Theatr Clwyd Archives - North West End UK

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 ...

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 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 ...