Thursday 21^st June to Saturday 23^rd June 2012 - 'The Corn is Green', Emlyn Williams' classic semi autobiographical story about the difficulties faced by an English teacher's attempts to bring education to a small, poverty stricken Welsh mining village in late 19^th century, in particular the attempt to guide a gifted pupil to achieve success and make his way in the world, despite his lowly background. An inspiring and dramatic story combining a good deal of humour along the way.

Thursday & Sundays: Rehearsals, Pentyrch Village Hall, 7:30pm

 

Murder most foul. The harrowing tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon barber of Fleet Street, graphically told in a chilling play by C. G. Bond.

Martyn Lewis gave a fine performance as Sweeney Todd, with many nuances of darkness, despair & revenge-seeking anguish. Fleur Greening, as Mrs Lovett, purveyor of the worst pies in London, played with an edgy, nervous intensity in her collaboration with Sweeney, and culinary disposal of his victims.

Becky Church was sweetly innocent as Sweeney's long lost daughter Johanna, with Phil Davies , disturbingly repulsive as her gaurdian, the lascivious & corrupt Judge Turpin, abetted by Dai Williams, as the unpleasant & menacing Beadle.

A sound performance by Tim Driscoll, as Anthony the romantic sailor in love with Johanna. Helen Page, as the sad, demented Beggar Woman, a confidence performance by Meredith Edwards, as the young & trusting lad Tobias, with supporting roles by Mark Pinches (Alfredo). John Sadler & Rhys Stapleton, completed an able & worthy cast.

Direction by Helen Page, had good atmosphere & sense of period with chilling scenes of darkness & gore with the tension relieved, at times, with moments of blach humour.

Set design by Rhys Stapleton, accommodated the many scenes & maximised the limited playing area conveying the stark squalor of the time. A good evening of shock horror.

Reviewed by Frank Wooles (NODA)