Review, Orpheus Descending, A Theatr Clwyd/Menier Chocolate Factory Co-production by Gareth Williams

The set design may be far more sedate than in her last production, Home, I’m Darling. But the cast assembled by director Tamara Harvey for her latest offering Orpheus Descending spark off one another with electrifying chemistry. One wonders what she does during the rehearsal process that nurtures such strong unity among cast members, and … Continue reading Review, Orpheus Descending, A Theatr Clwyd/Menier Chocolate Factory Co-production by Gareth Williams

Review, Kitty MacFarlane, Record Journal Live, Gwaenysgor Village Hall by Gareth Williams

On a cold Autumn evening, I ventured through the country lanes of North East Wales to the village of Gwaenysgor. It seems a very innocuous place to attend a gig with one of folk music’s brightest upcoming stars. Yet the small village hall, nestled in a corner just off the main road, was the perfect … Continue reading Review, Kitty MacFarlane, Record Journal Live, Gwaenysgor Village Hall by Gareth Williams

Review Home, I’m Darling, A Theatr Clwyd/ National Theatre Co-production by Gareth Williams

Update : the production is transferring to the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre for a limited season this January. Booking can be made at the highlighted link above. Travelling along the sun-drenched roads of North Wales in the heat of an early July evening, I wondered whether it was the right time to be … Continue reading Review Home, I’m Darling, A Theatr Clwyd/ National Theatre Co-production by Gareth Williams

Review, Ghost of You, Megan O’Neill by Gareth Williams

Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill has just released a beautiful debut album that I would highly recommend listening to. Ghost of You is a lovely collection of songs that represent a wonderful opportunity for some easy listening on a summer’s afternoon. Served as a main course of ballads with a side of electric guitar-infused pop, it … Continue reading Review, Ghost of You, Megan O’Neill by Gareth Williams

Review, Parch, S4C by Gareth Williams

Last Sunday evening, I spent a good ten minutes with my hand firmly placed over my mouth. In the final episode of S4C drama series Parch, there was such an unexpected twist that I simply hadn’t seen coming. In my own words, ‘Well, that was a bombshell and a half’. To think that this is … Continue reading Review, Parch, S4C by Gareth Williams

Series Review, Keeping Faith, BBC Wales by Gareth Williams

Having just watched the final episode of Keeping Faith on BBC Wales, I’m asking myself: Is this a golden age for Welsh television drama? Hinterland was critically-acclaimed. Bang featured in the national press. Gwaith/Cartref continues to be a marker for quality Welsh-language drama. Parch has just entered its third series. And Craith will be broadcast … Continue reading Series Review, Keeping Faith, BBC Wales by Gareth Williams

Review, Great Expectations, Tilted Wig & Malvern Theatres at Theatr Clwyd by Gareth Williams

To be familiar with a narrative can sometimes evoke the desire for a fresh perspective. Yet even as one anticipates the events of a classic literary text such as Great Expectations, another member of the audience might be encountering it for the first time. Therefore, ideally, the adaptation must stay true to the original whilst … Continue reading Review, Great Expectations, Tilted Wig & Malvern Theatres at Theatr Clwyd by Gareth Williams

Review, The Weir, Theatr Clwyd by Gareth Williams

Whilst on holiday in Ireland a couple of years ago, a visit to the low-lying valley of Glendalough found us walking through the stone ruins of a monastery. On this particular day, the mist had come down. There was rain in the air. For a popular tourist destination, there were few people around. It was … Continue reading Review, The Weir, Theatr Clwyd by Gareth Williams

Review, Heartbreak Talks, Fifth Floor by Gareth Williams

    The debut album of Swedish duo Fifth Floor is a fine collection of tracks that draw together well-written lyrics and catchy musical arrangements. Imbibed with country-style riffs and rhythms, this selection of songs also features a fair bit of punkish attitude. Contrast that with some beautiful harmonies and you get an interesting overall … Continue reading Review, Heartbreak Talks, Fifth Floor by Gareth Williams

Review, To Leave/ To Be Left, Robbie Cavanagh by Gareth Williams

Wow. What have you done to me Robbie Cavanagh? I did not expect that. The debut album of this Manchester musician, released this week, stunned me into almost complete silence. Titled ‘To Leave/ To Be Left’, Cavanagh’s first full-length feature may begin with a feel-good beat, but it gradually becomes a mystical, beautiful and haunting … Continue reading Review, To Leave/ To Be Left, Robbie Cavanagh by Gareth Williams