What justifies carrying on through the often rain-soaked maelstrom of Edinburgh in August is coming across a previously unheralded small-scale gem that makes your heart soar and returns you to the heaving streets with a great smile tickling your cheekbones. Hiraeth, along with its creator/performer Buddug James Jones, is undoubtedly this year’s find.
Jones hails from five generations of farming folk in a small town in Wales, but her desire was to leave her close-knit family behind and try to make her way to, and in, creative London. This is her story, which she tells with oodles of charm along with the help of musician Max Mackintosh. Although Jones originally trained as a theatre designer, she’s an immensely appealing onstage presence: open, a little naive but resolute. She guides us winningly through the Young Farmers’ Dance and a Welsh rap called Cool Cymru — sunflower hats a bonus — to a gentle, rueful commentary on the decline of rural tradition and the importance of leaving home while still cherishing your roots.
Given that Jones eventually made it to the capital, it is greatly to be hoped that Hiraeth follows suit, and soon.
Until Aug 24 (0844 545 8252, underbellyedinburgh.co.uk)
Latest Edinburgh Festival reviews
