Rural Touring, an unusual concept in the populous, industrial South Wales but it isn’t just about expanses of green fields it is about reaching out to smaller communities: giving village halls and community centre’s access to the arts, access that would normally be a huge expense often resulting in a loss. The fantastic Night Out scheme provides that all important financial cushion; so that the Promoter’s who work to bring acts to their neighbours, do not have to worry about that potential financial loss. Night Out is just the Welsh version supported but Arts Council Wales, there are other fantastic scheme’s that run across the UK funded by Arts Council England grants.
As part of the conference a series of 5 showcases occurred where artists and theatre companies presented their wares, their 15 minutes of Rural Touring fame almost as they worked hard to impress the audience before them. An amazing and versatile array of performances they each had their own way of hooking the audience in and entertaining.
Showcase A:
3D Theatre Company: When the Wind Blows.
The cold war is afoot and ordinary older people are swept up in the scare mongering propaganda, in extraordinary circumstances this husband and wife team also combat the generation gap where the son see’s the fatalism of the situation and scoffs at the ‘Governmental directive’. Comically entrancing, When the Wind Blows is perfect for rural venues with its fabulous set with miniature proportions that folds out from a particularly unassuming box.
Chris Tally Evans: Tales of First and Second Sight.
A one man show that mixes theatre with stand-up comedy and he tells the tales as the main character.
Rhodri Miles: Burton.
A one man show with a difference: Miles’ strong voice personifies Burton, delving into the man behind the films, using quotes from Shakespeare to add a certain depth yet it simply adds to the intensity already portrayed in this misunderstood actor. Pouring drinks often from his little silver drinks trolley he uses the full expanse of stage, sitting and standing as if in a world of his own. Expressive and intriguing, Burton is definitely one to see.
Showcase B:
Mai Oh Mai Productions: The Harri-Parris – The Leaving Do.
A truly comic insight into West Walian ‘normality’: one family member is leaving for London to find adventure and they spend the time fondly reminiscing over nights out that were truly awful. Done almost in the musical form they entertain using modern rap and traditional show music their use of stereotypes does nothing to detract from the piece. The occasional phrase in Welsh is quite happily translated by the ‘European’: a Slovakian farmhand with his funny behaviour.
Gareth Bonello: The Gentle Good & Harriet Earis.
The Showcase’s are not just about theatre and these two musicians kick off the tunes. Together they combined the traditions of the harp with the more modern guitar in a modern take on folk music with original compositions: creating haunting melodies that blended past and present. As the first time I had heard a harp outside of a traditional setting, and her energetic playing brought a new dimension to the instrument. Alone or as a pair I am sure the audience will be spellbound by their playing.
Paul Granjon: Hand Made Machines.
Possibly the more unusual and off the wall of the showcase presentations Paul Granjon came on with a varied set of contraptions, from an electronic wagging tale and movable ears to a humanoid robot that disco dances. Definitely one for the modern teenager, or even your inner teenager: utterly fascinated by the weird and wonderful. Combining satirical singing (he clearly knows he can’t really sing) with music from his electric Zitar and done in French and English to add more flavour again. If I am honest I didn’t appreciate the act at the start, it felt clunky and slow to get going: although the ‘technical glitches’ were very comedy of errors and as it got going in the middle I did start to enjoy it far more.
Devil’s Violin: A love Like Salt.
Possibly the best act of the night: the passion and power behind the performance was exceptional. Combining music and the spoken word they bring the traditional oral tale into the 21st Century and still use traditional tales. A tale I’ve not heard since being sat on my Gram’s lap, A Love Like Salt entranced and caused a welling of nostalgia and I would have sat there for far more. Phenomenal!
The Stu Brow Sextet presents Twisted Toons: The Music of Raymond Scott.
I had never heard of Raymond Scott until that moment but the tunes were completely familiar. Used in Looney Tunes, Ren & Stimpy and The Simpsons the music has entertained generations of children and adults. Here those tunes are performed with vigour and skill, the sextet playing to perfection as a band and as individuals in their solos.
Ginge & Celloboi:
Upbeat music performed through a multitude of genres: Bluegrass, Country and Gospel. They blend Jonny Cash tunes with original Welsh language compositions that would suit anyone and everyone. An entertaining duo!
Due to the fantastically impossible amount of theatre, music and entertainment on show, 15 minute segments or not. The further three Showcases that were organised for our entertainment will be in the post to follow
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