Exploring the mind of the performer

22/04/2014

Above: Patrik Fitzgerald

Petersfield Write Angle
Review by Leah Cohen

How often do you get to hear what goes on inside a professional performer's mind? When he suddenly stops mid-stream saying 'I can't go on. I didn't want to come tonight...nothing to do with you....It's me...' and 'I'm not comfortable performing live'.

It has happened to famous Hollywood stars throughout time. Even Sir Laurence Olivier admitted he got 'sick to his stomach' every time he had to get up and perform - and it happens at Write Angle.
The fear, shaking, self-doubt, nerves...but they get up and do it! Sometimes a drink, prayer or deep breath can bring out courage.
Guest performer at Write Angle's April meeting was Patrik Fitzgerald, icon punk musician/poet of the '70s, who brought in a packed house, including fans from Portsmouth, Southampton, Chichester - everywhere.
After showing his great talent, giving the guitar a thousand voices, and singing, 'Here Comes The Bus Again', 'Dance Music Late Night' and 'Benefit Schemes' (written when he was 16), he suddenly stopped.
Someone suggested the lights be turned down to 'create atmosphere'. In spite of saying 'I can't see', Patrik attempted some more songs in the dark. With the lights back on, Nicola-Ann Ross, first timer, got up with Patrik, and everyone sang 'Hallelulah' .
Many of his fans still have his records from the '70s. Their enthusiasm filled the room, and they got more than just songs and music - they got Patrik - the man, the introvert - baring his innermost feelings; how he creates his music.
He was asked; 'Who inspired your style the most? How do you perform with Attila the Stockbroker?', and 'What would you rather be doing than performing?'. Patrik answered each with honesty. There's no doubt most would have preferred hearing him just play guitar and sing, but knowing more about the artist certainly gave a greater understanding of him as a man as well as a performer.
It's obvious he's going through a rough time and Write Angle hopes he will get through it to the other side and back up on stage where his talents can be seen again - if he wants it. He certainly has a huge and enthusiastic following and we doubt that will disappear.
The evening went on, and with a third of the audience left, an intimacy developed.
Speech Painter, doing his beloved 'Jehovah Baby' and his guitarist Will, adding good humour singing 'Audi's Strange Guitar' and 'I found my freedom'. Audi Maserati and Chris Sangster then teamed up as 'Ensemble Acoustique'.
Chris had performed earlier, reading his 'Mad Mary', Rock Star diva queen who became a drug and booze addict, finally found dead in the bath.
Audi 'uked' 'Dan Dare's Best Chat-up Lines: No 1', his shortest ever poem: 'Usually takes three hours to get into the zone but I'll do it in three seconds!'
Also, Dexter Morgan did 'Poetz', crediting Write Angle in poetry, for giving him the courage to 'perform his writing' so now he's 'proud to come out of the closet'.
Other open mikers were Sven Stears, 'Turn your brain off. Turn your body on. Turn off the TV!' - strong slam poet, with audience participation.
David Roberts did his 'favourites', 'Danny Rose' and 'Celebrities' - people obsessed by celebrities. Gareth Toms did 'Cycling Takes The Mute Out of Commute', then 'Kafka on the Moon' and 'Lump'.
Barry Smith talked of scams and 'Educating Juliet', where you put financial details on the email. His last was 'Isle of Wight' - wonderfully descriptive.
Andrew Wilford, first-timer, compiled articles from The Guardian into a poem.
JPF Goodman read of living near an airport, wondering 'will it crash'?, then 'instead of flying off, why not have an intelligent conversation?'
Mark Cassidy did 'Scaling The Heights' - as seen from a boat.. about rock climbing - including a white face in a black spread-eagle, a wonderfully descriptive poem. Then, '45RPM', written to celebrate those 7” singles.
Nicola-Ann Ross sang 'Why do Stars Suddenly Appear', followed by 'Stand and Deliver'.
Lastly, apologies to Phyllida Carr who wanted to get up and perform but had already left before Jake, our compere, could call her. No fear! She starts off May's evening! And regrets that Jean Anne Naumcyzk could not be with us. She will hopefully get better soon.
All in all, an interesting evening with apologies to those who came expecting to hear more of Patrik Fitzgerald's music.
We do understand your disappointment - and thanks to Patrik who came, in spite of not being sure whether he wanted to or not.
We wish him the best, and particularly for his forthcoming new album. Many thanks, as well, go to The Seven Fishes Restaurant, who sponsored the raffle.

Petersfield Write Angle, www.petersfieldwriteangle.co.uk