Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
If you’re ready to get Christmas started, look no further than St David’s Hall on Friday the 4th, where the Royal Welsh College Brass Band will be kicking off the afternoon with a collection of traditional carols and festive music (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, 4th Dec, 1pm. Tickets: £5.75 in advance or £6.75 on the door).
Following its success at the Chichester Film Festival, Mack & Mabel has arrived in Cardiff and is showing in the Bay all week. This critically acclaimed musical stars Rebecca LaChance and double Olivier Award winner, Michael Ball (Wales Millennium Centre, Tue 1st – Sun 6th of Dec, 19.30. Tickets: £19 – £63).
Glee’s Comedy Christmas Party is already sold out for the Saturday night, but tickets are still available for Friday (Glee Club, Cardiff; Fri 4th Dec. 20.15. Tickets: £24.). If you want to make a night of it, book for a pre-show meal; prices start from £38pp for a 2-course meal (including show tickets), and doors open at 6.45 for diners.
At the Richard Burton Theatre, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s The Taming of the Shrew opens on Wednesday night. Directed by RSC actor, Iqbal Khan, this notorious battle of the sexes has been transported to the 1950s to join in the rise of radical feminism (Richard Burton Theatre, Cariff, Wed 2nd – Sat 12th Dec 7.30pm, 4th and 8th December 2.30pm. Tickets: £10 – £12, under 25s £6).
Bierkeller’s Kellerfest Cardiff takes place on Sunday night and features live Blues and Rock n’ Roll from Loaded Jones, Grim Citizens, The Caspiens and The Verdilacs. Entrance is free, but expect to pay £5 for a Stein/£2.50 for a Jagerbomb (Bierkeller, Cardiff. Sun 6th Dec. Tickets: free. Over 18s only).
Christmas fun for the whole family can be found at Winter Wonderland, which runs right up until the 3rd of January. Activities include outdoor Ice Skating on the lawn, and a funfair with a Big Wheel. With snow already falling in South Wales, you can warm up at the Alpine Village with a Gluhwein or Hot Chocolate (Cardiff City Hall. Ice Skating; Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm, Sat 9.45 – 10pm, Sun 9.45 – 8.45. Tickets: Children £6.50, Adults £9, Conc £7.50. Funfair; Mon – Sun 11am – 9pm).
Having regenerated only last month, The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is a great way to start the season’s entertainment. If you’ve already been, expect everything to have changed as it’s Peter Capaldi, the 12th Timelord, who now leads you on your time travelling adventure through the Gallifrey museum and into the Tardis (The Doctor Who Experience, Cardiff Bay. Tickets: Adults £14/£16 (on the door), Children £9.75/£11.75, Family £41/£49. Merchandise Packs start from £28.25)
If you’ve been daydreaming about decorating with home-made garlands and centre-pieces since you put away your Halloween masks, then Cardiff Castle on the 6th of December is the place for you. With expert tuition you can learn how to craft your very own Christmas Wreath or Table Decoration in the beautiful setting of the Undercroft. Wreath-making starts at 12.30, and table decorations at 3pm (Cardiff Castle; Sun 6th Dec. Tickets: £25/wreath, £17/table decoration).
For something a little less Christmassy, Gwdihw Cafe Bar hosts its monthly Folk Music night: Folk in the Owl’s Nest. This month’s music features Bristolian 5 piece folk band, Circe’s Diner, supported by Bear and the Woods, The Fireside Family, and Caerphilly singer/songwriter, Rob Reece (Gwdihw Cafe, Cardiff. Wed 2nd Dec. 7.30-11pm. Tickets: £3.50).
Ever wonder how Father Christmas manages to drink all that milk, brandy, and whisky without rushing off to piddle every five minutes? Well at last there’s a musical that explores that question: Father Christmas Needs a Wee. Hinted to be a contender for the Children’s Show of the Year, this funny Christmassy show is perfect for all the family (Swansea Grand Theatre, Tue 1 Dec. Tickets: £10.50-£12.50).
words SALLY BROWN
photo SARA; NEIL THOMPSON
