Reply
Peter Gill (1939-2026)
Now that Cardiffian Peter Gill is no more, following his death in August, it is possible to come to measured conclusions about his achievements. And there can be no doubt …
Michael Sheen: a new Welsh hero
Michael Sheen is an inspiring example to all who care about Wales. With deeds not words the Newport-born, Port Talbot-raised actor is showing the limitless potential of our abused, supressed, …
Film review
Mr BurtonThis ‘true story’ biopic about schoolteacher Philip Burton (1904-1995) and his part in the metamorphosis of promising pupil Richard Jenkins into superb actor Richard Burton (1925-1984), is fatally flawed …
Nye
Last Saturday afternoon my partner and I went to the Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) to see Nye, a new play by Tim Price about Nye Bevan (1897-1960), founder of the …
National Theatre Wales
Following an investment review the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has announced it will end the annual £1.6 million funding of National Theatre Wales (NTW) in 2024. Although NTW has …
They also were thespians…
Nine years have slipped by since I wrote about Wales and film, so I reckon it’s time to supplement that blog’s coverage of the most famous Welsh actors with this …
Siôn Eirian (1954-2020)
Wales feels a poorer, diminished place following the death in June of playwright, poet, novelist and scriptwriter Siôn Eirian. We have been deprived not just of his multi-talented artistry and …
Paul Turner (1945-2019)
Film director Paul Turner, who died in November, belonged to a small, select and precious sub-strand within Welsh society: the intelligent, civilised English incomer who evolves into a passionately pro-independence …
Token Wales
In September something most unusual happened: a group of Welsh people stood up for Wales. The action took the form of an open letter from 40 Welsh playwrights to National …
Frank Vickery (1951-2018)
Frank Vickery, who died in June, was that rarity in contemporary Welsh life: an authentic national figure who never compromised his Welsh concerns and interests to garner English/British approval. As …