Edward Allan Poe wrote many Gothic horror poem collections and one novel during the his lifetime. In 2024, it was the 175th anniversary of his death and
Stephen Smith has been performing, adapting, and directing some of these well-known and lesser well-known stories. Smith brings them to life in great detail and to wide aclaim morphing into the dark characters.

At the Colchester Fringe, we were treated to two of the stories he had adapted. The first one, The Black Cat, is about an alcoholic which has caused him to be driven to violence and madness through alcholism. He shares his story in great detail on the eve of his death.

The second one, The Raven, is about a grieving man following the death of his lover. He is paid a visit by a talking mysterious Raven bird, who repeats the word “nevermore.”

Smith is well renowned in the field of Edgar Allan Poe and has become highly respected. He brings the authors work to life with macabre and frightening details, especially when he is in character. Engaging with fans and a new generation of audience who might not have come across his work before.

For Edinburgh Fringe this year, Smith will be bringing two new stories that he adapted for stage, The Business Man and The Case of M Valdermar, which I am sure will not disappoint those who manage to get a ticket.

For more information about One Man Poe, please use the link below. The link to One Man Poe shows that are heading up to Edinburgh Fringe for August 2026 is attached below.

Five Stars.

Reviewed by Simon Bell.

https://colchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/one-man-poe/

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/one-man-poe-the-tell-tale-heart-and-the-pit-and-the-pendulum

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/one-man-poe-the-business-man-and-the-case-of-m-valdemar