Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Wednesday 7th March 2018.
In a very different type of production, defying classification in any of the usual genres, Gavin Robertson appears as his alter ego, the poet and spoken word performer, Greg Byron, in
Wordshow. It is a unique blend of theatre, cabaret, spoken word, and comedy but, however you care to try to classify it, the result works incredibly well.
Greg Byron is a cheerful, hearty fellow and many of his poems are very funny, but there are also a few poignant pieces, and some political comments. Robertson was on an intensive writing course in America a while back and the play that he intended to write just wasn't coming, in part due to his anger at the Trump administration. Near the end of the workshop, with nothing written, he began writing poems, then realised that he had a show on his hands, if he could make it work. The invention of Greg Byron was the key.
This has opened up many possibilities and Robertson is now adding new poems all the time. Every day in politics, alone, provides inspiration for more satirical verses. The potential is vast.
As Byron, Robertson deals differently with each poem, lending his abilities as an actor to individual interpretations of the poems. A regional English accent, a particular way of phrasing, adding pauses, varying emphasis on certain words, every poem is treated to its own particular style of delivery. He even translated on from English into Australian, and you will love the one titled Apathy. Thanks to Anna, busy at the laptop computer, some of the poems even have background sound effects and music.
Byron carries his journal, flicking through it, turning over the odd loose piece of paper caught between the pages, and deciding which poem to recite next, so you might want to make a couple of visits as it seems each night might be a little different. The hour slips all too quickly by, though, and Byron leaves us wanting more.
Books of the poems were brought out from England with him, but the last one was sold after the performance that I attended. They were expected to last for the entire season and, possibly have a few left to take home. This attests to the instant popularity of his work. A video, I gather, is in the pipeline, so keep an eye open for that. Not all the merchandise has gone yet, so you can still purchase a printed tee shirt, if you are quick off the mark.
If you want to have a satisfying and memorable Fringe, seek out the productions that don't entirely conform, because there is where you will find the little gems that others miss. This is definitely one of them, and you still have a good chance to catch it, as it is running at Treasury 1860 at 8pm most days to the 18th March, and also at 5:30 at Rastelli at the Stirling Fringe from 9th to 12th March. Be sure to book to avoid being disappointed.
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