The queue snaked along the pavement outside west London’s All-Star Boxing Gym, a testament to an unexpected cultural convergence that drew a diverse crowd. A local shopkeeper, observing the influx of attendees—women in vintage fur coats mingling with those in colorful tabi flats—remarked, "Who’s fighting tonight? I haven’t seen it like this in a long time." His bewilderment deepened as he added, "Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it like this." This scene, far from a typical literary gathering, marked Dream Baby Press’s inaugural London event, an occasion that transcended the usual boundaries of book readings.
Dream Baby Press, the brainchild of filmmaker and poet Matt Starr, has cultivated a reputation for hosting its events in unconventional, often nostalgic, locations. These have included New York’s iconic Peter Pan Donuts, a multi-level Burger King, and the country’s oldest magic shop. This deliberate choice of venue underscores the press’s mission to make reading and writing feel "fun, accessible, and sexy," as Starr articulated to Vogue. The London event, held within the family-run community gym, represented a significant expansion for the press, marking its first reading outside of the United States. The atmosphere was electric, described by attendees as a "WWE of readings," highlighting the high energy and anticipated performances.
The genesis of this London event, Starr explained, was a two-year ambition fueled by his deep affection for the city. "I’m obsessed with London," he stated. "Always have been. I love the rom-coms, Paddington Bear, the historic buildings, walking around the old streets late at night. I know I’ll move here one day." This personal connection, combined with the growing demand from his UK-based audience—which Starr identified as the press’s second-largest market after the US—made the London debut a strategic and anticipated move. The overwhelming response, with the event selling out instantly, validated this sentiment and underscored the burgeoning appetite for Dream Baby Press’s unique brand of literary engagement.
A Transformative Venue: From Boxing Ring to Literary Stage
The All-Star Boxing Gym, a space typically resonating with the thud of gloves and the shouts of trainers, was transformed into an intimate, albeit gritty, performance venue. Guests ascended creaking stairs to discover a high-ceilinged gymnasium adorned with hanging boxing bags and team flags, creating a raw and authentic backdrop. The central boxing ring, a focal point of the space, served as the literal stage for the evening’s literary combat. A makeshift bar, situated on an upstairs balcony, provided guests with plastic pints of wine, beer, and accompanying snacks, adding to the unpretentious and convivial atmosphere. This fusion of a working-class athletic space with a sophisticated cultural event created a palpable sense of excitement and novelty.
The Inaugural Line-Up: A Diverse Cast of Voices
The roster for Dream Baby Press’s first London event was a carefully curated selection of established and emerging talents, reflecting the press’s commitment to diverse voices and compelling narratives. Matt Starr himself was present, alongside a notable lineup of writers, musicians, and cultural commentators.
The evening commenced with an unexpected, yet highly effective, opening act: a local Elvis impersonator. Dressed in a classic white jumpsuit and sporting slicked-back hair, the performer delivered a rousing set of Presley’s greatest hits. His energetic hip swivels, cowboy struts, and a particularly spirited rendition of "Suspicious Minds" immediately set a jubilant tone, transforming the boxing ring into a lively dance floor and warming up the audience for the literary performances to follow. Starr, in a lighthearted revelation, mentioned his initial attempts to secure surprise guests like Prue Leith and Paddington Bear, who were ultimately unavailable, making the Elvis impersonator a fittingly flamboyant substitute.
The literary performances themselves were as varied as the attendees. Mickey Down, co-creator of the acclaimed series Industry, opened the readings with an excerpt from his work, exploring themes of pleasure and literature. Down candidly shared his approach: "I’ve accepted at this point that writing a memoir is a real journey of self-discovery, because there’s the book you think you’re going to write, the story that you’ve been telling yourself and the world. And once you start digging—especially because the book explores vulnerability and shame, as well as the themes in the lives of many women like fertility, dating, pretty privilege—trying to untangle the story you tell yourself versus the honest one is very hard." He chose to delve into the realm of fan fiction, specifically Harry Potter fan fiction, citing its potential for exploring complex themes of desire. His selection focused on a narrative involving Neville Longbottom, which he described as "soft core pansy Neville, Sex and the City-adjacent fantasy action that had some nice feminist inflections, despite using the words ‘her aching cunt’ to describe a children’s books character." This bold and provocative choice set a precedent for the evening’s uninhibited exploration of themes.
Following Down was Emma Forrest, director, novelist, and author of Father Figure. Forrest, dressed in contemporary "young brands" like Paloma Wool and Jacquemus, spoke about her awareness of entering a younger audience’s space. Her chosen piece explored the "erotic thrill to being deemed a hag," embracing the female aging process. Demonstrating her background in filmmaking, Forrest made a dramatic entrance into the ring, dropping to the floor for a series of press-ups, emphasizing her intent to "block out the full use of a space."
Camille Charrière, a contributing editor for Vogue Business, read a selection from her forthcoming debut memoir, Ashamed. Her chosen passage, from the chapter "Pardon My French," detailed her move from France to London to work in a hedge fund, exploring the "agony and ecstasy of discovering a new city, working in your first job, and the excitement and freedom that comes with that… but there’s also all the pain and homesickness." She candidly admitted accepting the finance job to "follow a boy," highlighting the vulnerability and personal growth inherent in her narrative. Charrière described the experience of reading her early work as "terrifying and galvanizing," likening the exposed feeling in the ring to that of any sport, pushing performers to "be better, to train more, to have endurance and consistency with your writing." She also teased the upcoming announcement of a column where more of her writing will be shared.
Bertie Brandes, a writer for The Moment, used her time in the ring to officially announce her forthcoming book, Problematic Faves, slated for a 2027 release via Bloomsbury. Her readings included a passage about a peculiar perfume and a pointed poem about the retailer Brandy Melville, featuring her signature lines: "Girl, interrupted from her phone," and "You do not get the clothing you desire, you get the clothing you deserve." Brandes expressed her enjoyment, stating, "I had the best time. Matt is so brilliant, and I hope we get to do many more."
Other notable readers included musician Kate Nash, who performed work by the anonymous London author and chef Slutty Cheff; British Vogue contributing editor Tish Weinstock, who read passages from Cookie Mueller’s "Ask Dr. Mueller" columns; and Vogue Business contributing editor Amy Francombe. The evening culminated with Matt Starr himself reading from his 2024 poetry collection, Mouthful, a work described as tender, horny, and humorous.
Broader Implications and the Future of Literary Events
The success of Dream Baby Press’s London event signifies a growing trend in the cultural landscape: the reimagining of traditional literary gatherings. By eschewing sterile auditoriums for vibrant, unexpected settings, Starr and his collaborators are democratizing access to literature and making it a more visceral, engaging experience. The event’s diverse audience, from established figures to local residents, suggests a broad appeal for this innovative approach.
The press’s commitment to "pleasure, accessibility, and sexiness" in literature challenges conventional notions of intellectual pursuits, positioning reading and writing as forms of active, embodied enjoyment. This aligns with broader cultural shifts that emphasize authenticity, personal expression, and the blurring of lines between different art forms. The "WWE of readings" moniker, while playful, points to the high stakes and dramatic potential inherent in sharing personal narratives in a public forum.
The choice of a boxing gym, a space associated with physical exertion and raw emotion, provided a powerful metaphor for the act of writing and performing. It suggested that vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to engage in a "fight" for one’s voice are central to both athletic and artistic endeavors. The success of this London debut, coupled with Starr’s evident passion for the city, suggests that this is just the beginning of Dream Baby Press’s impact on the UK literary scene. The press’s ability to consistently attract high-profile individuals and generate significant buzz indicates a strong potential for continued growth and influence in how literature is consumed and celebrated. As Starr hinted at future events and his own aspirations to live in London, the city’s cultural landscape may well see more of these unconventional, yet profoundly impactful, literary showdowns.