Luke Wright’s new show is set to bring JOY! to the Edinburgh Fringe.
‘The Fringe’s favourite poet returns with stacks of brilliant, big-hearted poems that get to grips with joy in mulchy middle age. Come let a little joy into your life with a raconteur and wordsmith at the top of his game.’
Where: Pleasance Dome
When: 31 Jul, 1-13 Aug
Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/luke-wright-joy
What are you looking forward to at Edinburgh Fringe?
Climbing Arthur’s Seat, running into someone I haven’t seen for years in Palmyra at 4am, stepping on stage with a new show.
Tell me about your show, Luke Wright: JOY! It’s described as “stacks of brilliant, big-hearted poems that get to grips with joy in mulch middle age”. Are you basically a grumpy old man?!
Not at all! I am quite a joyful person, but I’ve never really written about joy before.
There was a French novelist called Henri De Montherlant. He’s mostly forgotten now, apart from a single quote which does the rounds amongst poets – “happiness writes white.”
He actually said “happiness writes in white ink on a white page.” And he didn’t say that anyway because he said it in French, but the gist remains the same.
Happiness can not be captured by writing. No sentence can truly relay the feeling of pure joy.
But what you should also probably know is that De Montherland killed himself by first taking cyanide pills and then shooting himself in the head (an impressive belt and braces approach to suicide).
He did have a point, though. It’s much easier to write sad or bittersweet poems. In my career I’ve usually veered towards satirical or poignant.
So, I thought I’d set myself the challenge of trying to write about joy this year. Can I do it? Best get a ticket and find out.
You’ve been writing poems for a long time. Do you think the poetry scene has changed a lot since you started?
It’s SO much bigger. Maybe ten times the size. Full of young people too.
When I started out there were about five of us in our early twenties, now we’re over run with kids, and it’s great.
I admire and love their professionalism and joy for the medium. It’s truly a great thing.
What gives you the most joy, personally or professionally?
Strangely it’s more mundane things as I get older.
For example this year I bought fifteen pairs of the same sock. Previously I had about two pairs of my favourite socks and then variety of lesser good socks.
I was going to my sock drawer of a morning and feeling sad that I had to wear suboptimal socks.
And then I realised I’m 42, I’m solvent.
Life doesn’t have to be like this. I could have a whole drawer of my favourite socks. And now I do!
Every day I feel pleased with that decision. And yes, that’s a deliberately dull answer, but my point is whilst routine is so often depicted as drudgery.
Sameyness. Drowning in the quotidian.
But there is joy in knowing what is coming. Getting older is about taking control, and there is a real joy in that.
What’s next for you after the Fringe?
First foremost I’ll be on the road touring JOY! until summer 2025. I also have a couple of releases coming up.
I wrote a long poem that has been set to music by composer Benjamin Oliver. It’s called ‘The Driver’ and it’s about 40 minutes long. We’re putting out a vinyl of that in time for Christmas.
I’ve also got a pamphlet of poems out. Pub Grub has some of favourite stage poems in it, never before committed to paper, so that’s exciting.
I’ll also be writing my novel. Which is about a gig promoter called Danny ‘The Lion’ England.
For more on Luke, head to www.lukewright.co.uk.