When I apologised to one of our 'seasoned' guest performers a few months ago, that the audience was smaller than usual, (about 20) he said he often performed with audiences of 3 or 4! 'You do the same as if it was a full house! After all, they came to see you. They deserve your best shot!'
Thus, AF Harrold (Ashley), last night's third-time, guest, also faced a smaller crowd than he deserved– as audi maserati said, 'It's too bad. He's a great performer' – however it didn't stop the ginger bearded giant reading and performing some wonderfully clever and imaginative poetry from his collection of books! Laughter was heard throughout from the moment he stood up. And a smaller audience made for an intimate and relaxed evening, allowing for more than usual interaction with the guest, who happily took advantage of the chance to improvise, leading to: 'okay..stop talking, everyone!' ...all in good humour! The audience loved it!
An 'original', with a soft voice (beware sarcasm), AF started with 'My mother always encouraged me to talk to strangers. You never know when one of them might have some sweets.'
He went to a mirror exhibition....didn't see any mirrors but lots of pictures of himself!' He talked of, 'finding a lady bug in jam means it's going to rain. Finding a horse in jam means your luck's gonna change. Dogs are cats in dog suits. Ants can only count to seven'. (Loved the story of the tunnel of love). 'All action happens in the car in front....as his girlfriend pointed out on her mobile phone... from the car in front'....his timing is perfect. Then, onto the meanings of the star signs. Gemini. Shoot one twin through the head. Empathetically linked, both drop dead'...'Pisces. Dining alone. Chokes on a bone'
He makes fun of audiences...'they don't understand my humour'..in a loveable, acceptable way. Talks of his many books. 'Harold', a 'simple ordinary man...who, got a job as a tree surgeon. All went well till his first day! .. He worked on a submarine but on his first tour of duty, he confused periscopes and horoscopes. So thrilled to be a secret agent, he told all his family and friends. On love, Harold wanted to write a diary so he could meet a woman but had nothing to write. Finally he meets one, tells her about his diary. But, thinking he kept a dairy, she was no longer interested when there were no cows, only a diary. – But now, Harold had something to write. 'Today I met a pretty girl but it didn't work out.' On ducks, 'a duck in the hand makes the glove moist; A duck who makes honey is actually a bee; No duck is a quack..a duck in the hand is worth two in the sack..a duck in the pond makes a lot of ducks ponder....his mind quickly travels from one thought to another. AF is a ginger bearded wonder, and a delight to have as a guest!
Maria Hewitt, at the open mic, read poems about depression, 'The Black Hole', 'I like the idea that I'm at the centre of the milky way'. On January's 'The Prophet Mohammed', 'where does that leave God? A very moving poem about her father who nearly died after breaking his pelvis. Chris Sangster, playing that wonderful Appalachian mountain dulcimer, did a poem to rival last month's guest's 'I'm a good screw'. His, I'm an extremely good lover, (thought maybe not so great at other things). Then, a lovely song, 'Sometimes I wonder', on the mandolin. 'What's it all about..then sees the sun...'
Richard Hawtree read of the Isle of Inish-more. Beautifully visual, 'This is the Irish of Doubting Wisemen'. A land of Christian and pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. The ever loved audi maserati – (after a long nature walk) did the poem 'I want the rhythm, I want to feel the buzz of being here..and, from his dada notebook, 'The peach speaking to the piano'...got many laughs. He played 'Mountain Winds' on the mandolin, creating a spiritual sound of wind blowing. 'It's a duet sung by one person', he added. He sang a song about Lancashire, where his roots are. 'I love it because it lets me yodel!' Again, laughter. 'Imagine the moon tumbling into your hand'. (lovely).
Phyllida Carr then played the harmonica, adding to her repertoire of songs, The Irish National Anthem and other familiar songs. It didn't take long for everyone to sing along. Chris' voice shining out! Imogen Thompson spoke of 'suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 40.' Then, a very moving poem about her brother who'd hung himself. 'Take me away from this moment'...very powerful. Then, two love poems. 'Alice', 'Bring light to my embers and let me burn'. Very strong, emotive poetry.
Jezz and Matt then got up singing and playing guitar. A great team, their energy and style brought the end of the evening to a treat of wonderful music starting with 'an Irish style song'-. The very talented Jezz playing on the mandolin he'd made, himself! Quite an achievement!
The Raffle prize was two free Thai meals (all inclusive) at the Hamilton Arms.
If anyone has ideas on how to get the audiences we used to have, please share them with us.
Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Mar 2015 (Event)