Brave, bold and thought provoking. Would you fight for what is right? How far would you go to make your community safe? This very brave piece of theatre visits these questions. Racism, politics, extremism are all subjects touched on in this fast paced, stunning piece of theatre.
Nessah Muthy's Heroine is brought to the Emlyn Williams Theatre at Theatr Clwyd and it's the perfect setting. The static set is perfect, well used and allows the audience to feel fully involved in every step along the way.
Director Steven Atkinson has worked wonderfully with the five female cast members to deliver one of the most real, current and thought provoking pieces of theatre I have seen in a long time.
Asmara Gabrielle as Grace takes you on a complete journey from a military girl, discharged on medical grounds to having to fight all over again questioning her beliefs... but who is she fighting? Gabrielle really pulls you in to the character of Grace, taking you through every emotion and really makes you think about how you actually feel, react, even think when it comes to people you may see as 'different'.
Wendy runs the group at the community centre for the ladies to get together and talk through their problems, help each other and here is where Grace is invited to. Wendy is played by Lucy Thackeray and wow do you go on a journey with Wendy. Thackeray is wonderful in the way she transforms her character from overly happy go lucky to seeing a different character by the end. Superb.
Cheryl is brought to us by Wendy Morgan. Cheryl has gone through a really tough time and is struggling to deal with the past. She is angry and feels she needs to do something to make a stand, make a difference. Again, Morgan delivers the character extremely well and you really feel for her and her situation.
Grandmother Beverley is struggling to bring up her two granddaughters in a very poor household. She struggles daily to make sure the children are fed, having to live from food banks and trying to get a job to see her through and get her out of debt. Maggie McCarthy really throws herself into playing Bev and you feel the pain and struggle, trying to stay strong and keep her pride when it's too tough.
Finally, we have Shelley played by Hannah Traylen. Only on for a short time but vital to the story. Struggling with numerous jobs to get enough money to bring up her sister’s child while holding everything together. She brings a lot of emotion to the role and you feel her struggle.
All five of them are after the same thing, inner peace, but how far will they go and who will get hurt along the way.
This play is so current and really brings to life what is happening now, in our communities and makes you think what goes on behind closed doors really can impact our future.
It's funny, serious, gritty and all too real.
I urge you, if you can get a ticket, get along to Theatr Clwyd and see this absolute masterpiece of a play. You won't be disappointed. https://www.theatrclwyd.com/en/whats-on/heroine/
Reviewer: Damian Riverol
Reviewed: 18th October 2017
North West End Rating: ★★★★★
