I’m a Blackpool performer bringing my new comedy poetry show to the Rik Mayall Festival
A Blackpool-born performer is bringing a new spoken word comedy show to the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, drawing on his roots in the resort and exploring themes of creativity, identity and “bad poetry”.
A Blackpool artist is set to return to the town’s comedic roots with a new show premiering at the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, blending spoken word, satire and alternative comedy in a performance that explores the idea of creative “failure”.
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Anthony Briscoe, originally from Blackpool, will present Talentless Millennial Poet: To the Detriment of the Craft, a show that plays with the concept of deliberately “bad poetry” while examining deeper themes around identity, class and artistic ambition in the modern world.
Although Briscoe now works nationally as an artist and educator, he says Blackpool remains central to his work and creative outlook.
He said: “I’m originally from Blackpool, and although I now work nationally as an artist and educator, it’s still very much home.
“I regularly return to perform and collaborate locally, and much of my work is rooted in the town’s culture and sense of humour.
“Alongside performing, I’ve worked as a comedian-in-residence and engagement practitioner at Showtown Museum in Blackpool, where I developed a public comedy tour exploring the town’s social history.
“I’ve also delivered creative writing and performance workshops with organisations including the National Theatre and the National Literacy Trust, focusing on storytelling, poetry, and self-expression.
“Talentless Millennial Poet: To the Detriment of the Craft reflects that crossover between comedy, spoken word, and education.
“The show plays with the idea of “bad poetry” and creative failure, using humour and satire to explore identity, class, and what it means to try to make art today. It’s very much shaped by my experiences growing up in Blackpool and developing as a performer there.
“Being part of a festival celebrating alternative comedy feels particularly meaningful given Blackpool’s long-standing tradition of live performance and entertainment, and I’m keen to continue contributing to that legacy in my own way.”
The new show reflects that mix of performance and education, using humour and spoken word to challenge ideas of what “good” art looks like, and who gets to decide.
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Anthony said the project is shaped heavily by his upbringing in Blackpool, where live entertainment and performance are deeply embedded in the town’s identity.
He adds that returning to perform as part of a festival celebrating alternative comedy feels particularly fitting given that heritage.
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, named in honour of the late comedian and actor, celebrates boundary-pushing and unconventional comedy styles, something Briscoe says aligns closely with his own approach to performance.
He hopes the show will resonate with audiences both locally and beyond, particularly those interested in comedy that blends personal narrative with experimentation and satire.
Talentless Millennial Poet: To the Detriment of the Craft will appear as part of this year’s festival programme.