This week, playwright Carmen Medway-Stephens’ ‘Bara Bread’ starts its run at the Stiwdio at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. In little Lovenny, due to the passing of Nettie’s mother, the heart and soul of the village, Nettie (Sarah-Jayne Hopkins), is brought back to her childhood roots, a far cry from the city slick fast paced society she … Continue reading Review Bara Bread Theatr Gwalia Chapter Arts Centre by Rebecca Hobbs →

I give absolute credit to the author Gary Owen for connecting the two stories of current troubles with the historic tale of “The Sacrifice of Iphigenia” (17th century – greek mythology). The story depicts Agamemnon‘s sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia in order to save the army of Troy. Her name has been noted to mean … Continue reading Review Iphigenia In Splott, Sherman Theatre by Beth Clark →

Normally at this point I have the show’s programme at my side, hastily scribbled notes filling the pages. These are what I refer to when writing a review. This time however the programme is unusually pristine. Once the lights dimmed and the action began my notes stopped. I gave myself over to the story of … Continue reading Review A Good Clean Heart, The Other Room by Eifion Ap Cadno →

The effects of social isolation have never been more relevant in today’s oh-so-social digital world. With social media companies swallowing more and more of our personal data, it’s certainly the right time to revisit a play that asks why a father might lock up his family in a top-floor flat, away from that world and … Continue reading REVIEW: Moira Buffini’s ‘Blavatsky’s Tower’ 3 Crate Productions, Chapter by Sam Pryce →

Review: Howard Barker’s The Dying of Today at The Other Room, Eifion Ap Cadno As the auditorium lights go down, tongue sits in cheek and I wrack my brains trying to work out the song playing… It’s “I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingos. It complements the set beautifully. I have always been … Continue reading Review: Review Howard Barker’s The Dying of Today at The Other Room, Eifion Ap Cadno →

As promised here’s my interview with The Other Room Artistic Director and Blasted director Kate Wasserberg and Blasted cast members, actors Christian Patterson (Ian), Louise Collins (Cate) and Simon Nehan (Soldier). Why Blasted? Kate: It’s two things really. I wanted to open The Other Room with a play that really used the intensity of the … Continue reading An interview with the Blasted Cast and Director by Eifion Ap Cadno →

  Production photo by Pallasca Photography Those who saw The Other Room’s production of Sarah Kane’s Blasted might not understand this: I saw it twice. You can read my initial review here https://theyoungcritics.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/review-of-the-other-rooms-production-of-sarah-kanes-blasted/ Invited to see it again, I’m tasked with talking about its development. I’m currently reading Pat Barker’s Regeneration which explores our ability … Continue reading Blasted a return visit and second time thoughts by Eifion Ap Cadno →

Photo credit Farrow Creative Welsh playwright Gary Owen wrote this shattering triptych of vulnerable masculinity in 2001. Now, in 2014, it gnaws at the bone just as much. In fact, in this production by Waking Exploits, it may as well snap the bone off completely. Three accomplished actors deliver three similarly brash, shocking monologues in a … Continue reading REVIEW: Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco – Chapter, Cardiff by Sam Pryce →

Pictures by Kirsten McTernan Described by Guardian critic Michael Billington as ‘a startling debut that spluttered and fizzed like an out-of-control firework’, Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco starts its Welsh tour this week at Chapter in a revival by Waking Exploits. Chapter – famed for showcasing new works alongside old – is the venue where Gary … Continue reading PREVIEW: ‘Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco’ by Gary Owen – Waking Exploits by Sam Pryce →