There were so many artists to enjoy last week at Focus Wales, one of the nation’s premier music showcase festivals. Among them, a host of Welsh country and Americana artists and bands, most of whom I had the opportunity to see and hear over the course of the three days. And from the psychedelic countryContinue reading “Interview with Bryony Sier”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
Interview with Rosey Cale
It was such a pleasure meeting country-pop artist Rosey Cale. The Welsh singer-songwriter was performing at Focus Wales, one of the nation’s premier music showcase festivals, and I was delighted to catch her for an interview in between her two sets. Her calm and considered persona whilst performing is no onstage act. As I satContinue reading “Interview with Rosey Cale”
Orpheus Descending – Theatr Clwyd
The set design may be far more sedate than in her last production, Home, I’m Darling. But the cast assembled by director Tamara Harvey for her latest offering Orpheus Descending spark off one another with electrifying chemistry. One wonders what she does during the rehearsal process that nurtures such strong unity among cast members, andContinue reading “Orpheus Descending – Theatr Clwyd”
Wild Rose – Film
Out now on general release in cinemas around the UK, I was lucky enough to see a preview of Wild Rose at C2C back in March. I got so emotionally caught up in it – with tears and laughter in equal measure – that I immediately pencilled in a second viewing at my local cinemaContinue reading “Wild Rose – Film”
CC Smugglers – How High Tour
What a melting pot of genres CC Smugglers are. Bubbling over during their red-hot set at Manchester’s Soup Kitchen were sounds as diverse as jazz, country, funk, swing, soul, folk, and blues. It was like a hoedown one minute, a jazz club the next. There really is something for everyone with this band. And you’dContinue reading “CC Smugglers – How High Tour”
Enid a Lucy – S4C
Writer Siwan Jones blends social realism and surrealist comedy in the most delightful way in Enid a Lucy. The S4C mini-series, which came to a rather abrupt end on Sunday night, made for an entertaining and enjoyable drama. Termed the ‘Welsh Thelma and Louise’ by some news outlets prior to broadcast, Eiry Thomas and MabliContinue reading “Enid a Lucy – S4C”
Elles Bailey – Road I Call Home
After her critically-acclaimed debut album Wildfire, the pressure must have been on Elles Bailey with her follow up. But she exceeds even the highest of expectations on Road I Call Home, a record that is nothing short of phenomenal. Much more personal than her first, yet no less genre-spanning, Road I Call Home is, inContinue reading “Elles Bailey – Road I Call Home”
Merched Caerdydd / Nos Sadwrn o Hyd – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (using the Sibrwd app)
Take four actors, three chairs, three sets of neon lights, and one stage, and what do you get? Two new plays conceived for the 2018 National Eisteddfod now touring the country with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (TGC). Both Merched Caerdydd and Nos Sadwrn o Hyd are making their way from North to South, beginning in MoldContinue reading “Merched Caerdydd / Nos Sadwrn o Hyd – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (using the Sibrwd app)”
Interview with Jade Helliwell
I’m sat on a bench outside The O2 Arena in London on day 2 of the C2C Festival. Beside me sits Jade Helliwell, whose festival is now a wrap. After performing an acoustic set on Friday afternoon, and fresh from a full band set today, she is now wrapped warmly in a thick and fluffyContinue reading “Interview with Jade Helliwell”
Series Review, 35 Awr, S4C
Exasperated by BBC1 Wales’ Pitching In? Thankfully, it is now the exception to the rule when it comes to contemporary Welsh television drama. What would have once been seen as a godsend – alleviating the problem of non-representation, if only briefly – is now seen as an affront to the people of Wales. We’re betterContinue reading “Series Review, 35 Awr, S4C”
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