The Red Rogue of Bala – Theatr Clwyd, Mold

Writer: Chris Ashworth-Bennion

Director: Dan Jones

Set in 1913, Welsh criminal John Jones reclines against the bar of a local pub and proclaims to barflies his most recent escapade in absconding from yet another prison. It is clear that he, Little Turpin, the Welsh Houdini and Coch Bach y Bala (Little Redhead of Bala),  is well regarded by the townsfolk who turn to him for distraction as World War I looms ahead.

The Red Rogue of Bala marks Chris Ashworth-Bennion’s theatre debut as critic turned playwright. Though fast-paced, the story is not rushed but instead utterly dramatised so that, at times, it is hard to distinguish truth from tale. In this dingy pub, we are taken from Harlech, Corwen and Llangollen all the way to the Irish Sea through the great stories of this infamous thief.

John Jones (Simon Holland Roberts) is a man on the shorter side but one with immense presence, and Roberts’ storytelling is what carries the production and audience engagement. Under Dan Jones’ direction, the comedy is, at times, a little flat but is brought back by Roberts’ ability to command attention with his performance.

Other members of the cast engage in some skilful multi-rolling and carry out numerous romantic side-plots, which unfortunately don’t add anything to the story but fluff. John Jones Jr. (Theo Woolford) falls for the daughter of the local landowner, a regular Romeo and Juliet pairing, but their joining feels like an almost unnecessary distraction from John Jones’ mischief.

A particular standout is the bumbling policeman Constable Eifion Winstanley (Rhys ap Trefor), who for most of the production is considered the ‘village idiot’, receiving his own retribution towards the end. Trefor delivers brilliant comedic timing, and his use of the set provided by Mark Bailey, in combination with Roberts, works so brilliantly that it is impossible to be sure where they will pop up from next.

The set presents itself as an old and rundown inn, which soon bears its hidden tricks that Bailey adds for the Houdini to utilise, including trap floors and secret crevices in walls. At one point, a gigantic cauldron is brought into the pub, becoming a focal point underneath lighting by Simisola Majekodunmi, where spots and cross-fades work harmoniously to set the atmosphere. Several Welsh songs by Johnny Edwards (sound director) and Mared Williams (composer and musical director) are used. The musical moments lend a sense of place but at times disrupt the otherwise steady rhythm of the storytelling.

While The Red Rogue of Bala occasionally stumbles in tone, its sense of local lore, lively performances and inventive set design make it a production rich with character and charm. Rooted in Welsh myth yet strikingly timely, it offers a great night of theatre.

Runs until 22 November 2025.