It’s 2025, and Chemistry kicks off another year of poetry and spoken word on Friday 31 January! Instead of our usual two wonderful headliners, we’ll be having three, as welcome South Yorkshire legend Ian Parks, and our first ever double act, the self-described “poetry twins” Rachel Davies and Hilary Robinson. Plus, of course, our amazing open mic!

The events are themed on the elements of the periodic table, so this time it’s element number 17, which is Cl for Chlorine. The theme is entirely optional, but we hope you might use it as a creative prompt to come up with some new work to reveal on the night.

If you want to sign up for the open mic, just ask host Joe Williams for a slot when you arrive. Open mic readers are drawn in a random order from the Box of Mystery, and we’ll keep going till the box is empty. We welcome everyone from first-timers to veteran performers, so if you want to give it a go, please do. Please stick to the time limit of 3 minutes (which includes any introductions and other waffle).

Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. The guest poets will also have books for sale. No need to book a ticket, just turn up.

Doors at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. I hope you can join us!

TRANSPORT: The Chemic is about 1.5 miles from the centre of Leeds. The nearest train station is Burley Park. Buses number 38 and 39 stop about 150m away, and there are very frequent buses from the city centre up nearby Woodhouse Lane, where you should get off just before the Hyde Park pub.

PARKING: There is limited parking at the front and rear of the Chemic, and street parking available nearby.

ACCESS: There are several steps to the front entrance, and level access via a short ramp at the back door. Alternative access via an additional entrance can be arranged on request. If you need this or any extra assistance, please talk to Joe or one of the venue staff. The stage is one step up, but performers can stay on the adjacent level area if required. Unfortunately there is no accessible toilet. The Chemic is currently undergoing structural work which will improve accessibility for the future.