space at Manchester’s Chapter One, an independent Bookshop. There were about ten writers inspired by three performers. Bea Noir spoofed Harry Potter in a freakshow routine that involved daring contact with real sharp nails and sharp shards of broken glass, followed by a very funny comedy act from Hannah Platt and rounded off when Ginger Le Rouge offered a classic traditional burlesque dance. It was a very impressive event and all the writers produced exceptional work which we read to each other after each performance. A huge thank you to Dr Scribbly and the exceptional performers. We got some nice spot prizes for our contributions – mine included a wizard-wand pencil and a writing paper notepad. I hope to attend more such events in what is to become a monthly activity. After the workshop I called in a local bar for a few beers with friends before catching a late bus home. Arthur Chappell