Fat Kid Running is the debut solo spoken word theatre show from Edinburgh based writer and performer Katherine McMahon. The event as part of a Flint and Pitch Presents evening at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Before the main performer takes the stage there are two support acts to warm up the crowd in The Netherbow theatre space within the venue.
Calum Rodger is first up with a show entitled Rock, Star, North. This spoken word performance is a journey through the video game Grand Theft Auto 5 in which the performer draws amusing and personal parallels with the virtual world and the real world. The title of the show takes its name from the Edinburgh based video game developer who create the massively popular game. The short set is an interesting one that shows massive potential if it were developed to be a longer piece.
Up next are Belle Jones, Audrey Tait and Lauren Gilmour who perform an extract of a spoken word show that combines, music, poetry and beautiful vocals. Audrey Tait is a member of hip-hop group Hector Bizerk and Lauren Gilmour performs with Bella and the Bear. They are collaborating with spoken word artist Belle Jones to tell an evocative story called Closed Doors. The show takes its influence from a violent and mysterious incident and presents the many reactions from the diverse community that witness the event. The audience only gets to experience the first act and it seems like Closed Doors is on track to being a powerful and engaging piece of spoken word theatre and one which would work well as a headliner at a future Flint and Pitch Presents event.
Katherine McMahon takes the audience on a journey back to high school P.E classes and having to take part in a pointless and desperately boring exercise called the bleep test. The test involves running from one side of the room to the other in-between the sound of an annoying and repetitious bleep. From the first word of this excellent show it is obvious that Katherine McMahon is neither boring or repetitive. With her words she makes the task of running seem like an exciting endeavour even if you are not interested in exercise in the slightest. Katherine describes her relationship with running with a bold confidence. She elaborates on how image, injury and illness have been considerations, but she has never let them get in the way of leading an active and full life. It is an emotional journey and one which is delivered with passion and style.
With Fat Kid Running, Katherine McMahon presents an honest and brilliant spoken word theatre show that is filled with powerful words and attention grabbing imagery. The performer’s beaming personality is present throughout and this allows the show to unfurl with an easy energy and a joyful glee that is infectious and entertaining.