Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
Thurs 10 Nov
Written and directed by David Britton, Richard Elfyn stars in this play about the extraordinary life of the Welsh politician David Lloyd George. With a title that plays on three nicknames given to Lloyd George by the press, The Wizard, The Goat, And The Man Who Won The War tells the story of how a Welsh-speaking chapel going boy from Llanystumdwy, Gwynedd, went on to become Prime Minister to lead the United Kingdom during the First World War.
Adorned with the humour, poetry, mystery and charm that surrounded the man, it also looks into the duality of the man: Christian champion and womaniser; Liberal saviour of the poor and money chasing risk taker. After a critically acclaimed tour, the solo show is back, marking the centenary of Lloyd George’s appointment as Prime Minister.
The brain child of senior lecturer in dramatic writing at Swansea University Britton, and Bafta Cymru winning actor Elfyn, the play is set in Antibes, in the south of France at the time of Lloyd George’s 50th wedding anniversary, where he looks back at his life’s many achievements, both personal and political. Performed by Elfyn alone, the monologue requires him to learn twice as many words as required for the role of Hamlet; a rather impressive feat.
Tickets: £12. Info: 017 9260 2060 / www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT