If you’re in the mood for a darkly comic tale, then director James MacDonald might be able to help. There is an uncomfortable darkness that penetrates through his production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? From the acting and lighting, right through to the set design, Edward Albee’s landmark play is given a wonderfully brutalContinue reading “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – National Theatre Live”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
The Importance of Being Earnest – Theatr Clwyd
There are certain smells that have the power to transport you to a certain place. Before the action had even started on the stage of the Anthony Hopkins theatre, I found myself standing in the middle of a bookshop, browsing the shelves and in my element. Clearly, the ingredients for the opening scene – consistingContinue reading “The Importance of Being Earnest – Theatr Clwyd”
Million Dollar Quartet – Venue Cymru
On December 4th 1956, four musicians gathered for a recording at Sun Records in Memphis. This gathering has gone down in music history as one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. It has even become the subject of a smash hit musical called Million Dollar Quartet. For one million dollars, they must beContinue reading “Million Dollar Quartet – Venue Cymru”
Grantchester and The Rise of the TV Vicar
As Grantchester prepares to get underway with its third series on ITV, I felt it would be a good time to reflect on the recent surge in clerical figures appearing on our television screens. Whether in comedy, drama, or documentary, the rise of the TV vicar is very exciting on a personal level. But itContinue reading “Grantchester and The Rise of the TV Vicar”
The Good, The Bad, and The Nuns
As someone who has a keen interest in the portrayal of clerical characters on screen, it has been intriguing to note the gradual rise of nuns onto both the small and big screens in recent times. My most recent trip to the cinema got me thinking about this. It wasn’t something I was expecting fromContinue reading “The Good, The Bad, and The Nuns”
Scarlett Review – Theatr Clwyd
There is much to love in Scarlett. This one act play is short and sweet. Yet don’t think it lacks depth. It tackles issues of identity, family and death in a very humorous and conversational way. Part of its appeal lies in the relationships between the three generations of women onstage – protagonist Scarlett, herContinue reading “Scarlett Review – Theatr Clwyd”
Born to Kill – Disturbingly Promising Drama
Born to Kill is Channel 4’s new psychological thriller. And boy, is it a disturbing one too. The climax to this debut episode was shocking, so much so that I had to look away. And even then, I felt sick afterwards. But this goes to prove the emotional power of this drama. It is notContinue reading “Born to Kill – Disturbingly Promising Drama”
The Brian Matthew Story
The perfect voice for radio. This is said about a lot of people. For Brian Matthew though, it was never more true. The Radio 2 stalwart, who passed away recently at the age of 88, spoke in such a distinct tone. His was a lovely and smooth, a warm and friendly, voice. It is oneContinue reading “The Brian Matthew Story”
La Boheme – WNO
Having recently been introduced to Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent, I was really intrigued to see a performance of its original source material. La Boheme is currently being performed by the Welsh National Opera (WNO) as part of their ‘Love’s Poisoned Chalice’ season. Set here on the eve of the First World War, it is essentiallyContinue reading “La Boheme – WNO”
Junkyard: A New Musical – Theatr Clwyd
Please don’t misunderstand me when I say that Junkyard: A New Musical is a load of rubbish. It is by no means of poor quality, lacking in characterisation, or short on story. I am actually making reference to the dynamic and inventive set. It is made (almost entirely) of waste material: planks of wood, oldContinue reading “Junkyard: A New Musical – Theatr Clwyd”
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