Janine has performed at hundreds of gigs around the UK, and internationally in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Toronto, New York City, Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle NSW.

She regularly performs at music gigs as well as spoken word events; at festivals including Edinburgh, Tolpuddle, South Downs, Glastonwick, Something Else and Shambala; at trade union, Labour Party, political and campaign events; as part of the NeurodiVERSE crew; and in solidarity with strikers alongside fellow Poets on the Picket Line; and with (other) Loud Women.

Funny, biting and original.
Francesca Martinez

Janine Booth is an incredible performer – like a mature Kae Tempest her words simultaneously entertain and cut deeply into the heart of social justice, human frailty and what it means to be an ethical person in this world, while never skipping a beat.
Magdalena Ball, Compulsive Reader (New South Wales)

Janine Booth is a 1980s poet who just happens to be a 2010s poet too: her vitriol and stage-presence are, if anything, more finely-honed than they were back then (she’s put the years in, after all) and it’s great to see her winning over new audiences every time she performs. And even better, she’s not simply resurrecting past glories but continues to produce new material all the time. Highly recommended!
Russell Thompson, Apples and Snakes

A one-woman riot.
Joelle Taylor

Janine Booth brings humour to her politics. Her poetry is passionate and on point, and audiences are won over by her down to earth manner and wry witticisms. Don’t let the bastards grind you dour.
Tim Wells

Janine Booth will have you belly-laughing at her witty observations on life, then takes you to a place where you truly see through the eyes of those we often don’t, but need to see if we are to be better people. All done with the intensity and connection that only a fine and passionate poet can do.
Michael Reynolds, Passionate Tongues, Melbourne

As ever, Janine’s poetry charmed, wowed and inspired a packed venue. I’m always amazed how she gains and holds the attention of an audience who’ve come to watch loud music, and immediately turns them into fans. Love her to bits.
Cassandra Fox, Loud Women

Utterly magnificent.
Phill Jupitus

Janine Booth came to Sunday Slips and blew our mind. Her words are full of honesty and power, she welcomes communication and growth! Janine shook our souls and moved the dialogue of the night to a deeper meaning. She always has a home in Berlin at Sunday Slips. Thank You Janine Booth, from the family at FREUDIAN slip club.
Liliana Velásquez

Janine is absolutely brilliant – witty, sharp, radical, passionate, intense, one of the best performance poets around.
Attila the Stockbroker

Side splitting and hard hitting.
Oliver New, Ealing Trades Union Council

Janine Booth is one of the best spoken-word artists around and her characteristic humour, laced with biting truths and social commentary, never fails to move hearts and minds.
Bob Oram, Morning Star

Brilliant. Her poem ‘Night Tube’ is Auden-esque.
Jeremy Corbyn MP


Jump to:

x Close

  • SpOAKen Word Lewes
  • Janine ran Spoaken Word Lewes for two years, from September 2021 - spelt that way because it took place at the Royal Oak, 3 Station Street, Lewes, East Sussex.
  • Stealth Aspies
  • Janine performed as part of the Stealth Aspies theatre company, a group of autistic adults telling autistic life stories on stage.

Video: Job cuts

Job cuts

A poem in the Welsh poetic form of Clogyrnach (which is remarkably similar to a limerick), written in support of Unite the Union’s strike ballot of steel workers employed by Tata in South Wales, whose jobs are under threat.

Video: Steel workers’ jobs are on the line

Steel workers CF

Steel workers’ jobs are on the line

The profiteers’ two-fingered sign

So tell the boss ‘get on your bike’

Wave ta-ta and prepare to strike

and occupy, protest and fight

to save Port Talbot’s pilot light

The workers will not acquiesce

but with the Red Monk will vote yes


A poem in the Welsh poetic form of Cyhydedd Fer, written in support of Unite the Union’s strike ballot of steel workers employed by Tata in South Wales, whose jobs are under threat.


Caffe Grande Slam, Dudley

Caffe Grande Slam

Venue: Caffe Grande at the Albionn, 15 Stone Street, Dudley, DY1 1NS Janine will be the feature poet at this mini-slam at the Caffe Grande in Dudley, in the West Midlands. Come along and hear her perform verse from her … Read more

Oooh Beehive: poetry in Swindon

Oooh Beehive

Janine is the feature poet at Oooh Beehive, Swindon’s Sunday afternoon poetry gig. More information on the Oooh Beehive Facebook page.  

Steyning Festival

Steyning Festival

Together with Henry Normal and Attila the Stockbroker, Janine provides some poetic content for the annual festival in Steyning, Sussex. Keep an eye on the Festival website for details.

Powerful punk poeting at 0161 Festival

0161

Janine takes to the acoustic stage of Manchester music and culture fest, 0161. Venue: Broughton Park Rugby Club, M21 7TL Details and tickets from the 0161 website, here

Oooh Beehive! Swindon

Oooh Beehive

Janine is the featured poet at Swindon’s Sunday afternoon poetry shindig. Venue to be confirmed.

International Women’s Day celebration, Ealing

Ealing TUC International Women's Day celebration

Janine’s annual poetic performance at Ealing Trades Union Council’s International Women’s Day celebration. There will also be speakers and music, and a good time will be had by all. Venue: to be confirmed  

Open Mic Lewes

Open Mic Lewes

Janine will be the feature poet at Open Mic Lewes, a monthly extravaganza of music and words at Only With Love café, Malling Community Centre, compered by the incomparable Anna and Terry.