Prepare to be captivated! A new play, The Red Rogue of Bala, is taking the stage at Theatr Clwyd, and it's not just a performance; it's an experience. This isn't just another show; it's a deep dive into the legend of John Jones, the infamous North Wales folk hero. The play, penned by Chris Ashworth-Bennion, is a breathtaking piece of work.
Chester, Crewe, and Nantwich Chronicles editor Mike Green recently witnessed the premiere, and his review is nothing short of glowing. The play delves into the life of John Jones, also known as the Red Rogue of Bala, a figure who terrorized the area in the early 20th century with daring escapes and various crimes.
The story of John Jones has been told through ballads, plays, and pub tales for decades. Ashworth-Bennion's inspiration came from a visit to Ruthin Gaol, where Jones famously escaped twice in 1913, eventually meeting a violent end at the hands of the police. This sparked the critic's imagination, leading him to become a playwright.
The play's world premiere at Theatr Clwyd, where Ashworth-Bennion first discovered his passion for theatre as a member of a local youth group, is a testament to the power of storytelling.
The play takes creative liberties with the historical facts, focusing on the myth and legend surrounding John Jones. The character is a blend of Robin Hood, Houdini, Dick Turpin, Jean Valjean, Hannibal Lecter, and Freddy Krueger.
The heart of the play is the extraordinary performance by Simon Holland Roberts. He embodies John Jones, captivating the audience and ensuring they will never forget the performance, regardless of their opinion on the play itself. If there is any justice, Roberts will win every acting award for which he is eligible.
Roberts' performance is a marathon monologue, drawing the audience into the action. The cast, including the owners and inhabitants of a small Welsh village pub, interacts with the audience. They share tales of Jones's incredible exploits, including his prison escapes and even the dismantling and reconstruction of a building!
The play plays with the truth, making it difficult to discern fact from folklore. Jones even confesses to his son, John Jr., that his life has been a fabrication. The play also uses the gimmick of Jones's sudden appearances, leaving the audience wondering, 'How did he do that?'
The play is also filled with colorful characters, including Sion, the conflicted pub owner; Wyn Bowen Harries, an addled vicar; Qasim Mahmood, the entitled landowner's son; and Mia Khan, his sister.
The play also explores a secret romance between John Jones and the pub landlord's exasperated wife Heledd, played by Maxine Evans. There are also surreal elements, such as Sion's pursuit of a cattle-bothering badger and the unexpected appearance of a giant cauldron.
But here's where it gets controversial... the play takes a darker turn in the final act, with the gathering storm clouds of war and the resentment over wealthy English families owning Welsh land.
The play is teeming with ideas, themes, atmosphere, characters, and tall tales. It's a feast for the senses, ensuring you are gripped and engaged from start to finish.
The Red Rogue of Bala runs at Theatr Clwyd in Mold until Saturday, November 22.
What are your thoughts on plays that take creative liberties with historical figures? Do you think it enhances or detracts from the story?
