Welsh Arts Scene

Hedda Gabler – National Theatre Live

There are some nice aesthetic touches in the National Theatre’s screening of Hedda Gabler. As Ruth Wilson, who plays the lead role, informs us in the interval, the set is a representation of Hedda’s brain. It is largely unfurnished – there is a piano, a sofa, a few pots filled with flowers, and an intercomContinue reading “Hedda Gabler – National Theatre Live”

Skylight – Theatr Clwyd

There is a moment in Skylight, David Hare’s award-winning 1995 play, where businessman Tom talks about religion and spirituality. He declares his admiration for the former due to its rules and expectations of behaviour. He dismisses the latter as wishee-washee and unreasonable. This observation tells us a lot about his character. It is the reason,Continue reading “Skylight – Theatr Clwyd”

Sunny Afternoon -Venue Cymru

What do an axe, chandelier, cricket bat, and suit of armour have in common? Answer: they all appear in a particularly trippy scene in Sunny Afternoon. The hit musical, depicting the rise of The Kinks, is not all crazy antics and wild buffoonery though. The story of one of Britain’s most influential bands has plentyContinue reading “Sunny Afternoon -Venue Cymru”

The rising cost of music tickets

I took a phone call the other day from a person wanting to purchase tickets for Aled Jones’ Cathedral Tour. When I announced that we weren’t selling them directly, but that we were simply the venue, he got quite annoyed about having to go through Ticketmaster as an only option. This wasn’t because he didn’tContinue reading “The rising cost of music tickets”

The Tempest – Virtual Reality Takes to the Stage

There is an interesting look to the RSC’s latest production. The Tempest is the first lucky recipient of Shakespeare’s plays to become immersed in the world of live motion capture effects. With the help of the award-winning Imaginarium Studios (they who brought Golem to life in The Lord of the Rings), director Gregory Doran seeksContinue reading “The Tempest – Virtual Reality Takes to the Stage”

Aladdin – Venue Cymru

Prepare yourself for a festive treat at Venue Cymru. Aladdin is a Christmas cracker of a pantomime. We are talking high-end, top-of-the-range crackers as well, with decent jokes and quality surprises to boot. I can’t pretend that this was expected either. After last year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – which wasContinue reading “Aladdin – Venue Cymru”