| “Pure Emotional Power...Undeniably Affecting” |
Cyn |
| Nawr ond Wedyn , Mint Studio Greenside @ George Street Edinburgh , August 26, 2025 |
The Boar was there at a preview:“A wealthy English man walks into a pub in rural Wales. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is the start to a joke but rather, this is the set-up to Sam Rees’ Cyn – a moving portrait of Welsh working-class identity in the mid-90s. A chamber piece, Cyn’s story unfurls within the walls of a small, run-down pub somewhere in Wales where an Englishman, Simon (Charlie Muskett), seeks refuge after he runs out of petrol. Inside, he meets Emyr (Sam Rees), a curt and unfriendly Welsh man who frequents the bar. “At first, Cyn appears like a fish-out-of-water comedy with a frazzled Brit subjected to various jokes at his expense due to his complete inability to blend in. However, Cyn has even more going for it, soon developing into a discussion of prejudice, protest, Thatcherism, family and community as Simon discovers the ramifications of the mid-80s miners’ strike on this small town. “From this description, Cyn may sound tonally jarring, but Sam Rees’ play is far from it, balancing the two, at times oppositional, tones wonderfully. Paired with Seren Davies’ direction, Cyn unites political commentary and humour through a raw, honest, and authentic portrayal of its subject matter. “...a lively atmosphere through the play’s many musical sequences. With performances directed by Jed Kain (who also plays guitar and sings in them), Cyn’s moments of music are deliberate and effective, designed to draw the audience into the world of the story. This is aided by the play’s interactive elements where the audience, armed with lyrics in the programme, are encouraged to sing along to the Welsh folk songs being performed. These moments are where things feel most communal as a room of relatively shy participants gradually grows in volume, urged on by the cast as well as one another. “...When engaging in such important political discussions, there can be a tendency for characters to become allegorical figures rather than fleshed-out characters. Whilst Cyn almost falls into this trap, the writing is strong enough to keep these characters as defined individuals. For the most part, they are nuanced figures with complicated emotions, able to embody wider themes whilst remaining strong characters themselves. .”..delivering pure emotional power that is undeniably affecting. Frankly, Cyn’s final few scenes are spellbinding.” Abridged, with thanks and acknowledgement, from the full review which can be read at: https://theboar.org/2025/07/cyn-review-an-ode-to-community-in-the-face-of-an-uncaring-government/ * * * * Theatre and Art Reviews was there: “Wales once saw communities ripped apart when the mines were closed and whole communities found themselves without work, hope or any prospects. Everything the people knew had gone. “It is now 1995 and 10 years ago the mine closed, the village is still there but the community has changed. “However, there’s a solitary pub which remains open. Although i question how as there’s very few patrons using it nowadays as they have either moved away or can’t afford to go out. “When Simon, a well spoken English man is travelling through the village and has run out of fuel. Emyr runs the local pub although it wasn’t what he had wanted to be doing with his life. is about the same age as Simon, but he’s “CYN gives audiences a glimpse into what happened to many mining villages that were left to deal with life after their mines closed and they were abandoned by the outside world. “The staging, cast and band were too big for the venue they are in and the production is poignant and touching. “They all deserve a larger venue for the powerful performances to make a stronger impact and allow them to move around the stage unhindered. Especially allowing more space for the bar area to expand and feel more authentic.” Abridged, with thanks and acknowledgement, from the full review which can be read at: https://theatreandartreviews.com/2025/08/20/__trashed-20/ * * * * The Fringe site recorded audience reactions: “This is my play of the fringe so far. There is so much emotion packed into the hour of immersion inside the Welsh pub, through sing alongs and flashbacks. I cannot wait to see where this show goes next as there is a lot of potential here.” “Absolute superb . Every performer was excellent. An emotional piece of theatre with some laughs too. Would recommend it to everyone.” “Intense, nostalgic, bitter and vulnerable. A clash of cultures with songs and acting that can't help but evoke emotion.” “Beautiful, emotional story about life during and after the coal strikes. Heavy and emotional and nostalgic and inspiring, I couldn’t recommend it more.” “Packed to the brim with emotion, incredibly written, incredibly performed. The songs are brilliant at making the audience feel part of the community. There is so much in their eyes, you can see the history, the sadness, the humanity all in their eyes. Absolutely beautiful play, cannot recommend enough.” From: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/cyn |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
This review has been read 255 times |
