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Words by Phoebe Blandford
The Nightingales sees the return of Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, who brilliantly depicts a bubbly yet complex protagonist, Maggie. Sadly though beyond this, there is not much else to praise in the production; it all seems too familiar, which although comforting, it feels too recycled.
It is centred around an A cappella choir group who practise weekly in a village hall. Maggie, a new, single-mother to the area stumbles upon them when she hears their singing from outside, and asks if she can listen. This becomes a permanent arrangement, with Maggie eventually joining the group, and they decide to enter ÔÇÿTalentFestÔÇÖ with their sights set on a spot on BritainÔÇÖs Got Talent.
Although a rather banal plot line, what we donÔÇÖt expect is the dark side that Maggie brings to the play, and this is so effortlessly played by Jones. We never fully understand why Maggie does the things she does, but Jones manage to maintain a character who is full of sweetness and innocence, whilst also making the audience not feel surprised when the darker turns arrive.
The script does provide some funny quips at times, and some very apt for its Welsh audience, but unfortunately they donÔÇÖt compensate enough for the story. ItÔÇÖs intertwined with some lovely singing from all the actors, most notably Sarah Earnshaw who plays Connie. We are given some good relationships between characters, and Connie and husband BenÔÇÖs relationship is rather entertaining to watch as they bicker throughout, their contrasting characters constantly clashing. All relationships are tested more and more with MaggieÔÇÖs entry, and Jones makes her such a loveable character despite her flaws.
The set, designed by Jonathan Fensom, brilliantly captures your typical village hall down to every detail. The stage is split in two: one part is the main hall area complete with piano and school chairs, and upstage is a kitchen. The split provides a great way of highlighting GaminaraÔÇÖs script, so we can see the conversations shared in the group and behind closed doors are often quite different. It allows us to see the gaping holes in this group of friends that seemed so harmonious.
Although a somewhat pleasing play, there is no doubt that you leave feeling like you wanted more from such a promising set up. The actors really give their all but are let down by a script that doesnÔÇÖt support their talent.
The Nightingales runs at the New Theatre in Cardiff until 24th November