Odyssey ‘84 at Sherman Theatre Cardiff Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kathy Sanderson

Having seen quite a few plays recently, I can confidently say that Odyssey 84 stands out as the most powerful and moving piece of theatre I’ve encountered in a long time.

From the very first scene, it demanded your attention and didn’t let go. Though laced with humour — a true reflection of Welsh culture, where laughter often eases hardship — the play conveyed a profound message about the miners’ strike, beginning in Yorkshire and rippling through to South Wales.

The story delves deep into the government’s calculated efforts to close numerous pits, aiming to weaken the unions that had historically held influence. As someone who was eight at the time and only aware of what was on the news, seeing the strike from this intimate perspective was both harrowing and eye-opening. It revealed the devastating impact on livelihoods, history, homes, and families in a way that the news never could. The play’s message was chilling: the government was willing to destroy entire communities in pursuit of their goals.

The cast’s performance was simply stunning. On an almost bare stage, with clever lighting and music that enhanced the mood and tension, the actors brought the era and the struggles of those miners to life. Both my husband and I sat in awe of the talent on display, feeling every emotion the play conjured up. We left the theatre with a newfound understanding of those small Welsh mining villages and the people who lived through that turbulent time.

One of the most memorable moments was the thank-you speech delivered by John O’Donnell, played by Rhodri Meilir, to the fundraising committee. His words were so passionate and heartfelt that it earned a round of applause from the audience, many of whom would have witnessed these events first hand.

Sara Gregory gave a brilliant performance as Penny O’Donnell, capturing the trials faced by the wives left behind. She showed us how the community rallied to provide essential support and supplies to all the miners and their families during these challenging times.

The entire cast coped remarkably well when, during the first act, several audience members’ phones rang out with amusing ringtones. They maintained their professionalism and delivered their lines with poise, not missing a beat.

The creativity in portraying the casualties of the strike from both sides — those who wanted to strike and those who wished to continue working — was remarkable. This thoughtful representation added layers to the story, highlighting the tension within communities.

A particularly powerful scene between John O’Donnell and a mounted police officer at Orgreave brought to light just how the police were programmed to hate the miners. The intensity of that moment was palpable, showing the divide that ran through not just the country but within individual lives.

Additionally, the clever storytelling provided insight into the international support the miners received from various working associations. This aspect was both powerful and informative, as I had no idea just how well the strike was supported across the world.

Odyssey ’84 is not only thought-provoking but utterly compelling, offering a unique and necessary perspective on a pivotal moment in Welsh history.

It’s a play I would highly recommend to anyone interested in powerful storytelling and historical insight.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £16
Odyssey 84 is at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff from 16th – 26th October 2024.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.shermantheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 029 2064 6900.
Photo credit to Mark Douet