Skyhawk,Clwyd Theatr Cymru.

9th October 2014,The Gate Arts Centre.

Skyhawk the musical, performed by the Clwyd Theatr Cymru for young people, was a heartfelt and entertaining performance which connected two countries through music, technology and a touching story of friendship.

Gill Lewis’s novel that was adapted for stage by Tim Baker (Adaptor & Director) and Dyfan Jones (Composer), follows the story of Callum and Iona, whose friendship develops when they discover a rare osprey bird on Callum’s farmland.

The musical carried many messages within it. This can often lead to this type of theatre becoming overly patronising in the way that it’s written. Skyhawk on the other hand was able to seamlessly weave messages within the play, partly through it's use of music, without making the messages too obvious to the audience.

I enjoyed the way in which this play used the theme of technology within it. This was mainly through Callum’s online blogging and the use of google earth to track the osprey’s journey from Britain to Africa. Instead of creating a negative message about using technology, such as the dangers of being online, as so often many types of educational plays for children do, this play instead focused on a positive message, showing the way in which new technology can be a means for discovery and connecting people from across the world.

I would like to particularly commend the way in which the play dealt with the more serious issue of death. This theme which could be quite upsetting to a child is dealt with appropriately with a young audience in mind. It creates a poignant message about the importance of promise and friendship.

The musical numbers were memorable and helped to illuminate key moments within the play without seeming unnecessary. They were also excellently performed by the cast of four  whose beautiful blend of voices gave me goosebumps on several occasions during the performance.

The musical itself was clearly aimed towards small children, however, as a young adult, I was also able to take away something from the musical and believe that it can also be enjoyed as a family as well as in a school environment.

The cast are currently touring around other venue’s in Wales. You can find more information on the company and dates for Skyhawk at http://www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk/en/whats_on/event/39972.