There is always so much to love at the Wales Millennium Centre, now, with the opening of their new CABARET space, (which is a little gem by the way) and this week, one of the home produced shows is making it’s way into that very venue.
Back before it was first staged in the Weston Studio we spoke to LUKE HEREFORD, who’s story this show is. GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET (AND WHAT I FOUND THERE) is an autobiographical play about queer identities, and how Luke learned to love his with the help of his grandmother and her colourful wardrobe.
Featuring modern arrangements of pop classics from female icons including Madonna, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Judy Garland and Björk, and directed by first-time director (and long-time actor) François Pandolfo.
This musical romp down the Yellow Brick Road promises mischief and mashups, dresses and divas, and a whole lot of heart.
Announcing the show back then, writer and performer Luke told us……
“This play is a manifestation of the joyful, glamorous spirit of my grandmother; my ultimate enabler. Every queer person has been on a journey of self-discovery at some point in their life, and though we take most of that journey alone, if we’re lucky we’re guided through it by unexpected formative moments with unexpected personal cheerleaders.
Grandmother’s Closet honours those moments and cheerleaders, the power of memory, and is a salute the sacred art of dressing up.”
So before we go any further, let’s find out more about the show from its creator and star, Luke Hereford. We sat him down in his bedroom (not his Grandmother’s) to talk about the inspiration, lockdown and of course just how important his Grandmother was and is. Bear in mind this was originally put together prior to the show taking to the stage.
Since then, Grandmother’s Closet has been a huge success wherever it’s played. Take a look at our review of the show and you’ll see why – HERE.
At the time of this original interview there was no rehearsal, so the clips you see are from the early run through, and a specially recorded song from Luke.
Initially training as a musical theatre performer, Luke tells stories through an effervescently Queer lens, often utilising a celebratory, effervescent aesthetic to engage audiences, led by movement and music and almost always inspired by Queer culture. He adores actors, designers and collaboration.
Since he started making work in 2016, he’s had a number of wonderful opportunities with the likes of Sherman Theatre, The JMK Trust, National Theatre Wales, The Carne Trust and Lincoln Center Theater.
If you’d like to see what Luke is up to and follow his work, go HERE.
Wales Millennium Centre Cabaret Producer Peter Darney told us……
“This is a beautiful and personal show about Luke’s relationship with his grandmother and the effect her support for him has had on him as an artist. We are very proud to commission Luke’s first production as a writer, and François’ first as a director, combining their considerable talents to make a compassionate and celebratory show.”
First-time Director François Pandolfo has worked extensively as an actor across theatre, television and radio, appearing in evrything from Doctor Who, The Taming of the Shrew, The magic Flute with Welsh National Opera and Double Vision at the Wales Millennium Centre.
As for Musical Director David George Harrington he has worked with them all over the last 12 years as a composer, arranger and musical director. Including Katherine Jenkins, Connie Fisher, Jonny Wilkes, Shirley Bassey and newly revealed Masked Singer Aled Jones. He’s also had music performed by the London Philharmonic and London Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Cory Brass Band.
Add in the modern arrangements of pop classics makes GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET (AND WHAT I FOUND THERE) one of the real highlights in the WMC calendar.
The show is back at the new Cabaret venue for five performances only from this Thursday through to Sunday 26th. Showtime is 8:30pm with a 3:30pm performance on Saturday and Sunday. I can tell you this will be the best £15 you spend this week. For more details, and to get tickets, go HERE.
