Hammer and Tongue's UK National Slam Final is a hugely enjoyable, inspiring and liberating evening for anyone with a potent passion for words and rhythm. For those who have never slammed, the scenario is this: A line-up of poetic junkies strut their stirring stuff. Judges judge and whittle them down, round after round - until there is only one left standing. Well, they are all still standing, but one is smiling more than most in the knowledge that victory has secured her/him oodles of gigs around the country.

Hammer and Tongue organisers Rosy Carrick and Sam Berkson deliver the night with a wit, energy and welcome that puts everyone at ease, and defies competition. The fact that they are both fine poets probably infuses their supportive approach - it eliminates the idea of rivalry, replacing it with revelry and empathy. The poets are a joy; some funny others poignant, often aligning a magical grasp of cadence with their creative cantos. They give their all - emotionally and physically. Judges are randomly selected from the audience before the performance starts. They are impartial, or, at the very least, variable. To mention a few of the poets, and in the spirit of the Slam, keep score:

8.6 The Sacrificial Poet, aka Ross Sutherland, begins with a uni-tone poem O Stoner. (Uni-tone means to focus on only one vowel sound for the duration of the piece.) It's a skilful, funny way to set the ball rolling, and proves that even with restrictions, writing can have wings. 8.8 Mark Neil is a comic and intense performance poet. He has a commercial edge, that rips the shit out of society as it stands - or strips, as he does in the performance. His first poem seeks to expose people in all their sycophantic glory, and his second to secure his half of the fridge. 9.0 Bernadette Cremin is a true poet in the traditional sense. She speaks sincerely, and exudes the slight shyness that writers are meant to have. Her words seem based in a desire to unravel the common state of English grace. Epic, but understated, and there may lie her strength. 9.2 MC Angel comes across as a young, angry gangland goddess, writing and rapping lyrical hard-ass lullabies. Her effect is fierce but friendly, hardened, but cushioned with an insight into her softer side. 9.4 Charlie Dupray is another poet who veers towards MC style - as do many tonight. It's apparent that there is a very fine line between these two spoken skills - in fact the line may only exist when there is music. Charlie Dupray performs his social and personal reflections with fervour, aptitude and a very fast tongue. Wonderful weighty commentary balanced by his speedy style. 9.8 Spliff Richard is stunning. His smile and manner are coy, but a rich understanding and communion pervades his words and performance. It's visceral and emotive, seeming to be grounded in love, and alive to the world. He seems able to tweak out the possibilities in any situation through the medium of words - a poetical prophet who deserves to be recognised whole heartedly. As well as the contestants, there's comically brilliant, stanztasical guest poet Nathan Filer - gifted, an academically epic side-tickler. Overall the Hammer and Tongue Grand Slam is a feast of words, wisdom and wonderful wordy indulgence. It's easy to leave with bleeding ears, a bleeding heart and a hunger for more. A gem.

9.6 Pete Le Temp is the winner. His unbelievable energy seems the key to his success, with a powerful and funny physical stage presence. His material is engaging and ridiculous to the extreme. He makes you giggle, like a school girl who's just found out what a penis looks like.

Cast Credits: (There were many performers, and we will add any unnamed ones who contact us at reviews@fringereport.com. Those mentioned above in alpha order are): MCs: Sam Berkson, Rosy Carrick. Guest Poet - Nathan Filer. Performers: Bernadette Cremin. Charlie Dupray. MC Angel. Mark Neil. Spliff Richard. Ross Sutherland - The Sacrificial Poet. Pete Le Temp - Winner.

Company Credits: Writer - (individual performers). Director - (uncredited). Lighting Designer - (uncredited). Sound Designer - (uncredited). Technical Operator - (uncredited). Producer - (uncredited). Organisers - Sam Berkson, Rosy Carrick (www.rosycarrick.co.uk), Steve Larkin (www.stevelarkin.com). Company - Hammer And Tongue. Website - www.hammerandtongue.co.uk

END

(c) Tracy Keeling 2009

reviewed Monday 18 May 09 / Komedia Downstairs, Komedia, Brighton UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com