There is something intensely personal about Spam Valley. Perhaps unsurprising given it is described as an ‘autobiographical monologue’ of Kevin P. Gilday’s journey from working-class Glasgow to a middle-class career on the stage. But what makes the show extra special is how universal and relevant it is.
Blending poetry and spoken word this is part stand up, part sermon. A hilarious, heartbreaking and extraordinary analysis of class.
Under the 53two arches sits a solitary plastic chair, a microphone on a stand and a clothes rail of jackets: from the classic Umbro zip up to the badged blazer beloved by the arterati.
One person monologues like this rely on the audience feeling secure in the hands of the performer. Gilday emerges and delivers his brilliant poem The Old Men In Wetherspoons Are Angry About The Politics and everyone instantly relaxes. This is a poet at the peak of his delivery powers.
You could write at least 400 words on the opening poem itself. A perfect illustration of a Thursday night in a working-class pub that portrays both the sadness and the bigotry without ever judging or belittling.
There is very little time to revel in the brilliance though because Gilday, the audience in the palm of his hand, jumps into a description of his childhood self. Poor and weird but unaware of either until the other kids inform him. The type of hurtful honesty only schoolyards can deliver.
Anyone who grew up with an understanding of financial struggle will instantly recognise the description of going round to the ‘nice house’ for dinner. They will also remember the choice every poor kid has to make: to embrace their situation or to hide.
And it is this that is at the heart of Spam Valley. The conflict between respecting and being proud of one’s background at the same time as aspiring for something more, something that still feels like the preserve of the middle classes.
Gilday dons the various jackets as he details his own personal navigation of this dilemma.
There are countless laugh out loud moments, sections where the performer’s voice nearly breaks and turns of phrase so beautiful, they leave you breathless.
Nestled between the moments of sensitive authenticity are intelligent missives about what it means to be working class and why art is still not a meritocracy.
There’s a line in The History Boys about poetry and discovering someone describing a way of looking at things which you had thought particular to you. Bennett says it is “as if a hand has come out and taken yours”.
If you’ve ever had insecurities about money, class or belonging then you will come out of Spam Valley with the feeling Bennett describes. What a total privilege it is to experience something seriously special.
Spam Valley is on tour. Tickets and more information can be found here: https://www.kevinpgilday.com/live2023
Reviewer: Peter Ruddick
Reviewed: 27th October 2023
North West End UK Rating: