What I Am | Jade Studio at Greenside (Ed Fringe)

What I Am is a retelling of the life of the English Poet, John Clare, allowing him to dictate his own story directly to the audience. Written by Jim Pickles and directed by Guy Retallack with original compositions by Eric Angus, the play does an excellent job at bringing both John Clare and his poetry in this hour long show. Starring Olivier Award Winner George Maguire, the show fills the intimate Fringe space, transporting audiences back to the English fields in the early 1800s with a 21st century perspective. Chronicling John Clare's life from a child working in the farm, to falling in love and experiencing his first heartbreak, to a charming young man and poet, to becoming a prominent poet and father, to his later years in an asylum, What I Am is a powerful depiction of the great poet on stage.

What I Am strokes the perfect chord between poetry, music and storytelling, setting John Clare's actual words to music, presenting his poetry in a new light. Angus' compositions fit each of the poems so naturally that it feels almost intentionally written to be sung, especially with the gorgeous vocals of Maguire. The songs are the show's greatest strengths, with them being a powerful rendition of Clare's poetry and reaching audiences within their hearts.

Maguire outdoes himself with these musical numbers, delivering an emotional performance with vocals that are nothing short of sensational. One may not expect a Fringe Show to be a career best for a performer who regularly graces West End stages, but there is no denying that this is Maguire at his best. One can only hope that Angus and the show's producers see fit to release the songs online, honouring Clare's work through a new medium.

Pickles' writing is well balanced between the past and present; rendering Clare a charismatic man who feels very alive. The show references all of the most well documented facts about Clare, and yet allow these to unfold naturally despite the short runtime, never shoe-horning another fact into the play. Pickles' writing is narrated by Clare, as he recounts his own story from his perspective, yet miraculously allows audiences to see the bigger picture of the world around John Clare. Many of the dialogues are direct and impactful, with several lines feeling as though they could be stand alone as inspirational quotes, and yet never feels preachy or overdone. It's a tricky line to finesse, and Pickles has done a tremendous job. Audiences find themselves torn between sympathising with Clare, and also understanding that had this occurred in present day, his tragic circumstances could be prevented.

Guy Retallack's direction allows Maguire to fill the intimate space, interacting directly with the audience (especially the front row), often asking audience members to join him on stage for a quick stand in as another character, or to read aloud some of his writing. With audienced on three sides of the stage, Retallack's direction ensures that everyone feels not only involved but immersed in Clare's world, with Maguire frequently striding across the stage with a certain gusto and vulnerability.

Although there is no named designer for the show, there is great use of a cloth screen, featuring stunning video design. As Maguire performs these gorgeous songs about his conflicting emotions and the British countryside, it is tastefully depicted through simple and yet stirring designs of an increasingly unstable countryside, accompanying the song like a stylised music video. The set is comprised of a few vintage wooden furniture pieces, a quill and parchment and Maguire in period outfitting, all lending to the time period.

Maguire instantly puts the audience at ease, with his warmth, humour and charm. Maguire impressively speaks the words as though they pour from his soul, allowing audiences to witness Clare in real time. An already strong performance is taken to a whole new level as Maguire pulls out his guitar, creating something very special in the intimate space. Maguire is unafraid to really embody the character, especially when his mental state dissolves and shatters, causing a heart wrenching guttural shout.

What I Am shines as a hidden gem at the Fringe, with a true story that has been beautifully dramatised, along with some of the finest poetry/songs that one can hope to find.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review