Verbal Gerbil

Experience electric spoken word performances at Hagglers Corner.

About Verbal Gerbil

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Welcome to Verbal Gerbil — Sheffield’s spoken word cabaret where words do the talking.

Once a month at Hagglers Corner, we bring together poets, storytellers, comedians, musicians, and anyone with a voice to share. Each night is a mix of featured performers and open mic slots, creating a space that’s playful, thought-provoking, and always full of surprises.

Verbal Gerbil combines spoken word with live improvised music from Footprints Jazz, shaping a literary event unlike any other. Our headliners range from leading spoken word artists and storytellers to rappers, electronic musicians, and folk performers. No two nights are the same, and we celebrate words in all their many forms.

You can expect inspiring sets from local talent and guest artists, alongside a welcoming open mic that encourages both newcomers and seasoned voices. Entry is pay-what-you-feel, with a suggested donation of £5, keeping the night open to everyone.

Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or soaking it all in with a drink in hand, Verbal Gerbil is about celebrating words in all their forms. Come to listen, come to share, come to be part of it.

All our nights finish before 10pm so, plenty of time to get zzz's on a school night.

Writers Group

We are now running a writer's group for those that want to learn the craft of writing and performing poetry.

This will run 5:30-7:00pm before the show at Hagglers Corner and is aimed at those who are new to writing poetry or want to get back into the swing of it.

Your tutor

Stan is an award winning performance poet. He has also worked for Writing Yorkshire, First Story, Crisis, Barnsley create as a creative writing tutor. He can help you define your words and build up your performance chops to take your writing to the next level.

Suggested donation is £5 per session

Week 1 – Beginnings & Self

Week 2 - Sound & Rhythm

Week 3 - Imagery and the senses

Week 4 - Form and experimentation

Week 5 - The world around us

Week 6 - The strange and the surreal

Close-up of a performer passionately delivering spoken word poetry on stage.
Close-up of a performer passionately delivering spoken word poetry on stage.

Interested? Get in touch here.

Next events

Discover Verbal Gerbil, a live spoken word event held at Hagglers Corner in Sheffield, bringing vibrant performances to the community.

Venue

Hagglers Corner, Sheffield

Date

7pm - 10pm

Address

Hagglers Corner, Sheffield

Time

Evenings only

7pm - 10pm

Open

Hagglers Corner, Sheffield

Place

Contact Us

Audience enjoying a live spoken word performance on a small stage.
Audience enjoying a live spoken word performance on a small stage.

Reach out to connect with Verbal Gerbil event organizers at Hagglers Corner, Sheffield.

FAQs

What is Verbal Gerbil?

Verbal Gerbil is a live spoken word event held in Sheffield at Hagglers Corner.

When does it take place?

The event usually happens monthly, with dates announced on local listings and social media channels.

Who can perform?

Anyone interested in spoken word can perform at Verbal Gerbil, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist.

Is there an entry fee?

How to attend?
Can I bring guests?

Yes, guests are welcome to attend and enjoy the performances at Hagglers Corner.

Verbal Gerbil brings Sheffield's spoken word alive with energy and heartfelt stories every time.

Liam R.

A lively crowd enjoying a spoken word performance in an intimate venue.
A lively crowd enjoying a spoken word performance in an intimate venue.
A close-up of a microphone on stage with warm lighting in the background.
A close-up of a microphone on stage with warm lighting in the background.

★★★★★

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