Woody Sez

There’s nothing fussy about this small scale tribute to thrice married
American folk singer-songwriter Woodie Guthrie.

On an almost bare stage, the
four engagingly versatile performers cover thirty of his songs (and play a
variety of musical instruments including guitar, banjo, Jews harp, spoons
and double bass) whilst cramming in the biographical details of a life
overshadowed by the hereditary neurological disease which plagued his
mother.

Born in Oklahoma in 1912, he travelled to California during the
Depression, aiming his songs at the common people whose suffering he
witnessed first-hand.
From the foot-tappingly upbeat, to moving ballads and the satirical (and
still topical) “Jolly Banker”, this unpretentious show captures the essence
of the man who influenced Dylan – and in an unpretentious style of which
Guthrie himself would have approved.

Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JB (020 7907 7092)
artstheatrewestend.com
Tuibe: Leicester Square
Until 2nd April
£20-£39.50

– Louise Kingsley