Review of John Hegley @ Wallasey Central Library 30th September 2011

Here is a review of John Hegley's enjoyable performance at the library by Clare Kirwan, Wallasey Central Library:

Comic poet John Hegley made his second visit to Wallasey Central Library this year to start the Centenary weekend's festivities.

After his sell-out workshop in March, he again attracted more than 60 people to his one-man show on Friday 30th September. With a bewildering range of the comic and profound, some escapades involving balloons and the audience being required to impersonate birds on at least two occasions, it was certainly a varied night.

Most famous for his poems about dogs, glasses and brown paper bags - many of which are silly and serious at the same time - he is also a surprisingly good singer, accompanying himself on mandolin. He tried out some brand new material, never before performed, including a marvellous dream-like poem where boats on bedroom wallpaper rowed him into a surreal scenario.

Wallasey Central Library has the most extensive poetry section in Wirral with more than 1,500 poetry books spanning all eras. John was very impressed with our collection and selected some of his favourite poems to read out, bringing unexpected works by Adrian Henri, DH Lawrence, and others to new audiences.