The Poets’ Revival at Royal Albert Hall

A fact: in 1966, poetry was banned for 18 years at the Royal Albert Hall. The ban was caused by some “troublemakers”, as explained by Essayist and Young People’s Laureate of London Momtaza Mahri. In a way, knowing that it was once prohibited to recite poetry in the prestigious venue adds to the scandalous charm of this storytelling form. At the end of her performance, Mahri says something that rings true and is possibly still ringing in the ears of many of the lucky attendees: “Poetry is an incantation, a spell. It comes with a risk.” Then she invites the audience to take a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling. The collective exhale is deep and resonates. Mahri smiles. “This is the sound of collectively getting away with something,” she says before disappearing into the applause.

This evening of poetic resistance and resurgence is presented by Royal Albert Hall associate artist Rhael “LionHeart” Cape, who stays true to his name and carries the night with the grace, strength and humour of a big-hearted lion. The first artist to come on stage is Theresa Lola – who goes by her middle name not to have her Nigerian name butchered – and kicks off with a poignant poem on how one can trace someone’s lineage through a name. Lola is followed by Toby Campion, who LionHeart introduces with a funny anecdote. However, Campion doesn’t bring just humour – making people laugh being no small feat – but also uses his storytelling to talk about the genocide currently happening in Gaza, involving the audience in his performance, which is a clever touch. And he is not the only one drawing attention to the state of the world.

Similarly, YouTube sensation Suli Breaks delivers both comedy and introspection, beautifully combining the two in a performance that has attendees equally amused and mesmerised. He begins with a hilarious poem about his wife giving birth and ends with R.I.P. – “Rewind it please / So we can remain in peace” – a punch in the gut that leaves the crowd speechless. Mercury Prize-nominee and Sunday Times bestseller Kae Tempest captivates with a heart-shattering performance that confirms them as a genius in their craft. All eyes are glued to Tempest as they pace around the stage, talking about a body that hides insides, and the effort it takes to try and bring that body out. But the audience doesn’t have time to catch their breath. Sophia Thakur enchants both through poetry and her voice, talking about Palestine and Congo, ending with a poem about learning to let things go. Her poise, perfect delivery, mannerisms and power condense into a cloud that seems to descend onto the audience like a blanket. It both awakens as well as bringing comfort – comfort in knowing there is still so much humanity in the world. 

It is now time for George the Poet to come on stage. “How do we move forward?” he asks, discussing systemic racism and classism, capturing the audience, holding them tight, as he reflects on the power of storytelling, showing what it can do to create change, to make people see the world differently. Finally, the utterly charming Harry Baker delivers the final performance of the night. From a poem about death, funny and dark, to one about wellies (“I love wellies”), and then, the very last poem, Wonderful, from his upcoming collection; an ode to celebrating all parts of life, embracing everything including being a living contradiction and changing your mind, making room for playfulness. “Life is too short to eat celery, life is too long to feel jealousy,and life is just the right length to need therapy.”

Overall, a night to savour, remember and turn inside out – and a reminder of why we need poetry more than ever.

Benedetta Mancusi

The Poets’ Revival was at Royal Albert Hall on 1^st May 2024 For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.