UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who attended Sunday’s performance of Myra’s Story and donated an amazing £1,580.51 to us.
This Sunday, (16 February) direct from London’s West End and four smash-hit seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe, Myra’s Story, ‘a masterclass in Irish Storytelling’ arrives at New Theatre Cardiff. Attending the performance will be clients and staff from Huggard.
Meet Myra (played by acclaimed actor Fionna Hewitt-Twamley). Myra has fallen on hard times and is now homeless living on the streets of Dublin. Through her “vivid, virtuoso performance” (WhatsOnStage) Hewitt-Twamley plays a variety of unforgettable larger-than-life Dublin characters, recounting the hilarious and heart-wrenching events that have led her to this point in her life.
“Homelessness is a continuing problem in all societies, and having a high-quality production that focuses on those theme’s is important. It keeps the conversation going about these issues, the causes and the human stories that are always behind every case,” said Adam Rees, Chief Executive of Huggard.
He added, “Huggard is a charity and for more than 35 years has been supporting people out of homelessness. We are open 24/7 365 days of the year and our centre in the heart of the city centre offers a wide range of specialist services.
We have a Day Centre – emergency accommodation – and 2 onsite hostels – plus “supported living” housing elsewhere in the city.
“We are Cardiff’s safety net. We give local people who are homeless, rough sleeping, sofa surfing or threatened with homelessness, the support they need to rebuild their lives. This includes everything from a hot meal, shower, change of clothes to more specialist support with emergency and long term accommodation, getting back into work/training as well as medical and harm reduction support. It is very difficult for any of us to get a GP or dental appointment – it’s doubly complicated if you are homeless!” said Adam Rees.
“Everyone faces highs and lows in life, and Myra’s Story is a compelling, thought-provoking story that resonates with us all, through its humour and compassion.
Writer Brian Foster said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to bring Myra’s Story back to the stage in this exciting new tour across the UK & Ireland. Since its inception, the play has built up a phenomenal fan base across the nation and I can’t wait to bring it to new cities so that more audiences can experience this witty, eye-opening, and captivating story”, said Adam Rees.
At New Theatre Cardiff on Sunday, there will be information and signs available to the audience explaining what Huggard does and how they can support them, as well as a collection at the end of the performance.
Explaining more about what Huggard does and how you can support them, Adam Rees added “The majority of our services are accessed via our Day Centre. It is safe, warm space – and while not home from home – it is as welcoming and comfortable as possible. For example – anyone staying in our emergency accommodation – will have a bed – no one sleeps on the floor – and their own small space to call their own. Staff are available 24/7 to help with any problems or if they just want a chat. Well behaved pets are always welcome and we often have a dog or cat staying with clients.
“As well as helping people sort out the essentials in life, we support them in rebuilding their confidence and self-esteem – if possible, to reconnect with loved ones. Life on the streets is soul destroying and the traumas experienced means most people who come to us are deeply affected by it. We always do our best and continue to work with someone for as long as it takes to help them lift themselves out of homelessness.”
“As a charity we rely on public support in helping their fellow Cardiff citizens – to donate it is justgiving.com/huggard or email donations@huggard.org.uk to make a regular monthly donation. As little as a £3 a month, the price of a cup of coffee, can help us to make a difference to someone’s life.”
Myra’s Story is produced by Brian Foster and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.
