Stupid Sexy Poem Show @ Scottish Storytelling Centre

RJ Hunter, the reigning Loud Poets Grand Slam Poetry Champion, continues to push the boundaries of the Scottish spoken word scene. Hunter's latest undertaking, Stupid Sexy Poem Show, is a vibrant fusion of spoken word, stand-up, variety and cabaret.

Stupid Sexy Poem Show is a wonderful multimodal approach to spoken word that decries the uniqueness of RJ Hunter through a detailed exposé of self and a delightful touch of chaos. Hunter’s naughty internal world gets narrated through a collection of raunchy poems paired with visual demonstration of past reviews and Twitter comments. The two mediums gently conflict, dousing the performance with a lovely shade of satire; the overall tone feels like a heavy nod to queer online meme culture.

There is no doubt that Hunter is hilarious, possessing a distinctive sense of sexy wit that brings the trials and tribulations of queer relationships to the forefront. She keeps the audience on their toes, and those watching remain slightly unsure of what will happen next: an ode to hummus, or a gut-wrenching confession. The phrase “Never let them know your next move” is an adequate description of the energy Hunter brings to the table. There is the odd moment where lines seem to be forgotten, but her recovery is quick; what's lost to an awkward pause is regained through passion. A sense of cabaret is woven through the performance, not only through the costume changes and music but the sheer drama of the experience.

It's not a subtle endeavour: Hunter’s ‘stupid sexy poems’ are accompanied by a permeable rage that demarks the duality of the trans experience – genuine joy and deep suffering. It is also not a show for the weak or prudish; there is no time to pause as you are wholly encompassed within Hunter’s experience.

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Stupid Sexy Poem Show, Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre), 6, 10 & 19 Aug, 8.45pm, £12-14