Meg Washington and a Piano
Aurora Spiegeltent at the Garden of Unearthly Delights
Wed 18 Mar

After an 8 year sabbatical from touring Meg has kept busy; raising a son, forming a film company with her partner and producing the film How To Make Gravy as well as continuing to write songs. Her joy of singing and performing is so evident that it's hard to believe she has been away so long.

Performing a sold out show in the spectacular surrounds of the Spiegeltent you could hear the proverbial pin drop as Meg began with a moving version of Bertie Blackman’s Kingdom of Alone. How to Tame Lions was up next from 1997’s I Believe You Liar album. Meg tells us her singing teacher had suggested she tell more stories during her performances and we were not disappointed on that front this evening. Meg’s inter song talk is engaging, succinct, with a lovely dry wit and an eye for detail; the audience hung on every word. Sunday Best was up next after a hilarious but poignant speech concerning the woes and wars of being/becoming woman.

Moving to acoustic guitar then electric after the acoustic failed (twice!) Meg was a picture of grace under fire even as the duff duff beats penetrated from the venue next door.  (Shocking programming Fringe people!)

The set is full of highlights. Natural Beauty from her new album Gem explores Meg’s new independence as an artist. Gorilla  - a dark, haunting tale of romance between a woman and a gorilla (featuring a gorilla onstage!). Lobster, Meg’s gorgeous dedication to her son turns the everyday actions of a mother into pure poetry.

Following Batflowers from the 2020 album of the same name we are treated to a double ‘noncore’ meaning Meg didn’t have to leave the stage. Fine, the 2025 collaboration with Paul Kelly and Lazarus Drug complete the evening on a high. Bringing a sense of finally making it home, braiding the shows themes of learning how to be and how to be loved. Lazarus Drug is fuelled by a cosmic joy and crescendos inviting everybody in as all the lights dim except for a brightening white light from behind basking Meg with a halo. It's quite a moment.

If you ever get the chance to see Meg live, don’t miss it.