Theatr Clwyd Archives - North West End UK

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 ...

30Mar

By Paul DownhamNo 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 involve...

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 si...

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 warmt...

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Theatr Clwyd

17Feb

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Theatr Clwyd

Go, Go, Go Tip Top you’ve done it again! Tip Top Productions has brought an incredible version of Joseph to Theatr Clwyd and within the first five minutes I know this is going to be something special. With Direction and Choreography by Rob Stevens, we are treated to a show that would not look out of place on a West End stage and as bold a statement as this may be, this has got to be the best version of this show I have seen. Ever. The direction is clear and precise, bringing out the best in the cast members on the stage, taking us through many emotions and eventually leaving the whole audience on our feet, cheering, clapping, and dancing along. The choreography is incredible. It’s inventive, clean, slick and uses many assorted styles. The cast take hold of every move and deliver it wit...

<strong>Robin Hood ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd</strong>

25Nov

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

Robin Hood ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

Is there anywhere that can do a Rock ‘n’ Roll panto better than Theatr Clwyd? In my opinion ‘Oh no there isn't.’ Writer Christian Patterson has written a fantastic panto this year, full of gags, current topics and local areas as part of the humour. Wonderfully directed by Tamara Harvey, Robin Hood is a hit for all. The audience were laughing booing and cheering in all the right places and proves that Theatr Clwyd is the place to be for panto this Christmas season. The set designed by Adrian Gee is perfect for this show. Over different levels as the Forest of Flintshire(shire), it is a feast for the eye and I fully enjoyed digesting it all. Johanna Town helps bring it all to life with intricate, well thought out lighting and the sound was fantastic all night thanks to Matthew William...

Stars of stage and screen to star in The Lavender Hill Mob at Theatr Clwyd this month

7Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Stars of stage and screen to star in The Lavender Hill Mob at Theatr Clwyd this month

One of the “greatest British films of all time” (BFI) will come to Theatr Clwyd this October. Brought to life on stage by Olivier-nominated playwright Phil Porter, directed by Tony and Olivier-nominated Jeremy Sams and starring acclaimed comic actors Miles Jupp (The Durrells, Rev, The Thick Of It) and Justin Edwards (The Thick of It, 1917 and The Ferryman) The world premiere adaptation of The Lavender Hill Mob is a side-splittingly funny, fast-paced comedy that tells the story of Henry Holland, an unassuming bank clerk who dreams of stealing the van full of gold bullion he drives across London each day. When Henry learns that his new lodger makes Eiffel Tower paperweights out of lead, he devises a plan to make his dream a reality. It’s a golden opportunity to pull off the crime of the ...

30Sep

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

The Famous Five – Theatr Clwyd

Theatr Clwyd have done what they do best and brought us an original piece of theatre in the form of a fantastic musical, The Famous Five. Made Famous by the stories by Enid Blyton, Elinor Cook has created the book for this musical telling us how the Famous Five met and became who they are. With George, her dog Timmy and three cousins, Julian, Dick and Anne, we are taken on an adventure over the Summer on Kirran Island. Theatr Clwyd's Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey, has worked her magic once again, and with the help of a hugely talented cast and team, brought a wonderful story to life. And by looking around the audience tonight, it was hugely enjoyed by a wide range of people of all ages. The pre-set is fantastic with a projection of Kirran Island and the key places that we will...

4Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

National Youth Theatre of Wales and Theatr Clwyd present, a brand-new comedy as part of exciting partnership

National Youth Theatre of Wales and Theatr Clwyd are co-producing their first full length production together, The In-Between. The show will open at Theatr Clwyd before heading to The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. This brand-new comedy has been written by one of Wales’ leading playwrights Gary Owen (Iphigenia in Splott) and BAFTA-nominated actress and writer, Alexandria Riley (Pembrokshire Murderers, In My Skin). A new comedy about growing up. Fay is finished. Her tutors at the music college are telling her she’s failing. She’s giving everything she can - and it’s not enough. Fay’s not going to fail. She’s going to do the mature, grown-up thing. She’s going to quit. All she has to do is walk to college, hand in her letter and she’s free from the struggle and the worry....

13Jul

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

A Pretty Sh*tty Love – Theatr Clwyd

Written by Katherine Chandler, A Pretty Sh*tty Love is inspired by true events that shook Wales and reverberated around the world. A story about dreaming of love, living in fear and finding the strength to pull yourself out. Chandler has written an extremely detailed and honest piece which evokes all sorts of feelings, both good and not so good. It is a good mix of humour and extreme emotion. Perfectly directed by Francesca Goodridge, we are transported from the world of new love and happiness to the dark world of jealousy, control and violence. With an interesting set made of a maze of glass walls with words written on them, designer Lulu Tam has created a world of wonder and confusion which added an extra depth to the storytelling. Lighting by Jess Bernberg was very cleverly used to ...