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ShortFuse @ The Camden Head
Okay… so those familiar with The Opinions of Rob (TM) will know of my long-standing distrust of poetry - or more specifically of poets. It’s an instinctive response which, if I’m fair, is probably borne of having to deal with a complete arse called Adam in my Sixth Form who was - like so many pretentious teenagers - a “poet”, a role which basically seemed to involve wearing a scarf indoors and sneering at anyone who’d actually been published professionally.
Those English periods could be quite long sometimes, I can tell you - meaningful glances between students and teachers abounded as he expounded on whatever niggle he had with today’s author or choice of text and it’s a wonder he wasn’t lynched by the English Department on a dark November evening.
So, generally I avoid anything other than Yeats, Dorothy Parker and song lyrics. But when Christina suggested popping along to see her friend (and my occasional acquaintance) Martin White perform with his Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra at ShortFuse (”an electrifying weekly fusion of stand-up poetry and spokenword”) at the Camden Head last night, I thought “well, what the hell” despite the threat of being subjected to poetry readings before he came on.
After all, it sounded local enough and I felt I could do with having my horizons broadened.
There was initially some confusion over the venue, I must confess. I assumed the Camden Head would be in Camden, but as it turns out, it’s actually in Islington which meant I arrived slightly later than planned, but hey. Still in time to join ‘Stina and grab a glass of wine.
So… did I enjoy it?
Yes. Much to my surprise I did. Nathan Penlington was an excellent host who’s style completely subverted what I expected. He combined magic with a series of poetic observations, whilst pricking at the cliché of the teenage poet at the same time which I found deeply satisfying.
He was followed up by someone known as “The Racker”, an Irish gentleman of advancing years whose free-form performance poetry was delivered with such charm, wit and playfulness that I couldn’t help but be won over. His grip on almost obscure but always perfectly chosen words was incredibly impressive. I’d honestly never experienced anything like his style before and I feel I was the poorer before it, the richer after.
Then came Hugo Williams who was, to be fair, more in line with the sort of poetry I resist. The quality of his work is undeniable, but it really isn’t a type I respond to - although he had definite moments, and he was certainly a witty raconteur as he introduced each poem so I still found good chunks to enjoy.
The Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra then came on and just capped it off brilliantly. I really can’t quite describe them, but let’s just say they started with a song called “In the Evil Castle” and the following tracks were even more unusual, funny and clever. I think you could probably say they’re best described as “bizarre”, but that’s definitely in the good way.
It really was a most surprising, satisfying and unusual evening. I can heartily recommend doing something like this - it’s good, I think, to go outside of your usual cultural comfort-zone and try to appreciate things you normally wouldn’t. While I’m not sure I would be so lucky next time, I’m certainly tempted to go again - and would definitely recommend the Orchestra as worth a visit next time they play somewhere.
Posted on April 27, 2007 | Filed Under My So-Called Life
It was great to see you there Rob! Thanks for braving the unknown - glad you enjoyed it. (Christina gave me your new blog address
See you again soon!