‘A brilliant fusion of composition and coincidence, SpitNights is not one to miss‘
Live jazz music and spoken word poetry is a match made in heaven. Setting to improvised music the words of a wonderful lineup of poets, SpitNights are on a mission to increase poetry’s audience and have become the fastest growing poetry event in the UK. Each night features a different selection of performers and pieces, and the show is never rehearsed ensuring we share the live unfolding of spontaneous magic moments together.
Danny Mash, our host, brings fantastic energy into the room, offering some breathing space between each poet by encouraging the audience to provide prompts for the band, showcasing their incredible improv abilities. The range of poets chosen provided engaging dynamism, from Bradley Taylor’s wry and comic style to Maureen Onwunali’s earnest and intricately symbolic work, there was something on offer for everyone.
A real highlight of the evening was the collaboration between poet Georgie Jones and jazz singer Doella, whose combined work elevated each other’s already immense talents to something truly sublime. My only critique of SpitNights at the fringe was that it seemed like it wanted to burst upward onto its feet – as poet s-bars puts it ‘people love dancing’, and I felt the seats caused a slight limitation of feeling in the room. Putting this show in a venue that facilitates movement and greater symbiosis between performers and audience could unleash its fullest potential, allowing the audience to feel the beautiful rhythms unfolding onstage in their bodies and bringing this collective closer to their goal of making poetry ‘the new night out’.
SpitNights is a gorgeous show treating its audience to a huge range of talent. I would absolutely recommend it, especially to anyone who doesn’t think poetry is for them – I have a strong suspicion this show will change their mind.
SHOW LISTING: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/spitnights-poetry-meets-improv-jazz
LISTING INFORMATION:
Venue: 43, Amphitheatre at The Space @ Symposium Hall
Dates: Aug 7th – 22nd
Time: 22:00 (1hr 20 mins)
Ticket prices: £10.50 / concessions £16.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / http://www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+