A Weekend of Music and Poetry

So this weekend I had a few treats lined up for myself, a band I’ve loved for a while and a performance poet like no other.

Friday night I headed to Koko opposite Mornington Crescent station (finally an excuse to go there after years of listening to I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue). I’d never been to Koko before and it’s a stunning venue.  Originally one of the largest theatres outside of Londons West End, the stunning interiors of the theatre remain and make it a truly special place to hear live music despite the extortionate cost of a gin and tonic. 

I was there to see Submotion Orchestra, a band I became slightly obsessed with over the summer and will listen to at least twice a week even now, I’m yet to get sick of them! I was intrigued to see how their music would manifest itself live. They sound incredibly like their albums live, although perhaps too much so. If I shut my eyes at points I could have just been listening in my room, whether this is a good thing or not is up for debate.  It also felt weird that the audience was fairly static, at least around me, all facing the stage even during more improvised ‘dancey’ parts of the show.  It was a great gig though, in the words of my lovely friend Jess “Lily, you look so happy”, and I was, even if they didn’t play my favourite track.

Gorgeous version of my favourite Submotion Orchestra track at the 2011 St Pancras Station Sessions

Next up in my culture filled weekend was a trip to the Royal Court to see Kate Tempest.  I was excited to see Kate as this piece of work, ‘Brand New Ancients’, was first co-produced at Battersea Arts Centre where I was recently the press placement. I’d heard lots about her whilst working there and even compiled a press book of all the coverage she had received so far. I’ve never seen poetry performed before, I have to say I was intrigued to see how I’d respond and how 75 minutes of poetry would manifest itself as a performance. I needn’t have had any concerns. 

There’s much talk about Russell Brand at the moment, and his strong words about how to make changes and shake things up however I think Kate Tempest is the one we should really be watching.  Her scarily accurate observations on life and the way we live today could teach us all a few things. A particularly hilarious yet thought provoking section discusses celebrities, talent shows and Simon Cowell.  Knowing nods were seen throughout the audience after the line:

“I don’t know the names of my neighbours,

but I know the names of the rich and the famous.

And the names of the ex-girlfriends

And their ex-girlfriends’ new boyfriends.”

Kate comes across as such a likeable character, she seems shy at first and is truly in awe of the space she is performing in yet once she gets involved with her words it is like something is taking over her. She is fascinating to watch. I particularly liked moments when she makes side comments at the audience, or a knowing look that provokes a laugh.  One of the best moments for me was this:

“She’s got a far away look in her eye, like she’s always had,

the kind of look that makes strangers say it ain’t so bad

love, is it?”

After this line she gives an exasperated look to the audience provoking knowing laughs, this is one of my absolute pet hates in the many inappropriate ways that some men treat women so I’m glad Kate makes this observation.

There were many moments in this performance when I was so involved in the story I had goose bumps all over and felt like it was just the two of us in the room, Kate was telling this story just to me.   I became so involved in the stories of the characters it was hard to believe all this came from one person rather than a cast of actors.  I went to see this show with my Mum, and she felt exactly the same, stating afterwards that at some points she wanted to shout out to the characters. Such a powerful story of two families whose lives intertwine, Kate is demonstrating how old myths live on however as I am not that clued up on my classic mythology I think I did miss some references.

I couldn’t leave this post without mentioning the music; just four musicians on stage create the atmospheric backdrop for Kate featuring a tuba, percussion, violin and cello.  Using lots of different effects, which gradually build to powerful climaxes as Kate’s words reach powerful intensity. As her words build in climax she transfers from storytelling to rapping and at times almost crying out or singing.  Occasionally these build ups in the music can make Kate hard to hear however this is a tiny criticism of such an amazing experience.  

It’s not very often my Mum and I are speechless but leaving the theatre we found it hard to communicate beyond just going ‘Wow’, I’m glad there were no busy roads to cross between the theatre and the tube as we were certainly in some kind of a daze for a while. The standing ovation Kate received was truly deserved and her obvious excitement at this was brilliant to see. She’s touring Brand New Ancients until April and I wish I could see it for the first time again, although booking another date is very tempting.