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Students from the Welsh Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) of the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) will present the powerful musical by Mal Pope at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, on 27 and 28 June 2025. Directed by Angharad Lee, the production tells the impressive story of Evan Roberts and his role in leading the Welsh Religious Revival in 1904.

The show presents a harrowing story about faith, sacrifice and hope, through the eyes of W.T. Stead, leading Sunday Times journalist and peace campaigner, with a rich musical backdrop by Mal Pope and well-known Welsh hymns.

Based in Loughor, Amazing Grace follows the experiences of Evan Roberts receiving a profound spiritual call, and his harrowing journey from rejection to glory, as his message inspires over half a million people around the world. The production is a celebration of Welsh history and the energy of the next generation of performers.

Jona Milone, a student who plays Evan Roberts, said:

“The challenge of facing a biographical musical, in which I play a man who arguably revolutionised 20th century Christianity within Wales (and to an extent globally) was daunting to say the least.

“To pay homage to a man who touched so many lives, some of those who still remember him, and his effect today, is certainly pressure. 

“However, it is most certainly an honour to ‘revive’ this Welsh Musical by Mal Pope, at a time in the world full of division and hate, and recall the man who spoke of equality, love and kindness, which feels lost in today’s society. 

“When modern religion is a point of contention globally, it was so refreshing to return to a time where, rather it was a bridge for community, support and love. It has also been truly amazing to research and understand such a large part of Welsh History that I was previously unaware of. 

“Evan Roberts has been an amazing guide for me to appreciate religion, which I had previously felt alien or hostile to, and that is thanks to Pope’s script alongside the incredible direction and mentoring of Angharad Lee. Roberts’ story is arguably one of tragedy; his path was difficult and challenging, and it has been inspiring to watch, and to a degree, live, his journey for 5 weeks: experiencing his struggle, feeling his frustration and exploring his love for God and his fellow man. Furthermore, it’s been fascinating to explore the ‘humanity’ of a man revered by thousands: seeing his battle with faith and love, the immense backlash he faced, and the grief and loss he experienced. 

“The musical has allowed a conversation between this cast of young people to better understand religion through the eyes of our generation and better understand its journey from 1904 to now. I’m grateful to the entire creative team for their dedication and support and being able to show a new side to Evans’ journey.”

Director Angharad Lee said:  

“We’re in a challenging place in the world at the moment politically, and how religion is weaponised. I’m not religious myself, but I’m definitely getting more spiritual as I get older, and whether or not you’re spiritual or religious, I think that sense of community is what is inspiring, and I think that’s what we’ve been trying to encourage here, and we can all be on each other’s side. It doesn’t matter if we have differences of opinion, but we all can be supportive of each other, and I think that has been forgotten in society .

“ The scale of the musical is quite vast, it’s quite episodic. The biggest reward for me is that we are in an educational setting, and it’s always important for me when I’m directing a show at the university. It’s just to see the progression when you see certain individuals in a completely different light and see that they’ve made a huge leap. That’s our job here – to encourage our students to believe in their selves and the path that they’re on, and when they step into that place, that’s the reward.”

Eilir Owen Griffiths, Welsh Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts Director, added:

“Amazing Grace, our end of year show, like every year, is the highlight of any student. It’s where we see them put what they’ve learned into practice before moving on to pastures new.”

“It is an honour to see the students come out on top with each production, and this year this show truly reflects their talent, their passion and what they have learned.”

To book tickets for the show, book

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476