West
Porter's Theatre, Cardiff, CF10 2GS
Sunday 1st March 2026
Written by Owen Thomas, the award-winning writer of ‘Grav’ and ‘The Wood’. The play explores the lives of two Welsh people who fall in love and decide to leave Wales in order to build a life in the New World. It details the hardships and adventures they faced, focusing primarily on the theme of immigration. The play is written in a lyrical, poetic style and presented using minimal set and a physicalised performance style. It is performed by Gareth John Bale (who also directs), the Welsh actor and director whose credits include ‘Grav’, ‘Steeltown Murders’ and ‘Nye and Jennie’; and Gwenllian Higginson, best known to Welsh theatre audiences for ‘Constellations', 'Gwlad yr Asyn’ and ‘Llanast!’.
West was commissioned by the North American Festival of Wales and received its first public performance in the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday 30th August 2019. The first American performances received standing ovations from an enthusiastic
American audience.
‘This was a profoundly moving and evocative presentation which spoke to the global experience of emigrants everywhere. In Owen Thomas and Gareth John Bale we have witnessed the interplay of two huge Welsh born talents, ably supported by a fresh-faced newcomer to us - Gwenllian Higginson. We feel privileged to have had a part in helping them launch this latest production to a most appreciative audience and wish them much success in introducing it to venues in Wales and world-wide’. Y NINNAU
West has toured extensively over the last few years. We have performed in Wales, London, Hastings and St Leonards, The Swallow Theatre, Scotland and enjoyed a successful run at the Hollywood Fringe festival in LA where it was nominated in 3 award categories (Best International, Best Two Person Show and International Fringe Encore Series - SoHo Playhouse, NYC) and won a Best of Broadwater prize.
‘Wow!! This evening at Pontardawe Arts Centre we witnessed a very important piece of Welsh literacy. If you get a chance to see West by Owen Thomas performed by Gareth Bale and Gwenllian Higginson, you will understand. This beautiful play will make you laugh/cry in equal measure.’ Michelle McTernan
‘The premiere of West was at last year’s North American Festival of Wales (2019), where it brought me and many others to tears. Just superb. I can’t recommend it enough.’ Diane Owen
West was commissioned by the North American Festival of Wales and received its first public performance in the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday 30th August 2019. The first American performances received standing ovations from an enthusiastic
American audience.
‘This was a profoundly moving and evocative presentation which spoke to the global experience of emigrants everywhere. In Owen Thomas and Gareth John Bale we have witnessed the interplay of two huge Welsh born talents, ably supported by a fresh-faced newcomer to us - Gwenllian Higginson. We feel privileged to have had a part in helping them launch this latest production to a most appreciative audience and wish them much success in introducing it to venues in Wales and world-wide’. Y NINNAU
West has toured extensively over the last few years. We have performed in Wales, London, Hastings and St Leonards, The Swallow Theatre, Scotland and enjoyed a successful run at the Hollywood Fringe festival in LA where it was nominated in 3 award categories (Best International, Best Two Person Show and International Fringe Encore Series - SoHo Playhouse, NYC) and won a Best of Broadwater prize.
‘Wow!! This evening at Pontardawe Arts Centre we witnessed a very important piece of Welsh literacy. If you get a chance to see West by Owen Thomas performed by Gareth Bale and Gwenllian Higginson, you will understand. This beautiful play will make you laugh/cry in equal measure.’ Michelle McTernan
‘The premiere of West was at last year’s North American Festival of Wales (2019), where it brought me and many others to tears. Just superb. I can’t recommend it enough.’ Diane Owen
