​poet
writer 
performer 
founder 

 

My name is Maedb Joy. I am a poet, writer and performer making work for stage, page and screen. I trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating with First Class honours and a nomination for the Evening Standard Future Theatre Fund. I am also an alum of the Royal Court Playwriting Group. 

 

I write poetry, plays, prose, opinion pieces, and I am currently developing a returning television series which is a feminist thriller. 

 

Alongside this, I founded and run a performing arts company called Sexquisite Events which platforms sex worker artists across cabaret, theatre and nightlife. We aim to use art as activism and performance to destigmatise sex work. 

 

I also co-founded Riot Party, a queer sex positive multi-disciplinary rave that centres and celebrates marginalised communities. Our events explore the intersection between politics and partying, and often feature - panels, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and a multi-genre dance floor. 

 

My podcast Body of Work is a series of conversations exploring queerness, sex positivity, non monogamy and sex work. You can watch it here, and listen to it here. 

 

I am a three-time winner of the Sexual Freedom Awards. Writer of the Year (2024), Event of the Year (Sexquisite, 2024), Event of the Year (Riot Party, 2025). This year my podcast has been nominated for Podcast of the Year.

 

I have previously been a guest lecturer for Central School of Speech and Drama, leading a lecture on “Feminist Performance”. As well as being a regular speaker and community arts facilitator across a number of settings such as Leeds University, and working with men in prison with the Irene Taylor Trust.