The new stage adaptation of PONTYPOOL, based on the cult horror story by TONY BURGESS that turned the zombie genre on its head is now on in the Weston Studio at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Set originally in the Pontypool of Ontario, Canada, this new adaptation by Welsh writer HEFIN ROBINSON sees terror unfold through the eyes and ears of radio broadcasters in the eponymous Torfaen town.
We went along to see the play last night and in bringing you this review have decided to keep information to a bare minimum. Fearful that giving you too much detail will be an instant spoiler, and believe me, the best way to enjoy the show is with very little detail.
I will say however that the age guidance of 13+ is about right, with ‘strong language; several loud and intense noises; strobe and flashing lights; blackouts; haze; blood; themes of illness, infection, horror and death’, it’s certainly not for those who are easily spooked.
The story, as in the 2009 movie, centres on washed-up radio DJ Grant Mazzy (LLOYD HUTCHINSON), once king of the airwaves, his big mouth and even bigger ego have taken him from national fame to a small Pontypool station called Beacon Radio. Attempting to keep Mazzy in check is his producer Rhiannon (VICTORIA JOHN) and Studio Technician, and seemingly big fan of Mazzy, Megan Davies (MALI O’DONNELL).
The set is the basement radio station with soundproof booth to the left and the office come control room to the right. It’s very easy to get these things wrong when portraying broadcast environments but in this case it’s pretty spot on, thanks to some nifty work from Set & Costume Designer CORY SHIPP.
It seems like it’s just another day in the radio office, Mazzy preparing his mouth and material for the show, with the team pandering and controlling him in equal measures. With seemingly irrelevant tales of missing cats and a strange encounter on his way to work, Mazzy is clearly struggling with working life in the valleys.
We move seamlessly from the office politics to the ‘live‘ radio show, with occasional input from traffic reporter in the helicopter (kind of) Ken Loney (CARWYN JONES). The cast is complete with IOAN HEFIN as Dr Harry Phillips.
We caught up with two of the cast, Lloyd and Ioan after last nights performance to chat about the show – I can assure you there are no spoilers in the interview…..
From the get go you are completely immersed into life in Beacon Radio, the joys of a space life Weston Studio is that you really are close to the action. With a show like this, the closer you are the more shocking it is. Which is our warning that if you are at all squeamish then perhaps a seat a little further back my be your thing.
When Mazzy’s breakfast show begins, with it’s mix of news, weather and travel, his two colleagues receive alarming field reports about nattering hordes surrounding a doctor’s office for no discernible reason.
There is a real tension around the radio station as the team attempt to piece together the events infecting Pontypool. In the audience you can feel a real tension as the impending doom gets ever closer.
As graphic as some of the on stage action is, and it is brilliantly executed, for me, it’s the sound which really fills you with dread. The on-air phone calls, disturbing accounts from traffic reporter Ken and the general menace building as the plot unfolds, really adds to the tension of the story.
You’ve probably figured that I’m trying to tell you all this without giving anything away. Don’t. Breathe. A word is what they say on the poster and that’s how it should be, although that too is also part of the storyline.
Pontypool is a fine adaptation of a great story. Originally written in 1995 and made into a movie in 2008. Setting this new production in the actual town itself has given it a whole new lease of life and relevance, especially after the events of the last few years with the pandemic.
It is smart, incredibly funny and has moments of real terror which will take your breath away. Hefin has adapted the story with Wales very much at the heart of the plot. The Welsh addition to the storyline made us smile, and a few of us want to reach for a copy of Duolingo on the way home.
This a genuinely suspenseful production and takes the whole virus genre to another level. To see this type of show, premiered on stage right here in Wales, is a real joy. Catch it while you can, the show, not the virus, it’s both jaw-dropping and mind-blowing, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
The production is directed by Dan Phillips with immersive sound design by Ben Samuels, and produced for Wales Millennium Centre by Pádraig Cusack. The company also includes set and costume designer Cory Shipp, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, composer Nicola T Chang, movement and intimacy director Lucy Glassbrook, make-up and special FX designer Marcus Whitney, casting director Hannah Miller CDG, and dramaturg Stewart Pringle.
PONTYPOOL is on right now in the Weston Studio at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 16th November. Performances Monday to Saturday are at 7:30pm, except on 1st November – 7pm. Additional 2.30pm performances Saturday 9th, Thursday 14th & Saturday 16th November.
Tickets are £20, £17 concessions; previews £10 and £7 for concessions. You can get yours HERE.
Please remember the age guidance of 13+ is about right, with ‘strong language; several loud and intense noises; strobe and flashing lights; blackouts; haze; blood; themes of illness, infection, horror and death’.
