“One minute we had customers, the next minute there was no-one.”
In a lost village, blurred by redrawn borders, hidden under a crumb on the map, Bear Ridge Stores still stands.
After a hundred years, the family butchers and grocers – a place for odds and ends, contraband goods, and the last petrol pump for 30 miles – is now silent.
But owners John Daniel and Noni are going nowhere.
They are defiantly drinking the remaining whiskey and remembering good times, when everyone was on the same side and the old language shone.
Outside in the dark, a figure is making their way towards them…
One of Wales’ most celebrated writers, Ed Thomas (co-creator of Hinterland) made a momentous return to the stage with this semi-autobiographical story about the places we leave behind, the indelible marks they make on us, and the unreliable memories we hold on to.
To further reveal and explore the world of On Bear Ridge, National Theatre Wales with writer and co-director Ed Thomas, created a series of outdoor, site-specific installations titled, No Petrol For 12 Miles.
Audiences at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff and the Royal Court, London were also able to experience the installation through a VR film that was available to watch at both theatres making the landscape of On Bear Ridge accessible in the centre of these busy cities.
The VR experience was available at Sherman Theatre 3–5 October and at the Royal Court 24 October – 23 November.
Rakie Ayola as Noni
Rhys Ifans as John Daniel
Jason Hughes as The Captain
Sion Daniel Young as Ifan William
Writer: Ed Thomas
Co-Directors: Vicky Featherstone & Ed Thomas
Designer: Cai Dyfan
Composer: John Hardy Music
Lighting Designer: Elliot Griggs
Sound Designer: Mike Beer
Costume Supervisor: Amy Barrett