Review: My Dad: The Woman, The Myth, The Legend at Alma Tavern Theatre

Exceptional piece of theatre captures the heart of transgender lives

My Dad: The Woman, The Myth, The Legend. has been eight years in the making. It’s written by Rhys Myhill largely based around his relationship with his own dad. The result is a beautiful piece of theatre that explores the impact of generational trauma, relationships and issues woven around the transgender experience.

It’s a very timely piece of theatre. Issues affecting transpeople and gender-diverse people have never felt more polarised and dangerous. The impact this has on transpeople’s lives is devastating. The repercussions of such hate and how it ripples out through a family across the years is covered within the play.

The narrative of the story unfolds through flashbacks and flash forwards. This gives us the backstory which has a knock-on effect with the future timeline.

Time is governed by a digital countdown to the birth of Jamie and Kez’s baby.

Carys Daniels plays Mia, Jamie’s dad who transitions into a woman. Mia is a perfectly written character – flawed and messy – but also full of fun and joy. We jump back in time to core memories of her earlier days of experimentation. The same memory repeats, but with slight changes each time, showing how memories can be confused and blurred as our brains seek to make sense of life.

Mia’s son Jamie is played by writer Rhys Myhill.

In addition to their father and son roles, Daniels also plays a 15 year old version of herself with Myhill playing her father. The transition between age and power is impressive. Scenes of innocent joy giving way to tension and menace leaves you holding your breath.

The third member of the cast is Mollie Biddlecombe, who plays Kez, Jamie’s partner.

The casting is perfection. Rhys Myhill and Mollie Biddlecombe are perfectly paired, leading to a naturalistic and tender performance.

Carys Daniels’ performance as Mia is incredible. She pulls the character’s complex story and themes together into a heartfelt portrayal that is both entertaining and moving.

My Dad: The Woman, The Myth, The Legend. is not only a compelling piece of theatre, it’s authentic with plenty of comedy. It feels like a real family, with real flaws and all of the highs and lows that go with it.

As well as being delivered by an expert cast, the writing being autobiographical in nature – from Rhys Myhill’s lived experience – means its a very honest account.

Mia’s anguish and hurt which eventually explodes is genuine. It is the transgender experience. When it comes, it blows away every ridiculous argument about toilets, because transgender hate kills.

My Dad: The Woman, The Myth, The Legend. will be at the Cotswold Playhouse on 01 August 2025

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk/

For more information about the show, visit: https://www.greedypigtheatrecompany.com

Bristol businesses wanting to show they are a safe space for trans people can sign up to the Safe Space Bristol scheme here: https://www.instagram.com/safespacebristol

Cast and Creatives
Jamie – Rhys Myhill
Mia – Carys Daniels
Kez – Mollie Biddlecombe

Written by Rhys Myhill
Director – Lex Kaby
Creative Producer – Holly Jefferies
Assistant Director – Livi Holden
Lighting Designer & Technician – Alex Latham
Sound Designer – Amy Pix
Intimacy Director – Hope Thain
Fight Director – Russell Eccleston
Set Designer – Richard Canning
Script Editor – Douglas Murdoch
Script Consultants – Alexandra Ricou. Esther Warren, Finn Harkin
Set Construction – Richard Canning, Ollie Copleston
Marketing & Photography – Douglas Murdoch
Poster Model – Chloe Myhill

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