Monkey brings his poetry to Leamington

Such is the ethos of the Monkey Poet, aka Matt Panesh, who is bringing his unique brand of stand-up poetry to the Spa Centre in Leamington on Friday.

Schoolchildren and “retired crack addicts” are among the wide range of people for whom this performer has devised workshops, who follows the belief that the poetic form is the most accessible art for all.

His show, Welcome, begins with Act 1: Welcome ... to Afghanistan, a play adapted from Lt Greenwood’s memoir published in 1844, and is followed by Act 2: Welcome ... to the UK, a performance of satiric stand-up in rhyme.

Matt, who has won seven awards around the world, has been likened to performers including George Carlin, Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks, with his poetry spanning politics, social comment and adult humour.

The show, which takes place at the centre’s studio theatre, starts at 7.45pm on Friday October 7. Tickets cost £12 or £11 if booked online. Call 334418 or go online.