Odyssey '84, Sherman Theatre Review
Odyssey '84 at the Sherman Theatre. Photo by Mark Douet
Reviewed by Kay for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Forty years later, the shadow of the miner’s strike still looms large over the South Wales valleys, and many in the area will be remembering that period as the anniversary comes and goes. It’s a period that comes with a sense of community, unity, and anger – all of which are beautifully depicted in Tim Price’s Odyssey ’84.
The production tells the story of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, a historical event that saw thousands of miners across the country unite against the Thatcher government. The strike itself lasted less than year, with the treatment of the miner’s coming to represent the story as much as their eventual loss did. It’s an event that had a momentous cultural impact on Wales, particularly the South Wales valleys. It's in these valleys that Odessey ’84 is set, as we follow a married couple as they struggle to survive. The backbone of the production has been inspired by Homer’s Odyssey.
John O’Donnel (played by Rhodri Meilir) finds himself thrown in to the fundraising arm of the movement and is quickly swept away by the battle. Meanwhile, his wife, Penny (played by Sara Gregory) is left to care for the children, offering her assistance with the welfare activities.
While the miners are the heart of the story, the women played a pivotal role in the strike, and it’s powerful to see each party’s story given equal space within the story telling. It’s precisely how history should be written.
Contrast is crucial theme of the production, with dual narratives and dual meanings consistent throughout.
This is a story of solidarity and division. Of desperation and purpose. Of love and nostalgia. It’s history and it’s a prequel to contemporary society.
In amongst the sadness and sense of loss, there’s a well-written comedic element, with laughter echoing around the theatre at those moments. The elements of humour humanised the story, helping the audience to feel more invested in the characters.
The script itself is captivating, with some phrases that still echo in my consciousness as I write this review. The staging – while simple – as incredibly effective, with the back wall moving backwards and forwards at key moments in the story. When moved to the front the sense of claustrophobia and tension was immediate, with a sense of relief released when it was moved back.
The lobby of the Sherman is plastered in strike related posters, with lodge banners hanging from the ceiling in their proud colours. This undoubtedly set the tone for the evening.
The ending is poignant, bringing the production back to the modern day, demonstrating the continued need that many communities still face.
Ultimately, it’s a play that leaves you feel a huge amount of affection and solidarity with the miners, their families and their communities. Both historically and contemporarily. There’s a sadness at them having lost the cause, but a huge since of pride in the resistance they offered.
Yes, Thatcher eventually won. And yes, the mines are long gone. But that the miners went down kicking and screaming is a victory in and of itself.
Every element of this production is sensational, and it’s one that you will not want to miss.
At Sherman Theatre until 26 October 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
