Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Mon 28 Mar-Wed 2 Apr
The first ever full-scale new musical staged by the WMC, Only The Brave opens in late March. A World War Two epic, based on real events surrounding the D-Day landings, it stars Welsh performers David Thaxton and Caroline Sheen. Thaxton, born in Neath and trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, took part in the opening ceremonies of the WMC. Known also for his work in Les Miserables in the West End, Thaxton returns to the WMC for the leading role in Only the Brave alongside fellow Welsh performer Caroline Sheen. Sheen, also from South Wales is best known for her role as Mary Poppins which she brought to the WMC during its opening season. The musical promises to showcase Welsh talent on stage, while also moving the WMC into an era of producing new, large scale work.
Only the Brave is written by Rachel Wagstaff, known for the acclaimed stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong. The piece features music by Matthew Brind and lyrics by Steve Marimon. The musical tells the story of true events leading up to the D-Day landings, following a group of men in the iconic mission. The musical follows the story of Operation Deadstick, one of the most significant operations within the D-Day landings, and the role and sacrifice of the men involved and their families back home. Meanwhile, the story also explores the friendship of two women who are united by their love and loss in the face of war, and their collaboration with a young French girl trying to play her part in the war effort. Intertwining these stories against the backdrop of Brind’s musical score, it promises to be an emotional and engaging story of war, love and hope.
Following successful try-out productions, the WMC is embarking on its most ambitious project to date in staging a new, full scale, main stage musical, marking what could be the start of a new era in Welsh musical theatre production. Starring local talent in a dramatic and heart-wrenching tale, Only the Brave is set to wow musical theatre fans in Cardiff.
Tickets: £11-£39. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
EMILY GARSIDE