If a show combining maths, poetry, comedy and rap sounds like it may be up your street, then boy, oh boy, do I have a show for you?!
Does exactly what it says on the label, and it does it better than you can possibly envision.
The youngest ever World Slam Poetry champion, Harry Baker, performs his show I Am 10,000 – a title referring to the number of days he has been alive, which, by its very nature, can only ever be true for 24 hours. I was fortunate enough to witness the show performed on his 10,000th day – or, as it said on his cake, 10 to the power of 4.
The show does exactly what it says on the label, and it does it better than you can possibly envision: this man is not a world champion for nothing. Discard any prejudices you may have of mathematic nerds contrasting with the attributes it takes to be consummate entertainers - Baker has a warm personality, speaks candidly about his life, and manages to get laughs at every intended juncture, as he amazes, enthrals, entertains and educates on a wide range of subjects. Take mental notes as he uses maths to inspire you through your next marathon, delight as he reinvigorates the love and respect you’ve always felt towards So Solid Crew, and say “awww” as he warms your heart over the romantic endeavours of two prime numbers. Each word is meticulously crafted, with engaging and interesting links and anecdotes between each piece, and the quality of his rap writing is matched by perfect delivery to rival the dopest of beat-droppers.
While nobody could leave this show in any doubt that Baker is a genius in the purest form, he never wields his intellect in a way that suggests he feels superior to anyone. Don’t be put off by the early timeslot for this one though – this is certainly not a show to watch after a heavy night out. Sitting through his hour is an intellectually stimulating challenge and you’ll need to pay incredibly close attention to each poem, or spend the next few lines trying to catch up. His diction is mostly perfect but the odd syllable gets lost along the way, so keen attention is required throughout.
With the strength of material and well developed performance skills demonstrated in I Am 10,000, the world will be waiting with baited breath for the next 27.4 years for the first sequel.
