Portrait of a forgotten
THE highs, lows and mysteries of the life of former British and Irish Lions coach Carwyn James are brought to life by the Torch Theatre Company in its spring 2022 production, Carwyn. It is the new one-man show from Welsh playwright Owen Thomas, the writer behind the award-winning Grav, and will be directed by Gareth John Bale, pictured below, who has played Grav both on stage and screen.
Taking on the role of Carwyn is Llanelli-born actor Simon Nehan, who has starred in The Pembroke Murders, The Crown, The Snow Spider, Merlin, Casualty and, most recently, was seen on stage in Curtain Up at Theatr Clwyd.
Carwyn, which opens at the Torch on February 15 and then goes on to tour venues across Wales in March, will attempt to unravel the enigma of a multi-layered man who was ahead of his time, alone in a crowd and uncomfortable in his own skin.
It is said that very few truly knew him. In his 53 years, Carwyn James made an indelible impact on his homeland and yet he is somewhat forgotten. The new play explores the life of a man whose career comprised teaching, broadcasting, coaching and even espionage – a man who adored sport, culture, politics and, above all, Wales.
“After Grav and The Wood, I am delighted to have the opportunity to complete a trilogy of plays at the wonderful Torch Theatre,” says Owen.
“Carwyn James was a complex and special man who led a relatively short but fascinating life. I hope Carwyn will remind people of his impact, not only on world rugby, but also on the language and culture of his homeland.
“It is especially pleasing in these tough times to be bringing this important story to some of our
Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre brings the story of Welsh sporting icon Carwyn James to the stage this month, writes Jenny White...
incredible Welsh theatres. I hope audiences will come out and support them.”
Carwyn James was an outsider for the whole of his life. A Cefneithin boy who was born in Rhydlewis, he used his powerful intellect to mastermind some of the greatest victories ever seen on a rugby field. He coached Llanelli, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians to victory over New Zealand, but never coached his country.
To this day he remains the only coach to mastermind a series victory for the British Lions against the All Blacks. He burnt brightly, then slowly faded away. He died alone in an Amsterdam hotel room in January 1983.
Carwyn, the stage play, returns to that room and allows this unique man to have one final opportunity to look back over his short but eventful life.
“We are incredibly proud to have assembled such an exciting team to explore and bear witness to the extraordinary life and impact of one of Wales’ most elusive and enigmatic cultural and sporting icons,” says Torch Theatre executive director Benjamin Lloyd. “We can’t wait to introduce Carwyn to audiences across Wales.”
■ Carwyn will be at the Torch Theatre from February 15 until February 26 in the venue’s Studio Theatre. There is a socially-distanced performance on February 21 and a BSLinterpreted performance on February 22. Bookings can be made on 01646 695267 or by www.visitingtorchtheatre.co.uk. Carwyn will be touring various venues across Wales from February 28