Author Archives: Gareth Williams

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”

Our House – Venue Cymru

There is more to Our House than first meets the eye. For a start, it is hard to believe that this award-winning musical is now 15 years old. It feels extraordinarily fresh. Billed as “the Madness musical”, its youthful appearance remains, in part, because it is not the biopic that one might expect. Unlike SunnyContinue reading “Our House – Venue Cymru”

Retreat – No Need For Conversation

I’m a huge fan of country duos, and Retreat are no exception. Having started writing together four years ago, Rich and Marianne decided to take the next step and started singing together two years ago. Now, in 2017, they have decided to release their debut EP ‘No Need for Conversation’. It seems to reflect theirContinue reading “Retreat – No Need For Conversation”

Llechi – Pontio

Having missed it first time around, the chance to catch the restaging of Llechi seemed too good to miss. Originally performed as part of Pontio’s opening season, this eclectic mix of visual, musical and aerobatic art forms was a fascinating watch. It was engaging from start to finish, featuring a host of performers, all ofContinue reading “Llechi – Pontio”

Two Ways Home – Closest Stranger

Where to place Two Ways Home? Described as an alt-country duo, listening to their new EP ‘Closest Stranger’, I can definitely appreciate the addition of “alt” in the description. Consisting of Isabella from Vienna and Lewis of Gloucestershire, these two songwriters have come together to create a rather unique sound that appears to be inspiredContinue reading “Two Ways Home – Closest Stranger”

Alice in Wonderland – Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

What a glorious day for my first visit to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Whilst many people were dashing around Chester city centre in search of Pokemon, I ambled along to the city’s park in search of Wonderland. My discovery came in a somewhat fairy tale fashion. Entering through the park gates to see theContinue reading “Alice in Wonderland – Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre”

Out of Love – Theatr Clwyd

Jodie Whitaker may be everyone’s new favourite female of the moment but my eye has been drawn to someone less well-known. In my second trip to the Roundabout Theatre in a week, a process of regeneration had seemingly taken place. Having taken my first steps into the pop-up theatre last week for the world premiereContinue reading “Out of Love – Theatr Clwyd”

Amy Westney – Love Shouldn’t Hurt

What an exciting talent Amy Westney is. The British country singer from Essex has recently released her debut EP Love Shouldn’t Hurt. Coming up at just over 15 minutes, the five tracks featured all have a distinct southern sound that somehow, nevertheless, feels fresh. There is something about this female artist that is exciting andContinue reading “Amy Westney – Love Shouldn’t Hurt”