Extraordinary Welsh theatre

If you are travelling to the UK in the early months of 2009 (or indeed, if you live there) this play, Miss Brown to You at the Hijinx Theatre in South Wales might be of interest. It will be on tour in March and early April 2009. From the theatre's website:

....... Miss Brown to You is a new play by Alan Harris, set during World War II which follows the plight of Emily, a young woman with Down’s syndrome who is evacuated from the dangers of the city to a small Mid-Wales village to live with a fierce aunt she hardly knows. Here she has to come to terms with a new life full of unknown challenges, loneliness and prejudice.

A strong bond develops with her cousin as they learn to share ideas through music and she draws comfort from the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape. Here she meets Stanley, a desperate and isolated young man who is sleeping rough. Both are outsiders and a secret friendship grows between them. Meanwhile her aunt has her own demons to fight and stark realisations to confront as a web of lies starts to unravel.

While you are on the website, learning more about Hijinx Theatre's work with people with learning disabilities, check the links to the production earlier this year, of Full Circle, a play based on the story of Andrew Williams:

..... Full Circle is inspired by the true story of Andrew Williams, a man with Down's Syndrome who climbed Everest in 1996. With dogged determination, Andrew pursued his dreams and, through the support of his circle of friends, fulfilled the seemingly impossible. Full Circle by Glenys Evans, was originally toured by Hijinx in 2003 to critical acclaim. Hijinx are thrilled to be able to tour a new production in 2008 with the part of Andy being taken by Gareth Clark. Having been a member of Odyssey Theatre for many years, for Gareth too, this is a dream come true. An inspirational story for all.

Click here for a an interview with the playwright Glenys Wright, about the writing of Full Circle.