Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
I am currently slap bang in the middle of my 25th year of being a gigging poet. I thought it would be nice to mark that occasion. It was never meant as more than a flippant way of packaging a show of new poems, but as I started to look at myself, where I’ve got to, where I’m going, I ended up taking a fairly deep dive into myself. In fact, I’ve gone right back to the beginning. This is a show that focuses on my entire identity, starting with my adoption and my upbringing. It’s certainly the most confessional show I’ve made but I have been pleased to see that when I get it in front of audiences it has a universality to it. It’s moving, it gets you in the gut but it’s also got some really good gags in it. I’d love people to come and watch it because I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever made, it’s honest, warm, funny and at times a little sad. All of life!
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?.
For someone to remove my glasses and let my hair down and say, “but Luke, you’re beautiful.”
What makes you laugh?
My wife and kids. My 14 year old fancies himself as a bit of a comedian and he genuinely has me in stitches. I couldn’t breathe the other day.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why.
Puppyish, grumpy, verbose
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They’ll feel alive, goddamit, alive!
What kind of shows – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I want to see sad theatre, political theatre, silly yet clever stand-ups and historians talking about their books.
The cost of living is a big issue this year – will it make this Fringe more challenging?
The Fringe was doing the cost of living crisis before it was famous
What do you predict will emerge as the big themes of this year.
Whatever the journalists decide. It depends what the good shows deal with. If you get a couple of good shows on the same subject suddenly there’s a ‘theme’ to the Fringe. I think the quality of shows matters more and the ‘big themes’ tag is applied retrospectively. You could have 100 shows about the cost of living crisis but if they’re all shit, people will focus on something else.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Damon Albarn. Always changing, always learning, lead by the work but also excellent at communicating his new directions. He’s amazing.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Walking home alone, sweat drying, bit pissed, knowing you’ve made a good show.
Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee
14:55
Pleasance Dome, 10 Dome (Venue 23),
2 – 15 August, 14.55 (60 mins)
https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/luke-wrights-silver-jubilee
