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”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
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”
Moving On – The Rising
To attempt to define The Rising would be a mistake. They do not fit into a specific genre of music. I listened to their latest album off the back of a label that read: “country rock band”. Of course, this evokes a certain kind of sound. And whilst it does appear on the album, thereContinue reading “Moving On – The Rising”
Fame: The Musical – Venue Cymru
I really wanted to hate Fame: The Musical. I really did. But the predecessor to High School Musical and Glee just wouldn’t let me. I started off slouching in my seat and watching through gritted teeth. But by the end I was stood up and clapping along to the encore. What makes it so addictiveContinue reading “Fame: The Musical – Venue Cymru”
Hidden – A Dark Welsh Crime Drama
When one looks back over 2018, Keeping Faith is sure to come out on top in the world of Welsh television drama. It has been a huge success. Its latest stop on its incredible journey is primetime BBC One. It goes from strength to strength, and will certainly deserve all the accolades that come itsContinue reading “Hidden – A Dark Welsh Crime Drama”
Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe
It may be stripped down and laid bare compared to its international predecessor, the Eisteddfod, but the Llangollen Fringe has much to offer. After the big guns of Alfie Boe, Kaiser Chiefs and Van Morrison took to the stage at the Pavilion in front of hundreds last week, this week sees a host of muchContinue reading “Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe”
Harmless Like You by Rowan Hisayo Buchanan
“At noon, the girls from Copy went out and came back with tuna salad sandwiches that they ate while perched on the top of the white radiator banks of the reception room. ‘Hi.’ They ignored her. At the end of the day young men showed up in the waiting room to collect: Alice, Maybel, Claire,Continue reading “Harmless Like You by Rowan Hisayo Buchanan”
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