Catherine McGrath is the biggest name coming out of Northern Ireland right now when it comes to country music. It poses the question: are there more talented young musicians like her that are yet to be discovered? One of those who may begin to build up a following is a singer-songwriter hailing from Belfast. PádraigContinue reading “Padraig – Memories”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham
Many have judged Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham’s new arts hub, to be a lame duck. Since its unveiling six months ago, the ‘Comments’ section of the local press has been filled with negativity towards it. A lack of atmosphere, disappointing architecture, and few events taking place there have led many, it seems, to dismiss it asContinue reading “Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham”
Lord of the Flies – Theatr Clwyd
The all-female cast of Lord of the Flies, a Theatr Clwyd and Sherman Theatre co-production, may have caused a stir in some quarters. But, for me, it’s actually one of the least interesting aspects of the production. This adaptation of William Golding’s 1954 novel translates the characters from page to stage seamlessly. It is theirContinue reading “Lord of the Flies – Theatr Clwyd”
O&O – Truth Comes Out EP
Country-Americana duo O&O have been making waves this year. And the release of their debut EP Truth Comes Out is the biggest wave of theirs to crash onto the UK country scene so far. Comprising of four songs that showcase a range of musical styles, the EP is a mixture of shadow and light, mainstreamContinue reading “O&O – Truth Comes Out EP”
Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour
I wasn’t quite blown away by the wind and rain of Storm Bronagh on the way to Manchester. But I was blown away by the performance of one Catherine McGrath when I arrived. The Irish singer-songwriter stopped off at Gorilla as part of her first headline tour. And she was every bit as good asContinue reading “Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour”
Julie – National Theatre Live
Before the screening of the National Theatre’s production of Julie, the audience was treated to an interview with its writer and director, Polly Stenham and Carrie Cracknell. Stenham spoke of Julie as a play that blurs the boundaries, not only in terms of social class but race, gender, and privilege too. Touching on all ofContinue reading “Julie – National Theatre Live”
Keepin’ ‘er Country – An Insight into the Irish Country Music Scene
Whilst searching for the Welsh TV hit Keeping Faith on BBC iPlayer a few weeks ago, my search also brought up the following suggestion as I began typing: Keepin’ ‘er Country. As a country music fan, I thought I’d click on it just to see what it was about. It may have been about theContinue reading “Keepin’ ‘er Country – An Insight into the Irish Country Music Scene”
Reflections – Hannah’s Yard
After their delightful debut album Beginnings, Hannah’s Yard are back with a beautiful follow-up in the shape of four-track EP Reflections. Comprising of three covers plus an acoustic version of one of their original songs, Reflections is the perfect showcase for lead singer Hannah Layton Turner’s angelic vocals. Having demonstrated her ability to write fantastic lyricsContinue reading “Reflections – Hannah’s Yard”
Shrek: The Musical – Venue Cymru
If you can’t wait for the start of pantomime season, then I would highly recommend a visit to see Shrek: The Musical. We may not be getting a happy ending to a summer of high temperatures and searing heat. But the return of rain is perhaps the perfect magical ingredient to tempt you indoors forContinue reading “Shrek: The Musical – Venue Cymru”
Talk of This Town – Catherine McGrath
Catherine McGrath represents the next stage in the UK country music revolution. I say this because it is not just BBC Radio 2 that are championing her. Scott Mills and others have been playing the 21-year-old’s music over on Radio 1 too. Her debut album Talk of This Town is bursting with the kind ofContinue reading “Talk of This Town – Catherine McGrath”
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