Emma Rice's production of Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is a masterful adaptation that distills the essence of the beloved poem into an intimate and enchanting theatrical experience. With only five performers - one pianist and four actors - the ensemble brings a whirlwind of characters to life, imbuing each scene with a sense of magic that perfectly captures Thomas's unique blend of hope and melancholy.
Set in a tiny converted church in Frome, the production feels like a cherished communal gathering, where the audience is encouraged to participate in carols and share family photos of the characters. This sense of warmth and togetherness is palpable, as if the very spirit of Thomas's poem has cast its spell on the venue.
The stage design is a marvel, with two giant weathered wooden doors serving as a backdrop for the adult world inside and the children's imaginative adventure outside. The ensemble shines in their performances, each one bringing their own unique talents to the table. Tom Fox excels at clowning, while Katy Owen brings depth and passion to her narration of Thomas's poem. Robyn Sinclair's singing is characterized by vulnerability, while Ian Ross's songs weave a gentle narrative thread throughout the production.
Simon Oskarsson's trumpet playing is particularly noteworthy, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings. However, the framing device about Dylan Thomas himself feels slightly forced and unnecessary, a minor quibble in an otherwise flawless production.
Ultimately, "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is a Christmas play that defies expectations, embracing the complexities and difficulties of the holiday season while still managing to evoke feelings of love, music, and wonder. With its exquisite adaptation, beautiful stage design, and outstanding ensemble performances, this production is sure to leave audiences spellbound and enchanted.
Set in a tiny converted church in Frome, the production feels like a cherished communal gathering, where the audience is encouraged to participate in carols and share family photos of the characters. This sense of warmth and togetherness is palpable, as if the very spirit of Thomas's poem has cast its spell on the venue.
The stage design is a marvel, with two giant weathered wooden doors serving as a backdrop for the adult world inside and the children's imaginative adventure outside. The ensemble shines in their performances, each one bringing their own unique talents to the table. Tom Fox excels at clowning, while Katy Owen brings depth and passion to her narration of Thomas's poem. Robyn Sinclair's singing is characterized by vulnerability, while Ian Ross's songs weave a gentle narrative thread throughout the production.
Simon Oskarsson's trumpet playing is particularly noteworthy, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings. However, the framing device about Dylan Thomas himself feels slightly forced and unnecessary, a minor quibble in an otherwise flawless production.
Ultimately, "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is a Christmas play that defies expectations, embracing the complexities and difficulties of the holiday season while still managing to evoke feelings of love, music, and wonder. With its exquisite adaptation, beautiful stage design, and outstanding ensemble performances, this production is sure to leave audiences spellbound and enchanted.
! The way they've woven together the story, characters, and music feels like a warm hug on a cold winter's day 
. I love how it's not just about retelling the poem, but also about capturing the essence of the holiday season – all its joys and struggles 
. And can we talk about that stage design? 
Those wooden doors are stunning! The way they transport you from one world to another is pure magic 
. What I appreciate most is how it feels like a big, cozy family gathering – inviting and inclusive 
. Okay, maybe the Dylan Thomas framing device could be cut down a notch, but honestly, that's a tiny thing in an otherwise perfect production 
i mean, 5 performers is crazy but it works so well! they totally capture the essence of hope & melancholy in this production 
and the stage design is insane 
those giant doors are like nothing i've ever seen before! 
and the way they make you feel like part of the family is just genius 
but overall, this production is pure magic 
! The idea of sharing family photos on set is genius, it makes the whole experience feel super intimate 
. And can we talk about Simon Oskarsson's trumpet playing? It adds this extra layer of depth to the production that's just wow 
. I mean, who wouldn't want a Christmas play that tackles tough topics but still manages to be uplifting and joyful? 
and can we talk about the cast?! each of them brought their own unique energy to the performance 
I loved how they made us feel like part of the family, sharing photos & singing carols... it was SO intimate! 
but overall, this play is a MASTERCLASS in storytelling & adaptation 
and the stage design? wow, those giant weathered wooden doors are EVERYTHING 
The way they incorporate the audience into the show is genius, it's like you're part of the family. And that stage design though?! It's like a dream come true – two giant doors that take you on this wild ride between reality and fantasy... I mean, what more could you ask for? 
I loved how they made you feel like part of the community, even just as an audience member 
. It's not often you see a production that can evoke both hope and melancholy in equal measure, but this one nailed it 
, it just goes to show how talented each and every one of them is. And can we talk about the stage design? Those giant wooden doors are straight out of a fairy tale 
! I did notice that the framing device around Dylan Thomas felt a bit forced though, maybe they could've cut it down to make it even more concise? 
!
. One thing that got me was the use of the weathered wooden doors as a backdrop... it feels so evocative! And Simon Oskarsson's trumpet playing is just the icing on the cake 
. Overall, can't wait to see this production for myself 
I'm so obsessed with Emma Rice's "A Child's Christmas in Wales"! The way they've woven the poem into a living, breathing theatrical experience is pure magic 
. The set design is insane, those wooden doors are EVERYTHING 
. Simon Oskarsson's trumpet playing adds this whimsical touch that takes it to another level 
anyway, back to Emma Rice's production... the stage design is so cool! i wish i could visit that converted church in Frome one day