On a foul weather night in late November an attentive group gave a warm welcome to some new and some experienced writers at Dolly’s Wine Bar. The theme Dream On inspired a wide range of responses.

First-time poet Jo Knight began with an accomplished villanelle which she had honed on a recent poetry course. Tony Cottrrell treated us to a civic fantasy which saw the funny side of frustration with politicians. Another new poet Debbie Andrews entranced the audience with the depth and tenderness of her three very different poems, which included both a lullaby, and a piece with elements of nightmare. Henry Purbrick’s story danced around the chilling constancy of death. Penny Gunter’s story of an aspirational young woman, and the obstacles she faced, gripped like a thriller.

Mac Dunlop began the second set with a selection of sonnets from a new work, “As It is Late”, some of which had been broadcast on BBC Introducing on 4 November.These intriguingly featured a recorded voice, which Mac himself accompanied on piano. The compressed layers of meaning in the piece required and repay close attention. He was followed by Tabitha Hollis, whose pacy story, “The Lucid project” had a filmic quality. Peter Gillies read a trilogy of graphic yet philosphical poems on three artists whose work confronts the American Dream. Clare Owen rounded off the night with a compelling inner monologue whose quirkiness adroitly took the edge off the central character’s longing.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their work, and who came to listen.

The next Telltales will be on Tuesday 30 January 2018 at Dolly’s Wine Bar. The theme is Second Thoughts.