Words with attitude: A night of intense vocal word throw-down, courtesy of punk poetry and the Hip Hop Shakespeare company. Clever rhyme and infectious beats were led by legendary punk poet and performer John Cooper Clarke, followed by a recital from high profile poets Sabrina Mahfouz and Murray Lachlan Young.
Lyrical Highlights
Lyrical Review
What better way to see in the weekend than a Friday night in West London for the first direct Dialogue Festival. Those in attendance at the Lyrical night didn't leave disappointed!
John Cooper Clarke curated the night, which began with a set by Tim Key who set the tone of the evening with a witty but rude performance, which was met with rapturous applause.
Not to be outdone the Hip Hop Shakespeare company added some swagger to St Peters with some harmonious vocals and genius lyrics 'rapped' around the works of Shakespeare. If that wasn't enough the crowd were treated to a special guest performance from UK grime artist and actor Ashley Thomas AKA Bashy.
To finish, John Cooper Clarke returned and had the crowds hanging on his every word with a master class in comedy and rhyme. He ended with a story based in a jail!
The Earl of Portobello saw the highly acclaimed performance poet Kat Francois take to the floor followed by a 'Jaw Dance' screening.
In true Dialogue festival spirit Kat spent the week 'in-house' chatting with regulars, staff and passers-by at the popular Notting Hill pub to craft a collection of original verses and rhymes. From the struggles of the self-assured legal secretary turned barmaid determined to make it, to an elderly gentleman who already had, Kat had the audience spellbound. Conducting a medley of laughter and reflection from guests, Kat brought the evening to a close with an empowering reading for every lady without a man in life's later years.
