Review of Theatr na n'Og from the theatre dance and drama in Wales web site

This splendidly larger-than-life piece of theatre

Theatr na n'Og

Theatr na n'Og- Cyrano , Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University , November 22, 2008

Neath-based company Theatr na n'ýg is rightly renowned for its commitment to producing high quality theatrical productions for young people: its theatre in education pieces, usually revolving around themes of social history, play to thousands of youngsters throughout the region and its occasional forays into larger scale works - which in the past have included the Welsh language musical Nia Ben Aur and The Princess and the Hunter - have enabled the company to reach out to a wider audience.

This splendidly larger-than-life piece of theatre - adapted by Keiron Self from the original play by Edmond Rostand, directed by Geinor Styles and co-produced in association with Theatr Brycheiniog - chronicles the romantic misadventures of Cyrano De Bergerac (played here with exactly the right degree of charisma by Mappa Mundi veteran Rob Lane): famed for his eloquence, rapier-sharp wit and panache, Cyrano is cursed with an abnormally large nose which hampers any hope of finding true love.

He has no option but to live out his romantic fantasies by providing a "voice" for swashbuckling chick-magnet Christian(James Alper), who is blessed with good looks but whose communicative skills leave much to be desired. The object of their common desire is Roxanne (Eleanor Howell)who gradually falls under the spell of Cyrano's gentility and eloquence while falsely assuming them to originate from Christian.

The show is enlivened by strong contributions from Phyllip Harries (who provides many of the broadly comic moments which help to leaven the melancholy that lies at the heart of the piece), together with fine performances from David Prince, Liam Harris, Stephen Marzella and Mali Tudno Jones in a variety of roles.

Moody lighting - used to particularly strong effect during a battle scene in which Cyrano's enemies are portrayed as a mass of sword wielding shadows - and Carl Davies's beautifully designed, eye- catching set perfectly encapsulate the feel of the piece(as indeed does Dyfan Jones' musical score)and it would take a very dull and unimaginative dog indeed not to become caught up in the magic.

The programme notes drive home the point that the story has much to say to contemporary audiences, and that "difference and timidity are more powerful enemies to happiness than an advancing army." This is indeed true, and in a culture where looks would seem to matter more than inner decency(and where nice guys invariably end up coming last), it is a message well worth repeating.

Cyrano's UK tour reaches the end of its run on Tuesday November 25 when it plays at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
This review first appeared in the Evening Post

Reviewed by: Graham Williams

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There are 36 other reviews of productions with this title in our database:

Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (05 December 2024)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (01 May 2024)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (11 April 2024)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (13 December 2023)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (04 August 2022)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (28 October 2019)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (05 November 2018)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (21 October 2018)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (18 November 2017)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (10 March 2016)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Various children of Dens Rd primary Dundee (30 March 2012)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by East Anglian Daily Times (07 March 2012)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Kate Clarke, South Wales Evening Post (29 September 2011)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Gruffudd Owen i Barn (05 September 2011)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (20 October 2009)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams (18 October 2009)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Fiona Phillips (18 December 2008)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by David Adams (03 December 2008)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Adam Somerset (28 November 2008)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (19 November 2008)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Jim Mayer (16 November 2008)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by David Adams (22 September 2006)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (03 May 2006)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams (25 April 2006)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by David Adams (15 April 2006)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Eiry Miles (Gwefan BBC Cymru) (16 November 2005)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Western Mail, Kay Shipton (22 July 2005)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Sue Lewis, Tivy-Side Advertiser (16 March 2005)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by David Adams (25 February 2005)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Dafydd Meirion (22 February 2005)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams (02 December 2004)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams (10 September 2003)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Elin Wyn Davies. (BBC ar lein) (04 August 2003)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams (28 February 2003)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Western Mail (17 February 2003)
Theatr na n'Og- reviewed by Graham Williams, South Wales Evening Post, (13 October 2001)

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