The Torch Theatre welcomes former Ysgol y Preseli pupil, Emily Davis to its stage this March with her one-woman show that hits all the right notes. Blending razor-sharp satire, soaring original songs and a powerhouse performance, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a musical comedy for anyone who's ever questioned their 9-to-5 - or themselves.

Anwen went along to interview Emily about her new show ...

Introduce yourself and your links to the local area

I was born in Cardiff and moved to Pembrokeshire when I was 11. My grandparents had moved to Johnston in the late 80s so I’d already fallen in love with area, spending my very early years coming down to Pembs in school holidays, staying at their caravan on Newgale Beach, coming to Milford for a walk along the front and getting a Woolworths pic ’n’ mix! I went to Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych, and even though I moved away after uni I still come home a lot and I’m really close with my friends from school. I’ve performed at the Torch before with Haverfordwest Operatic Society so I’m super excited to come back with my own show. 

Tell us more about Blodwen

Blodwen is my alter ego. I’d done a few one woman shows just as Emily, but I realised a few years ago that it would be helpful to be able to set into a character, so that I could step out of it after a performance and go back to my normal life. I’d always written about my Welsh upbringing, had lots of stories about growing up in the Welsh countryside and felt that I needed a name that reflected that and very firmly declared that I belong to Wales. So Blodwen was born! She’s brave, excitable, and says what she really thinks, all of the time, which isn’t always easy to do in real life.

What is the show all about?

The show looks at what it means to be successful and to get your heart’s desire, and asks - is it the same thing? Blodwen goes on an intoxicating journey from the hills of Wales to the tallest skyscraper in London and ticks every box she wanted to tick, but finds herself questioning whether the path she has followed actually works for her. 

Where did the idea come from?

Probably if I’m honest an existential crisis. Why do any of us do anything? I discovered a passion for sailing a few years ago when I was on a hen do in Mallorca and we had to abandon ship because the sea was so rough. I was so enthralled by the whole experience as soon as I got home I booked a Start Yachting course and I’ve been hooked ever since. The fact that this enormous passion was ignited in me for something that had never been on my radar started me wondering - what else am I missing? I started to think about the rigidity and linear path of the 9-5, and wondered what would happen to someone who woke up one day and wanted to get off the treadmill? How would you go about it? How scary would it be? And (most interestingly to me) how liberating would it be?

Describe the piece in three words

Hopeful, joyful, grounding. 

What type of audience will enjoy the show?

Anyone who has worked in an office or had a dream. If you have a heart beating inside your chest there’s something for you.

What message does the show convey?

There’s more to life than what’s put in front of us. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and forge your own. 

Blodwen Rocks the Boat, can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage on Tuesday 17 March at 7.30pm. Ticket price: £15. Suitable for 12+ as the show contains mild swearing. For further information visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267