Chloe Poems was driven by anger, despite the wit and good humour that the transvestite and poet displays on stage.

His wit is not in doubt. He told the audience in the Market Theatre: "I'm gay and being 40 is like 173 in gay years. They're like dog years, only more savage."

He felt that he was in the autumn of his life, a situation that, perhaps, does not tie in so well with an act that is built on a youthful desire to shock. At some point, probably early in his life, Chloe decided that outrage is the best form of defence. So followed a sequence of indecent poems on all aspects of the Royal Family.

Religion, too, does not escape him with some titles not suitable for a family newspaper.

There is often deep thought and feeling behind even the poems with the most outrageous titles.

As a performer, Chloe is fearless, even brave. Half way through his act, he said: "This is Ledbury and I'm still alive".

Why is Chloe so angry? By his own account, he grew up as "a screaming effeminate" in a tough part of Liverpool.

To be fair, before his most disturbing rants, he invited the audience to leave. I only saw one lady walk out, just after the poem, In celebration of poo. The rest laughed heartily, though many shuffled uncomfortably in their seats.

Gary Bills-GeddeS