As part of WNO’s Russian Revolution season, From the House of the Dead is a revival of David Poutney’s original production from some 30 years ago. Based on the writings of Dostoyevsky, it originally came into being as an opera through the work of Leos Janacek. It retains much of the observational style of Dostoyevsky’sContinue reading “From the House of the Dead – Venue Cymru”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
The Mountaintop – Pontio
There is something incredibly sad about the fact that The Mountaintop is one of a rare number of plays in Wales featuring an all-black cast. Its director, Abdul Shayek, laments as much: “it is 2017 and the fact that this hasn’t happened more often makes me frustrated and sad”. There should be no reason whyContinue reading “The Mountaintop – Pontio”
Robbie Cavanagh – To Leave/To Be Left
Wow. What have you done to me Robbie Cavanagh? I did not expect that. The debut album of this Manchester musician, released this week, stunned me into almost complete silence. Titled “To Leave/ To Be Left”, Cavanagh’s first full-length feature may begin with a feel-good beat, but it gradually becomes a mystical, beautiful and hauntingContinue reading “Robbie Cavanagh – To Leave/To Be Left”
Uncle Vanya – Theatr Clwyd
Prepare yourself for an immersive experience in the Emlyn Williams Theatre as Uncle Vanya kicks off Theatr Clwyd’s Autumn season. Having experienced the wonderful space known as the Roundabout Theatre earlier in the summer, it was a pleasant surprise to walk into something very similar here. However, whereas the Roundabout relied simply on the castContinue reading “Uncle Vanya – Theatr Clwyd”
Journey Home – Nights Like These
It seems as if Country Music Week has largely passed me by. Living in North Wales, I’d like to think it’s the location – predominantly London – that is largely to blame. However, I have to admit that the reason for my failure to keep up with the action at this inaugural event is simplyContinue reading “Journey Home – Nights Like These”
Hannah Paris – Short Stories
Hannah Paris is rather ‘sweet’. That’s the word that comes to mind on listening to her debut EP “Short Stories”. The 25 year-old singer/songwriter has produced a decent set of songs here, even though some do feel a little rough around the edges. There is an interesting echo on “Scared of the Dark” that makesContinue reading “Hannah Paris – Short Stories”
Lily Garland – The Next Chapter
The one thing I noticed when listening to Lily Garland was her voice. It is big, strong and powerful. With a confident sound to match that great set of lungs, it is perhaps no surprise that she was recently nominated for “Country Artist of the Year” at the UK Country Music Awards. Listening to herContinue reading “Lily Garland – The Next Chapter”
Yerma – National Theatre Live
Yerma is an exceptional piece of theatre. This contemporary retelling of Federico Garcia Lorca’s work is a powerful performance piece. Director Simon Stone has produced a gripping 90 minutes of absorbing and highly dramatic storytelling. Broadcast from the Young Vic as part of National Theatre Live, its emotional intensity pulses through the screen. It feelsContinue reading “Yerma – National Theatre Live”
Clara Bond – Out of Towners
The name’s Bond. Clara Bond. As much as I know this isn’t an original introduction for anyone with that surname, let alone this British singer/songwriter, it almost feels like an obligation to use it at least once in my writing “career”. I won’t stretch the 007 metaphor any further here (that really would be tooContinue reading “Clara Bond – Out of Towners”
Catherine McGrath – Starting From Now
Why has it taken me so long to properly listen to Catherine McGrath? Having heard Bob Harris play “Hell Would Have to Freeze Over” on his Radio 2 show a few months ago, I can’t believe it has taken me until now to give her my undivided attention. Since then, she has released her secondContinue reading “Catherine McGrath – Starting From Now”
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