EYE OF THE STORM | STAGE REVIEW
Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Tue 7 Nov
Pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 only make good progress in their knowledge and understanding of science in about half their lessons, worse than any other subject in Welsh schools. That’s according to a report from schools watchdog Estyn. The same report found that girls outperformed boys at science, and such is the case in Eye Of The Storm, a new musical production from Theatr na nÓg and Grammy award winner Amy Wadge.
I have to confess, a musical about a teenager studying science made me want to find an excuse to stay home from school on this cold November day in Swansea. However, I was glad I made the effort for what is an A*, top-of-the-class new musical. Emmie is a 14-year-old pupil and full-time carer for mum Angela, with dreams of becoming a ‘storm chaser’ scientist. Rosie Cale, playing Emmie impeccably in her first professional role, sings the opening song Alive laying bare her thirst for life despite relentless, daily challenges. The hope displayed here sets the tone for the rest of the play; writer and director Geinor is aided in no small way by Amy Wadge’s glorious music and lyrics.
Set in a caravan park in Aberdare, Emmie’s uphill plight to achieve anything in life makes frustrating viewing early on: the electricity in their caravan comes and goes, like her mentally ill mother’s ability to care for her daughter. At times heartbreaking, often laugh-out-loud funny and always incredibly real, Eye Of The Storm tackles many issues of our time (mental health, social care, education) without ever feeling contrived or heavy-handed, and retains a strong Welsh identity that theatre companies often shy away from in the name of universality.
The fine cast deliver on numerous levels – singing, acting, dancing and with multiple instruments to hand – but special mention must go to Huw Blainey who plays Lloyd (and keyboard), the perfect sidekick to the protagonists. His pitch-perfect vocals, superb comedy timing and life affirming tenderness won the hearts of the 500-strong full house at Taliesin Arts Centre as Emmie’s entire family found a way to help each other get on in this increasingly difficult world.
I’m not sure there’s a theatre company in Wales producing more important work than Theatr na nÓg. Five thousand schoolchildren have already enjoyed this production by a company whose name means ‘theatre of eternal youth’; I’m pretty sure Eye Of The Storm will live long in the memory of anyone who sees it, young or old.
words JACK BARKER
Eye Of The Storm runs at Taliesin Arts Centre until Fri 10 Nov.
