It is said in Wales “To be born Welsh is to be born with music in your blood and poetry in your soul”. The premier of this new show, directed by Nick Evans will happen at ADELPHI THEATRE, 5 September, 7.30 PM This new musical uniquely blends, for the first time on stage, the rich and distinct traditions, language and culture of the Welsh and Romani peoples in a stirring journey exploring the power and meaning of home. I suspect it will be heartfelt stirring stuff and it certainly has a talented and experienced cast. Former Hollyoaks star Charlie Clapham and award-winning actress Rakie Ayola join the cast for this West-End premiere of For Tonight.
Rakie (Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Bear Ridge, National Theatre Wales, Royal Court) who wiil play Mrs. Parry and Charlie who will play Durriken Deram, join Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX, We Will Rock You), Jacob Young (Mamma Mia., Dale Evans (Jesus Christ Superstar) and BAFTA award-winning actress Emily Burnett. The talented Leo Andrew , Charlotte-Hannah Jones will also be in the cast along with Mali Llewellyn, and Otilia Panainte.
The comapny sound is upported with a talented range of vocalists as the actors are also accompanied iy the Trinity Laban Choir who include: Grace Clifford, Lois Odell, Mali Wen, Nadia Harper, Jasmine Cole, Matthew Waters, Aidan Cross,Joseph Birch-Scanlan, Evangelos Papadimitriou and Zach Lillis.
Inspired by true events, with its origins in the writer Spencer Williams’ own third great- grandfather’s handwritten journal, For Tonight’s timeless love story, is of difference and divide, and is propelled by a riveting, foot stomping, atmospheric score incorporating traditional Welsh choral, indie-pop, folk, and Romani style melodies and rhythms.
Set in 1832, the story begins at the Parry farm in Trelawnyd, a small town in North Wales where a Romani family find shelter and friendship, but soon after their arrival, an unknown disease brings tragedy. Blame falls on the Romani travellers who are forced to flee and the three Parry children, Tomos, Haydn and Nettie, have to grow up fast after losing their parents.
Tomos, Haydn and Nettie’s lives twist and turn along different paths but fate reunites them with the traveller community from long ago. The Parry siblings encounter all sorts of difficulties along the way that force them to view their past. It is a one night only experienc but the show has been seen at a range of international festivals around the globe.
Co-writer Spencer Williams says: “This musical is rooted in my Welsh family history, but like the
Romani peoples has journeyed far and wide in the course of its development. I can’t wait for UK
audiences to experience this timeless tale that showcases the distinct music, movement, and
language of the Welsh and Romani cultures.”
Raine Geoghegan, cultural script consultant adds: ‘ In both the Welsh and Romany culture there is an abundance of story, song, music that touches the soul, Raine adds ‘These are ancient cultures that carry voices from the past.’
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