Theatre Review: Pontypool

Stage Adaptation by Hefin Robinson
Directed by Dan Phillips
Performance: October 31st, 2024

Pontypool, written by Tony Burgess, was adapted into the 2008 film, becoming an almost-instant cult horror movie. It’s set in Pontypool, Ontario, a real place, originally named after the town Pontypool, in Wales.

The stage production, currently on in Wales Millennium Centre, has done more than produce a stage version of Burgess’ Pontypool. Instead, the creative team have transported this Canadian story and set it very firmly in the Welsh Pontypool. And it works brilliantly. They’ve also updated it, with references to recent events, including covid, in both the script and excellent set design. And anyone who has worked in an office in Wales will be familiar with the design of the radio studio where Grant Mazzy hosts his show; a whiteboard has Welsh Word of the Day across the top, and signs encourage the use of masks and social distancing.

I loved the set design. You’re immediately placed in the studio, even before the play started, and it’s completely utilized throughout, with elements almost popping out as they’re required.

It’s Welsh, through and through, while retaining the elements that made the original so good. It adds a layer of humour, with excellent timing – for both the comedic and horrific moments – from the whole cast. And what a cast! It’s small, with four characters we spend a lot of stage time with. As Grant Mazzy, Lloyd Hutchinson gives an excellent performance, very rarely off the stage, and projecting exactly what’s needed for that kind of role. Victoria John and Mali O’Donnell are both equally impressive, and the whole cast works really well together to draw your attention exactly where it needs to be, or perhaps shouldn’t be, on the odd occasion.

It's tense. Pontypool relies a lot on tension, drip-feeding information to the audience and never treating them like they can’t understand what’s happening. It unfolds beautifully, and the combination of stage, lighting and cast makes it incredibly difficult to look away.

I can’t stress how great this performance was. How much of an excellent job the whole team has done in turning Pontypool into something incredibly Welsh yet ultimately universal at its core. I’ve held back on giving plot details; I remember really enjoying the film, but I watched it so long ago I don’t quite remember the finer details, meaning I went in with very little knowledge of the plot beforehand, and I think with a show like this, that’s often the best way. What I will say is if you get a chance, go experience this. Horror on stage isn’t the easiest to pull off, but it’s done here in a way that won’t soon be forgettable.

Pontypool is currently on in Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio until November 16th, 2024. You can find out more and buy tickets here.

Review by Elle Turpitt
Twitter: @elleturpitt
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