"Thanks my good friend Slain. I've just listened to half your CD. Love it. Anarchic, playful, with element of collage, wallpapering the ear with apparently randomly chosen fragments of modern England, the media, current news, preoccupations. Crazy, full of life and enjoyment and rebellion. Fun. Slightly disturbing." - James Turner, 77 year old poet and artist, 28th July 2023.
"It was a fully wonderful mind-blowing night. Very deep in places and absolutely crazy in others. well done to all involved." - Kai Kuiama, Janner Radio presenter - Dimensions in Vinyl. 26th July 2023 - Stripped Back Session #2.
Best time. So powerful, profound, and healing xx - Rachel Hawadi, Project Manager for Hidden Figures of Plymouth Project, 26th July 2023 - Stripped Back Session #2.
"Whenever I come to WonderZoo, I feel like I'm on holiday!" - Tim King, former Bard of Exeter, producer of Taking The Mic spoken word events. 26th July 2023.
"There is so much I could say about WonderZoo. They are an awesome group of people who, for me help people either find, or express their voice. I attended one of their events in 2021. It was a poetry night. While there I watched a performance from a wheelchair user. Being a wheelchair user myself I was sympathetic to the feelings of the performance. So much so that I started my own business. Away from my personal experience I have seen WonderzZoo provide safe spaces for people who are like minded as well as just somewhere to socialise. I cannot stress how important I think the work of WonderZoo is critical. They have created a real, feel good community with their work. I am so happy that I can call those behind the scenes friends." - Curtis Maxwell, 28/06/2023
"WonderZoo has made me really open my eyes to all the wonderful, creative people that are living in Plymouth. On Thursday I went with my friend who hasn't left the house for over a year due to suffering with extreme anxiety. It was so good to hear her laughing next to me - it was as if a light had gone on inside her, and she was getting her 'joie de vivre' back again. Slain has also given a platform to my partner Lee to perform his poetry - something that he loves and has been searching for since moving to Plymouth. Above all, I feel in WonderZoo that I have found my tribe-people who are expressing themselves in a creative way and making the world a better place. Many thanks and much love to Slain and Chi for organising these events and bringing people together in what is a very disconnected world at the moment. " - Emma Sprawson
"My son Tommy (now 13) is massively into WonderZoo as they have helped him develop his poetry, but more than that, they have given him confidence to stand up in front of others and express himself, they have really helped him grow as a person." - Kevin Sproston
"We have supported and worked with WonderZoo for a number of years, and its organizers were instrumental in the success of other local community History/Heritage and Art based community projects across the city of Plymouth. Most notably, the award winning 100 Homes oral history archive Project. The organizers have repeatedly proved themselves committed not only to establishing something new and vibrant in local culture, but also projects that are incredibly inclusive and community designed and led." - Imogen Potter, POP Capacity Building Manager
"If you feel like a caged animal Go to WonderZoo And set yourself FREE!" - Jacky Garratt
"Such a beautiful evening at The Vinyl Lounge #7 by Chi Bennett and Slain! I've spent quality time with Ash and Della in a warm and relaxed atmosphere! Thank you for the invitation, looking forward to seeing you soon!" - Cornelia Agapescu
Vinyl Lounge #7: "Thank you Chi & Slain For a very warm welcome. The Music, Company, Setting, Food, Games, Laughter & Plain Ol Community Love & Time Together. We really did enjoy ourselves!! Thank you!! - Sammy & Daisy
"This was the most fun Cluedo I've ever played Slain McGough Davey at Vinyl Lounge . Many thanks to you and Chi for hosting, so brilliant". - Lucy Joanne
Winter Warmer gig - "Such a lovely lovely event!!!!!! Thanks so so much you lovely lot xxxx" - Ceri Baker
Winter Warmer gig - "Absolutely loved this event, it was so much fun, thanks so much to everyone" - Kai Shane Kuiama
"Had lots of fun playing Chinese Checkers with Leona from Poland, Mustafa from Iran and Sam from America it was a proper multi-national game at Vinyl Lounge" - Kai Shane Kuiama
"Hey Slain thanks for everything! You guys at WonderZoo are doing a beautiful thing! Thank you thank you thank you! All the love, hope to see you all again soon!x" - Ross Pollock
"Thank you to WonderZoo for curating this uplifting celebration! our closing event for SHAKE IT UP!" - Plymouth Social Enterprise Network
"I was having a really difficult day and I came to a WonderZoo gig with my mum, who was performing. I had such a good time, I laughed so much and left with a big smile on my face. I really needed it and it made me feel so much better. After a tough meeting on my domestic abuse course, it had been a heavy night anyway. However, all I did was cry my eyes out with laughter from the moment I arrived and for the rest of the evening. I left feeling empowered and inspired and I can’t wait for the next one. Everyone should go!" - Julie