During the busy festival season spoken word can be found in many of the diverse and atypical venues around Edinburgh. If you want to experience the best spoken word performers then you cannot ignore the Free Fringe and the key venues that present the most exciting shows around.
The Banshee Labyrinth on Niddry Street has always been a hub for spoken word during the Fringe and in 2015 things are no different. This year you will find BBC Slam Poetry Champion David Lee Morgan present his new show Building God. The show looks at the future and if there is hope for the human race. David is always an engaging performer with a strong political edge to his work, so Building God will no doubt be 50 minutes of informed and important performance poetry.
Also performing at the Banshee Labyrinth is another awarding winning poetry slam champion. Harry Baker – The Sunshine Kid is the latest show from the youngest ever World Poetry Slam Champion. Youth and growing up will no doubt be the main subject matter of this performer
At Clerks Bar on Clerk Street, Sarah Hirsch will present her show How Was it For You? It is described as a performance poetry show that looks at relationships and what it is like being single. Judging by the online videos of Sarah’s poetry then it will be a funny, entertaining and fulfilling show.
At the same venue Jemima Foxtrot is performing Melody, a show that looks to combine music and poetry in unique and interesting ways. Storytelling seems to be the focal point of the show that looks to cover, childhood, love, joy and a lot more. Jemima recently performed at the Barbican in London alongside Beck, so expectation are high, however the quality of this poets work is dazzling and an opportunity to see a young and unique voice perform their work should not be missed.
Back across town is a the venue Pilgrim on Robertson Close. Several spoken word shows are being performed at this venue with the new solo show from Loud Poet Agnes Torok looking like a standout. If You’re Happy and You Know It, Take This Survey is based on a Ted Talk given by the poet earlier this year.