On 21 October 1966, the small Welsh village of Aberfan became the site of a heartbreaking disaster that captured the world’s attention. When 150,000 tonnes of mining waste cascaded down a hillside, engulfing the local school and killing 144 people, including 116 children, the world mourned the senseless loss. The sheer scale of such horrors can make them seem almost abstract, and their incomprehensible nature often leaves us numbed. In this powerful two-hander, playwright Liam Holmes brings the Aberfan tragedy vividly to life by focusing on one young couple caught in its shadow. Stephen Jones is a carefree teenager whose ambitions reach no further than becoming the village rugby star and courting his childhood sweetheart, Angharad. Content with his simple dreams, he believes himself to be winning at the game of life. Holmes, as Stephen, and Mabli Gwynne, as Angharad, both deliver deeply moving performances. Their innocent affection and flirtatious banter feel as authentic as their later responses to grief and loss. Holmes’ portrayal of Stephen’s anger and despair is particularly compelling. This is a strong and affecting piece of writing that resonates deeply with the audience. If there is one reservation, it is that there might have been a second act exploring the negligence and misconduct of the authorities in the aftermath of the disaster. Having so powerfully engaged the audience’s emotions, the next step could have been to challenge their intellect. While it is vital to empathise with the victims of such tragedies, it is equally essential that we hold ourselves and our institutions accountable to prevent them from happening again.
Rated: ★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Ali Wright
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