I Tell Myself I’m Awesome with Joshua Seigal

If you are looking for something to do with the kids on a Saturday afternoon, Joshua Seigal is bringing his new poetry collection, I Tell Myself I’m Awesome, to the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre on May 16, 2026. The session starts at 15:30 and is aimed at children aged seven and up. It is essentially an interactive workshop where Seigal, who has won awards like the Lollies and the People's Book Prize, works with the audience to create new poems on the spot. He describes the format as a bit of a 'pick-and-mix' approach to mental health, focusing on building confidence and encouraging creative expression through writing.

The content of the session draws from his latest book, which was published by Bloomsbury Education earlier in 2026 and features illustrations by Chris Piascik. The poems cover a range of topics, from the humorous side of daily life in pieces like 'Waiting for Lunch' and 'Teachers are Human Too' to more reflective themes such as 'Ten Reasons Why I Shouldn't Go to Bed'. It is worth noting that this event also marks the tenth anniversary of his earlier work, I Don't Like Poetry, so it serves as a bit of a milestone for his career as a literacy advocate. For those attending, there will be book signings included as part of the experience.

Regarding the logistics, tickets are priced at £10.00. If you are booking online or over the phone, there is an additional £3.50 transaction fee per order, though this does not apply to Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival members. It is a straightforward setup: a mix of performance, audience participation, and a chance to get a book signed afterwards. Whether you have a child who is already interested in writing or just someone who enjoys a bit of humour, the session is designed to be accessible and engaging for young readers.