A Regular Little Houdini, Friday 27th January, Chapter Arts Centre. Reviewer: Hannah Hopkins
A Regular Little Houdini encapsulates perfectly the art and power of storytelling.
The performance of A Regular Little Houdini followed the official launch of the Welsh Theatre Awards at Chapter Arts Centre. The one-man play set in Newport is a vibrant coming of age story about the son of a dockworker, who wishes to be just like his hero, Harry Houdini. The production is set in writer and director Daniel Llewellyn-WilliamsÔÇÖ hometown of Newport, Wales, and celebrates its history, addressing the areaÔÇÖs industrial past and alluding to the tragedy of the Newport Dock Disaster.
Despite the title, there are very few actual magic tricks within the performance, yet Llewellyn-WilliamsÔÇÖ most spectacular trick is his storytelling. The tale is beautifully scripted, set around Harry HoudiniÔÇÖs two visits to Newport, delivered in a colloquial matter which reflects the true honesty and emotion of the working-class protagonist. As a story, this one is beautifully crafted: a young boyÔÇÖs plight to be just like his escapologist hero is entwined with tales of family, misfortune and luck.
Llewellyn-WilliamsÔÇÖ Alan performs his own daring stunt, told grippingly with the help of a single spotlight which mimics entrapment within the silt of the riverbed, turning the theatre into a claustrophobic space. This foreboding scene of entrapment alludes to the tragedy of the Newport Dock Disaster of 1909, which is poignantly retold through the eyes of the childish protagonist.
Throughout the whole of the hour-long performance, DanielÔÇÖs delivery remains flawless. Winner of the best actor accolade for the Welsh Theatre Awards 2015, Llewelyn-Williams has a stunning ability to hold the audienceÔÇÖs attention throughout, with very few props. The piece, though without a set, was not compromised: DanielÔÇÖs storytelling conjured up incredibly vivid images of early 20th century Newport. His acting complimented the storytelling, mimicking the protagonistÔÇÖs family members, as well as Houdini himself ÔÇô adding a whole new dimension to the performance.┬áThere are a few threads which run throughout the piece, which are cleverly tied together in the pieceÔÇÖs conclusion, proving this piece to be true feat of storytelling.
by Hannah Hopkins (@snikpohhannah)