Theatre

Before there was Bono, Bruce Springsteen or even Bob Dylan there was Woody Guthrie. A people’s hero and an American folk singer, Guthrie spent his life travelling the length and breadth of Depression-era America chronicling the plight of the common man. He inspired the American folk revival of the 1960s, becoming a household name only after he succumbed to Huntingdon’s Disease and was perhaps paid the greatest tribute when his iconic song ‘This Land Is Your Land’ was sung at Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Here, Broadway performer David M Lutken brings his incredible story to life using Guthrie's music as well as the articles he wrote for leftist newspaper ’The People’s World’ for inspiration. Joined by a company of three multi-talented actors/musicians they pack in 27 songs from his catalogue of thousands, playing the banjo, harmonica, double bass, and even percussive spoons.

They’re an ebullient cast capturing the spirit of Guthrie while never forgetting the irony of this commercial adventure: ‘Don’t forget the message of this show today,’ Lutken implores the audience. ‘Anti-capitalism, anti-consumerism and anti-materialism. And don’t forget to buy one of our CDs outside’. Like the man himself, there is nothing flashy about ‘Woody Sez’ but a more heartfelt tribute to an everyman champion you will not find.

'Woody Sez' played at the Udderbelly Cowbarn, Edinburgh.