POEZEST, a reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe - starring Dr and the Medics lead singer Clive Jackson - is at The Peer Hat, 14-16 Faraday Street, M1 1BE on 18 – 22 July, as part of Greater Manchester Fringe 2018 (£6-£8 / 7.30pm).

This is the first time Poezest, written by Mike Bennett, has been performed since its London premiere at the Bloomsbury Theatre, receiving critical acclaim. Playfully dipping into Poe’s groundbreaking work this multimedia experience stars The Rev Dr Clive Jackson of Dr and the Medics, who poignantly plays a plethora of characters including the cataclysmically creepy Robert Jones.

His strange and disturbing journey has more twists and turns than Brands Hatch.

Against a backdrop of cinematic imagery by Steve Bowden and a rich gothic orchestrated soundtrack by Guy Cavill, Jones appears to be monitored by the ‘Mind Corroding Medics’ in a maniacal asylum...

Or are these cataclysmically creepy creatures merely fragments of the multifaceted Joneses fractiously fractured and fragmented mind?

This highly original installation encompasses Poe classics such as The Black Cat, Tell-Tale Heart, The Premature Burial and introduces the character of Dr Raven played by Mike Bennett Producer of The fall, Wishbone Ash the Smiths, the specials.

Lanah's portrayal of this alluring yet alarming character weaves in and out of the murky, murderous and at times tantalising tale of the unexpected, thereby adding Machiavellian intrigue to this ripping yarn.

Lanah previously appeared in The Comic Strip Presents including Eat the Rich with Rik Mayall and had chart success with Pistol in my Pocket (video above) and featured on Human Nature by Gary Clail (video below), as well as working with Mark E Smith and The Fall.

Let the carnival begin, every pleasure, every sin...

Mike has written for Rik Mayall, The Muppets and children’s ITV as well as working as a producer and writer with The Fall, Ian Brown, The Specials, Intastella and Freak Party (early members of The Smiths).

Playing at The Peer Hat Manchester for The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July.

"Doctor and The Medics are fab in this Gothic musical and filmic play by Mike Bennett. This creepy installation started off in the West End at The Bloomsbury Theatre and after it’s run at the Greater Manchester Fringe Theatre goes on tour playing various venues including the water rats in London. All aspects of Poe are embraced including the Raven and the very Tell Tale Heart. Miss it and miss out." - David Bernard

POEZEST. Staring Dr And The Medics. Review Manchester Fringe, Venue The Peer Hat, July

"POEZEST is Edga Allan Poe Poe, a musical cinematic play adapted in a very British style my x Rik Mayall author Mike Bennett. Staring Dr And The Medics, lead vocalist Clive Jackson shines as he plays out this spooky play characterising at least 24 parts including The Black Cat and Robert Jones from ‘ lost gem ‘ Lionising. This particular section is a shocker in more ways than one. Pure Gothic madness with creepy music and of course Spirit In The Sky! Watch out for this edgy mini masterpiece as it plays sporadic Uk dates soon." - Sandy West

REVIEW. POZEST PEER HAT MANCHESTER. Running now at Manchester Fringe festival and on tour

"Clive Jackson and his legendary bands the Medics played out legendary Poe reimagined to a tea and Jackson played most of the parts to The Falls Mike Bennett’s weird spin to great effect at the Manchester premier. Ace cameos The Medics and Tam Smith made this a gothic joy to behold!" - Jake Swan