Powys farmer reprising role in Bob Dylan 'Old Vic' musical
Steffan Harri Jones says it is an "incredibly privilege" to make his debut at The Old Vic theatre, in the Great Depression-era musical Girl from the North Country which features songs written by legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
The 33-year-old, who has performed in hit West End shows Shrek, Les Misérables and Spamalot, plays Elias Burke in the musical which runs until Saturday, August 23.
'I feel incredibly privileged to be making my debut at the Old Vic in London," Steffan said. "It's a theatre with such a rich legacy.
"So many extraordinary artists have stood on that stage, and to now be a part of that history is both humbling and thrilling.
'I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity, and I'm approaching every moment with real joy and respect for the space, the story we're telling, and the people I get to share it with.
'Each show I've been a part of has shaped me in different and lasting ways.
'Performing in Les Misérables taught me the discipline and emotional depth that comes with being part of such an iconic and demanding show.
'Spamalot, on the other hand, gave me the freedom to play, to embrace spontaneity and comedy with confidence.
'And taking on the title role in Shrek the Musical was a real turning point. It challenged me physically and vocally but also allowed me to lead a company and find real heart in a larger-than-life character.
Steffan was the youngest actor to play the role of Shrek. 'Each role has helped me grow, not just in skill, but in understanding how to connect with an audience and serve a story with honesty.'
The former Caersws FC goalkeeper is taking a break from managing the family farm in Dolanog, near Llanfair Caereinion, alongside his wife and West End actress Rosie, to perform in Girl from the North Country.
'At the beginning of the Covid pandemic, my wife Rosie and I made the decision to leave London and return to the family farm," Steffan said.
"It was a big change, but the right one for us.
'Together, we now manage the farm full-time, with the invaluable support of our family and friends.
'It's been both a challenging and rewarding journey, and we truly believe this area is the perfect place for our young son to grow up, surrounded by nature and a strong sense of community.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Riverfront Theatre in Newport announces cast for Rapunzel
The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport will present Rapunzel as this year's pantomime, running from November 27 to January 4. The cast will feature both returning favourites and fresh faces, including Mandifadza Mupita, who joins the show for the first time as Tylwyth Teg the Forest Sprite. Originally from Swansea, Mr Mupita said: "This marks my first Christmas in Newport. "Panto holds a special place in my heart – it's the joyful reminder that we've made it through another year. "To now be part of telling that story is a true honour." Returning to the Riverfront stage is Chloe-Jo Byrnes, whose credits include Mamma Mia! in the West End and Fairy Daffodil in last year's pantomime Dick Whittington. Ms Byrnes said: "Panto is where so many of us first fall in love with the magic of theatre. "It brings the whole community together and I'm so excited to be returning to Newport for another unforgettable season." Jacob Bradford also returns after delighting audiences as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington. Mr Bradford said: "I'm thrilled to return to Newport. "Rapunzel is set to be a spectacular show – full of colour, music, and laughter. "I can't wait for audiences to see what we've been working on." The cast also includes Richard Elis, returning for his 14th pantomime at the Riverfront, and Gareth Tempest, who will once again take on the role of Dame. Rapunzel promises a magical adventure set in the heart of a Welsh forest, filled with vibrant characters, enchanting sets, and festive fun for audiences of all ages. To make the experience even more accessible, the Riverfront is offering a split-payment option for select performances, with tickets able to be secured from just £9 per person. The remaining balance can be paid by October 31, with instalment plans available for shows on November 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, January 2, 3, and 4. Tickets are available now via the Newport Live website.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Outstanding' wartime drama hailed 'a magical escape' by fans
The film was written and directed by actor Charles Dance and it is based on a 1908 short story by William J. Locke. Some huge names starred in the movie, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Miriam Margolyes Period drama enthusiasts are set for a real treat as Prime Video hosts a film that Waterside Holiday Group has branded a "touching wartime drama". The picture was penned and helmed by actor Charles Dance and draws inspiration from a 1908 short story by William J. Locke. Several major stars featured in the production, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Miriam Margolyes. The tale centres on the Widdington sisters Janet and Ursula, who reside in scenic coastal Cornwall, known for being a backdrop for period dramas, within a close-knit fishing community in 1936. They stumble upon a dashing stranger, a Polish violinist from Kraków, who had been voyaging to America when he was washed overboard from his vessel. The motion picture in question is Ladies in Lavender, which can be purchased or hired on Prime Video. Long-standing pals Maggie Smith and Judi Dench had been performing together in a West End production when Charles Dance initially approached them regarding the venture. They instantly agreed to his proposal without even perusing the screenplay, which proved fortunate for Charles as it was reported they were his sole choice for the leading parts and without them, the picture wouldn't have materialised. Waterside Holiday Group commented on the film's setting: "Some of the locations chosen for the film's most hauntingly memorable scenes include Cadgwith, a picturesque fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula, and Mullion Cove, another stunning coastal location on the Lizard Peninsula, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty." Both leading ladies received nominations for Best European Actress at the European Film Awards following the film's debut. The film was met with high praise from viewers, with one fan, Graham Monkman, sharing on Google Reviews: "This delightful movie will take you back to England in the 30's. "It's a magical escape from today's turbulent and uncertain world into a much gentler, innocent and simpler era – which was ultimately destroyed forever by the rise of fascism in Europe and the onset of the Second World War." Laura Henderson chimed in: "I absolutely love this picture. Not only does it give us two wonderful true ladies of the film industry, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, but a lovely eclectic group of other people." George Chard rounded off the reviews, stating: "Outstanding movie about impossible loves. All round superb acting performances by each of the actors. This is one of those movies that should have won major accolades."
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- South Wales Guardian
Tim Rice: I would ‘consider' using AI to help write songs
The award-winning songwriter, 80, is best known for writing the hit musicals Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber, now Lord Lloyd-Webber. Speaking to Jane Mulkerrins on Times Radio, Sir Tim said he has not yet used AI to help write music but is not opposed to it. Sir Tim said: 'I'd certainly consider it. I hadn't ever used it. Perhaps I should. 'I was doing a cricket speech at lords, and AI had only just come to the attention of the public, and I asked it to write a quick Shakespeare sonnet on cricket, which was really quite good. 'So, perhaps I should try it for one or two songs. I've never used it seriously.' When asked whether he had concerns around the use of AI in the arts, he said: 'If I'm honest, no, I'm not sure. 'Nobody quite knows what it will do. I mean, it might create more jobs. Don't ask me how, but these things could happen. It's a bit like saying in 1979, do you think the mobile phone will cause a lot of hassle? And it's got great benefits but also great disadvantages and I wouldn't begin to know that. 'The other thing is, I'm getting on a bit, and I'm not going to (be here) in 20 years' time. I'm not gonna be too worried about AI unless they can bring me back to life.' The lyricist also praised actress Rachel Zegler for her performance of Eva Peron in the West End production of Evita, a musical which follows the story of Peron as she rises from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. The 24-year-old has made headlines this summer for singing the musical's most popular number, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, from a balcony outside the London Palladium theatre. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the artistic choice means passers-by are able to be part of the production and witness the live rendition while ticketed audience members watch the number from a screen inside the theatre. Sir Tim said: 'The cast are excellent. Rachel Zegler is a force of nature, I believe is the cliche best applied. 'She sings it beautifully and the idea of having her going out onto the balcony, into the real street, is a work of genius, and also great work of PR and I enjoyed it.'
