HIRAETH | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Mon 27 Oct
If you’re wondering what the word hiraeth means look no further than this engaging and heartfelt stage production of Buddug ‘Bud’ James Jones’ life story so far.
From the beginning the audience is made to feel a part of Bud’s intriguing journey starting with a chance encounter with Meic Stevens at a farmers dance in Llandysul and her subsequent decision to leave her home comforts on the family farm in Newcastle Emlyn to pursue a life in the big smoke.
Providing an energetic performance throughout Bud informs the audience that she is not an actor but her seamless connections and good use of props would suggest otherwise.
Co-performer Max Mackintosh delivers an exhilarating and humorous portrayal of a host of characters including Bud’s Mam, Dad and he is particularly impressive as her Mamgu.
Although a silent presence for much of the show, fellow cast member David Grubb was a masterful ffidil player and contributed effectively to the drama of each scene.
The musical renditions included the catchy ‘Cool Cymru’ and were well received drawing much laughter from the audience along with many of the Welsh references throughout the show which obviously resonated with the Cardiff crowd.
By the end of the performance you’ll be singing along and afterwards longing for more of the delicious welsh cakes (made by Bud’s Mam!)
words RHIANON HOLLEY
Hiraeth, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Thurs 30 Oct / The Torch Theatre, Milford Haven Fri 31 Oct / Garnswyllt Welfare Hall, Ammanford, Sat 1 Nov / Wells Little Theatre, Wells, Mon 3 Nov / Catrin Finch Centre, Wrexham, Wed 5 Nov / Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil, Thurs 6 Nov / Neuadd Bro Fana, Ffarmers, Fri 7 Nov / Gwynfe Community Hall, Gwynfe, Sat 8 Nov / Dragon Theatre, Barmouth, Wed 12 Nov / Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn, Thurs 13 / The Muse, Brecon, Sat 15 Nov. Tickets: £8-£12 Info: www.facebook.com/HiraethTheShow
