Oystermouth Castle, Swansea, Thurs 4 Aug;Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Tue 9; Abergavenny Castle, Thurs 11; St Donat’s Castle, Mon 29
Roald Dahl’s classic Danny The Champion of the World is a story about a young English boy and his father William who live in a gypsy caravan and earn their income off their filling station and poaching pheasants from Mr Hazel’s wood. When his father fails to return, Danny, who fears the worst, goes looking for him by driving an Austin Seven to Hazel’s wood, and finding his father trapped by his ankle, which has broken. They have a magnificent plan to embarrass Mr Hazel with his annual poaching event that he hosts for lords, dukes and barons. In a story which sees Danny being the mastermind behind the whole plan, they decide to drug the pheasants and take them to the vicarage to hide them. However, all does not go to plan…
In their 25th year, stage company Illyria have managed to secure the rights to perform their fifth Dahl title. The Cornwall-based Illyria tour Britain putting on shows; this one visits four locations in south Wales this month and is extra authentic thanks to the appearance of actual pheasants! This story is well suited to the outdoor design of this theatre company. The event will also go ahead rain or shine, so bring suitable clothing.
Tickets: £4-£13. Info: 01792 636000 / 01239 621200 / 01873 850805 / 01446 799100 / www.illyria.uk.com
words NATALIE POWELL