Peter Bull wants to bring the performing arts back into Bromley. The Bromley-based poet has just published his own book of poems From the Rhyme To The Sublime and is putting on a new event entitled Taking the Mike to give people the opportunity to perform.

- How would you describe your poetry? Short and sweet poems which rhyme. They all have a punchline at the end. They are mildly humorous and are my observations from my experiences in life.

- What is Taking the Mike?

People of all ages can perform poetry, stand-up comedy, speeches or songs. It is about bringing it all together in one venue. Although people have free expression they feel they have not got the opportunity to do their own thing. Nowadays our entertainment is prescribed so much through television it is so easier to receive than to perform.

- Why Bromley?

There is an overdue need in Bromley for a venue to perform a variety of acts. We need to get people out of their houses. Bromley is popular for music but it is all highbrow. It is all about visual learning and an obsession with exams which stifles creativity.

- What do you think of arts events?

I find them a bit precious. People say my poetry is cheesy and I am proud of that. I am not pretending it is high-brow. I think people take the arts too seriously and a lot of it is to do with money. Take Pop Idol and the misery people go through because they are so desperate to be famous. If people enjoy it a bit more they might do better.

- What do you do apart from write?

My background is in fundraising. I was awarded an MBE in 1997. I have raised money for Transplant Patients Trust and Save the Children Fund, among other things.

-- The first Taking the Mike will be on March 24, continuing every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 10pm at the Chameleon Pub, Bromley High Street. The mike, amp, stage, and a prize for the best act is provided. Entrants pay £3 and can perform for five minutes. To find out more about Taking the Mike or to order a copy of Peter Bull's book (£1.99), call 020 8460 9638.