Cultural Services

Review: Flights of Fancy, ParK and Dare Theatre, Treorchy

By Kathryn Williams

'The venue’s centenary production is a visual feast of music and dance that takes the audience on a journey through the decades

 
The Park and Dare is an iconic building which is a constant presence in the lives of those who live in Upper Rhondda. As someone who grew up there, it was a real honour and pleasure to review the venue’s centenary production, Flights of Fancy.

For a limited audience of around 100 people, it’s a visual feast celebrating the history which has swirled around the huge, impressive auditorium of the Grade II listed building.

Sumptuous costumes depicting the loved ones lost during WWI, or the original architectural designs of the theatre – originally a miners’ institute – add a real element of thought, care and dedication to the history of the building, the town and it’s importance to the educational and cultural element of the Rhondda.

Dancers of all ages, ranging from 11 to 95, graced the stage, with 100 years of history – and they did it with beauty, grace and, most of all, fun.

The first half of the performance took us through the decades since the theatre has been open – 1913 to 2013. Using music which represented each era, from wartime favourites to David Bowie, it hit home that the Park and Dare was not only a huge part of my childhood, but has been loved for generations.

Special mention for the Siren Sisters whose voices carried us through each era – and, to my surprise, did Space Oddity a huge justice.

The second half was a look to the future with dancers taking over the entire auditorium, using every inch of the stalls, circle and the ‘gods’ effectively.  It was exciting and it felt naughty as I recalled many childhood telling offs from ushers for “feet on seats”.

The specially commissioned composition by Jak Poore on behalf of Welsh National Opera provided a rousing soundtrack to the explosion of colour, emotion and vision by artistic director Phil Williams.

A true testament to all the performers, artistic team and ‘can-do’ attitude towards making a centenary show to remember.  It’s a sentiment that spans all ages and the 11-year-old who accompanied me thought it was “amazing.”'

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