Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017 – What I learned from Johnny Bevan
Luke Wright’s multi award-winning political drama returns to The Fringe
Luke Wright’s first theatre show What I Learned from Johnny Bevan took the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe by storm.
The show received a Fringe First for the quality of the writing and Wright received a Stage Award for Acting Excellence for his hurricane performance. Now after touring extensively, being optioned for a film, invited to appear at the Houses of Parliament and selling out a three week London run, this critically acclaimed solo stage show returns to The Fringe for one week only (21-27 August 2017).
What I Learned From Johnny Bevan is a compelling, politically charged story encompassing shattered friendships, class and social ceilings, and The Labour Party’s battle for its soul.
At university the whip-smart, mercurial Johnny Bevan saves Nick, smashing his comfortable middle class bubble and firing him up about politics, music and literature. Twenty years later, as their youthful dreams disintegrate alongside the social justice they hoped for, can Nick, now a jaded music journalist, save Johnny from himself?
Luke Wright delivers an impassioned, spellbinding performance of his razor sharp script that is infused with humour, humanity and wit. What I Learned From Johnny Bevan strikes at the heart of British politics, questioning the middle class value system that encouraged the rise of New Labour and David Cameron’s brand of Conservatism, and saw both parties abandon the working class. This gripping story is a modern fable that reflects today’s political polarisation and resonates with the disillusionment felt by many.
Written and performed by Luke in deft, visceral, punchy verse, with a score by Ian Catskilkin from the band Art Brut and tautly directed by Baylis Director at the Old Vic Joe Murphy, What I Learned From Johnny Bevan is a theatrically brilliant, breath-taking poetic monologue.
Underbelly, Belly Button, 3-27 Aug (not
14), 21.20 (60 mins)