Jason Henderson finds much to like in this comedic poetry mix.
As the scruffy-haired stand-up poet from Manchester ambled into the venue within the darker reaches of Edinburgh’s Banshee Labyrinth, two pints of lager clutched tightly, there was a sense of anticipation as to just how offensive his performance was going to be. The Fringe blurb cited quotes from reviews containing adjectives such as ‘filthy’, ‘darkest’ and ‘rudest’, and as Matt Panesh, aka the Monkey Poet (****), launched into his opening recital involving the shooting of a baby, it seemed it was going to be a performance that some would struggle to see the end of without a seatbelt or sick-bag. However, it quickly became apparent, as the poem developed into a profound statement on the use of religion to justify actions of cruelty, that there was actually a great degree of intelligence and political & social commentary at the heart of the poetry on offer.
What followed was a frantic set of passionate and impressive work from a man keen to tackle issues such as the state of British politics, the class system, Richard Dawkins, homophobia, sexism and the English Defence League. That’s not to say that there wasn’t also pure filth involved. But when it came to that side of his poetry, Panesh’s interest in democracy shone through as he allowed the audience to decide just how low he should go. And even the darker references were, on occasion, used to reinforce his left-wing viewpoints – particularly in one vivid piece in which David Cameron and Nick Clegg are involved in a scene of sexual gratification, watching as the hanging, naked body of Britannia is savagely cut to pieces by George Osbourne.
There will be those who simply cannot stomach some of the raunchier topics included in the Monkey Poet’s repertoire. There will be others who simply cannot stomach the poet’s left-wing politics. However, for those of us armed with a sense of disgruntlement with the government of today, an ability to laugh at the sexually obscene and a desire to witness an authentic and charismatic performance poet, this is an hour of fantastic entertainment well worthy of the donation dropped onto Panesh’s outstretched t-shirt when leaving.
Monkey Poet at the Banshee Labyrinth, 17:10
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