An emotional journey on The Long Way Home

Posted: 7th October 2024

This weekend, Rareseed Productions delivered an outstanding performance of The Long Way Home, blending drama and live music into a moving and memorable experience. Directed by the talented Liz Pearce, who also took on the role of “Old Mother”, this fresh staging of Charles Way’s acclaimed work captivated the audience from start to finish.

Set against the backdrop of Greece, the play followed the journey of Old Mother, a recently widowed woman, as she makes her way from her late husband’s inland hometown to her home by the sea. Pearce’s portrayal of Old Mother was deeply moving, full of nuance and strength, beautifully capturing the character’s emotional and physical journey.

Harry Bowsher, as Dog Boy, delivered a poignant performance of a young boy who has been cruelly mistreated but finds solace and companionship with Old Mother.  Together, they travelled through forests, farmlands, and mountains, encountering a variety of vibrant and quirky characters played superbly by the supporting cast.

The cabaret-style setting evoked the warmth of a Greek taverna, with the audience seated at intimate tables enjoying drinks, bread, and olives. This immersive setup helped create a village-like atmosphere, allowing the audience to feel part of the journey.  The vibrant musical arrangement by Antwn Owen Hicks and Linda Owen Jones, members of the Welsh folk band Carreg Lafar, created layers of emotion, enhancing key moments of both tenderness and humour throughout.

Overall, The Long Way Home was an excellent, heartwarming production that skilfully balanced comedy and drama, all while delivering a universal message about human connection, resilience, and love. Rareseed Productions, with Liz Pearce at the helm, brought this timeless story to life in a way that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain.