On 15th April, <A2Z> editor attended the latest edition of GARGLE, a monthly live event hosted by Sadie Coles HQ. GARGLE is a new series that blends performances, literature, poetry, and more into a fresh cultural experience.
The first event took place on 18 February 2025 at Sadie Coles HQ on Davies Street in London, curated by Isabella Burley, the founder of Climax Books. And this time, the event was curated by James Messiah - founder of Adult Entertainment, a multidisciplinary artist, musician, DJ, and producer, active across a variety of creative fields.
When Poetry Took the Mic
This edition put poetry in the spotlight, featuring performances by five artists — Sean Mahoney, DRYBABE, Corbin Shaw, William Wyld and Ivy Johnson — with a special guest appearance by Tommy Sissons. Speaking about the event, James said, “We always do it like loosely, so I never really dictate to the poets what to say. I just kind of give them a time limit and say, because I always book people that I trust people that I know that I loved and that I respect.” This didn’t feel like the typical poetry night. Maybe that’s why?
While the event was centred on poetry, each performer brought something unique - incorporating storytelling, singing, and their own personal flair. The standout feature of the night? It’s raw, unfiltered take on poetry. Rather than refined or academic verse, the artists approached poetry as a tool for expressing the daily life - the emotions, and experiences of living in a big city. GARGLE constantly offers fresh experiences and new perspectives on the world. So what's next? Perhaps a new kind of curated experience?
