Calling Luke Wright a poet sells him short. Yes, the great poetry is all there, but he’s as much a comedian and performer as a man that’s got a way with words. So if you don’t already know the famous poet who’s been at it for 25 years now, do not be fooled. The show is far from an hour of pure spoken word. It’s got a whole lot of story and laughs. It’s his 25th Jubilee and he’s looking for some praise. Spoiler, he gets it in the end.
Wright is armed with a series of poems that vary in subject matter, style and mood. From heavy political commentary, to personifying his brooding cat, to gluttonous habits that lead to Dominoes at 11am. Even a little love poem for good measure. But a recurring theme is digging deeper into understanding how being adopted has affected him, even though he never thought it really mattered to him, and that he’d ended up better for it.
Luke uses his sharp poetry and knack for inserting his unique voice to take you deeper into his story. The way in which he performs his words convinces you there are two essential parts to his poetry: the way it’s written and the way it is performed, not just said. This hour is full of surprises as it stretches your perception of what poetry can be.
I get the sense Wright knows he’s good. He has the confidence to give the crowd some cheek and hasthem on his side throughout. He does everything with an assuredness that is borderline smug. But it’s granted when you realise just how much he belongs on the stage to show just how far he can take poetry to say something from the heart.
Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee
14:55 @ Pleasance Dome – 10Dome
Aug 12-15
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/luke-wright-s-silver-jubilee
