Give feedback on this pageGaol house drama
Ruthin Gaol came alive during a dramatic performance that re-lived the life of one of the former prison's most infamous inmates.
Talented performers from Denbighshire wowed the audience in the performance of 'Coch Bach y Bala', which was based on the life of John Jones, known as the Welsh Houdini. He was a petty criminal who escaped from gaol three times a century ago and was shot during his third 'break' from gaol and later died from his wounds.
The micro music drama performance was commissioned by Denbighshire County Council and Trac from composer Sioned Webb. The Libretto was by Mair Tomos Ifans, with direction by Carys Huw.
The 30 minute performance was written for voice, fiddle and clogs and involved the audience moving through the gaol to get a taste of prison in Victorian times. The performance was made possible through funding from the Arts Council of Wales and the Perfoming Rights Society Foundation.
Among performers were Urdd members from Adran Rhuthun and dancers from Clwb Dawns Heulfre (pupils at Ysgol Heulfre, Denbigh).
Councillor Morfudd Jones, Denbighshire’s Education Champion, who attended the performance, said: 'I was delighted to see so many talented youngsters from Denbighshire being given the chance to tread the boards and perform in a rather unique composition in an unique setting.
Councillor Gwyneth Kensler, Cabinet Lead Member for Promting Denbighshire, said: 'Coch Bach y Bala goes down in history as being one of the most infamous inmates ever to be jailed at Ruthin Gaol and members of the public can learn more about him and other inmates at The Gruelling Experience, which has transformed the former gaol into a major tourist attraction.
“The exhibitions offer a taste of life in Victorian times and the trials and tribulations of prisoners at Ruthin Gaol.'