Three the Hard Way – is a name derived from Jamaican DJ culture where male DJs would work together across the dance halls, clubs and stages of Jamaica, bouncing off and responding to each others’ sets in collaboration and competition. The description was subsequently adopted by male dub poets in the UK, led by Linton Kwesi Johnson in the early 80s.
In this new context the form is again re-appropriated – but now for the first time by three female artists, of diverse backgrounds, brought together by the Midlands – an area known for it’s culture, cultures, spoken word and strong women.
Following an amazingly successful first tour, Three the Hard Way – Part Two, features: Shruti Chauhan, Lydia Towsey and Jean Binta Breeze MBE. Tour dates welcome men and women from all backgrounds and ages to explore our times and varying experiences, from the personal to the political.
Each event is supported by a specially invited local artist and informal post show discussion, where audience members are welcomed to contribute their thoughts and experiences. Some dates are also accompanied by linked workshops, please check the schedule for more details.
“Brilliant chemistry … sit back and let the lyrics (not just words) wash over you.” ~ Karen McCandless, The Public Reviews.
Having seen this show I can actually, genuinely, honestly sing it’s praises and say “hey you; you should go see this.” ~ Nathan Human. KLiC Theatre, Executive Producer.
Audience members…
- ‘Amazing!!!’
- ‘Excellent in every sense’
- ‘Thank heavens for diversity, the poetry was open ,wild and scary and I was exhausted with feeling so much’
- ‘It was moving and funny, I identified with all three poets, thoroughly enjoyed the evening and I am not normally a poetry fan. The best event ever held in the library’.
More Leicester Listings MORE
Scrap It, Revamp It: 100 Years of Black History Commemorations (1926–2026)
In the early twentieth century, Black communities in the United States marked the February birthdays of social reformer…
Annual Windrush Day Lecture 2026
Windrush Day, officially recognised by the UK government since 2018, is commemorated annually on 22 June to mark…
A Night To Remember: Motown Show
Take a trip back to 1960s Detroit with A Night To Remember: Motown Show, a high-energy live concert…
Sylvia
Sylvia tells the powerful and often overlooked story of Sylvia Pankhurst — fearless, complex and determined — bringing…
Reel Histories 2026: Black Classics
Reel Histories 2026: Black Classics is a bold film programme for Black History Month 2026, amplifying the cinematic…
Black Classics Symposium
Classical music is often associated with the Western canon, yet its development has long been shaped by diverse…
Black History Month Launch: Black Classics in Concert
Launching Black History Month 2026, Black Classics in Concert is an evening celebrating the musical legacies and enduring…
Lenny Henry: Still At Large
For over five decades, Lenny Henry has been a defining voice in British entertainment, shaping comedy, television and…