Colchester Fringe Festival 2026
Poetry For People Who Think They Don’t Like Poetry!
James Domestic
Genre: New Writing, Solo Slam Poetry, Spoken Word, Stand-Up
Venue: CODA
Festival: Colchester Fringe Festival
Low Down
James Domestic performs punk and non-pretentious poems in an accessible stand-up/poetry hybrid. Ranging from the silly to the heartfelt, Domestic really does win over even the most unconverted to the love of poetry.
Review
I must admit, and I warned James Domestic before reviewing his show, I HATE poetry. You would not expect that of me. My mother was an English teacher. I am a writer myself. But poetry… poetry… that genre has so many heavy labels of pretentiousness (and pretentious poetry writers) to contend with. Rules, structure, form… none of that is particularly punk rock. Poetry, more often than not, is burdened by the strict “artistic authority” types who use flowery language to cover up the fact that they have nothing of importance to say. That is far from the case for James Domestic.
Somewhere between stand-up comedy and a poetry reading, James Domestic takes the stage and reads his collection of poetry for people who do not like poetry. I was skeptical whether Domestic would convert me. But with no pretention, good wit, and a rollicking sense of humor, Domestic swoons his audience. He is a phenomenal poet. His poetic style is punk. He rejects traditional form. He speaks in simple language. His ideas are direct, clear, and pointed.
The poems range in content, but all the poems at least generated a chuckle, if not roaring laughter. Notable stand-outs include a poem about a chronic masturbator, festivals, and orgies. Domestic is unafraid to veer into politics as well, making great satire of a certain right-wing politician and his voters. However, my favorite, and most emotionally touching poem, was an apology poem to Domestic’s former teacher whom he tortured in class with his bad behavior. That poem in particular, in which Domestic reflects on his youthful mischief and misanthropy against this teacher, is where the heart of these poems really shines. We are watching thoughtful and meaningful introspections of our current time. Domestic reveals himself to be as much a cutting satirist as he is an introspective poet.
What James Domestic revealed to me is that I do not hate poetry. I hate pretentious poetry. I hate poetry which hides meaning behind flowery language and metaphors. I hate poetry which is mumbled quietly on an open mic without humor or heart. James Domestic brings punk back to poetry. He brings humor and heart, wit and edge, silliness and heart. If all poetry was like this, we would all be fanatics.
