MULTI award-winning performance poet Luke Wright brings his highly-praised debut show to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre on tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.45pm.

Luke is best known for blistering, incisive and astute performance poetry and regular slots on BBC Radio, but it was his first theatre show, What I Learned from Johnny Bevan, that took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and then sold out three weeks at London’s Soho Theatre.

He received a Stage Award for Acting Excellence for his performance and the show received a Fringe First for the quality of the writing. The London run added a nomination for the 2017 Off West End Awards and on April 27 Luke staged the show for politicians at the Houses of Parliament.

What I Learned from Johnny Bevan is a compelling, politically-charged story encompassing shattered friendships, class and social ceilings, and The Labour Party’s battle for its soul.

At university the whip-smart, mercurial Johnny Bevan saves Nick, smashing his comfortable middle class bubble and firing him up about politics, music and literature. Twenty years later, as their youthful dreams disintegrate alongside the social justice they hoped for, can Nick, now a jaded music journalist, save Johnny from himself?

Luke delivers an impassioned, spellbinding performance of his razor sharp script that is infused with humour, humanity and wit. What I Learned from Johnny Bevan strikes at the heart of British politics, questioning the middle class value system that encouraged the rise of New Labour and David Cameron’s brand of Conservatism, and saw both parties abandon the working class. This gripping story is a modern fable that reflects today’s political polarisation and resonates with the disillusionment felt by many.

Written and performed by Luke in deft visceral, punchy verse, with a score by Ian Catskilkin from the band Art Brut, tautly directed by Soho Theatre associate director and Nabokov artistic director Joe Murphy.

Luke tours the world each year with his unique brand of poetry and can often be seen opening for John Cooper Clarke, including at the SJT in April. His verse documentaries on Channel 4 have been enjoyed by millions of viewers and his poems can often be heard on BBC Radios 3 and 4. He is a regular contributor to Sony Award-winning Saturday Live and has numerous main channel TV appearances under his belt.

What I Learned from Johnny Bevan is also published in paperback and limited edition hardback.

Tickets for What I Learned from Johnny Bevan are priced at £10 to £12.50, with £6 tickets available for 16-to-30-year-olds. Phone the box office on 01723 370541 or visit sjt.uk.com