We are currently taking bookings for Invisible Ink, for both one off shows and for festivals over the next year.

For further information, press release details, promotional photographs, or if you have any other enquiries please contact info@shortfuse.co.uk

Invisible Ink (Shortfuse)

**** Three Weeks

Three masters of the spoken word are indulging audiences with poetry, music and scientific magic throughout this year's fringe festival. Invisible Ink combine perfectly pronounced poem recitals, rhythmic pros and tales of dreams and nightmares, which not only pay tribute to the English language, but expertly demonstrate what can be done with it. This talented trio of literate artists deserve a larger venue to treat as many festival-goers as possible to their fantastically detailed imagery. Some of the recitations contain the darkest of comedy, which may be too unnerving for some, but the experience is an over all delight for anyone with a passion for literature and the spoken word.

(Tom  Leaning)

**** Hairline

For those hoping to find a hidden gem at the Fringe this year Invisible Ink

comprises three spoken word artists, all entirely individual and each compelling in their own way. Rhian Edwards starts the proceedings with her spellbinding poetry and song. Her voice has a real maturity to it and her honest and cool deliverance give her words such significance and beauty that it is impossible not to feel touched by them. Nathan Penlington is a different kettle of fish altogether. Combining stand up comedy, performance, poetry and magic, Penlington builds a genuine rapport with the audience, encouraging participation and amusement. Performing alongside the sinister and somewhat psychedelic animations of Paul Barritt, Suzanne Andrade has created an act with a strong identity which combines visual and musical elements that compliment her words and stories, bringing everything together in a bizarre and humorous world.

This is one of the most honest and innovative productions Ive seen in recent years. It deserves bigger audiences, so take a chance on it.

(Becky Stone)

The List

The performing poets are introduced cabaret-style in this characterful and quirky three-part show. Though each act is unique, there is constant theme of childlike memories subverted in the cruel surrealist style of Hilaire Belloc or Roald Dahl, seemingly melancholic musings are concluded concisely and unexpectedly with a darkly comic and fantastical twist. The lyrical passion is clear in the lilting rhythmic chains of carefully selected words, which build to a simple yet compelling narrative crescendo. The lighting, music and animated projections added power to an absorbing collection of weird and wonderful rhymes.

(Kitty Hudson)

 'A young turn of promise' - John Hegley

'Sensation' - The Guardian

'Consistently original and accessible' - Chortle

'An act truly worthy of praise! His section is a smooth blend of comedy, storytelling and poetry. His writing and stage presence are both enjoyable and understated' - Three Weeks

'High on the agenda of must-sees - «««« - Hairline

'Fans of Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker and Simon Armitage will recognise Nathan Penlingtons whimsical poetic evocations from the North of the Watford gap. He points out hes not a comedian, but theres humour which touches the same place, and he has the talent with words to successfully open his horizons in future' - The List

'England's brightest stand-up poet' - NewYorkCool.com

Suzanne Andrade

Suzanne Andrade performs dark, disturbing and extremely funny tales over original electronic music and scratchy vinyl soundtracks.

Reminds me of William Burroughs and his strange stories. Hypnotically brilliant - BBC Radio 3

A highly original and theatrical spoken word performer who has supported big comedy names, cabaret acts and musicians, not to mention literary figures. The humour and originality inherent in her work makes it easily transferable, bringing humour to the poetry scene, a dark and disturbing tone to the comedy scene and a literary flavour to music gigs; thus, her work is accepted and highly praised within all of these fields, transgressing the boundaries of spoken word to create highly theatrical and beautifully delivered narratives.

After gaining a first class acting degree and a masters in writing for the theatre Suzanne founded two theatre companies and was commissioned to write a play for the BBC.

She moved in to spoken word via stand up comedy, winning numerous competitions in the North before moving to London to perform on the poetry scene. In a matter of months Suzanne appeared on BBC Radio 3, where she has since appeared again on both spoken word The Verb and experimental music programme Mixing It. She has performed at all of the major poetry venues in London, as well as cabaret and music venues across the UK.

Currently Suzanne is collaborating with artist and animator Paul Barritt who illustrates for Time Out, on an animated performance poetry production. Suzanne is also working on an album that is due to be released this year through a major independent record label.

Rhian Edwards

Although Rhian Edwards has only been writing and performing poetry for 3 years, she has already racked up over 100 poetry and radio performances nationwide.

"Astounding Welsh performance poet Rhian Edwards with performances that get you in the emotional gut" - BBC Radio 3

Rhian has also had her poetry published in Poetry Wales, Poetic Hours and The Wolf, as well as having had her poetry exhibited at the Royal Festival Hall. Rhian was commissioned by the Poetry Society to write a poem for National Poetry Day, and was recently commissioned by the BBC to write a poem for The Verb on BBC Radio 3.

The first winner of Poetry Idol in May 2003, she recently won the award for  Best Performance by a London Poet 2005.

Rhian has worked alongside a number of leading international poets, such as Hugo Williams, Collette Bryce and Dorothea Smart, as well as alongside a number of leading performers, such as Robert Newman, Simon Munnery and Sean Hughes.

In addition to being a successful poet, Rhian is a talented singer/songwriter, who composes songs for both the guitar and ukulele. Rhians vocal idiosyncrasies and poetic lyricism, together with ghost-like guitar riffs have already culminated in a number of high profile gigs, such as Londons renowned Jazz Café and the Barfly.

Rhian Edwards' poetry and music oscillate between poignant confessions and witty observations. Her textural word-play, visceral language, unique rhythmic and musical style, as well as her polished flair for assuming a whole variety of accents and characterisations, make Rhian one of the most compelling and versatile performers on the UK poetry scene.