Lost Boys and Fairies – BBC

“Lost Boys and Fairies” is a poignant TV series that delves into the highs and lows of adoption, drawing on the personal experiences of its creator, Daf James. The performances are captivating, and the incorporation of magical realism adds depth and emotion to the storyline. The series skillfully evokes both laughter and tears, offering a deeply moving and life-affirming viewing experience.

Rebecca Hurn – Brace for Impact

Rebecca Hurn’s debut album “Brace for Impact” delivers soft, acoustic folk music with emotional depth. The poignant lyrics and mellifluous vocals offer a subversive punch, as seen in tracks like “Gave Up Giving” and “I Don’t Mind the Rain.” Hurn’s storytelling prowess shines through, hinting at her promising future in UK Country/Folk.

Creisis – S4C

I can think of many television dramas which feature mental health as a theme or part of a storyline. But to have it at its core makes Creisis a rarity. The facts which appear at the end suggest that it’s grounded in real-world evidence. The complexity of the protagonist Jamie’s journey over the course ofContinue reading “Creisis – S4C”

Mammoth – BBC Wales

The premise of Mammoth is far-fetched. But go along for the ride and this Welsh sitcom doesn’t disappoint. More funfair than theme park, its zaniness takes time to get used to. Once in the flow of Mike Bubbins’ world though, there emerges a strange empathy for his protagonist, resulting in a desire to return forContinue reading “Mammoth – BBC Wales”

Bariau – S4C

Bariau is the latest series to enter the realm of prison drama. With Time and Screw already making a mark in their respective ways, it is the turn of S4C to put a Welsh spin on the subgenre. Bariau follows the blueprint of the other two insofar as real-life stories inform the onscreen narratives. VerisimilitudeContinue reading “Bariau – S4C”

Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review

Bronwen and Mared have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas past and present this year to tell their respective tales of home. Both Welsh singer-songwriters draw on a rich array of imagery to convey the festive season. ‘December Blues’ contains the most simple yet striking of pictures that represent a very modern sensibility. TheContinue reading “Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review”

Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed

“It’s like being in my living room”, says Jodie Marie. And the audience quietly agree. Last time I was at The Tin Shed, the Spring sun was streaming through the windows from the green hillside: the perfect accompaniment to Ellie Gowers. Tonight, in mid-December, it’s a different story. The black night coats the glass toContinue reading “Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed”

Nia Nicholls – I Wrote You a Love Song

While her time in Nashville may be contributing to fresh song ideas, it is one that has been sat on her shelf for a while that Nia Nicholls has chosen to release for Christmas. Not that ‘I Wrote You a Love Song’ is particularly festive. Though the delicacy with which this heartbreak ballad is toldContinue reading “Nia Nicholls – I Wrote You a Love Song”

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”

Rebecca Richards – New Yesterdays

As the year begins to wind down, so the release of Rebecca Richards’ EP feels timely. ‘New Yesterdays’ is a slow-tempo, ballad-based set of tracks that mark the turn into a season of reflection. Each of the six songs on the record feel like Autumn leaves: shaded with different-coloured emotions that emerge at relationships’ end.Continue reading “Rebecca Richards – New Yesterdays”