Rebooted for 2010’s festival fringe, and first performed in 1996, Diary of a Welshcake details the exploits and adventures of a Welshman abroad, re-written and revived to be performed once again by Greg Ashton.
We follow Ralph, from the Valleys to TEFL in Hong Kong, encountering a whole host of peculiar persons on the way, from a self-discovering larger-than-life californian, to some rather questionably named Hongkongers, via a sexually ambiguous fan of ‘Love is a Many-Splendored Thing’, all performed with panache by Ashton. An unfortunately poor turnout made for a more intimate audience with Ashton, with the fourth wall often broken as scenes shifted from tearfully moving, to socially awkward, to the downright silly. Of the latter, one true moment of joy is provided by an audience exploration into Ralph’s dreams, Ashton’s dynamic energy leading him to nonsensical conclusions, whilst I got to throw Skittles at him.
Never deterred by a small audience, his charm is ever apparent as he narrates his endeavours with minimal costume and set, a single suitcase a TARDIS of amusing props. Ashton truly is a joy to watch, a hugely enjoyable performance both poignant and endearing.
Tucked away in Lochend Close, this a hidden gem of a show. Cracking.
Reviewed by Sacha Towyn Timaeus 24/08/2010
Diary of a Welshcake (Reboot)
Venue 13
14:00 August 22th-29th
