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

Simple enjoyable stuff if you obey the basic rules

At the Torch

Torch Theatre- Danny and the Donkey Man , Torch Theatre, Milford Haven , December 6, 2002

There are several basic rules of thumb for the adult critic faced with a seasonal programme of shows aimed at audiences considerably younger than themselves.

The first rule is that if you can hear more than 30% of the dialogue there’s something wrong.

The screaming should deafen most of what the characters are saying, and Peter Doran’s production of the Torch’s annual crowd pleaser nearly succeeds.

A bit of judicious cutting, especially at the stodgy beginning, should see it right.

The second rule, the storyline, for reasons obvious, should not be too taxing.

An adventure, a villain and assistant villain, a comedy character and a hero with whom the audience can associate (ie, young and not impossibly good-looking or bright or valiant) with some support from like-minded honest folk.

Though, based as it is on computer games, it will probably be far too complex for the older critics.

Young Danny (an outstanding Huw Bevan) fits the bill admirably: specs, nice (single) mum, not a fashion victim, sense of what’s right, gutsy. His friend, discovered by climbing into the console of his game station, is Agrid, the Donkey Man, a warrior emasculated (despite what sniggering adult readers may have inferred) by his animal metamorphosis.

The baddie is Rinigar, a rather sexy (in a kind of sadomasochistic way) Ice Maiden, and the Tolkeinish plot is all about recovering a magic crystal by moving through different levels.

The third rule is that the music should be at least catchy – and preferably not rehashed pop songs.

James Williams’s numbers are a bit too much Pet Shop Boys sounding for my liking but some melodies are striking and others effective, with that valuable asset of making you think you have heard them before.

The fourth rule is that you should be able to sit back and enjoy just looking at the stage (because you won’t hear or understand much).

The fifth rule – well it goes on. Best not to think too deeply.

Peter Doran’s own script only occasionally gets too wordy and never patronises – it’s a fine, fun show and it’s good to see Royal Welsh College of Music graduates like Kyra Williams, Louisa Tee and Lee Mango in the Company.

Reviewed by: David Adams

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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 Tim Barrett (04 December 2017)
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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 Ron Waters, The Stage (16 February 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 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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