Free things to do this week ft. Verbose, Chris Killen + more

Verbose at Fallow Café (pictured)
Live literature night Verbose returns for another instalment of poetry and prose at Fallow Café. This month Verbose ringmaster Sarah-Clare Conlon is joined by guests from Knives, Forks and Spoons Press, seminal publishers of experimental poetry. Also on the bill is Tim Allen (not that one), short story writer Neil Campbell and shouty poet Rhys Trimble. If you’ve not already been to one of these nights, then get down there – it’s one of the best nights going.
Mon 23 May, Fallow Café, 2A Landcross Road, Manchester, M14 6NA. 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

Chris Killen at Central Library
Another literary event taking place this week: Celebrated local author Chris Killen is doing a personal appearance at Central Library on Thursday. Killen is perhaps best known for his debut novel The Bird Room and is on the promotional trail for his sophomore effort In Real Life. He’ll be readng from the new book, copies of which will be available to purchase. This is a great opportunity to get hands on with one of the city’s brightest young literary talents.
Thu 26 May, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. 6.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Improv Jam at Salford Arms
Local Improv group ImproQuo run these sessions weekly in the comfortable surroundings of one of Salford’s best pubs. If you’ve ever fancied giving improv a go, this is your chance to do it in a low-pressure, zero-cost environment. It’s geared towards newbies, but there’s certainly plenty of improv games and exercises to keep seasoned improvvers on their toes too.
Thu 26 May, Salford Arms Hotel, 146 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 6AF. 7.30pm, www.eventbrite.com

Oi Polloi DJ Residency at Common
Northern Quarter fashion legends Oi Polloi start their first in a run of monthly DJ nights at Common this Thursday, under the banner of Pica Sounds. Check out our full preview, or just head down there to find out whether the Thomas Street shopworkers’ record collections can live up to their fly wardrobes.
Thu 26 May, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, 6pm-late, www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk