Since it was invented in 1986, the poetry slam has spread all over the world. But what is it about putting one poet up against another that makes it so successful?

Lemn Sissay examines the natural drama at the heart of the slam and asks whether poetry can survive the judgment of the crowd. Kat Francois explains how winning the UK national slam transformed her career, while Marc Smith insists that the competition he invented was only ever meant as a game.

Written and presented by Lemn Sissay
Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King
Produced by Richard Lea and Joe Hallam

A Bafflegab production for BBC Radio 4 Show less