Lightbulb Festival: Nathaniel Robin Mann at St. Martin’s Church
Saturday night at the Lightbulb Festival saw Nathaniel Robin Mann return to St.Martin’s Church to treat the audience to one of the most memorable performances of his career. Sterling support was provided by two rising stars of the Colchester poetry scene – Aryn Clark and Tess Gardener, both of whom delivered powerful and moving work with real conviction. It was Nathan’s night though; his voice filled the venue with songs of vigilante killers, child murder, date rape and vagracy, culled from his vast repertoire of songs from the Scottish and English folk traditions. Driven by some baffling internal logic, he also treated the crowd to the first rendition of his new Christmas song. A stunning show, which culminated in a “surprise” appearance by Robin Alderton. The duo reprised three songs from the Dead Rat live show, ending on a hoqueting piece, described by one member of the antigen roster as resembling a weird Essex mating ritual.
So, thanks to James Sarek, Lee and everyone else involved with the Lightbulb Festival and let’s do it again next year.