In a series of interviews, we are chatting to artists involved with the 2024 Wandsworth Fringe. The Fringe Festival runs from 7th until 23rd June.
In this interview, we chat with Liz Bentley about Perverse Verse.
Where did your arts career begin?
The Southend Gang Show 1974. I was dressed as a termite, stepping in for a Cub Scout who was ill during the run. I had to learn all his lines and a song two hours before the show. From then on, I knew I wanted to be on the stage, and that I liked lots of boys hanging around me.
What can you tell me about your show?
Perverse Verse is a night of technicolour entertainment featuring award winning writers, poets and comedians including Rosie Wilby, Barbara Brownskirt, Jonny Fluffy Punk and Rachel Pantechnicon.
Where did the idea for the show come from?
There weren’t many stand-up poetry/comedy events back in the early 2000’s so I created my own, focussed on programming the less mainstream acts and ones that liked hanging out with a psychotherapist.
How do you prepare for a performance?
I rehearse, get great acts in and write a good set list. If the show is in a swimming pool, I swim a lot and advise acts to do the same. If it’s in a beach hut I try to remain small and get in small acts.. etc. etc.
What is the message of your show?
In the words of Carl Jung ’To be normal is the ultimate of the unsuccessful’.
If you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?
A half-baked chocolate brownie with lots of runny chocolate oozing out, making a right mess everywhere (not technically a biscuit), why? Oh I don’t know but if I can’t a brownie because it’s not really a biscuit, then I’d be an iced gem biscuit, not a little gem lettuce, although little gem lettuces are good, more to them than meets the eye…. Yes I’ll be a little gem lettuce eaten as a biscuit because it’s not supposed to be what it is - ie I’m a psychotherapist and a comedian. That’s why. One that’s crisp and in date as opposed to one that’s been on a shelf too long.
Can you describe the show in three words?
Indefinable, indefinable and indefinable,
When can people see the show and follow the journey beyond?
We’re at The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, 7.30 on Thursday 13th June.
Our next event will be at Margate Arts Club on Friday 5th July.
Tickets are available from https://www.wandsworthfringe.com/whats-on-2024/perverse-verse-wandsworth
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