September is always a busy time in the theatrical calendar with many theatre seasons commencing at various venues after the summer break.
Musicals were hot on the agenda throughout September. While Glass Ceiling Theatre opened the Dolman Theatre’s programme of shows with Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cardiff’s New Theatre featured both Blood Brothers (starring Lyn Paul for the final time as Mrs Johnstone) for a two-week run and Little Miss Sunshine (featuring Lucy O’Byrne – seen last year in The Sound of Music at The New Theatre and Evita at Wales Millennium Centre).
National Theatre Wales launched two exciting but contrasting productions within days of each other. Ed Thomas’ edgy but absorbing On Bear Ridge featuring Rhys Ifans has just completed a run at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and transfers to The Royal Court, London in late October. Katherine Chandler’s monologue tribute to the NHS and its volunteers, Peggy’s Song, performed brilliantly by Christian Patterson is continuing to tour South Wales during October.
Glass Ceiling Theatre – Thoroughly Modern Millie,
Dolman Theatre, Newport
“Colourful in style and presentation, Thoroughly Modern Millie captures the essence of its 1920s setting with art deco and backdrop graphics.”
Blood Brothers,
New Theatre, Cardiff
“Lyn Paul gives a magnificent vocal performance as Mrs Johnstone. Living up to the iconic status Miss Paul has been given for the role over the years, she is Natural, believable and pitch perfect.”
Little Miss Sunshine,
New Theatre, Cardiff
“Grounded in gritty realism with identifiable characterisations, Little Miss Sunshine packs in the extra reality punch to reward the audience with genuine belly laughs and a long-lasting feelgood factor!”
National Theatre Wales’ On Bear Ridge.
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
“As the sound of aircraft and missiles from an unknown enemy fly overhead, there is a sense of a history of stories and situations that have brought the central characters to a somewhat surreal journeys end.”
National Theare Wales’ Peggy’s Song.
The Riverfront, Newport
“Christian Patterson brings Katherine Chandler’s monologue to life with interpretations of a variety of characters and scenarios, resulting in an accessible, emotional but frequently funny story, while sensitively taking in subjects such as mental health, bereavement and homelessness.”
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