Welsh playwright and actor Liam Holmes brings his latest creation, Mr. Jones, to Tŷ Pawb in Wrexham on Friday, April 26th, at 7:30 pm. This poignant one-act play sheds light on the 1966 spoil tip collapse in Aberfan, exploring the profound impact on the lives of its inhabitants.
Mr. Jones is an immersive experience that weaves together poetry, verbatim accounts, and first-hand narratives from the South Wales valleys. Holmes, inspired by the scarce acknowledgment of the catastrophe, introduces characters Stephen Jones and Angharad Price, played by Welsh-American co-star Tanwen Stokes, to memorialise the individuals affected by this tragic event.
Holmes, reflecting on his personal connection to the story, emphasises the need to commemorate the lasting effects of the Aberfan disaster. He states, “Every family in that community experienced a significant loss that day, yet there remained an expectation to seamlessly adapt to normal life and carry those wounds in silence.”
The collaboration between Holmes and Stokes brings a refreshing and youthful perspective to the characters, as they navigate the complexities of irreconcilable grief. Director Michael Neri, known for his regional and London productions, expresses excitement about the lively script, noting that the characters “jump off the page.”
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Critical acclaim has already surrounded Mr. Jones. According to Tom Kemp from the IWA, “Blending elements of poetry and authentic accounts into his script, Holmes breathes life into the voices of those whose stories may have otherwise been forgotten, ensuring that their memories endure long after the final curtain falls.” Read the full review at IWA.
“I highly recommend Mr. Jones”
Bethan England from Get The Chance says, “The piece was particularly poignant in Merthyr Tydfil but the themes of loss, family, friendship, and unspoken love will be met with universal acclaim no matter where this is viewed. I highly recommend Mr. Jones, but do make sure you take those tissues along with you!” Read the full review at Get The Chance.
Barbara Lewis of London Grip describes it as “theatrical gold in the hands of Liam Holmes.” Read the full review at London Grip.
Neri’s direction is praised for expertly judging the casting, pace, pauses, and delivery, while Holmes is commended for making the play powerfully personal and allowing audiences to draw their own political conclusions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the vibrancy and depth of Mr. Jones at Tŷ Pawb on Friday, April 26th. This evocative production promises to revive a forgotten tragedy and offer a nuanced exploration of grief and resilience.
Tickets are available for purchase at TicketSource, and for more information and updates, follow us on Instagram at @mr.jonesuk and on Facebook at Mr. Jones Facebook Page.
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