Draft:Carol Leeming

Carolann Coleen Leeming (born 27 November 1957) is a British writer, singer and musician who is noted for her poetry, plays and musical work. She is best known for her 'choreopoem.'

Early life
Leeming was born in Leicester to Jamaican parents, from Jamaica and Antigua, who immigrated to the United Kingdom as part of the Windrush Generation of the 1950s. Leeming grew up in Leicester, where she attended Alderman Newtons Grammar School, and partly in Kingston Jamaica. Later, in the 1980s, Leeming graduated at De Montfort University (then called Leicester Polytechnic) and is now an Alumni, being made DMU Alumni of the Month.

Career
Leeming's career has been marked by a wide range of publications, including her creative writing (such as her poetry publishing), plays and productions.

In 2023 marked a performance of Remnants for Poet & Orchestra by Poet Yomi Sode, read by Leeming, and composer James B Wilson, conducted by Alpesh Chauhan with Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra at Blackheath Halls in London and a Royal Literary Fund Reading Round Lector (a group leader). [6] [7]

In 2022 Leeming was awarded the Writers Mosaic Writer Profile [10] and BBC Proms 60, 1st September, The Dream Prom, commission & Live Performance of poems Jelly Fish & Praise Song for Black Divas with BBC Concert Orchestra Conductor Kwame Ryan broadcast live BBC Radio 3.

In 2021 The Dreadful Dance of Ms Iniquity choreopom play by Carol Leeming Dare to Diva Company Time to Breathe Festival curated by Greta Mendez MBE Stockwell Playhouse Theatre London & 2022 Curve Theatre Leicester. [12] [13] [14]

The years 2021 and 2022 saw Leeming work with director Sankofa Play by Nicole Acquah Bread & Roses London & Curve Theatre.

2020 Reflections: Cultural voices of Black British Irrepressible Resilience Contributor Non Fiction Chapter on Black Theatre pub. Serendipity Artists Movement Ltd.

2014 Appointed Fellow of Royal Society for the Arts.

Leeming has contributed to the following works:

Publications

 * The Loneliness of the Long Distance Diva (2012)
 * Love the Life You Live…Live the Life You Love (2018) (choreopoem)
 * Love the Life You Live…Live the Life You Love (2018) (choreopoem)
 * Love the Life You Live…Live the Life You Love (2018) (choreopoem)
 * Love the Life You Live…Live the Life You Love (2018) (choreopoem)

Leeming has a discography, some of her musical works being released under the alias KYO. Leeming has also performed music as part of the groups Quadelectronic and Qwire. Leeming's recordings include singles and extended plays, albums, compilations and mixes. [23]

Honours and awards
Leeming has received a number of honours and awards. In the 2019 New Year Honours she received the MBE for her work as a poet and playwright and her contribution to Leicester arts and culture.

Leeming was awarded the Penfold Media Award by the Leicester Writers Club for the Enchanter film poem.

In 2017 Leeming was given the Ena Young Poetry Award.

Leeming received, in 2017, the East Midlands Outstanding Women in Arts Media & Music.