The Poets Revival, Royal Albert Hall Review

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Ticket was gifted in return for a honest review.

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The first of May is infamous in many cultures. In Wales, it is Calanmai, the beginning of fiery change into summer. In England it was known as May Day, a festive day of hedonism and dancing. In France, it is la Fête du Travail, a day of protest and celebration of freedoms. Therefore there is no better day for breaking a scandalous record at the Royal Albert Hall. We are informed throughout the performance that poetry has been banned from the venue since 1966, and with this juicy gossip retold the evening has a salacious and daring tone.  This mildly defiant and mischievous atmosphere was further magnified by the setting of the Royal Albert Hall. The setting is dark aside from a short raised platform in the centre of the round. It glistens with bright blue lights and along with numerous small spotlights in the ceiling, unerringly draws the eye with the same fascination of a faerie pool or orations in the amphitheatres of Athens. The tension and anticipation are palpable in the air as Royal Albert Hall associate artist Rhael “LionHeart” Cape presents and directs the evening’s performances with the finesse and delicacy of a renaissance maestro. The audience is actively enraptured and clicks, hums and wildly claps and cheers throughout. Momtaza Mahri perhaps sums up this atmosphere best by stating “poetry is an incantation, a spell. It comes with a risk.” Then to finish her set asks the audience to take a universal deep breath and grins stating; “this is the sound of collectively getting away with something.”

This celebration of poetry was performed by nine poets including George the Poet, Harry Baker, Kae Tempest, Momtaza Mehri, Sophia Thakur, Suli Breaks, Theresa Lola and Toby Campion. Without ruining the experience for you, the poems cross many boundaries and discuss many important topics. These include but aren’t limited to the impact of colonialism, the importance of loving freely, trans rights to be seen and respected, the challenges of being seen as “other” in society, supporting men’s mental health, freedom for Palastine and Congo along with a husbands worry over his wife in a three day labour. There is a good mix of hard hitting poetry and lighter comedic tones, including a surprisingly hilarious ode to Wellington boots. Every poet that performed was unique and utterly brilliant in their powerful performances. I was spellbound throughout by their magnetic resonance and utter conviction in their every syllable. 

This evening is everything that poetry should be. A rallying cry for change, a celebration of life and an unbreakable sense of community amongst the audience and wider society. It is a truly phenomenal night to remember and was met with an entire venue giving a standing ovation at the end. You will laugh with joy, cry with sorrow, and cheer with solidarity.  It is a resounding roar of poetry’s enduring relevance and ability to connect us all regardless of which of life’s paths you walk. If you are going to go to any celebration of the spoken word in your lifetime make sure it’s this one as it is truly an experience to be lived.