Showing @ Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh until Sun 24 Aug @ 12:15
Within moments of being on stage it is obvious that Liz Lochhead loves two things; music and words. Her first poem is on the topic of vinyl records, with references to Blondie, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and several other bands and musicians from the past. The piece is the perfect introduction to a fine reading from one of Scotland’s best loved poets.
Lochhead is joined onstage by saxophonist Steve Kettley who accompanies her for the first few recitals. This jazz backing works well as the music weaves it’s way around her phrasing and sets a free and easy tone, emphasised by Lochhead’s passionate and sometimes powerful performance. The poet admits herself that the show has no major theme, however nostalgia and looking to the past is a common topic during the hour. We hear pieces from Lochhead’s extensive and impressive back catalogue which highlights her ability as writer and spoken word performer. Liz Lochhead is Scotland’s Makar (poet laureate) and with Something’s Old, Something’s New the audience get exactly what they expect; an assured reading from an engaging and entertaining master of her craft.