'Sgint' by Bethan Marlow at the Sherman Theatre, Director Arwel Gruffydd, Tour started at the Sherman Theatre between 07-11 of Febuary 2012 before moving onto

• Galeri, C'ernarfon 21-24 February
• Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan 28-29 February
• Theatr Hafren, Newtown 03 March
• Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen 06-07 March
• Aberystwyth Arts Centre 09-10 March 2012

Bethan Marlow's new verbatim play 'Sgint' about the effects of the current economic climate was an interesting and enjoyable look into the attitudes and consequences that had been dealt to a collection of people in Caernarfon.

The play, which goes on a national tour around Wales, opened at the newly re furbished Sherman Theatre. I have seen many verbatim plays and have always found them slightly one sided with regards to a subject. What 'Sgint' managed to do however was reflect a cross section of opinions about the current economic climate, from a politician to a business woman, to a young mother, to an entreupener to an old couple. What this managed to reflect was the effects that the recession had had upon people from various backgrounds and lifestyles , and how each and every single one had been effected in some way or other. By doing this it made the play much more interesting rather than a play from a certain social class talking about the recession.

The Acting was of the highest standard. All the actors gave what I thought was natural, honest and heart felt performances. The stand out for me was Manon Wilkinson(she had the most lines, so it did seem like she was the main character in a way especially since she stood in a spotlight at the end), she gave a truely convincing portrayl of a young single mother battling to make ends meet as her only source of income was from the dole money she recieved. Often what she spoke was quite funny, her character had just cooked something for the first time recently-that being a pizza, but even though what was said was funny it was also tragic and sad.

I enjoyed 'Sgint' and thought that it was an interesting insight into the effects upon a town. The running time was sufficient in my opinion, although I do like an interval when I go to the theatre I must admit, and a chance for a drink half way through would have been one I would have been grateful for. Whilst I did enjoy 'Sgint' the narative wasn't really clear, but I'd put that down to the choice of doing the play in the verbatim style.

Over all I enjoyed 'Sgint' and would encourage people to go and watch the play, whilst it is still of relevance.

My star rating out of 5

3.5/5