BRIGHTON FRINGE: Naomi Wood – Monster – Junk Poets at Caravanserai

A gorgeously relatable show on the art of being human from a powerful spoken word performer.

Ever felt like you don’t quite fit in? Found it hard to break free from your background, behaviour or societal expectations? Make a moment to see Monster. Wood’s poetry explores love (or something like it), loss and being a woman in a world that doesn’t seem built for you. Set amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, and the creatures who inhabit it, it’s a transformative and revelatory hour that will resonate with many.

Wood is a strong and captivating presence on stage. She portrays her poetry in a way that commands attention, crafting an exquisite connection between performer and audience members. This innate ability isn’t something you can learn – you either have it or you don’t. Wood espouses this from every pore. Her creativity with the concept doesn’t go without notice. It’s perfectly crafted, seriously smart and excellently executed.

The thumping music outside unfortunately steals just a little of the sparkle from this poignant performance. The Junk Poets at Caravanserai tent is an incredibly atmospheric place, transporting us beyond the realms of a Brighton church backyard to altogether more magical realms. With just a little more distance from the dance beats, it would be the perfect space for a spoken word show such as this. It’s absolutely not Wood’s fault, and she deals with the resulting impact with the utmost professionalism, but it is worth mentioning.

Monster is a manifesto for anyone who has ever felt lost at sea, or perfectly imperfect. You’ll leave feeling connected, uplifted and truly seen. A must-watch for spoken word fans.

Reviewed on 29 May 2026.