The Mix, Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – until May 13th 2023
Reviewed by Julie Noller
5*****
Did you play Truth or Dare when growing up? What if you were to take the concept and twist it, take a group of talented writers throw in a fantastic group of actors, mix it up with a few wacky ideas and you have the recipe for a successful play.
When I say play it’s rather like a market for plays, lot’s of stalls each offering different goodies. It’s a great concept Truth or Dare is actually 2 separate plays; you could choose to watch just 1 or both. Let me explain the basics Truth or Dare can be broken down into 5 mini plays each, both had its own cast of 10 very talented actors all bi-lingual (Welsh/English) . Each play has been writen by a separate writer giving every one a very individual feeling. The writing is topical and extremely well thought out (as well as well writen of course) The scenarios are well practiced, when I say scenarios…. I’m still smiling and chuckling about those still. You are asked to perhaps bring along a random item to each show. These props are chosen before each performance carefully selected for maximum effect by the backstage team. I wasn’t sure just how these props were going to be inserted into a play that has already been written and rehearsed but by golly they add to the show and belly laughs. I expected improv humour but I got these and so much more.
Not wanting to ruin anyone’s enjoyment by spilling each story, I’m going to tell you how just 1 play affected me. Barbie Butt written by Greg Glover is fantastically topical, in its own way highlighting escapism in a world of pain management, mental health. ( I have a friend who went through organ transplant so Barbie Butts inner message hit home) Mental health is a very serious issue affecting many people silently what Barbie Butt did was so very typically British lets tackle it but add humour, have you ever seen health issues fought off with a tin of beans? I have now!!!! Leilah Hughes was full of humour and emotion all in pink as a Barbie Girl not quite in a Barbie World. Seeing the cast of each play be surprised by their own prop, having to incorperate them as if a squeegee, fake plastic poo, toilet roll or a marble rhino is perfectly normal. What also makes Truth or Dare stand out is the fact it’s bi-lingual as someone who has an extremely limited understanding of Welsh it wasn’t a problem, there are subtitles on a screen throughout not only to aid the hearing impaired but also the language impaired. I could follow the acting, pick out certain words, so for those studying the Welsh language these short plays are perfect. It’s equally amazing just how many issues you can pack in to these short plays, squabbling siblings, grief, loss, financial worries of a salesman, feminism, motherhood, history.
There is a longer than average break between the end of Dare and the beginning of Truth of an hour. Giving everyone the chance to enjoy a drink, discuss with the actors what we had watched. Perhaps spin the wheel would you take on a Dare? ‘Tell a stranger a joke’ or answer a Truth about yourself?
Dare gave us all that Warm fuzzy feeling you get from belly laughs, Truth we were fully warmed up and waiting for even more laughs, we got those a plenty, I literally howled and enjoyed every moment letting the apprehensions that have built over the dreaded covid lockdowns float away as I chatted to strangers sat around me and we nodded our approval to each other. If you are going and thinking of taking a prop my tip is to go large – the motorbike helmet was perfect, totally random but large enough to be seen by all and avoided the ‘what is it?’ conversations.
A huge well done to the whole team led by Director Francesca Goodridge and I’m sorry for not mentioning each individually but here’s hoping for another helping of Truth or Dare for a fun laughter packed great night of entertainment.