Dramatic show brings Eighteenth Century Diaries to life

Pirates, cockfighting, and riotous football games: life in the Eighteenth century had its excitements and adventures, its privations and celebrations.

A new drama production; Mr Bulkeley o’r Brynddu, touring north Wales over the next few weeks, has been inspired by a diary which brings the period to life in all its drama. William Bulkeley also recorded the weather every day which has inspired climate change science to study these important diaries

The personal diaries of William Bulkeley, squire of Brynddu, Anglesey, recorded between 1734- 1760, have proved the ideal subject for the first production by Cwmni Pendraw, a brand new theatre company formed to produce drama with history and science as its focus.

The versatile small cast seamlessly lead the audience through the highs and lows of William Bulkeley’s life, moving between characters and taking us from Bulkeley’s home at Y Brynddu to the courthouse in Biwmares and to Dublin, London and Italy. Excerpts from the original diaries, written in English, lead us through the performance, are interspersed with dramatic scenes in Welsh and music and songs from the period recorded in the diaries.

Reviewing the preview of Mr Bulkeley o’r Brynddu in Barn, Manon Wyn Williams said: “the actors gave a resounding performance...” while Heledd Lewis Jones, Head of drama at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones said: “The drama students continue to discuss the performance they saw in Llanfechell… the atmosphere created and the performance by the small, talented cast, was really effective… the versatile cast created realistic characters and the audience was engrossed. The period-appropriate music also contributed to the success of the whole performance.”

Cast : Wyn Bowen Harries, Rhodri Sion, Manon Wilkinson

Musicians : Stephen Rees, Huw Roberts, Gwenno Roberts

The performance, which is suitable for people aged over 11, is supported by Anglesey Council, Night Out Scheme, Wales Arts Council, Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd/Llen Natur, MagnoxSDF and the Climate Change Consortium of Wales.

Further information or to arrange interviews with Wyn Bowen Harries or to visit the rehearsals:  Elinor Elis-Williams 07940966879