If theatre companies want to stay relevant as our society grows and changes, they need to create work that reflects that growth and change. That needs to be reflected not only in the content of the shows created, but also the individuals who are involved in making them. Theatr Cymru show they’ve got this message loud and clear with their latest show, Byth Bythoedd Amen.
A bilingual show that swaps between English and Welsh, the play follows Lottie as she traverses the heaviest night out of her life: navigating the loss of her best friend, she moves through hookups, brawls and drunken bathroom conversations. Largely a monologue told from Lottie’s perspective, she keeps seeing the shape of her best friend appearing in different forms throughout the night, and eventually her grief comes out full force.
Byth Bythoedd Amen is a celebration of queer and disabled identities that doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of being different from the mainstream. We see Lottie try to answer the question: what is the meaning of living when people think you shouldn’t exist?
The play showcases two incredible queer and disabled actors, with Byth Bythoedd Amen writer Mared Jarman also giving a visceral and emotional performance as Lottie. It is really difficult to create a character that does absolutely awful things and make them entirely loveable, and Jarman does this masterfully: her physicality is incredible, and her energy is electric throughout the play.

Various other characters, including Lottie’s best friend Bennie, are played by the incredible Paul Davies. Completely captivating whenever he’s onstage, Davies’ energy is magnetic, and his huge range brings much needed texture to the play as a whole. The connection between the two actors is wonderful to watch, and they both offer some of the best acting I’ve seen in a long time.
Jarman is mostly blind, only able to see shapes and light out of one eye, and Davies was born without a left hand. While I’m not one to say disabled performers are obligated to be inspirational figures, Jarman does challenge what many theatre companies would think possible for blind performers. Both actors have such enormous stage presence, and work with such skill and precision – it would be hard to imagine any young disabled person leaving that show and not feeling as though they could achieve great things too. This is what we need in theatre: disabled individuals demonstrating what they are capable of, supported by a creative team that understands and accommodates their needs.

Acknowledgement should be made of the creative team, particularly Garrin Clarke’s lighting design – the set having been created with accessibility in mind, it cleverly enables Jarman to navigate the space while also maintaining complete artistic integrity. The lighting is atmospheric, and moves the characters and audience seamlessly through many different spaces and emotions. He really demonstrates here that accessibility doesn’t need to detract, and can in fact enhance the theatrical experience.
Theatr Cymru has created yet another must-see piece of theatre. For anyone in the industry wondering what the future of the craft might look like, I’d start taking notes.
Byth Bythoedd Amen, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 29 Jan
Touring to Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Mon 3 Feb; Y Stiwt, Wrexham, Wed 5; Pontio, Bangor, Sat 8, Galeri, Caernarfon, Tue 11; Theatr Felinfach, Dyffryn Aeron, Thurs 13. Tickets: £14/£10. Info: here
words HARI BERROW
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