Isabel’s first poetry book ‘One for the Crow’ was published in 2020. Since then, her poems have appeared in anthologies by the Nottingham-based Paper Cranes Poetry Collective, and by Derby Stanza Poets. In 2024, she created the Poetry Wash-line, a community poetry event for the Six Streets Arts Trail which culminated in her book ‘Things My Mother Told Me’.
Isabel performs her own poetry at venues in Derby and Nottingham, and co-hosts DEDA Poets, an open mic evening in Derby.
Isabel’s play ‘The Doll’ is based on a dark Eastern European Folk Tale. It will be performed for the first time in November 2026.
Isabel’s blog ‘The Witch’s Business’ celebrates her time as an allotmenteer and cook.
Up & Coming events
Six Streets Arts Trail
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June
Isabel a.k.a. The Poetry Witch performs poems with a hint of magic. Seek her out at 29 Park Grove, Derby DE22 1HE. The Arts Trail is an inspiring weekend event of local art and artists in the vibrant DE22 neighbourhood of Derby.
DEDA Poets Open Mic
Tuesday 21 July
Isabel will be performing her poetry at DEDA Poets’ July open mic. Expect poetry, music and special effects.
The Doll
Wednesday 18 November – Sat 21 November
Isabel’s play, The Doll, will be performed by the Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Society (QUADS) for the first time ever! Steeped in mystery and intrigue, The Doll is inspired by Slavic folklore and is set to be highly atmospheric and compelling - perfect for a November night.
Performance
Like a piece of ice on a hot stove the poem must ride on its own melting
Robert Frost: The Figure a Poem Makes
The Poetry Witch – Poetry with a Hint of Magic
Video coming soon!
Six Streets Arts Trail
27 & 28 June 2026
Featured Poet at DEDA Poets
Video coming soon!
DEDA Poets
21 July 2026
Video clip from The Doll (rehearsal)
Video coming soon!
Performed by Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Society (QUADS)
18 – 21 November 20206
Collaboration
Extend a hand whether or not you know it shall be grasped.
Ryunosuke Satoro
PAGE POETRY
STANZA Poets (Derby)
is an online group aligned with The Poetry Society which has helped me develop as a poet. Members critique each other’s poetry in a thoughtful, kindly and constructive way.
For more information contact Jim Friedman
Email: jfriedman@saqnet.com
AMDRAM
Derby has a thriving amateur dramatic scene.
Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Association (QUADS)
The talent and commitment of everyone involved in QUADS is remarkable. I am grateful to them for producing my first play ‘The Doll’ in November 2026.
SPOKEN WORD POETRY
Spoken Word Poetry is flourishing in Derby and beyond! I belong to these groups – but there are many more.
DEDA Poets
Based in Derby, DEDA Poets is a quirky, welcoming open mic evening which I co-run with my poetry buddy Jen.
Meets: Third Tuesday of the month at Dubrek Studios, 8 – 10 pm, 67 Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LB
For poets with interest in reading, writing and performance. As their names suggests, they are based in Lichfield and they will welcome you wherever you come from.
Meets: details posted on FaceBook.
Paper Crane Poets is a local writers’ collective run by Nottingham poet, Leanne Moden. The Cranes regularly perform at the Inspire Nottingham festival and the Nottingham Poetry Festival.
Meets: Every second Tuesday of the month at Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston NG9 1AE
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