Nathan Penlington, Speed Cabaret, 2006. Image: Simon Steven

Nathan Penlington

nathanpenlington.com

Nathan Penlington is a writer and performer who makes shows, books and other things about his diverse obsessions and interests, which include conjuring, sideshows, darts, experimental fiction, zines, Uri Geller and fairgrounds.

Penlington was co-organiser and resident host of London’s weekly spoken word venue Shortfuse from April 2000 to September 2007. Shortfuse attained a reputation for presenting an eclectic fusion of stand-up poetry, performance comedy and music, and regularly presenting up-and-coming performers alongside established names such as John Hegley, Stewart Lee, Kevin Eldon and Simon Munnery, as well as forging working links with performers across the US, Canada and Europe. Shortfuse became renowned for creating new formats including Bards in their Eyes, Speed Cabaret, and Poetry Idol.