Instagram Story Save

Reciting Edward Lear’s ‘The Nutcrackers & The Sugar Tongs’ with @catherinerebeccajohnson as part of her splendid birthday celebrations. A wonderful day had by all.

My number one beach read recommendation for this summer is Emily Wilson’s wonderful translation of Homer’s THE ODYSSEY (so much of it takes place by the seaside, the perfect place to be transported by this action-packed epic) And before the inevitable culture clash over Christopher Nolan’s controversial film @theodysseymovie (script based on Wilson’s version) you can make up your own mind. And just remember, whatever the feelings about casting, there ARE people of colour, queer characters, trans people, disabled people alongside some very fierce women struggling to survive a patriarchal world in Homer’s original. Enjoy!

Positive prophecy from book trade oracle @_thebookseller for my new novel Netherwood (@titanbooks) and a fabulous quote from award-winning author and fellow Hastings resident @davidquantick -‘A book that has you catching your breath as you go further in…the wyrd, the sinister and the ordinary combine to make Netherwood one of the creepiest, and most exciting reads of the year.’

The Mayday revels have begun. Witch Hannah & her sisters on the West Hill, Hastings at dawn. Happy May Day to you all!

Wonderful in conversation event with two great artists @stradling.matthew and @sadieleeartist as part of Matthew’’s show ETERNAL YOUTH at @unit2stleonards -they talked about inspiration, queer art & the power of iconography -well, they’re two great modern icons themselves! Lovely event with DJ set afterwards from @_domagius_ and @royfears -The show runs until 19th April -catch it if you can! 🌟

An uplifting message from Sooty, Sweep & Soo -and the good news is that the band is back together after long years of disputes over royalties, musical differences & addiction issues. Currently in residence at Playland Amusement Arcade on the seafront in Hastings & hoping to get back into the studio in the autumn.

On May 6, Polari is at @twlitfest with @jakearnottauthor @paulburston1 @dillonjaxx and @vg8083

Tickets from OutSavvy. Link in bio.

Brilliant singer & polymath @david.mcalmont in conversation with @robinince1969 at the Laugharne Weekend. David spoke so eloquently about music, art, horror & how he channeled Judy Garland. A beautiful voice, a beautiful mind, a beautiful man.

Bumped into these two lovely people on an early morning stroll 🌅 @robinince1969 & @jakearnottauthor in stunning #laugharne ❤️The festival is blowing my mind with so many amazing & inspiring speakers & artists 🧡 . If you can get a ticket for next year’s festival & love art , culture & great community & conversation I would encourage you to go ☀️ I’m on today at 2 pm 🎵🤸Love Tanita 🧡 #books #music #art #culture

We are thrilled to reveal the cover for NETHERWOOD by Jake Arnott (@jakearnottauthor)! 🌊🖤

Publishing in August 2026, this is a sensuous, vivid and unsettling modern gothic tale about a couple who move to the seaside town of Hastings and find themselves living in the former home of a notorious local occultist over whom the shadow of former town resident Aleister Crowley looms large…

Cover design by the wonderful @missnatmack!

[ #TitanBooks #Netherwood #JakeArnott #ComingSoon ]

Just five days until Polari in Heaven! Tickets still available -link in bio

Lovely view from Waterloo Bridge today -a magic mist is rubbing out all those ghastly buildings in the City & leaving stately St Paul’s to stand proud once more -wish it was permanent!