Written and produced by Alan Wells and Chris O’Hara the show  is a musical adaptation of the epic novel "How Green was my Valley" (written by Richard Llewellyn)

The libretto (writer: Alan Wells) and the music (composer: Chris O'Hara) are entirely our own work. The story, set at the end of the 19th century, reflects the character, time and place of the Welsh mining communities of that era. The music is in a contemporary style (with references to music of “the valleys”) is a mixture of ‘stand alone’ songs and through-composed music that drives the narrative forward.
The production is written in English but rooted in Welsh idioms. It explores universal themes of love, loss and injustice and celebrates the strength and support of community, inspired by Alan's upbringing and family experiences in the Welsh Valleys mining industry.

The Libretto, piano/vocal score, with production notes are complete.
We have consulted a number of people working in theatre and opera, namely Michael McCarthy ( Music Theatre Wales), Graeme Farrow, (Wales Millennium Centre),Wyn Davies, (MD, New Zealand Opera), Donald Maxwell (WNO), David Pountney and Nigel Hook (set designer for The Play that Goes wrong) and others.

All have liked the work and have encouraged us to try and progress the piece to production.
Graeme Farrow has told us that he would be delighted to present it at the WMC.

A vocal workshop of some of the music was carried out with several singing undergraduates and others at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in February 2019 under the direction of Donald Maxwell and was very well received.