Theatr Clwyd Archives - North West End UK

3Oct

By Gill LewisNo Comments

Wales

Kin – Theatr Clwyd

A two-hander which deftly weaves together and unravels an abyss of unexpected, shocking revelations and emotional depths. An end of seat dark comedy drama exploring the complexities of a strained sister-in-law relationship amidst a backdrop of loss. The affluent McGregor family, steeped in privilege, is rocked by the sudden death of Robert McGregor, leading to a tense reunion between his logical wife, Kay (Roberta Kerr), and her free-spirited estranged sister-in-law, Steph (Kerry Willison-Parry), Robert’s younger sister. As Kay attempts to navigate her grief with a veneer of control, Steph’s irreverent probing unearths some deep-seated resentments, particularly with Kay’s pointed comments about Steph’s financial irresponsibility, and Steph’s disdain of Kay’s working-class roots, incl...

13Jun

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

Sweet Charity – Theatr Clwyd

A musical delight with an extremely talented cast. Sweet Charity, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’ seminal 60’s musical with book by Neil Simon, isn’t produced as much as it should be, so it was a rare opportunity to see it at Theatr Clywd. The talented company of TIP TOP did a wonderful job and presented an amateur production with a professional feel. Under Steve Davies’ imaginative direction, Rhian Lyon’s dynamic choreography and Tim Jones’ excellent musical direction this was a delightful, entertaining evening. Most will remember the film with Shirley MacLaine – the shy, generous, dance hostess who loses her heart too easily and always ends up with it broken. Shirley brought a quirky vulnerability to the role which was memorable and hard to follow. Here, Rebecca Snowden in the title...

24Apr

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

Wales

Oh What a Lovely War – Theatr Clwyd

Joan Littlewood’s iconic, satirical masterpiece O what a lovely war! was first performed sixty years ago and is still as memorable and important as ever. Blackeyed Theatre’s new touring production is imaginative and confidently performed by a small troupe of six multi-talented actor-musicians. As its aesthetic is a stylized circus theme, it suited Theatr Clwyd’s beautiful temporary ‘tent’ which if you haven’t seen, the word doesn’t do it justice: it’s a wonderful space and well worth a visit. Into this, Director Nicky Allpress brings a small and somewhat subdued colour-toned group of circus performers with just a splash of red from the ringmaster. The simplistic set of a big top entrance is itself drab but works well as a khaki background to the war games that are to be r...

10Apr

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

Kill Thy Neighbour – Theatr Clwyd

Opening their spring season of shows, we are introduced to their first made by Theatr Clwyd production of the year, Lucie Lovatt’s Kill Thy Neighbour. As the developmental work continues in the main building we are back in the Mix, and this is the biggest set we have seen in this space. The set takes over the full stage and completely transports you into the main house of the piece. I found it interesting how The Mix loses a lot of itself in this show, with the impressive set taking over it, meaning the use of all the usual lights and effects are unable to be used. The Mix is a great space for the time being, but I personally find it quite uncomfortable for lengthy periods of sitting, with the seats being quite close together and hard. Also, external noise unfortunately can be heard at ...

Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit – Theatr Clwyd

13Mar

By Coral MourantNo Comments

North West

Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit – Theatr Clwyd

All aboard the murderous train for a fast paced, laugh a minute ride! Amateur detectives, this is your time to shine and find the culprit. With this production, the company of Pinch Punch has managed to add more fun to the “murder mystery” trope, with a slick and silly show for all the family. The detective leads the audience through a tale of murder, mayhem and… whatever you want it to be! That’s the fun of this show, it is totally dependent on the audience’s input. Whether it be choosing a character’s occupation, the train destination, or who the tragic victim may be, it’s all up to you. The actors boast that they have never (and will never again) perform this show, and they take on whatever the crowd comes up with. Even the characters themselves were forged from snippets of audience ...

Sleeping Beauty: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

7Dec

By Coral MourantNo Comments

Wales

Sleeping Beauty: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

A theatre renovation was never going to stop Theatr Clwyd from putting on yet another smash-hit pantomime. Instead, the team have created their very own “Big Top”, where the usual madness ensues. The outdoor Big Top features a giant thrust stage, adorned with webs of light and tiered seating all around. No matter which side of the auditorium you sit in, the boundless energy of the cast makes sure that you are fully immersed in the pandemonium of this year's panto. This version of “Sleeping Beauty” is not the tale you may have in mind. Christian Patterson's script has a brilliant balance of classic pantomime charm and modern flair. There's still the typical spinning wheel curse, but this Princess values friendship and freedom over romance. Part of the reason that this twist works, ...

5May

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

Truth or Dare – Theatr Clwyd

Truth or Dare? Do you have the courage to answer the question? Can you face the outcome? Theatr Clwyd have brought us an interesting concept in the form of Truth or Dare. Truth and Dare are split over two performances, each with 5 short plays to tease and entertain. The 10 plays are written by 10 incredible writers who each bring us a little piece of joy or sadness to keep these plays fresh and interesting. The set for both events are the same, with different sized boxes and cupboards, lined up across the back with Truth or Dare written on them. These pieces are then used throughout to make set pieces, stood or lay on, things put inside, and all moved by the cast to keep the plays moving along. Set is designed by Millie Lamkin and even though simple it is very well used and doesn’t n...

30Mar

By Grace AnnabelNo Comments

Wales

Heathers the Musical – Theatr Clwyd

More often than not, I find that film-into-musical adaptations do not quite hit the mark on a number of counts, often seeming to have been created by piggybacking off an established brand for revenue purposes alone. Yet last night's performance of Heathers: The Musical felt fresh, vibrant and pleasing even to die-hard fanatics of the original 80s cult film. To borrow a quote from the musical itself, this show really was ‘Big Fun’. I had the pleasure of watching this show during its most recent UK tour, in one of my favourite venues, Mold's Theatr Clwyd. I felt this a very apt setting for the production - a space where the show’s filling set can be appreciated to its fullest on a slightly larger-scale stage, but which also offers an intimate ambience, allowing the audience to be involved...

23Mar

By Carole BaldockNo Comments

Wales

Little Women – Theatr Clwyd

And there they all are on the programme cover: hot headed Jo, thoughtful Meg, quiet Beth at her beloved piano, and spoilt brat Amy…wait a minute – it’s the same actress, Hannah Churchill. And what fun she has playing every character, and how extremely well she does it. But you’ll never guess when it was created; oh ok, you probably will since Jo is stuck in her attic, struggling to write. And we’re in the studio, on quite frankly not very comfortable seats with a howling gale rocking the building and tumultuous rain drilling the roof. Not the only things with which our heroine has to contend; it does get confusing at times, and a little contrived because it can be distracting as she has to rapidly change positions, up and down by the minute, to try and make it abundantly clear which sis...

1Mar

By Gill LewisNo Comments

Wales

The Shawshank Redemption – Theatr Clwyd

A strong visual greets us at the Shawshank Prison followed by authoritative narration which quickly spirals into an uneven and often questionable production based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, ‘Rita Heyworth and The Shawshank Redemption’. Bill Kenwright’s production attempts to rejuvenate the charm which has made this a remarkable tale of hope, friendship and injustice, sitting firmly within the canon of popular culture. Recognised as one of the greatest films ever made, the 1994 film ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is considered a cult cinematic masterpiece, historically and aesthetically significant. The bulk of the story sits on the shoulders of its two protagonists Ellis ‘Red’ Redding (Ben Onwukwe) and new inmate Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom). Unfortunately, this friendship lacked warmth...