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Emma Purshouse

@emmapurshouse.bsky.social
796 followers 328 following 502 posts

Freelance writer, novelist, performance poet and lover of all things Black Country. Editor of The Black Country Magazine. One third of Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists.

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Reposted by Emma Purshouse
Adam Farrer @adamjfarrer.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A few years ago I went to a pig sanctuary and most of the pigs were stoned from eating green acorns. This one, Wilbur, couldn’t stand up and was too big to lift, so the staff had to leave him in this bush and wait for him to sober up.
Wilbur, a stoned pig lying in the dirt and unable to stand at Pigs in the Wood sanctuary, Huddersfield. I later adopted him.
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Emma Purshouse @emmapurshouse.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I don't have a pig. Shame...it sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon :)
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Steve Pottinger @bigstevepoet.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Half the country's in drought, there are wildfires everywhere, farmers are warning of crop shortages, but according to our Reform-led council in Walsall, this is just "a warm summer" and they've rescinded a 2019 pledge to tackle global warming. Dumb. As. Rocks. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...
bbc.co.uk
Suffolk wildfire updates: Blaze grows to size of 140 football pitches
A major incident has been declared - one holidaymaker tells us he was woken up by "hammering" on his door and told to evacuate immediately.
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JointheDots @joiningupthedots.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Essex police confirm Farage lied about them advising him not to attend the election count. Presumably he didn’t attend because of the embarrassment of beating a bin - nothing but a farce and a hollow victory. Today scrutiny will resume.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 14/08/2026
It was Count Binface’s best-ever result at a parliamentary election.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
He's hilarious, proudly black country, and owns the best shirts... It's Brendan Hawthorne with a one man show this afternoon in The Wheatsheaf 🎭 @pandemonialists.bsky.social
A man with a multi colour tye dye shirt playing the guitar in front of midlands fringe banner
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Ah, yes. Time to get the project evaluation sorted. #AddItToTheToDoList
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Emma Purshouse @emmapurshouse.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I keep forgetting I'm on this platform...just remembered so thought I'd drop in and say hello. I hope you're having a nice evening/day (depending on where in the world you are).
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Black Country Society @blackcountrysoc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
In a collection which blends factual evidence with folklore, superstition, hearsay and the imagination, poet Nellie Cole explores the Worcestershire murder mystery ‘Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ www.blackcountrysociety.com/shop
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
This was yesterday evening, and it was BRILLIANT!!
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Janet kicked things off this afternoon in K Teas Cakes with some superb storytelling! 😊
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Nothing to add. Tina was immense.
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
What a way to close our Friday shows... 😊
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Suzanna Fitzpatrick @suzannafitzpatrick.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Come and see Fickle Puck! 5m45pm Sat 25 July at The Pack.
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Emma Purshouse @emmapurshouse.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
If you get the chance to see this show then go. It's superb.
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Emma Purshouse @emmapurshouse.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
What a talent...
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Setting up for this evening’s #MidlandsFringe show “The Punkawallah’s Rope” by Chrys Salt in the Tistone Studio. 6pm start. A PAYF event. Come along! 😊
A photo of a stage. An image is projected on the screen at the back of it.  a music stand and instruments are set up, and there’s a MidlandsFringe banner far right.
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Emma Purshouse @emmapurshouse.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
This was so good.
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Wow. Phil Ellis was so unbelievably good at #MidlandsFringe this evening. We laughed, laughed, and laughed some more. Comedy genius. Thank you to everyone who came. 🙏
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Nottingham's finest!
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Hull, you did yourselves proud. 😊
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
This multi-media performance explores the vibrant textures, voices, and contradictions of a continent both dazzling and daunting. ‘…. a feast of vivid poetry, harmonious voices, exquisite drawings and evocative music’.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Its rooted in Chrys Salt’s highly regarded collection The Punkawallah’s Rope which marked the 70th anniversary of the Partition of India and was born from her performance at the Kolkata Book Fair in 2016 and an immersive month in Kolkata and North East India.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The Punkawallah's Rope - Chrys Salt Wednesday 22nd July 2026, Tilstone Arena Theatre, Pay-As-You-Feel, 6pm, Rating: Universal www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/22ndju...
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'The Punkawallah's Rope // Wednesday 22nd July // Arena Theatre (Tilstone), 6pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, middle image of artist (woman with blue and black top and blonde hair with a microphone and multicolour background).
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
***** (Mirror). 'Every moment he is on stage something funny, and then funnier, is happening' ***** (Scotsman). ****½ (Chortle.co.uk).
chortle.co.uk
Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide
Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Following his three big award wins at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, Phil, the very definition of funny bones, presents his new show in readiness for the Edinburgh Fringe. Jam-packed with laugh-out-loud profound silliness, superbly crafted gags and constant surprises.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
This will be your chance to be among the first people to hear Phil’s new material and help him decide what will – and won’t – make it into his new show. Not to be missed!
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Work in Progress - Phil Ellis Wednesday 22nd July 2026, Arena Theatre, 8pm, Rating: 18+ Headline show! £15 full price and £12 concessions, tickets available here: wlv.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/... Note: This show will be BSL Interpreted
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Work in Progress - Phil Ellis // Wednesday 22nd July // Arena Theatre, 8pm, £15 (£12 concs)' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, middle image of artist (man in purple suit holding up one leg in front of his body, short brown hair, burgundy background).
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Suzanna Fitzpatrick @suzannafitzpatrick.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Coming to @midlandsfringe.bsky.social Photo by @tessafoley.bsky.social. My house is ankle-deep in sequins and tassels. Come and see me! Sat 25 July, 5.45pm, The Pack, 25-26 Queen Square, Mander Centre, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TQ. Turn up, pay-as-you-feel www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/25thju...
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Beethoven - Edge of Silence - Mike Venables Thursday 23rd July 2026, Tilstone Arena Theatre, Pay-As-You-Feel, 6pm, Rating: 12 The mystery of Beethoven's Immortal Beloved brought to life through theatre and live music. www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/23rdju...
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Beethoven - Edge of Silence // Thursday 23rd July // Arena Theatre (Tilstone), 6pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, middle image of artist (blonde woman on a piano on the left smiling, man with white beard and glasses and fancy blue jacket on the right also smiling).
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Shazia Mirza is an award winning British stand up comedian and writer, and this is a work-in-progress show for her new tour starting later in the year.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Work in Progress - Shazia Mirza Thursday 23rd July 2026, Arena Theatre, 8pm, Rating: 18+ Headline show! £15 full price and £12 concessions, tickets available here: wlv.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/... Note: This show will be BSL Interpreted
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Work in Progress - Shazia Mirza // Thursday 23rd July // Arena Theatre, 8pm, £15 (£12 concs)' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, middle image of artist (woman with brown hair on grey background).
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The tales in this show all have a link with Staffordshire. Some will be based on actual historical events. Local legends and myths form a significant part. There will certainly be a ghost story. The stories may be amusing, comical perhaps ridiculous.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Stories from Staffordshire - Janet Crouch Friday 24th July 2026, K-Teas Cakes, 4pm, Pay-As-You-Feel, Rating: 12+ www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/24thju...
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Stories from Staffordshire // Friday 24th July // K-Teas Cakes, 4pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, central artist image: beautiful view of green fields of Staffordshire from a rockface with unusual shapes.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"Stunning" ***** Three Weeks. "Funny, insightful, tender, Sederholm exceeds expectations and offers an hour of genius storytelling." edfringereview.com
edfringereview.co
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Aged 57, Tina’s worked out that life’s not all about winning big trophies. But how else do you measure a successful life? Join her as she interrogates Indiana Jones, Douglas Adams and a Famous Poet to uncover the answer to Life, the Universe and basically Everything in under 55 minutes.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Based on an imaginary first draft, this is a different version of the play before it was famous. Lots of laughs. A few well-known lines. No boring bits.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/24thju...
midlandsfringe.co.uk
Midlands Fringe - Friday 24th July 2026
Stories from Staffordshire - Janet Crouch
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
This is not Therapy - Tina Sederholm Friday 24th July 2026, K-Teas Cakes, 5.15pm, Pay-As-You-Feel, Rating: 12+
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'This is not Therapy // Friday 24th July // K-Teas Cakes, 5.15pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, central artist image: woman smiling/laughing with curly hair on black background, test says 'Stunning... dripping with hope, acceptance, and grounding self-mockery. ***** ThreeWeeks'.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Well lucky us, we get to do it all again this year 🥰
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"Fantastic concept. Trustworthy curation." "Please keep it supported so it can happen every year and grow!" "Overall the quality of acts and organisation has been really good." "It's been amazing, we only wish we could have made it to more shows, and already looking forward to next year's."
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Don't believe us when we say how good the Fringe will be this year? We have some comments here made by festival-goers from 2025, and here is what they had to say:
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
It begins in just a few hours! We can't wait to see everyone 🥰
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poets and prattlers @pandemonialists.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We sat down with @jamesvukmirovic.bsky.social of @expressandstar.com to chat about all things #MidlandsFringe in the run up to the festival, which starts this Friday... www.expressandstar.com/news/hard-wo...
expressandstar.com
Hard work pays off for Midlands Fringe organisers ahead of festival
The Midlands Fringe is set to bring a diverse list of acts to venues across Wolverhampton.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Be prepared for wry humour and keen observation in local dialect and relatively standard English!
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Laughing In The Face of Absurdity is a performance of original songs and poetry from Brendan’s wide and varied canon that try to make sense of the ludicrous trials and tribulations of modern life through ageing eyes and mind!
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Laughing in the Face of Absurdity - Brendan Hawthorne Saturday 25th July 2026, The Wheatsheaf, 12.30pm, Pay-As-You-Feel, Rating: 12+ www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/25thju...
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Laughing in the Face of Absurdity // Saturday 25th July // Wheatsheaf, 12.30pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, central artist image: image of grey bearded man's face from low angle, brick background.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Pub Crawl Posts present Throwing in the Trowel. A powerful working-class spoken-word performance that gives voice to frustration, resilience and the dream of a fairer life. Honest, direct and unapologetic, these are poems from the sharp end of modern Britain. We don't want to be poor anymore.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Pub Crawl Poets. AP Staunton & Rob Redford Saturday 25th July 2026, The Wheatsheaf, 1.45pm, Pay-As-You-Feel, Rating: 18 www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/shows/25thju...
Midlands Fringe graphics, blue gradient background with green and light blue lines, black text box top right saying 'POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIALISTS // PRESENT' // MIDLANDS FRINGE in orange and pink boxes with a yellow microphone leading to '2026' // bottom left pink text box saying 'Pub Crawl Poets // Saturday 25th July // Wheatsheaf, 1.45pm, Pay-As-You-Feel' // bottom right orange text box with ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND logo with LOTTERY FUNDED logo, central artist image: black background with white writing 'THE PUBCRAWL POETS // Founding Members // A P STAUNTON & ROB REDFORD'.
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Midlands Fringe @midlandsfringe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Cath Edwards has kicked off the fringe with a fabulous storytelling of the tattles and tales of Shakespeare himself, at K Teas Cakes! What a great way to start 🎉
Background: yellow banners with MIDLANDS FRINGE logo in orange, black, yellow, pink and white // Foreground: woman in green and white floral dress with blonde hair performing, a microphone and stand on the left, a chair and part of a table on the right
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