by Zahid Fayyaz

This experiential, bilingual, gig-theatre show shares the experience of being a Welsh woman. A five-strong cast recite poetry and spoken word, and perform some songs, in both Welsh and English.

Focusing on the experiences of Welsh women throughout history up until the present time, this show represents all sorts of different elements of women’s lives over time. From a raucous night out in Cardiff with three women, to historical poet Gwerful Mechain, and to the first Black Welsh headteacher Bettie Campbell, its wide in both its scope and ambition. The acting is generally extremely good, with a real energy and spark too most of the scenes. It is, however, a very new as a show so some of the stories don’t come together as smoothly as they could do with some more rehearsal and development. There are sections in the Welsh language that unfortunately pass by people who don’t speak Welsh, despite the best efforts from the performers to communicate their meaning.

Whilst this show is currently scrappy and not everything works as well as it could on stage, it’s a brave and dynamic production that is worth watching here or in a later run – particularly if the show undergoes further refining.

The Welsh Lxdies runs through 27 January.

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