"Before It Rains"

The latest play I’ve been able to get to see for free under the auspices of the British Theatre Guide was Katherine Chandler’s “Before It Rains”, at the Sherman Cymru; about a mother and son on a Cardiff council estate who get entangled with a thuggish youth. Transcending “broken Britain” clichés, it’s a visually arresting, sharply written piece, full of tension, and very well acted (by Lisa Palfrey, Craig Gazey and Harry Ferrier) – full review here. A bonus was that the programme included the full text of the rehearsal draft, which is always welcome. Another bonus was a free glass of wine in the foyer afterwards – much needed.