Pryd Mae’r Haf?

The Other Room yn nol am y blwyddyn newydd, gyda eu Tymor Fringe nhw! Kickstarted with a co-production from Theatr Genedlaethol a Criw Brwd, the cosy space in Porters is the perfect remedy away from the tywydd drycinog raging away outside! Pryd Mae’r Haf? see’s a group of three teenagers as they grow up and apart in Merthyr, o jôcs i ddadleuon.

We’re introduced to ffrindiau gorau, Christie and Luke, camping outside near their houses, taking the mick, ofn siarad â ferched… the usual! However, when Christie and Julie get closer, and relationships gyda eu teulu nhw deteriorate, Luke joins the army as a way to escape yr dre ac yr pobl sy’n byw yno. Proving the point that growing up isn’t hawdd trwy’r amser, and testing long term friendships, the performances from the three young actors take the audience on their rollercoaster ride with them.

While the stilted movements in between scenes can sometimes drag as the set moves from tent to bedroom, and the pace could be picked up a little at times, the story has been brilliantly translated and adapted to the Valleys yn Dde Cymru and the on stage relationships between the cast yn wych i wylio.

Fel dysgwr gymraeg, I decided to brave it without any translation help, despite the brilliant sibwrd app being available to any non-Welsh speakers or learners, and lost my way a little in the middle OND ro’n i’n nol gyda’r stori cyn y diwedd luckily!

Gyda perfformiadau cryf a stori diddorol iawn, Pryd Mae’r Haf yn sioe gwerth wylio a dw i’n edrych ymalen i weld beth sy’n nesaf o cwmni hwn!

Yn Ei Blodau

Based on Blodauwedd, Yn Ei Blodau is the first bilingual production a’r cwmni newydd, Criw Brwd, and has taken the latest slot in the Sherman’s play, pie and a pint performances; Get it while it’s hot.

A one woman show; this one is packed full of punches, chwerthin and relatable fury. As Katy Elis bring Fflur to life, mae’r stori unravels bouncing back and forth between Cymraeg a Saesneg as she brings the other characters alive one by one. Fflur yw athrawes, a fan of a cigarette a coffi, and her relationships with her parents, her partner and her students are all portrayed to the audience as her life takes turns she hadn’t bargained for.

Although some of the soundscape yn tipyn bach overpowering at times and the pace could be picked up a little, especially during the scenes cyntaf, the overall production value is high and Elis brings pure power and fury i’r ysgriffenu. Relatable throughout as Fflur goes from date nights, to clearing out a family members old home, to the lead up to extreme measures in pure Blodeuwedd fashion, for those familiar gyda’r stori Cymraeg.

Dw i’n dysgu Cymraeg a dw i wedi mwynhau faint o geiriau, gallwn i deall i ddechrau (although there are surtitles throughout to double check)! Roedd ysgriffenu yn gwych a cwmni addawol yn bendant; edrych ymlaen i beth syn nesa!

Yn Ei Blodau runs at the Sherman until Saturday 23rd November. Follow @CriwBwrd for future updates.

Hela

For the third and final instalment of the Violence series at Cardiff’s one of a kind pub theatre, we are yet again taken to other dystopian scenes in a not too distant future. Hela, written by Mari Izzard, is a thrilling and fast paced, bilingual addition to the season, as the two hander leaves its audience thinking far longer than the 65 minute running time.

We discover Hugh (played by Gwydion Rhys), the son of the First Minister, tied up in what appears to be a basement overseen by a digital representation similar to Siri or Alexa, who fears he is being held hostage in a politically staged act. Enter Erin; an upbeat and dungaree clad young woman, who brings some humour to break up the space, as well as all of the questions. As the two bounce back and forth, one in English and one in Welsh, the language barrier is soon dismantled as translation tool Myfanwy helps not only any non Welsh speaking audience members, but also Hugh, to figure out Erin’s real motives behind her interrogation.

As it transpires, the basement is actually within Erin’s farmhouse, with walls covered in crime investigation evidence and CCTV screens, and she is seeking revenge from a previous encounter as the system appears to have failed her and her family. As the storyline hurtles towards its climax, the two actors work brilliantly with and against each other, Hugh becoming more Welsh and returning to his roots, while Erin (Lowri Izzard) spirals in to the English language as her emotions flare and the truth emerges.

With dim lighting and a haunting electronic score, the space becomes the scene (as with every production within The Other Room) as the audience are treated to a fly on the wall perspective. While the additional digital eye felt slightly unnecessary, the key to Hela is it’s bilingualism which sits at the heart of the writing and while it is able to comment on the importance of the language without being overbearing, it is also incredibly accessible for speakers of any level as the two languages sit side by side, complimenting the ebs and flow of the story itself.

Brilliantly written, beautifully creative in its bilingual nature and devastating it’s in reality and the short step away from current affairs: Hela is a well woven, TV crime drama style piece fuelled by emotion, revenge and tenacity. Definitely one not to be missed to end a promising yet pessimistic season at The Other Room.

Edrych ymlaen at beth sydd nesaf!

Hela runs at The Other Room until 24th November. For tickets and updates, check out @TORtheatre on Twitter.

Exodus

Motherlode are back, following their previous success with The Good Earth, and this time, Exodus has landed at the lovely Chapter as part of it’s Welsh tour.

In the perfectly sized Seligman theatre, the audience are introduced to Mary, a manager in retail for a company that ‘used to be River Island’, and as she describes her day, we are eased in to a warm and full of heart story. Mary is soon roped in to be part of a flying adventure to Argentina, whilst on a visit to see her Mother in Aberdare, with an old friend, Ray leading the way on their big adventure.

Teamed up with Timmy, a silent immigrant who speaks only through his violin, and local boy, Gareth who has perfected the pre-flight safety demonstration to a tee to move his focus away from his brother. Gwenllian Higginson as Mary really joins the four together, and the impact of changes in their society and mental health become apparent as each steps forward, although never to dwell, just to relay.

Political without being overbearing, we learn of the last factory in the town closing and being destroyed, and of the cuts being made, and the protests in the streets to welcome all. The humour which sits deep within the Welsh valleys outshines the darkness, and this new piece of writing really works under the direction of Rachael Boulton. A few areas could be refined and tightened but overall, the movement and choreography is pitched perfectly as the plane jolts and soars, and despite their differences, the moments where the cast are in unison as an ensemble really seal the deal.

A piece full of hope and warmth, despite the underlying themes of poverty and troubles, which is relatable, funny and well worth a watch across Wales and the UK.

Exodus plays at Chapter until the 20th October before moving on on its tour. Full details via @Motherlodewales on twitter.

This Incredible Life

As part of a tour of Wales, this week Canoe theatre are back at the lovely Chapter with their production of This Incredible Life.

We’re introduced to Mab and her nephew, Robert, who are waiting for a car to arrive to take them both to an awards ceremony in London, to celebrate Mab’s journalism achievements over the years. It soon becomes clear that the two spending time together is not a common occurrence, and as only Mab switches swiftly between Welsh and English, the audience is quick to discover that Robert has made big strides away from the place that was once home.

Despite still enjoying the power of storytelling, Mab’s memory is not what it once was and confusion has set in, and she recounts stories from the past, aided by video excerpts only visible to her. Oblivious to Robert’s inability to see her memories, the stories and truths unravel and the differences and similarities between the two soon become clear. ‘Bertie’ has his own worries, and with his Aunt as a reminder of his deceased Father, his patience soon wears thin.

The text itself, written by Alan Harris, is heart warming and the writing lends itself well to a wide audience, although the production could definitely have benefitted from being a pure two hander. The alternate actors in the videos lose the chemistry between the on-stage performers, not aided by the inevitable technical hitches, and the piece loses its heart a little via the disconnect, although the end scene is a simple but beautiful cross over to conclude.

This Incredible Life is thoughtful and heartwarming, with a script which is a great exploration of memories, story telling and what the truth is. The companies work with Dementia Friendly performances is a brilliant leap in connecting audiences to their own stories, and this is definitely worth a watch on it’s tour this autumn.

The Awkward Years

The evenings are getting darker earlier, and the beautiful heatwave has come to an end, so it’s only apt that The Other Room are back with their Autumn season at Cardiff’s wonderful pub theatre in Porters. Written by Matthew Bulgo, The Awkward Years is the latest production to take over the space and this one woman show is unassuming but fully charged from the dim of the lights.

With a jolt and a flash of light, we’re introduced to Lily, who finds herself mid-hangover after another night out and the resulting encounter with a ‘random’. She tells of how her and her housemates liken their one night stands to catchy film titles, and how she strategically manages to maintain her cool as she wipes away stray vomit, although it soon becomes clear that there is something bubbling under the surface as her Mother struggles to get a response and her best friend looks on…

Recently graduated from RWCMD, Lauren O’Leary has mastered the act of the downward spiral, and as her sentences stop and start, and her body jerks amidst the chaos and her emotions, she commands the stage brilliantly. From stumbling down Womanby Street in the early hours, to a cupboard encounter with her boss at the leisure centre, we are taken on a rollercoaster through the post college period where chaos takes over and the life you once knew lulls in limbo.

Whilst some points within the text are a little laboured and overdone, O’Leary’s performance remains undeterred and her comic timing is spot on, as she says it how it is without any thought of potential audience laughter. Brilliantly emphasised by the shakes and splashes of lighting, in tune with the soundscape, the designers need a special hats off as the stark set comes to life within the confined space at Porters.

The Awkward Years is a tale with secrets and a bit of joining the dots, pitched and performed with guts and vulnerability to the perfect length, which will stay on your mind long after the final blackout.

The Awkward Years plays at The Other Room until September 29th. Follow @TORtheatre for more info

All But Gone

Next up in The Other Room’s Lovesick season is All But Gone, and is the first piece directed by Dan Jones after taking over as Artistic Director. Oh, and this is a production you won’t want to miss.

This time round your ticket is a seat at the kitchen table in Owen’s home, and we’re right up close as the story unfolds with a young boy breaking in to his home in the early hours of the morning. However, the writer is quick to make clear that this piece is not all staged in one set point in time, and we are transported back in time to key points in Owen’s life, as dementia slowly takes hold of his remaining memories and he has trouble differentiating old friends from new.

As people from Owen’s past are introduced, and storylines intersect and cross over, we learn of his difficult decisions, and his battles with society’s acceptable version of himself, as well as those who came in to his life and left again. The reliance between Kai and Owen is touching to watch, and the family dynamic between Bev, Howell and their mother will strike a cord with many in the audience. There are no weak performances within the cast, and the story flows fluidly through time and between moments of humour, loss and despair.

With a set like no other yet again in the intimate pub theatre, and clever lighting design transporting us back and forth in time with ease, All But Gone is a touching and poignant piece which glows with powerfully poetic writing and strong direction despite the vague memories presented. A stellar production, and one not to miss in Cardiff this month.

All But Gone runs at The Other Room until April 14th. Follow them on Twitter @TORtheatre

The Princess and the Pea

Chandeliers hung from the ceiling and pots and pans scattered the floor, as audience members filled up the studio at the Sherman for this years festive offering for 3-6 year olds – The Princess and the Pea.  A joint production from Theatr Iolo and Sherman Cymru, the three cast members were instantly engaged with the little ones brave enough to sit on the mats at the front and the music allowed both parents and children to relax around the stage area.

The Hans-Christian Anderson fairy-tale soon takes over the studio space, all be-it at a slow pace to begin with – although this didn’t seem to disinterest the younger audience members in the slightest.  The Prince is only interested in finding a Princess to marry, much to the Queen’s dismay and the two meet various potential suitors in order to make him happy.  As the rain falls on the old castle roof, the repetitive raindrops created mini musical interludes and the Sherman roof could well have been actually leaking!

The real sparkle comes when the unconventional Princess arrives, and as she chases, and plays, and makes the Prince laugh, the Queen decides to put her to the test to see if she actually is a real Princess.  Ceri Elen is brilliant as she takes over the space and the clever lighting design really emphasises the castle feel and changes in the weather.

A tale full of mis-used mash potato, a mattress or 20 and a lot of pans full of rain, the performance was enchanting for the younger audience members, although I felt it was missing a certain chaos or noisy interaction.  The Sherman studio space is full of magic and this gentle fairy-tale is a great treat for young families this Christmas.

Nadolig Llawen! The Princess and the Pea is on until the 2nd January 2016. More information and show times can be seen here.

 

There once was an Ugly Duckling…

Taking over the Sherman theatre’s studio space this Christmas, is the gorgeous tale of The Ugly Duckling brought to audiences age 3 – 6 courtesy of Sherman Cymru and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.

The story of a young duckling who doesn’t fit in in his nest and goes on a search to find himself, and his friends, begins with a warm Croeso from the three actors, instantly engaging the attention of even the grizzliest toddler. The other ducklings in his nest take great joy in making sure he knows he is different, as they can both quack and he can only honk!

As the duckling travels to find himself and some real friends, he comes across a hilarious hen who shows us how easy it is to lay an egg, a cat who doesn’t understand why everyone can not pounce and meow like him and a short sighted hunting dog who thankfully has no interest in making the duckling his dinner. The traditional story conveys all of the key themes that any good festive tale should, brilliant directed by Sara Lloyd and performed with total commitment and stunning energy.
The leaves swirl through the sky, snow falls and the stars shine brightly, as the seasons come and go illuminating the simple yet well used set, enchanting audience members young and young at heart with a stunning lighting design. Incorporating musical instruments and song in to the tale, the musical score is charming and full of joy – evoking cries of ‘wow it’s a harp!’ from the musicians of tomorrow in the front row!

A beautiful narrative brought to life in an incredible fashion full of delight, friendship and music, one not to miss this Christmas, to escape your standard Christmas carols and Santa Claus’.

A whole lot of Bedroom Farce!

This weekend saw Black Rat Productions and their adaptation of Bedroom Farce take over Royal Welsh College on the final leg of their tour, providing a sold out crowd in the Richard Burton theatre with an evening full of laughter!

Set in three bedrooms, featuring four couples each at different stages in their relationships and focusing on one night’s events, we are taken back to the 70s with excellent platform shoes and wallpaper my Grandma would appreciate!  Kate and Malcolm have invited their friends to a house warming party, while Ernest and Deliah are off out for their anniversary dinner at their annual restaurant of choice.  The recipe for disaster is complete when Nick is laid up in bed with a bad back and Jan decides to go to the party without him, in the company of ex-husband Trevor and new wife, the slightly neurotic Susannah.  Exposing secrets and cracks in their relationships, the ups and downs of love and marriage are displayed with hilarious consequences!

With a well designed set and a stellar cast, Black Rat have done it again.  Full of giggles and excellent timing, the intertwining lives of the four couples creates a humorous production, if a little cringe-worthy at times! All in all a great night at the theatre full of fun and laughter!

Keep an eye on the Black Rat Productions website and their twitter feed @blackratprods for news of their future productions.