In some ways, Gregory Porter was made for the International Eisteddfod. The man whose music transcends was making his debut at the annual event. Bringing his sweet, smooth and soulful sound to a warm and pleasant Friday evening, Porter is the embodiment of the festival’s message of peace and love. It is little wonder thatContinue reading “Gregory Porter at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod”
Category Archives: Welsh Arts Scene
Salome – National Theatre Live
Director Yael Farber brings a biblical tale to life in the National Theatre’s latest live broadcast. Despite a lack of emotional zeal, Salome is a gloriously aesthetic production. It immerses itself in Middle Eastern culture, making for an atmospheric opening. It harbours a mystical quality that enhances the special effects and technical features. It isContinue reading “Salome – National Theatre Live”
The Play That Goes Wrong – Venue Cymru
The Play That Goes Wrong is one of the funniest things you will ever see in theatre. There are so many funny moments that a smile will be etched on your face from start to finish. It is consistently hilarious. It is incredibly witty and full of deadpan humour and physical farce. I hate toContinue reading “The Play That Goes Wrong – Venue Cymru”
My Country: A Work in Progress – NT at Theatr Clwyd
With another General Election almost upon us, Theatr Clwyd’s staging of My Country seems particularly apt. A political play of sorts, its backdrop is last year’s divisive and historic EU referendum. In the days following the vote, the National Theatre set about touring the nation, interviewing a variety of people to hear their views onContinue reading “My Country: A Work in Progress – NT at Theatr Clwyd”
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – National Theatre Live
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”
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”
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”
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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