Theatre

Branwen: Dadeni – A Wales Millennium Centre & Fran Wen Production

A turning point? Branwen: Dadeni certainly feels like it. This “epic new Welsh language musical” heralds a potentially exciting new era for the nation’s theatre. Why? Because it is by far the most ambitious, large-scale theatre production in the Welsh language yet. Testament to what can be achieved when the might of Wales Millennium CentreContinue reading “Branwen: Dadeni – A Wales Millennium Centre & Fran Wen Production”

Rhinoceros – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru

In contrast to NTW, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru goes from strength to strength. Rhinoceros is the latest in a series of shows and commissions to offer fresh, bold and imaginative theatre. In fact, Manon Steffan Ros’s adaptation of the classic text by Eugène Ionesco is the first Welsh-language production that feels not just national but internationalContinue reading “Rhinoceros – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru”

Imrie – A Sherman Theatre/Fran Wen Co-production

What is striking about Welsh play Imrie is its richness. Rich in language. Rich in description. Rich in lighting. Rich in characterisation. This coming-of-age story is like a rainbow bursting into life, pouring its colour out on stage with a vibrancy that reverberates throughout the whole production. Each element resembles a charged particle which, inContinue reading “Imrie – A Sherman Theatre/Fran Wen Co-production”

Pijin / Pigeon – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru / Theatr Iolo

Based on the best-selling novel Pigeon by author Alys Conran, this stage adaptation by Bethan Marlow sees Welsh and English subtly woven together, with every performance using integrated captioning in such a creative way as to lead me to undertake an experimental review in its honour: The show is currently on tour. Dates and ticketsContinue reading “Pijin / Pigeon – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru / Theatr Iolo”

Celebrated Virgins – Theatr Clwyd

If Katie Elin-Salt was in any doubt then the opening night of Celebrated Virgins was a moment to feel assured. Her excellent play, telling the story of the Ladies of Llangollen, was received by way of rapturous applause at its conclusion. And deservedly so. For this exploration of the relationship between Sarah Ponsonby and LadyContinue reading “Celebrated Virgins – Theatr Clwyd”

Isla – Theatr Clwyd

If you’ve ever said thank you to the self-service checkout or lost your rag with the sat-nav then it’s likely you’ll recognise some of yourself in the protagonist of a new play by Tim Price. Isla, a co-production between Theatr Clwyd and the Royal Court, explores the relationship between man and technology in a timeContinue reading “Isla – Theatr Clwyd”

Missing Julie – Theatr Clwyd

There’s a real sense of urgency at the end of Missing Julie, Theatr Clwyd’s adaptation of Strindberg’s classic play. This is because it is not just the fate of its characters that is on the line but our own too. The setting for Kaite O’Reilly’s version may be a Welsh stately home at the endContinue reading “Missing Julie – Theatr Clwyd”

Curtain Up – Theatr Clwyd

Curtain Up is a celebration. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination and Welsh talent. Over three fun-filled weeks, it has been the setting for a series of short plays that have all taken the notion of play to heart. And where better to host this menagerie of pure ingenuity than Theatr Clwyd. It hasContinue reading “Curtain Up – Theatr Clwyd”

An Interview with Francesca Goodridge, on Curtain Up at Theatr Clwyd

Curtain Up is a celebration of creativity, live theatre, and Welsh talent. Over the course of three weeks, three companies, comprising of ten actors each, will perform 15 new plays – five each week – by 15 Welsh playwrights. That’s 15 voices with 15 very different stories to tell. Associate Director Francesca Goodridge took someContinue reading “An Interview with Francesca Goodridge, on Curtain Up at Theatr Clwyd”

For the Grace of You Go I – Theatr Clwyd

There is a sadness and deep sense of injustice behind the humour and surrealism of For the Grace of You Go I. Due to begin just before the pandemic hit, Alan Harris’ play may be long overdue but its delay has proved timely. Beneath the strange veneer of a storyline in which a man putsContinue reading “For the Grace of You Go I – Theatr Clwyd”