Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
For those in a midday lull this Tuesday, the Royal Welsh College Symphony Orchestra (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 12 Jan. Tickets: £5.75) has an entrancing lunchtime concert of intergalactic proportions to transport you away from the mundane.
Climbing aboard an old bus to find love and friendship, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Tue 12-Sat 16 Jan. Tickets: £15.50-£55.50) chronicles the feel-good adventure of three friends who encounter crazy costumes, infectious dance classics and the ultimate party.
Didn’t get enough of the New Year festivities the first time around? Why not check out Hen Galan’s New Year (Gwaun Valley, Fishguard, Wed 13 Jan. Admission: free) traditional celebrations two weeks later with the small community of Cwm Gwaun.
One of the most celebrated comedy plays in recent years, Cardiff Players take on One Man, Two Guvnors (The Mike Barlow YMCA Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 13-Sat 16 Jan, 7.30pm. Tickets: £8) this week, the tale of one confused man working for two gangsters, and the chaos which ensues as he attempts to keep both separate.
From Don’t Bring Me Down to the notorious Mr Blue Sky, tribute act The ELO Experience (Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, Thu 14 Jan, 7.30pm. Tickets: £20) nail them all with aptitude, creating an almost indistinguishable facade with the original symphonic rock juggernauts.
Marking the start of a yearlong celebration of the bard’s most notable works, the Shakespeare 400 Gala Launch (Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea, Thu 14 Jan, 7.15pm. Admission: free) will provide an opportunity to fully appreciate the 400th anniversary of the playwright along with wine and entertaining company.
Touring from across the pond, the four piece Turnover (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thu 14 Jan, 7:30pm. Tickets: £7) visit Cardiff this week following the release of their latest album Peripheral Vision, promoting a sound of infused indie rock and pop punk influences.
If you’re as interested in music as we are, the Free For All Festival (The Full Moon / The Moon Club, Cardiff, Sat 2-Sun 31 Jan. Admission: free), should be a must for you. With a plethora of music on offer from across Cardiff and Wales, all for FREE, this month long festival is the highlight of the week.
Looking to promote creative flair at the Market Hall this weekend, Brecon Craft Fair (Market Hall, Brecon, Sat 16 Jan, 9am-4.30pm) is back this January to support local artists, carpenters and craft enthusiasts, with nifty goodies and beautiful handmade products on show.
Dust those capes off, get your sewing kit out and prepare yourself as Comic Con Cymru (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 16 + Sun 17 Jan. Tickets: £4.50) descends on Cardiff, with The Simpsons’ sofa, the Iron Throne and sixth Doctor Who Colin Baker all in tow.
words CONOR KNIGHT, photo OLIVER CLARKE