TOURING

Live theatre of war and hope takes to the road with the Torch Theatre’s exciting new production of the inspiring one woman play – Angel

This autumn, following a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Torch Theatre Company’s production of Angel takes to the road with a seven-week tour of performances in England and Wales, including three weeks in London. 

Angel is a powerful and poignant one woman play, written by acclaimed playwright Henry Naylor. It’s the legendary story of Rehana; one woman’s brave fight against the greatest threat to her town and its people.

Directed by Peter Doran and featuring Yasemin Özdemir as the eponymous Angel, the play was originally produced at the Torch Theatre in 2021. Coming back to the part, Yasemin, who grew up in Haverfordwest and is an alumnus of the Youth Theatre, said during rehearsals:

“It’s been a delight coming back to Angel. We are rediscovering the text and it feels like a much newer production. Parts of the play ring differently for me – I’ve found new elements to it, but the story remains powerful and relevant.”

Peter Doran added:

“Angel has not lost any of its power and impact. It’s undoubtedly one of the most powerful plays I’ve ever seen or worked on. There’s no doubt in my mind that the war in Ukraine has brought the impact of war closer to home giving it a more powerful resonance for audiences throughout the UK. Yasemin and I are enjoying working together once again and are thrilled to be bringing this powerful piece of theatre to a whole new audience.”

Angel tells the story of Rehana who stayed in her town, Kobane, to fight following the invasion by ISIS forces from which families fled. As a sniper Rehana allegedly killed more than 100 ISIS fighters. When her story came out, she became an internet sensation and a symbol of resistance against Islamic State and was called the ‘Angel of Kobane’.

Angel, a one-woman show, is the third story in Henry Naylor’s Arabian Nightmares trilogy and was first staged to great acclaim at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. Since then it has been seen around the world to great critical acclaim, winning awards at many international festivals.

After receiving critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show now goes on the road to venues across England and Wales, returning to the Torch on 22 October at the end of the tour.

Please note - Angel contains strong language and distressing scenes that some may find uncomfortable. This Production is recommended for those aged 14 and above.

Angel Autumn 2022 Tour Dates

30 August - 17 September
Hope Theatre, London
thehopetheatre.com | 0333 666 3366

26 & 27 September
Theatr Clwyd, Mold
theatrclwyd.com | 01352 344101

28 September
Harrogate Theatre
harrogatetheatre.co.uk | 01423 502116

29 September
The Dukes, Lancaster
dukeslancaster.org | 01524 598500

30 September
Galeri, Caernarfon
galericaernarfon.com | 01286 685222

1 October
Courtyard Hereford
courtyard.org.uk | 01432 340555

4 - 8 October
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
shermantheatre.co.uk | 02920 646900

11 October
Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen
theatrausirgar.co.uk | 03452 263510

12 October
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan
mwldan.co.uk | 01239 621200

13 October
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
aberystwythartscentre.co.uk | 01970 623232

14 October
Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
taliesinartscentre.co.uk | 01792 602060

15 October
Pontardawe Arts Centre
pontardaweartscentre.com | 01792 863722

19 October
Riverfront Theatre, Newport
newportlive.co.uk | 01633 656757

20 October
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
brycheiniog.co.uk | 01874 611622

21 October
Storyhouse, Chester
storyhouse.com | 01244 409 113

22 October
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
torchtheatre.co.uk | 01646 695267