When discussing Britain’s most influential poets, John Clare is rarely the first name that comes to mind. Yet What I Am, playing at Greenside Venues, makes a compelling case for why the “Northamptonshire Peasant Poet” deserves to be remembered alongside more celebrated literary figures.
Written by Jim Pickles with music by Eric Angus, the production introduces us to Clare during one of the darkest periods of his life. Once a celebrated poet whose work found both critical and popular acclaim, Clare spent years confined to asylums as his mental health deteriorated. It is from one such room that this fascinating one-man show unfolds.
George Maguire, an Olivier Award-winning performer, plays Clare with considerable charm and sensitivity. We arrive as guests at what appears to be a recital of his poetry, although it soon becomes clear that both the audience and Clare himself may not always be certain where reality ends and imagination begins.
Under Guy Retallack’s assured direction, the production blurs the line between performer and spectator, drawing us into Clare’s increasingly fragile state of mind. Maguire effortlessly establishes a rapport with those gathered in the room, making us active participants in Clare’s story rather than mere observers.
Through a script that feels impressively researched yet never overly academic, Pickles guides us through the key moments of Clare’s life. We learn of his loves, achievements and artistic successes, but also the personal struggles that ultimately led to his institutionalisation. There is a careful balance here between biography and psychological portrait, allowing Clare to emerge as a fully realised individual rather than simply a tragic historical figure.
The production’s most distinctive feature is its treatment of Clare’s poetry. Rather than presenting straightforward readings, the poems are transformed into songs, set to original music by Angus. The folk-inspired melodies suit Clare’s rural sensibilities and bring a fresh accessibility to his work, allowing the emotional force of the poetry to resonate with modern audiences. Maguire’s rich, expressive vocals prove more than capable of carrying the material, elevating the show beyond a traditional literary recital.
There are moments when the production’s blend of English folk music and more contemporary electronic influences feels slightly uneven. Combined with the projected visuals, some sections sit a little awkwardly alongside the period setting and reflective tone established elsewhere. However, these are minor reservations in a production that remains consistently engaging. Retallack skilfully balances biography, concert and psychological drama, ensuring the piece remains accessible even to those unfamiliar with Clare’s life and work.
Ultimately, What I Am succeeds because it finds contemporary relevance in a figure too often overlooked by history. Themes of identity, isolation, recognition and our relationship with the natural world feel remarkably fresh, making Clare’s struggles surprisingly immediate nearly two centuries later.
The show’s greatest asset is undoubtedly Maguire himself. His commanding vocals, easy audience rapport and deeply sympathetic portrayal transform what could have been a niche literary biography into a moving and highly enjoyable hour of theatre. By the time Clare reaches for the words of his famous poem I Am, both the man and his work feel vividly alive once more.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
