It began its public life as a drama on Radio 4 and now THE MAKING OF A MONSTER is a fully fledged stage production which opened last night in the Weston Studio at the Wales Millennium Centre.
It’s actually unfair to call it a straight-forward stage production. This is as real as any story can be. Written by, and starring Children’s Laureate Wales CONNOR ALLEN. His autobiographical drama details the experiences of his teenage self at a critical turning point when he was in danger of spiralling out of control.
Connor is a bright, mixed race Newport teenager, but his life is in danger of spiralling out of control, fuelled by his confusion and despair over who he is and why his father is largely absent from his life.
Too black for my white friends, but too white for my Black friends. Growing up mixed race in Newport, I fell into a cloud of grey.
Absent Black father, ducking the police, working out what it means to be a man. I was struggling to find my place in the world and in danger of spiralling out of control. Then one moment changed my life.
This is a story about hope and determination, but most of all, second chances.
As Connor says, think Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Skepta and Kano, The Making of a Monster is his story created from his life and unleashed as a grime culture/theatrical mash up.
Connor had been edging towards acting since he got the bug at University, a route which led him to becoming the Children’s laureate of Wales.
It was actually a visit to his old school in Newport which planted the first seed of an idea which eventually became the show we saw last night. He was speaking at an awards ceremony about his life and what had led him to where he was right then. Afterwards, the students, teachers and parents, suggested he tells his story to others. They even said he should visit prisons and talk to young offenders.
Connor did just that, and after what proved to be an emotional visits to Parc Prison in Bridgend, he set about writing down his thoughts and feelings. From there he released them into a blog, which became a series of blogs and as we fast forward to today, a play in the creative capital of Cardiff Bay.
As for the show itself. We we’re there for the opening night and from the get-go were completely engaged in the whole experience. This is ‘Connor’s‘ show, as he reminds the audience, but actually, I felt there is a bit of all of us coming from that stage – which is also much more than a theatrical set.
His story has elements of all our stories in it. He is honest and forthcoming, but also funny and tender, particularly towards his Mum and Nan, who make vocal appearances in the production.
Connor doesn’t shy away from those parts of his life which have clearly been difficult to come to terms with. For me, as a man who had a turbulent relationship with his father too, I connected with much of what he had to say. But if you go into this show with the most balanced of family environments, I can assure you it will hold from the second you take your seat.
There’s also a first rate performance from DAVID BONNICK JR who assumes a few identities throughout the performance, characters who have influenced and shaped Connor’s journey along the way.
As for ORAINE JOHNSON on drums, he feels part of the whole experience and provide a fantastic soundtrack to the whole show. There’s also a guy on top of the ramp to the left of the stage, who isn’t technically performing, but he is there for the duration of the show. So, whatever the Stage Manager HARRY ABBOTT was up to – great job!
Yes, I am being deliberately vague with my review. This is a real life story and as such, deserves to be seen and not read about in some journalists opinions. My role here is to let you know that THE MAKING OF A MONSTER is a fantastic collaboration with the Wales Millennium Centre and I would recommend you grab yourself a ticket and fully immerse yourself in the life, and sometimes troubled times of Connor Allen.
As a companion to the show you can also visit THE MUSEUM OF NOTHINGNESS a new immersive augmented reality (AR) experience that allows you to step into the mind of Connor.
Designed to be experienced alongside the live show, the museum offers an extra journey into his past, giving you a more personal glimpse into the memories that formed and defined his unique path.
The AR museum will feature four objects that are reflective of moments in Connor’s life. As you approach each one, you’ll be able to see and hear memories associated with them.
We spoke to CHRIS BARNES and FERN DUNN, part of the Sugar Creative team who brought Connor’s vision to life in the museum.
The museum is at the Wales Millennium Centre till the 19th of the month. It runs Tuesday to Friday 5 to 7pm. Saturday, Noon to 2pm then again between 5 and 7pm.
It’ll only take between 5 – 10 minutes to do and it is completely FREE, you don’t even need to book, just turn and enjoy. They even have a mobile device and headphones for this experience. For more information, take a look HERE.
As for THE MAKING OF A MONSTER that again is at the Weston Studio at WMC till the 19th. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.
Every night they will be showcasing an emerging music artist from South Wales, so make sure you are in your seats by 6.30pm to see them!
Thu 10 – New Wave
Fri 11 – Adjua
Sat 12 – Hard Cor
More to be announced.
There is an age guidance of 14+ as the show contains strong language, themes of racism and domestic violence, and language that some audiences may find challenging.
All performances creatively captioned in English, and I can tell you they are easy to follow along. On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th at 7pm and again on Thursday 17th the show will be audio described in English.
Under 26 and you get in for £10, students and unwaged it’s £12. For schools it’s £10 with one free teacher’s seat with every 10 pupils. Call 029 2063 6464. These offers are subject to allocations and availability.
For more details on the show go HERE.
