Laughing in the Face of Absurdity Review

Warm, intimate and hilarious poetry, storytelling, and songs

Upon entering the crowded back room of the Wheatsheaf pub, Brendan Hawthorne, performer and published author, immediately made me smile, as he sported a t-shirt subversively entitled ‘underachiever’. He welcomed every audience member as if they were old friends – and clearly some of them were, eager to be immersed in the observational poetry of the ‘Black Country Legend’ once again. 

Through warm, intimate and hilarious poetry, storytelling, and songs (we joined in with the refrains), Brendan deftly steered us from the tower block and shop of his childhood, through Tank Top Warfare to Black Country AI.  The journey continued through the perils and trials of noisy neighbours, recycling, and aging; all without a hint of self-pity or vitriol. 

Indeed, early tower block living obviously stood him in good stead for later performances, including one from the dizzy heights of a plinth at Trafalgar Square, and various media channels, including the BBC.

Being born and bred in the Black Country, and having been taught to ‘spake proper’ by his grandad, Brendan’s use of the vernacular is masterful. This is exemplified in my personal favourite, the brilliant; ‘I court (aka can’t) abide it’. 

If you get chance to see Brendan Hawthorne - go. You will laugh till you cry and leave feeling warm, lighter, joyful and wanting more - and you might just learn a new word or two.