About me
Hi, I’m Ryan, a poet and performer with a deep passion for connecting with others through the written and spoken word. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my work with a growing community of poetry lovers. My poetry has been played on BBC Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Solent, Oxford, and Berkshire allowing me to reach a variety of audiences. I published my own poetry collection, Write, Flight or Freeze, on Amazon and have been fortunate enough to host a variety of events in my hometown of Chichester. From curating Poets on the Canal in partnership with Chichester Fringe to hosting spoken word events with Words Out Loud, my work has been one of creativity and connection.
Performing is what truly fuels me. I’ve had the honour of performing at venues like the Victorious Music Festival and many local events, always embracing the opportunity to share my voice and hear others’ stories. I also won the Hammer and Tongue December 2024 Heat and am looking forward to competing in the final in May 2025 at the Brighton Open Air Theatre.
One of my favourite projects is Poems for Strangers, where I set up my vintage 1960s typewriter in public spaces, creating on-the-spot poetry for anyone who stops by. It's a special experience that allows me to interact with the world in an entirely new way, and I love seeing how poetry can bring people together.
If my work resonates with you, I’d love to connect! Feel free to follow me on social media or, if you’re planning an event, check out my Poetry for your event page to see how I could support your occasion. Let’s keep the conversation going—through words, through performance, through poetry.
Poetry for your event:
Weddings & More
Bring a one-of-a-kind experience to your special occasion with heartfelt, custom poetry. Using a vintage 1960s typewriter and beautiful handmade cotton paper, I create on-the-spot, personalised poems for guests to take home as keepsakes. In just a few minutes per poem, I capture memories, anecdotes, and emotions, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your celebration. Each piece is a memento crafted with love, making the celebration unforgettable for everyone who attends."
I also offer custom typewriter prints for striking invitations, save the dates, thank you letters, place cards, and menus for your wedding, anniversary, or birthday celebration.
Projects
Poems for
Strangers
Poems for Strangers is a project that seeks to bridge the gap between strangers through the simple, powerful act of sharing a poem. Armed with a typewriter and a simple sign, I set up in busy spaces and invite passers-by to share a subject for a custom poem. In just a few minutes, I craft a poem based on their chosen subject, offering a unique, hand-typed piece that they can take home. This project is about more than just words; it's about fostering genuine human connection through the art of poetry. It's about sharing stories and offering a tangible gift of creativity that sparks reflection and a sense of human connection in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To find the words
To Find the Words is a short poetry music film that I wrote, co-produced, and performed in. Shot in and around the vibrant areas of Brixton, Peckham, and Lewisham in London, the film blends poetry and music to address pressing global issues. Through imagery and words, it shines a light on topics such as the cost of living crisis, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the ongoing struggles between Palestine and Israel. The aim of the film is to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and inspire reflection on the challenges facing the world today.
Poets on THE CANAL
Poets on the Canal is a poetry show I curated and produced in association with Chichester Fringe to bring a full-length, dynamic poetry experience to Chichester, breaking away from the typical open mic format. This show was designed to offer poets the chance to perform more polished sets of around 20 minutes or longer, allowing them to showcase their work in a more deliberate and cohesive way. The event highlights the diversity of poetry—not just the idyllic landscapes or classic literary themes, but the everyday moments that shape our lives. Poetry is found in the mundane, the humorous, and the profound. I’m proud that Poets on the Canal not only celebrates and pays performers, but also supports their artistic growth by providing professional video recordings of their performances using a high-quality 4K camera, helping them build their portfolios. This project is a celebration of poetry in all its forms and a platform for local poets to shine.
Words Out Loud
I regularly host and perform at events with the local spoken word company Words Out Loud. Through this collaboration, I’m able to engage with the vibrant spoken word community, both as a performer and an emcee. One of my key roles is hosting 7Up, a popular cabaret-style show that brings together an eclectic mix of artists—from improv troupes and belly dancers to singer-songwriters and spoken word poets. Hosting 7Up is a rewarding exercise that keeps me in the moment, encouraging me to connect with both the audience and fellow performers. This dynamic interaction not only enriches the event but also feeds back into my own poetry practice, inspiring me to stay present and creatively engaged in every performance.
