Humdinger Words for Whippersnappers and Guttersnipes

Ben Dali

Genre: Children & Youth Age: 8yrs+

Please note this show is not BSL interpreted.

Humdinger Words for Lollygaggers and Fuddy-Duddies on 30 May (16+) will have a BSL interpreter present.

A playful, inclusive, intellectually mischievous family show for curious minds.

'Humdinger Words for Whippersnappers and Guttersnipes' is a PG hour of comedy-cabaret poetry led by stage hypnotist turned primary school teacher Ben Dali.

Framed as a school day with an unusually entertaining supply teacher, the show takes audiences on a fast-paced poetic journey through elements of the Key Stage 2 and 3 curriculum. Using sharp wordplay, fascinating trivia, visual humour and live interaction, 'Mr Dali' combines performance poetry, comedy and insights into his hypnotic past to celebrate language, curiosity and confidence.

Dali takes his audience on a journey through his life as a performer and educator, including some inspiring poems he wrote aged 7. Other set pieces include a rhyming balloon-modelling lesson, a joyful exploration of the finest 'Humdinger Words' in the English language, a visual comedy sequence examining the surprising shapes of countries, and genuine improvised rhyming mentalism. The show concludes with a Show-and-Tell segment, where children are invited to perform their own short poems.

Designed for ages 7–14 and their adults though fun and accessible for all, the tone is eclectic and mischievous but age-appropriate, with humour working on multiple levels. The show is particularly well suited to families with curious, creative children, including those who may desire to share their own writing and voices to a supportive and engaged audience.