I’ve been writing poetry for the last 50 years or so. Although I studied engineering at a university of technology, we were lucky enough to have writers in residence, first Roger McGough and then Pete Morgan, who acted as mentors to a small group of us, getting us writing and performing our work.
Since then, poetry has been a passion and I’ve been lucky enough to have had support from several publishers and to have performed widely at festivals and events around the country. As well as regular readings of my work, I’ve collaborated on many multimedia shows with my wife, the poet Susan Taylor, and other writers and musicians.
The Word Cafe and The Barrel House Ballroom presents The Lockdown Podcasts. Fourteen of the UK’s top poets take the guise of seven podcasts. Hosted by Matt Harvey & Julie Mullen during the lockdown of 2021.
These seven glorious poetry podcasts were created with support using public funding by Arts Council England.
The Word Café is the brainchild of the wondrous Julie Mullen. Since 2010 Julie has hosted sensational poetry and music events at an array of locations including The Cott Inn Dartington, The Landmark Arts Centre Teddington, The Pleasance Theatre London, The Rosemary Branch Theatre Islington, The Pleasance Theatre QueenDome and Bunker One Edinburgh, The Old Sorting Office Barnes & The Tea Box Richmond.
Since 2019, the home for The Word Café has been The Barrel House Ballroom Totnes, with whom this project is a collaboration.
The Word Café in the kind words of Roger Mcgough, “These are the kind of events that really bring poetry to life.”
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See What's coming up at the Barrel House Ballroom, read artist interviews and recommendations, and find out 'what's brewing at the Brew Co' in our monthly What's On guide...
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More @ The Barrel House Ballroom & Totnes Brewing Co:
Come join us for some guaranteed good Bank Holiday vibes at our Ukulele Singalong' . . . bring your Uke if you have one and your voice.
Monday 25th May 2026 | 7:30pm
Jam in the Barrel
Live Music,Community
"Jam in the Barrel" is the Totnes open jam night, where you can come and share your musical skills with others in our community, or just enjoy the vibe... playing, singing, gentle listening, and joyous dancing are all welcome.
Tuesday 26th May 2026 | 8pm
Queer Angels
Community
Queer Angels - is a social evening on the last Thurs of each month. It’s a social, trans-inclusive gathering, designed for the queer community, a place connecting people in a relaxed atmosphere.
Thursday 28th May 2026 | 7pm
the Lords of Veg Funk
Live Music
Step into the Church of Veg and encounter a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Serving steaming portions of vegetable-themed funk, soul, disco and hip-hop. An 8-piece band that praises the holy name of cabbage and seduces you with the sensuality of sweet spinach salvation!
Friday 29th May 2026 | 8pm
ATTON=RAON
Live Music
Multi-Instrumental performer/composer Sam Walker in collaboration with creative technologist Nathaniel Mason and sound engineer Ben Addicott bring a world of hope, fury and joy.
Saturday 30th May | 7:30pm
Jazz at The Bazza – Mama Tokus & Friends
Live Music
A regular 2026 Sunday session of soulful vocals, spoken word, jazz, fun & warmth with Mama Tokus overseeing proceedings. Expect good music and wordplay - and a great atmosphere, with sharing plates too!
Sunday 31st May 2026 | 3pm-6pm
Black Bird Open Mic Night #142
Live Music,Community
The Black Bird Open Mic Night is a friendly, intimate and much-loved event that brings people together for good times. Original material is positively encouraged!
Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 7pm
Tribal Lounge – **Free Entry**
Live Music
TRIBAL LOUNGE ….. is not an event, an artist, a label, a recording, a product. It’s all five. And more!
Wednesday 3rd June 2026 | 7:30pm
Soma Soma – 8-Piece Band – Afro-Brazilian Music
Live Music
Soma Soma will return to the Barrel House with driving percussion, vintage horns, and hypnotic guitar lines working together to seamlessly blend Brazilian styles (Samba/Bossa Nova/Arrocha) with African (Highlife/Afrobeat/Soukous) genres to create something completely new and exciting.
Friday 5th June 2026 | 8pm
Radiohead’s OK Computer – Performed live by Local Totnes Supergroup
Live Music
Missed Radiohead’s tour last year?Following a sold-out performance of The Bends in 2025, a stellar supergroup of local musicians returns to celebrate Radiohead’s landmark album OK Computer, performed live, in full.
Saturday 6th June 2026 | 8pm
Sunday Soul Session with Luke Marzec
Live Music
Join Luke Marzec and his band for an intimate Sunday Soul Session - a cosy, candlelit evening in the downstairs Library Bar. Expect a mix of new and classic material, spontaneous improvisations, and special guest appearances.
Sunday 7th June 2026 | 7pm-10pm
Poets and Pints Open Mic
Spoken Word/Literary
Come on down and sign up to read your poem or just relax with a pint/glass of vino/OR ginger beer for a fun evening of poetry at the mic. This month's featured poet is Julie Mullen.
Monday 8th June 2026 | 7:30pm
Jam in the Barrel
Live Music,Community
"Jam in the Barrel" is the Totnes open jam night, where you can come and share your musical skills with others in our community, or just enjoy the vibe... playing, singing, gentle listening, and joyous dancing are all welcome.
Tuesday 9th June 2026 | 8pm
Fire & Dust – A Woody Guthrie Story – Reg Meuross & The Strike Duo (with Phil Beer)
Live Music
Commissioned and produced by Pete Townshend and created by award-winning singer-songwriter Reg Meuross, Fire & Dust: a Woody Guthrie Story has fast become one of the most powerful and acclaimed folk productions on today’s circuit.
Wednesday 10th June 2026 | 7:30pm
Dons of Disco
Club/DJs
Dons Of Disco is a queer dancefloor built on one principle: dress to express, not to impress. Expect a smorgasbord of floor-filling Disco, glittering Italo, heavy Funk, deep Soul, Detroit Techno and Chicago House.
Friday 12th June 2026 | 8pm-12am
Ian Prowse & The Fiddle of Fire – The Radical Hope Tour + Support TBA
Live Music
Merseyside hero Ian Prowse is fresh off the back of 3 UK tours as very special guest with Elvis Costello, and his best 2 back to back albums since he began with Pele back in 1991
Saturday 13th June 2026 | 7:30pm
QUILTBAG Sunday socials
Community
Join us in the Barrel House Ballroom for our monthly queer social/DIY/scratch space. Come and chat, bring games, craft or open mic/cabaret ideas - Free entry
Sunday 14th June 2026 | 4pm-7pm
Black Bird Open Mic Night #143
Live Music,Community
The Black Bird Open Mic Night is a friendly, intimate and much-loved event that brings people together for good times. Original material is positively encouraged!
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Subscribe to our newsletter and you'll be entered into our monthly prize draw!
Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date with all the amazing entertainment coming to the Barrel House Ballroom and Totnes Brewing Co.
Plus, every month you'll automatically be entered into a draw to win a pair of free tickets to any Barrel House Ballroom gig of your choice and two free welcome drinks!
Ensure our email address is added to your address book so updates and notifications don't end up in your junk folder.
