Thursday 17 August 2023

Luke Wright's Silver Jubilee, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Wright has been a performing poet for a quarter of a century. So this a show to mark that significant milestone, which provides something of a life review - but with the political comment he's know for still a strong force within the work. His problem is that while he personally has never been so happy, he feels guilty about it because he can see the UK becoming ever more shit under the tories.

So the poems cover his life as a baby who was adopted, links to his birth family, his development as a performer and writer, and more. The verses are funny, poignant, responsible, with moments of genius thrown in. Particularly impressive were the univowel offerings, one using only the vowel A, another only O. And 7 versions of the notice of his birth, in varying poetic and musical styles. There's clever use of a screen too, with images of his life and clips of text from the internet, that demonstrate his life and interests.

Luke's machine vocal delivery gives you more words for your money, but his clear diction ensures that few get lost along the way. He's informative, teasing, joyous, life affirming. Here's the the next 25.


This was the final performance of Silver Jubilee at this year's Fringe.

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