Somewhere in England |
| Clwyd Theatr Cymru , Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold. , October 23, 2014 |
During World War 2 the BBC moved its most popular radio programmes out of London because of the dangers from enemy bombs. The most popular of all was ITMA with its iconic catch phrases, which was always announced as being from "Somewhere In England" but was in fact from somewhere in Wales, Bangor to be precise. That's the background to Mike James' new play, from an idea by John Biggins, but this is no documentary. It's a hugely entertaining look at the clash of worlds, not the war but the effect on a Welsh speaking community of the glamorous world of the wireless being in their midst particularly the presence of stars like Tommy Handley and especially Arthur Askey. Young Dewi is really lucky. He has a job providing the sound effects for ITMA so is seen to be part of the glamour. His world though is torn apart by receiving his call-up papers, falling in love with a Land Girl and being seduced by a beautiful man-eating singer. Director Peter Rowe skilfully moves his large cast around Judith Croft's versatile and often revolving set. Songs of the period weave around the actors, performed live as though they are being broadcast. Tom Blumberg is a delightful innocent as Dewi while Sara Harris-Davies is the epitome of a Welsh Mam. She has an enchanting scene where she meets and dances with Arthur Askey. Philip Bretherton and Paul Barnhill sketch in Handley and Askey well, especially their professional rivalry. In fact the whole cast is excellent and includes some fine multiple part playing. This is a very funny, tuneful, moving and always entertaining production, feelgood certainly as well as enlightening and evocative. ....... Somewhere in England by Mike James. Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold. |
Reviewed by: VICTOR HALLETT |
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