Cinderella – Venue Cymru ***

You are invited into a world of pure imagination for Venue Cymru’s 2018 pantomime. Cinderella is an enchanting effort from both cast and crew. Whilst never completely whisking us away to another world, it nevertheless casts a few magical spells that will delight young and old alike. Carly Burns plays a bubbly and bright Cinderella.Continue reading “Cinderella – Venue Cymru ***”

Allelujah! – National Theatre Live

It is clear from the opening lines that Allelujah! is the work of Alan Bennett. That wry Northern humour is unmistakable. He may be 83, but Bennett remains as active as ever on the writing front. He is also, in this particular case, out to make a political statement too. Set within the wards ofContinue reading “Allelujah! – National Theatre Live”

Awful Auntie – Venue Cymru

For anyone who enjoyed Gangsta Granny, Awful Auntie is a decent follow-up adaptation of David Walliams’ popular series of children’s books. The premise of the show is pretty simple. Stella (Georgina Leonidas) wakes up to find that her parents have disappeared. According to her Aunt Alberta (Timothy Speyer), they have died in a car crash.Continue reading “Awful Auntie – Venue Cymru”

Lord of the Flies – Theatr Clwyd

The all-female cast of Lord of the Flies, a Theatr Clwyd and Sherman Theatre co-production, may have caused a stir in some quarters. But, for me, it’s actually one of the least interesting aspects of the production. This adaptation of William Golding’s 1954 novel translates the characters from page to stage seamlessly. It is theirContinue reading “Lord of the Flies – Theatr Clwyd”

Julie – National Theatre Live

Before the screening of the National Theatre’s production of Julie, the audience was treated to an interview with its writer and director, Polly Stenham and Carrie Cracknell. Stenham spoke of Julie as a play that blurs the boundaries, not only in terms of social class but race, gender, and privilege too. Touching on all ofContinue reading “Julie – National Theatre Live”

Shrek: The Musical – Venue Cymru

If you can’t wait for the start of pantomime season, then I would highly recommend a visit to see Shrek: The Musical. We may not be getting a happy ending to a summer of high temperatures and searing heat. But the return of rain is perhaps the perfect magical ingredient to tempt you indoors forContinue reading “Shrek: The Musical – Venue Cymru”

Fame: The Musical – Venue Cymru

I really wanted to hate Fame: The Musical. I really did. But the predecessor to High School Musical and Glee just wouldn’t let me. I started off slouching in my seat and watching through gritted teeth. But by the end I was stood up and clapping along to the encore. What makes it so addictiveContinue reading “Fame: The Musical – Venue Cymru”

Home I’m Darling – A Theatr Clwyd/National Theatre Co-Production

Travelling along the sun-drenched roads of North Wales in the heat of an early July evening, I wondered whether it was the right time to be going to sit in a theatre. But Home, I’m Darling is worth suffering a bit of sweat for. It may have been warm in the Emlyn Williams Theatre, butContinue reading “Home I’m Darling – A Theatr Clwyd/National Theatre Co-Production”

Island Town – A Theatr Clwyd/Paines Plough Co-Production

The Roundabout Theatre makes a welcome return to North Wales sporting a rather distinct yellow exterior. If you’ve not heard of it before, this is a theatre like no other. Assembled from flat pack with nothing but an Allen key, once complete, it is a fully self-contained, intimate little theatre that houses some of theContinue reading “Island Town – A Theatr Clwyd/Paines Plough Co-Production”

20th Century Boy – Venue Cymru

When I first attended a musical based on the life of a famous musician, the recreation of their live performances was exciting, engaging, and electrifying. Complete with supercharged lighting, atmospheric smoke, and the sound cranked up to ear-shattering decibels, it was almost as good as seeing the real thing. But now, although still impressive, theContinue reading “20th Century Boy – Venue Cymru”