David John

David John is a writer, poet and spoken word performer living in the West of Scotland.

He has immersed himself in a range of creative environments through the years; cabaret, poetry, a one person show at the Edinburgh Free Fringe, comedy and a little spoken word techno.

His themes, well his themes are the stuff of life; love, chaos, the chaos of love and the living landscape.

Sometimes it's just nice to let go and be who you are. So in the words of Joey Ramone "Hey ho, let's go!".

David John - Poetry, Performance and Spoken Word

The Written Word

Here's an example of David John's work


Sabbath Breaker

She scouted the park before everyone was up.
Charmed raging magpies and indignant rooks.
Ethereal robins and ravenous sparrows sang chirpy salutations.
Squirrels played dare with her.
Brazen deer sauntered around like defiant looters.

No helmet, just honey light hair, this lockdown wanderer reclaimed the streets, the sweet Hawthorn blossom air.

She peddled and pondered from Dowanhill to Merryland, from the West End to Queen’s Park Grandstand.
She weaved around the benches and bollards in the square.

Despite her denials, she relished ghostly glances from the empty coffee houses.
She was living motion, a defiant supplicant for earthly devotion.

Swimming With Social Workers - 1 one person spoken word show

In August 2025, David John performed this show at the PHB Edinburgh Free Fringe. His first solo production combined poetry, monologue, performance and even a little bit of swimming. It is a tale of survival and celebration. The show combined "pirated" text from inspirational writers and his own material.

Live Spoken Word Performances

Experience the powerful storytelling and emotive delivery of David John through live spoken word performances. Spoken word poetry is not everyone's cup of tea but then again neither is champagne (just saying). Sip it and see.

David John: "Take me out"

“The Arlington Bar” performed by David John is a bit of fun really. It's a homage to the iconic Glasgow Bar and the depiction of rock n roll stars on it's walls. It's place where the ordinary becomes mythic.

David’s delivery is understated but enchanting, drawing the listener into a world of soft lamplight, half-heard conversations, and the emotional residue of lives lived in corners and corridors. His delivery is quietly magnetic, each word placed with care, each pause measured, drawing the listener deeper into the moment.

You've got to get down before you get up.

WH Auden's Mermaid and siren songs.

David John: An Original Voice in Poetry and Spoken Word from Glasgow

A Multifaceted Poet and Spoken Word Artist

David John, also known as David Stakes, is a poet and performer from Barrhead, near Glasgow. He likes to think his work defies easy categorisation but really he is just a moany contrarian. To his credit he has turned his hand to a range of media: concrete poetry, written word, performance and video, David crafts immersive experiences that go far beyond traditional readings. His voice is distinct, his delivery deliberate, and his ability to connect with audiences both intimate and expansive.

Innovative Artistic Expressions

David’s creativity spans mediums and moods. From audio word art on SoundCloud to his acclaimed solo show Swimming with Social Workers, he weaves together visual, sonic, and textual elements with precision and flair. He has performed at a range of events and festivals over the years: Street level Gallery Glasgow, The Edinburgh Book Festival and PHB Free Fringe to name a few. Pop Up performances have included the Edinburgh Community Bookshop, Kezban Kebab Shop and the Arthurlie Inns. His layered approach to spoken word continues to challenge and expand the form.

Engaging and Impactful Performances

Whether in cabaret settings, experimental spaces, or digital platforms, David John brings poetry to life with wit, clarity, and emotional resonance. His performances speak to social realities while remaining deeply personal, inviting audiences to reflect, laugh, and feel. David’s work leaves a lasting impression—thoughtful, bold, and unmistakably his.

SOUND ART

In 2015 David John collaborated with with sound artist, Richard Soundfun to creat some exciting and innovative word art. You can hear the results here:

https://soundcloud.com/spoken-4/to-heart-david-stakes

https://soundcloud.com/spoken-4/rave-rave-rave

Some waters reflect. Some pull you under.

David John’s spoken word performance 'deep dives' into the metaphor of water, its elemental pull, its emotional flow and social symbolism. With wit, precision, and poetic clarity, he explores the currents we navigate in care, connection, and survival. A perfect companion to work rooted in trauma-informed storytelling and living life whatever befalls us.

Reviews

"David John doesn’t just perform, he draws you in. His words are placed with care, his pauses deliberate, and his storytelling laced with wit, depth, and emotional clarity. Swimming with Social Workers was a standout at the Free Fringe: lyrical, funny, and quietly profound. As a fellow artist, I admire how David turns everyday moments into something unforgettable. His work stays with you. "

Hunter, Absent Dreams

"David John's performance was incredibly moving and thought-provoking. His unique blend of poetry and spoken word captivated the entire audience. Highly recommended!"

J. Reid

"Enlightening, creative and thought provoking. "

Sheila M., Duke Street Press

"Swimming with Social Workers - It's a tour de force: a really impressive one-man soliloquy about life, love and nature, and other bits and pieces too"

Malcolm W.

"David John completed a pop up event with us during the 2025 Fringe and it was fantastic. David combined pre-existing poetry with his own work, as a way to build upon or expand certain works. This also lent itself to giving an alternative lens on some pieces, or encouraging the reader to experience existing poems from another angle. David's focus for our show was primarily on nature based work, specifically water and I felt as though we were transported to another place. "

Tuscani Lakeman, Edinburgh Community Bookshop
1 / 5

Contact David John