EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Matt Abbott

Tell us a little about 2 Little Ducks

I come from a city that votEd Strongly to leave in the referendum and that inspired me to want to explore the chaos behind Brexit in verse. It's bang up to date in its politics while being deeply personal to me.

What prompted you to bring it to Edinburgh?

My poetry has always been written with the delivery in mind. And there's no better stage in the world to deliver it on than the Fringe.

What do you feel sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

In terms of the socio-political commentary, this show couldn't have been written any other year. It's a bang up to date account of the two key themes: the climate which led many working class communities to vote Brexit, and the Calais Jungle.

I also like to think that it presents a unique take on the Brexit debate, because I'm from a city which was 66% Leave and in many ways can sympathise with that, despite being passionately Remain. But I'm having a conversation, rather than simply dismissing people as being ignorant or racist.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

I would say anybody that's actively paid attention to the news since the start of 2016. Anybody that's interested in the social, economic and political landscape of the UK, and also the refugee crisis.

This is a poetry show, but you don't have to be a poetry fan to enjoy it. And it's a political show, but the politics is presented through personal stories and accounts, rather than soundbites and slogans.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I'll try and see as much spoken word as possible, but also I'm really into comedy; my personal picks would be Sara Pascoe and Richard Herring.

Timings and ticket information for Matt Abbott: Two Little Ducks are available on the edfringe website.