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)