Jamie Rees is back again, bringing his Welsh theatrical knowledge to bear on Buzz. For November, he’s especially excited about two homegrown national tours.
While the theatre scene is still a little quiet at the moment, there are some gems to pick out here and there around the country this November. One of the most encouraging things is seeing both of our national theatre companies, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and National Theatre Wales, hitting the road with comprehensive tours in Welsh and English respectively. Here’s what’s on offer from stages around the country this month.
Llygoden Yr Eira, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru
The Welsh-language Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, who remained so busy and creative during lockdown to keep theatre alive in Wales, will be touring with Llygoden Yr Eira. The tour will open at Ffwrnes in Llanelli on Thurs 18 Nov before visiting Brecon, Cardiff, Pontardawe, Barry, Ystradynglais, Mold, Bala and Caernarfon.
Adapted from the English-language The Snow Mouse by The Egg and Taking Flight Theatre, and produced in partnership with Theatr Iolo, Llygoden Yr Eira is an enchanting, wintery tale filled with play, puppetry and music for children under five (and their families). If you’re looking for an early festive foray into a theatre, before the craziness of panto begins, then this is a great place to get that Christmas spirit going.
Possible, National Theatre Wales
Meanwhile, the English-language National Theatre Wales have opted for something very different for their Welsh autumn tour. Again, it is so encouraging to see a producing theatre company such as this going the extra mile to bring live theatre back for the people of Wales to enjoy.
Possible was originally a piece of digital theatre developed by performer and storyteller Shôn Dale-Jones in lockdown. I was fortunate enough to see it when it was first performed online in July, and am delighted to see it naturally progress to a performance in front of a live audience. I said of the piece, in my review at the time, “If ever there was a production ‘for our times’ it’s this. If ever we needed a show about love it was now. And, if this is where theatre is after a year of living through a pandemic then it is as much a performance about hope as it is about anything else.”
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Autobiographical, very real and honest, Possible is a breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to see how the performer and his creative team bring this to a live audience. The online version was genre-defining digital theatre, storytelling with heart and important lessons from lockdown: I wonder how the live version can be developed to update the story and bring a new dimension. The tour opens at the Sherman in Cardiff on Thurs 4 Nov, then heading to Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea, Milford Haven, Aberystwyth, Mold, Bangor, Barry, Aberdyfi and Newport.
Dial M for Murder, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde, The Addams Family, New Theatre
One venue that has seen its programme packed out with a really great mix of musicals, comedy and drama in recent weeks is Cardiff’s New Theatre. Right on cue and perfect autumn fodder comes three consecutive scary stage shows at the venue this November.
There’s a murderous start to the month, with Dial M For Murder starring Diana Vickers and Tom Chambers (Tue 2 to Sat 6 Nov) followed by another suspenseful drama in The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (Tue 9 to Sat 13 Nov). On a lighter, but no less spookier note comes the musical The Addams Family (Tue 16 to Sat 20 Nov) – starring Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton as Morticia, and with extraordinary music and lyrics by TONY Award-nominated Andrew Lipp.
A Christmas Carol, Theatr Mwldan
Elsewhere, I’m very excited to see two Edinburgh Fringe powerhouses taking to the stage at two of my favourite venues. At the gorgeous Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan, Edinburgh Fringe legend and Wales’ own Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson performs A Christmas Carol on Sat 27 Nov. Probably best known for his solo works such as Under Milk Wood, Animal Farm and Shylock, Masterson now brings his unique take to this classic Charles Dickens fable.
The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, Borough Theatre
The second one-person show that took Edinburgh by storm a few years back is writer/director/producer Elton Townend Jones’ The Unremarkable Death Of Marilyn Monroe. Performed entirely by Lizzie Wort as Marilyn, this remarkable play tells the story that leads up to the icon’s death with a really insightful and engaging script, expertly delivered by Wort. A performance I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a quality night at the theatre, at a very affordable £14 per ticket. The Unremarkable Death… performs at the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny on Tue 23 Nov.
The History of Opera (Abridged), Torch Theatre
My final recommendation for this month is The History Of Opera (Abridged) at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven on Sat 6 Nov. Abridged shows have gone down well over the years, with Shakespeare and the Bible getting a one-hour edit in the name of live entertainment; now it’s the turn of opera, and 400 years of history to distil.
Described as “a lighthearted and informative evening combined with beautiful singing accompanied by piano with soprano and tenor,” the show includes arias and duets by Handel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Mussorgsky, to name a few, interspersed with a narrative that pieces the history of the artform from 16th-century Italy to the present day.
Llygoden Yr Eira, various venues across Wales, Thurs 18 Nov-Sat 18 Dec. Info: here
Possible, various venues across Wales, Thurs 4-Fri 26 Nov. Tickets: £10-£15. Info: here
Dial M For Murder, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 2-Sat 6 Nov. Tickets: £15-£45. Info: 0343 3100041 / here
The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 9-Sat 13 Nov. Tickets: £13-£31.50. Info: 0343 3100041 / here
The Addams Family, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 16-Sat 20 Nov. Tickets: £24-£51. Info: 0343 3100041 / here
A Christmas Carol, Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Sat 27 Nov. Tickets: £14/£12. Info: 01239 621200 / here
The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, Tue 23 Nov. Tickets: £14/£7.50 kids or NUS. Info: 01873 850805 / here
The History of Opera (Abridged), Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Sat 6 Nov. Info: 01646 695267 / here
For more information on theatre across Wales, visit our regional pages for up-to-date listings in your area.
words JAMIE REES
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