EDINBURGH 2017: Review: NEIL HILLBORN, The Stand

Neil Hilborn is a slam poet who is best known for his 13+ million view video "OCD". His subject matter discusses some serious topics including depression, anxiety and OCD. You may have heard his work feature on The Moth podcast and many other spoken word podcasts.

The hour flies by, as Hilborn takes us from funny and quirky short poetry to some darker more intense topics. Hilborn has a quirky persona on stage and although he is constantly telling us everything that is wrong with him, he's clearly enjoying talking to his audience.

One poem titled 'Joey' was particularly touching - discussing the ups and downs of depression in children and how getting support is so crucial although not available to everyone. It's a serious piece that leaves both the audience and Hilborn in silence for a moment of contemplation.

My only issue with this show was that I'd seen or heard almost all of the longer poems online, I hoped there might be something new for existing fans but I couldn't help but think his best work is already out there. That's not to say Hilborn isn't brilliant to watch live, it's well worth seeing him before he flies home.

Timings and ticket information for Neil Hillborn- Live Poetry are available on the edfringe website.

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