Bringing the House Down (BTHD) was born when the Art of Regeneration Initiative at the National Theatre contacted Nii Ayikwei Parkes in 2003 about developing a performance poetry showcase that was engaging and featured poetry of the highest quality.

Using his extensive contacts from touring in the UK and the US, Nii brought together (through his arts programming organisation London Slam Central - LSC) a debut line-up that featured, from the UK, Zena Edwards and himself and from the US emerging poets Jive Poetic and Mahogany Browne, Nuyorican Slam Team member Ainsley Burrows, European Tour veteran and multiple Slam champion Taalam Acey, and Def Jam alum, anti-Nike rebel, "Bagdhad B-Boy" from LA, Jerry Quickley.

The launch show of BTHD was so successful that almost 150 people had to be turned away at the door.

In 2004, a line-up featuring more UK poets and also reflecting the Albany and LSC's development ethos by introducing 2 debutants sold out again and that got the Albany and LSC thinking.

As a result of that, this year sees the launch of the BTHD Festival - the first ever touring spoken word festival with Da Boogieman as the headline act. We will stopi n cities like Manchester, Bristol and Leeds. To get involved with BTHD in 2006 and subsequent years please send an e-mail to bthd [at] x-bout [dot] com or aadmin@thealbany.org.uk.