Harry Baker is a poet, mathematician, stand-up comedian and writer. The youngest-ever World Poetry Slam Champion has performed all over the world, from a sold-out Dubai Opera House alongside Simon Armitage and Carol Ann Duffy to becoming a firm festival favourite at the likes of Glastonbury and Latitude. Damian Robinson caught up with Harry to discuss his new tour and upcoming dates at Seaton Delaval Hall.
For those who are unaware, how would you describe Poetry Slam?
Poetry slam is a way of focusing on the audience when it comes to poetry, and it’s a way of using a three-minute time limit to try and showcase poetry as a quick-fire, short-burst, high-energy, style of delivery. It’s really interesting as it’s a way of connecting with an audience, either through laughs or deep emotion, which also breaks the general perception of poetry.
You’re bringing your style of poetry – both Slam style as well as longer poems – to Seaton Delaval. What can we expect from the show?
It’s really nice to get the Delaval Hall as we’ve been trying to make this happen for a while – and it’s even nicer to be doing two nights. Each show is different as it will be influenced by the venue, the audience, what people react to, any requests that I might be asked for and a few other variables. In the main though, I’ll do some of the newer pieces in the first half, then we’ll talk a break, then I’ll dig into my older, perhaps better-known pieces in the second half.
You’ve got millions of social media views plus huge critical praise in the press. Do the plaudits make things easier or harder?
Easier, I think. Early on it was perhaps difficult to present my style and to try and build an awareness that poetry, and spoken word, doesn’t have to be a certain style. Now that my work is known it makes it easier as people know a little more about what to expect and that also helps me to be confident that people know what to expect. They can laugh at points – poetry isn’t always serious.
Do you have a planned set list or idea of what you’ll perform before you start each show?
Not always. I’ll have an idea but sometimes favourites are called out or people might catch me at the interval and request something. Each night is different and that makes it interesting for me as well as for people who come to watch the show. Audience involvement and feedback really helps to move the show in whichever direction feels right each night and that’s part of what makes it interesting and unique.
Harry Baker plays Seaton Delaval Hall on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th July.
Tickets, priced at £12.00 in advance, are available from harrybaker.co.
