That’s What She* Said Live

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

Book now

That's What She* Said Live

21 August 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Poet and theatre-maker Maria Ferguson.
Book now
This year, For Books’ Sake – the hardworking indie organisation behind critically acclaimed, award-winning night That’s What She* Said – celebrates its tenth birthday, and, to celebrate, you’re invited to a special online birthday party. Championing women and non-binary writers across the UK and beyond via writing workshops and retreats, along with live events and spoken word nights in Manchester, London and Bristol, For Books’ Sake have grown the operation since 2010 with zero external funding.
Maria Ferguson is an award-winning writer and performer from Essex, whose debut poetry collection Alright, Girl? was published by Burning Eye Books in March
Join them for this special That’s What She* Said Live online on 21 August and help raise money for more great programming while getting to enjoy “three of the best spoken word performers around AND a chance to win some absolutely amazing prizes, from us and a selection of our all-time favourite writers, publishers and other organisations”. The Birthday Raffle includes books and goodies from the likes of Rosie Garland, Toria Garbutt, Boudicca Press and Burning Eye Books, editing and feedback sessions, creative coaching packages with FBS founder Jane Claire Bradley and more.
The evening itself, meanwhile, features two lots of performances each by EMY.P, Malaika Kegode and Maria Ferguson. EMY.P is an award-winning spoken word artist, BBC London-featured poet and musician born and raised in Essex, and featured in the list of Top 50 Neurodivergent Women 2019. Bristol-based Malaika Kegode is a poet, promoter and workshop facilitator, working with organisations such as Arvon and Cheltenham Literature Festival. Malaika’s debut poetry collection Requite was published by Burning Eye Books in 2017 and she has performed around the UK, from London’s Tongue Fu to BBC at the Edinburgh Festival.
Maria Ferguson is an award-winning writer and performer from Essex, whose debut poetry collection Alright, Girl? was published by Burning Eye Books in March and described by Salena Godden as: “Flawless. An essential read for the 2020s.”  She has been a resident artist for the Roundhouse and Battersea Arts Centre and has been commissioned by the Royal Academy of Art, Stylist magazine and BBC Radio 1. Her debut show, Fat Girls Don’t Dance, won the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show. Her follow-up, Essex Girl, was shortlised for Soho Theatre’s Tony Craze Award and won Show of the Week at VAULT Festival 2019. Both are published by Oberon Books.

Where to go near That’s What She* Said Live

Deansgate
Restaurant
Podium

Podium delivers high-end, seasonal dishes, largely geared around produce and ideas from the British Isles, but with a few deft twists and turns.

Tai Wu
Manchester
Restaurant
Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Manchester
Food hall
BAB Korean Food

A highlight of Manchester’s K-Food space, Bab Korean Food serves up authentic, well-made dishes at the Kargo MKT food hall in MediaCity.

Dimitri's
Castlefield
Restaurant
Dimitri’s

Longstanding Greek taverna Dimtri’s delivers traditional, fuss-free Greek food, aimed at everyone from courting couples to multi-generational families in Manchester.

Kong's NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
Restaurant
Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

Side view of mixed race business colleagues sitting and watching presentation with audience and clapping hands
Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

Bar pub 3
Leeds
Restaurant
Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

Restaurant
Leeds
Restaurant
Pasta Romagna

Pasta Romagna is a family owned, independent restaurant in the heart of the city centre. Bringing you homestyle Italian cuisine since 1982.

wine bar 2
Leeds
Restaurant
Farrands

Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.

Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre

Dark comedy, visceral dance theatre, Fringe hits and open-air performances on a railway viaduct - try something new this season.

Mermaid Chunky by Simon Pizzey.
Music

From manifesto-wielding DJs to bands blurring gigs with performance art, our music guide is newly stocked with artists who see live music as a place for risk.

Food and Drink in the North

It’s the early-May edition of the Food and Drink Guide and here's where to eat and drink while living out your warm-weather dreams.

a beach. red bricks are laid out in a spiral shape on the sand.
Exhibitions

We’ve got five new Manchester exhibitions this month, from thought-provoking photography to environmental art and community-led projects.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.