Furnish'd and burnish'd by Betjeman's tongue

How many English entertainers can sell out a show 25 years after their death?

William Shakespeare seems to be doing well for himself of course, John Lennon tributes can draw a crowd, and then there’s John Betjeman.

Yes, the late people’s poet, who famously appealed for friendly bombs to fall on Slough, can pack them in at venues up and down the country including the Edinburgh Fringe thanks to the talents of Lance Pierson.

Pierson, an experienced actor and poetry performer, tells the story of the Poet Laureate’s life through his funny, moving and uplifting poems. Through Betjeman’s hearbreaks and triumphs, he paints a picture of a changing 20th century England.

A great mimic, the Fulham actor performs the bard’s most popular and significant poems including Slough, A Subaltern’s Love Song, Diary of a Church Mouse, and Christmas, and places them in context through his portrayal of the poet and the people who populate his life and his poems.

The Best of John Betjeman, at the cornerHOUSE in Douglas Road, Tolworth, on Friday, July 17, is a preview of the show he will be taking to the fringe in August.

“This show is a celebration of the man who helped to save St Pancras and who gave joy to millions through his poetry,” said Pierson.

“Through his poetry, you can best see why the English love him so much; passionate about the countryside, the opposite sex, whimsical and nostalgic, hilariously funny, always self-deprecating and deeply honest.”

The actor has performed many other one-man shows about various topics including music hall, and cricket. He has appeared at venues ranging from the V&A, the home of Surrey cricket the Brit Oval, and Westminster Abbey. This will be his third season at Edinburgh playing Betjeman.

Tickets are £9 (£7 concessions). Box office 020 8296 9012.