About Us

Speakin Weird is the second-longest running spoken word night in Aberdeen. It aims to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. It is hosted by Hannah Nicholson, Esmond Sage and Aron Smith, the latter of whom also provides our DJ sets during the breaks. It runs on the 2nd Monday of every month (usually) at Gaelic Lane Cafe, found just off Belmont Street in Aberdeen city centre. We have a headline performer whose set is bookended by two open mic sets, slots for which can be signed up for on the night. We try to make sure that a number of these slots each month are allocated to newcomers. Our doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is £5 or £3 for attendees who are students or unwaged, and we can accept payment via cash or card on entry. We ask that open mic participants perform five minutes of material and that you factor in any introductions to these timings. Finally, we operate with a masking policy to protect our immunocompromised friends and we ask that you please wear one - we provide them free at the entry desk, although we also honour exemptions as required. If you wish to contact us, we can be reached on our social media sites or via email - [email protected].

History

Speakin Weird was established in Aberdeen by Orla Shortall in 2017, originally making its home in the basement of Brewdog Castlegate before moving on to Spin and latterly the Blue Lamp. It remained a popular constant on the spoken word scene in Aberdeen, even while navigating lockdown and the closure of Spin in 2024 and the Blue Lamp in 2025. Orla ran things alone to start with, having occasional help from others on the local poetry and spoken word scene, before recruiting Hannah Nicholson as a regular co-host in 2024. Aron Smith then became our resident DJ in 2025. 2026 saw a move to Gaelic Lane Cafe as our latest venue, as well as the departure of Orla to return to Ireland and the subsequent recruitment of Esmond Sage to help Hannah and Aron run things.

Upcoming Events

June 2026 - Light the Blue collab featuring Len Pennie

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May 2026 - featuring Jackill

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April 2026 - featuring Fiona Robertson

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March 2026 - featuring the Wanderlust Women

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© 2026 Speakin Weird.
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