"Kill Thy Neighbour continues to knock 'em stone dead... as a doornail!!"

Kill Thy Neighbour continues to knock 'em stone dead... as a doornail!!

Floored once more by the impact of director Chelsey Gillard's excellent production of the clever and beautifully written play by Lucie Lovatt. Having now seen "Kill Thy Neighbour" twice, we can confidently say that it is a significant and powerful message from Welsh theatres. This play about Pembrokeshire, set in Pembrokeshire, marks a thrilling and exciting time for Welsh theatre. Lucie Lovatt's debut full-length play skillfully delves into the timely issue of the second-home crisis, resonating with communities worldwide.

The play has started out as new and blank canvas, so it's exciting to anticipate and spot some of the well-hidden clues buried deep within the plot. These are tantalisingly hinted at along the way, "Stop going on about that man will you" etc once again the cause of much audience speculation. Lovatt draws inspiration from a thought-provoking article about Cwm-Yr-Eglwys and its sparse population of permanent residents, which stated that only two out of the fifty properties there currently had a permanent residency. Lovatt skillfully intertwines the ordinary with the unexpected, incorporating elements of the eerie supernatural in a narrative that delves into the concept of belonging and the impact of personal connections on the community. All of human life- and existence- is here, to put it mildly.

The set design by Elin Steele is truly breathtaking, featuring paint-stained canvases that illuminate to reveal a stunning sea and coastal landscape. The framed set structure, costumes, lighting and sound design merit special mention and do stand out powerfully. Credit again here to Elin Steele, Lucia Sanchez Roldan and Tic Ashfield, respectively. The scene is set for all that is to come... an enigmatic mood and atmosphere starkly juxtaposed with the cosy, rural homestead in the far reaches of North Pembrokeshire. The village of Porth Y Graith offers a birds-eye view of life in a seaside home featuring a log burner, mismatched furniture, and wooden beams. These items co-exist with shoes and wellies littered on stone flags, along with a crabbing basket on the living room floor. This adds to the authenticity of the setting, making it feel like a home away from home.

The well-cast performance was noted to be increasingly impressive as each actor refined and honed their role. The chemistry between the actors is dynamic, engaging the audience in the characters' turbulent lives through their performances. As mentioned Victoria John shines as Caryl, showcasing her versatility in navigating the character's emotional journey. Dafydd Emyr's portrayal of Meirion is a study in subtlety continuing to manifest a gradual transformation. Catrin Stewart has maintained her heartwarming performance as Seren, skillfully navigating unexpected plot twists. Jamie Redford continues to stun as the estate agent Gareth, Gus Gordon adds a comedic touch as the new neighbour, Max, injecting humour with his urban mannerisms and expressive 🌈 ✌️ 👍

Kill Thy Neighbour" remains a must-see piece of theatre that will leave you captivated and eager for more. This exceptional production is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of theatre on the community.

In conclusion, Liam Dearden and Val Ruloff have been inspired to produce a joint review to counteract those hellish cont y môr (jellyfish) mutations. Inspiration... crisp and sweet as a cabbage heart (calon cabatsien), you might say.