Poetry Idol Final

Poetry Idol Final

proudly presented by the Paradise Anthology
Melbourne Writers Festival 2007
Beckett Auditorium, Malthouse Theatre, Sunday 2nd September 2007
with MC Michael Crane, Rebecca Barnard, Shane Koyczan

Contestants in order of appearance:
Gordon Lindsay
Yvette Stubbs
Amelia Walker
Marian Spires
Maxine Clarke
Nathan Curnow
Keiren James
Samara Hersch
Fiona Stuart
Mick Mezza
Stephen Whiteside
Bella Li
Robert Metcalf
Geoff Lemon
Wendy Butler
Fran Lefroy
Heath Miller
Simon Taylor
Nick Whittock & performers
Steph Calthorpe
Kirsty Stewart
Mieke Boynton

Third runner-up: Bella Li
Second runner-up: Kirsty Stewart
Winner: Geoff Lemon

I had heard about the Poetry Idol competition, but unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to any of the heats. Due to there being over 200 entrants there had to be extra heats and there ended up being 23 finalists.

Being the last day of the Writers Festival, it was good to see so many people attending and I am sure there will be even more interest in a similar event if it was held in the future.

Rebecca Barnard and Shane Koyczan provided special performances on the night that added to the whole experience.

I was glad not to be a judge as I couldn't pick between any of the contestants myself as they were all great. Watch out next few years when some of them will no doubt have their own programs within the Melbourne Writers Festival.

Thanks again to Michael Crane for asking me to take photos of the night and hopefully there is another competition next year in a similar vein.