words:

Ffotogallery’s annual Book Arts Fayre returns (Sat 25 Feb, admission: free), with a haven of independent publishing. The perfect opportunity to discover new arty zines and books, the fayre is not only free to attend, but a complete with a complimentary cuppa.

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate their 30^th anniversary with Favourite Classics (Fri 24 Feb, 7.30pm, tickets: check online), an exquisite set spanning Rossini, Dvořák and Elgar’s Enigma Variations, which catapulted him to fame in 1899.

Cardiff’s National Museum of Art will be displaying a collection of paintings by John Piper (1903-1992). Titled John Piper: The Mountain of Wales, (Until 13 May, admission: free) the exhibition illustrates Piper’s travels around the Snowdonia area, using rich colours and semi-abstract forms.

Telling the tale of Max, an astronomer with a condition that leads to incurable blindless, Going Dark (Tue 21-Wed 22 Feb, tickets £8/£12) depicts the tragedy of disability.

A part of the much anticipated Sherman Cymru re-opening in Cardiff, For Once (Thurs 23 Feb-Sat 3 March, tickets: £14) was first produced by Pentabus Theatre in July 2011. This dark comedy about life, love and loss has been re-mastered by Cardiff University alumni Tim Price.

Adapted from Charles Dickens’ classic short story, The Black Veil (Wed 22-Sat 25 Feb, tickets: £10-£14.50) is brought to Swansea Grand Theatre by John Goodrum.

Both rooms of Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach are taken over by German label Moon Harbour for the first Delete of 2012, featuring house favourites Matthias Tanzmann/Leif (Fri 24 Feb, tickets £12).

Street dance meets theatre in Elektro Kif (Fri 24-Sat 25 Feb, 7.45pm, tickets: from £15) combines a seemingly impossible mix of dance with an exhilarating narrative.

The Welsh National Opera open their spring season with La Traviata at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre (until 3 March, tickets: check online). Three productions in total, these include BeatriceAand Benedict, the perfect starter opera as it is sung in English.

And if you can only do one thing…

Comedian turned actor Chris Addison, most recently seen as demonic headmaster David Blood in Skins, brings his latest tour to St David’s Hall (Wed 22 Feb, 8pm, tickets: £20) in Cardiff.