Review of At the Torch from the theatre dance and drama in Wales web site

At the Torch

Torch Theatre- Only a Matter of Time , Torch Theatre , February 16, 2006

This review first appeared in the Stage online

There exist so many physical links between modern times and that huge upsurge of energy that was the industrial revolution. Yet here author Alan Plater chooses the abstract bridge of time to link the generations and provide the story’s theme.

Two men are to meet in rural Wales at a time when the cruelties of coal and ruthless ‘iron masters’ have already damaged its people.

Fanshawe, played by Giles Thomas, is an envoy for Brunel’s new railway, sent ahead to spread the gospel of prosperity that he is certain it will bring.

Gareth Bale’s so-convincing Meredith is a man of the earth, a “mere peasant” in Fanshawe’s eyes, yet the modern sophistication of his argument is no match for Meredith’s down to earth scepticism.

Sean Crowley’s effectively simple set provides a perfect platform for dialogue that demands the audience’s attention. And, although the play might touch on still-raw wounds from Welsh history, its dialogue is without raised voices or heavy rhetoric.

The two men will meet once more, some generations on, and we of course have knowledge of the history in-between.

Giles’ Fanshawe is perfect as the man from the ministry, now on an apologetic mission for a government’s past wrongs. And again it is Meredith, a conductor on an InterCity125 but still with the wisdom of his forebears (and a cousin on the council) who gives him guidance.

Although its scenes are located in two specific eras, the play’s emotions are timeless and Peter Doran’s production could travel comfortably anywhere in the UK. It is all fine entertainment and gentle education, with measured flavourings of folklore and fact.

Reviewed by: Ron Waters, The Stage

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There are 81 other reviews of productions with this title in our database:

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At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (04 March 2016)
At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (13 October 2015)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (09 December 2013)
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At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (03 December 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (10 November 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Amanda Griffiths (15 October 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (08 October 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Jessie Condon (05 October 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Jessie Condon (03 August 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Victor Hallett (16 May 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (10 May 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (27 April 2012)
At the Torch- reviewed by Victor Hallett (09 June 2011)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (14 May 2011)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (15 December 2010)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (11 October 2010)
At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (19 August 2010)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (13 August 2009)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (07 August 2009)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (04 August 2009)
At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (26 April 2009)
At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (12 December 2008)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (05 April 2008)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (04 December 2006)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (25 October 2006)
At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (20 July 2006)
At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (09 March 2006)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (12 February 2006)
At the Torch- reviewed by Terry Johnson, The Stage (15 October 2005)
At the Torch- reviewed by Fiona Phillips (12 October 2005)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 October 2005)
At the Torch- reviewed by Simon Carr. Western Telegraph (09 December 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (23 October 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by Emma Jones, Western Telegraph (21 October 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Walters, Milford Mercury (21 October 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by Graham Williams (10 March 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 February 2004)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (10 February 2003)
At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (06 February 2003)
At the Torch- reviewed by Jenny Hanson, Tenby Observer (05 February 2003)
At the Torch- reviewed by ANDREW DAVIES, TENBY OBSERVER (31 January 2003)
At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, The Stage (06 December 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 December 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by JENNY HANSON (06 December 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by ANDREW DAVIES, TENBY OBSERVER (06 December 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Assorted Edinburgh papers (02 August 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Zoe Hewett (26 March 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Zoe Hewett (09 March 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (09 March 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Rebecca Nesvet (28 February 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, The Stage (21 February 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Andrews Davies (15 February 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by MILFORD & WEST WALES MERCURY (15 February 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Keith Johnson, Western Telegaph (13 February 2002)
At the Torch- reviewed by Tenby Observer (07 December 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, Milford Mercury (07 December 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Janet Bott (07 December 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Fiona Phillips (05 December 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (26 October 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (11 September 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (09 August 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Victoria Cooper (10 March 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Elaine Atack (03 March 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Rebecca Nesvett (28 February 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (The Stage) (15 February 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (14 February 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (08 February 2001)
At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (21 October 2000)

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