Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
Ever wanted to know what happened to X-Factor contestant Lucie Jones? Well she’s come back to Cardiff to tell us! In her Christmas Special All Grown Up, Lucie tells her fans about her new life as a West End star. Her performances feature special guests who have helped her in her success, including students from Cardiff’s very own Louise Ryan Vocal School. Join Lucie on Saturday the 19th at The Acapela Studio this Christmas. (Acapela Studio, Cardiff, Sat 19th Dec, 8pm. Tickets: £15 + Booking Fee)
If you have been wondering what the pink balloon bear has been advertising around Cardiff, now is your chance to find out. The Insatiable Inflatable Candylion is finally ready for audiences to see. A mixture between a theatre production and a sing-a-long music show with both old and new music; watch as musicians and actors join together to create a theatre production for all ages. (The SSE SWALEC, Cardiff, Wed 16th Dec – Sat 2nd Jan, 2pm & 7pm. Tickets: Children £12.50, Adults £17.50, Family £50)
Not feeling in the Christmas spirit yet? Head down to Saint David’s Hall and watch a Christmas concert full of all your favourite festive songs. Conductor, Grant Llewellyn, pulls out all the stops for his show Christmas Celebrations, as he creates a winter wonderland to get everyone in that holiday feeling. (Saint David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 17th Dec, 7pm. Tickets: Standard £15 – £35, Under 16 £5, Students £5, Disabled People plus One Companion £10, Family (Each Ticket) £15 – £20)
Y Tabernacl, the only Welsh language Baptist Church in Cardiff, is hosting an English sung opera about when three wise men (following a star) encounter a poor widow and her crippled child, Amahl. If you ever wanted to watch an opera but worried that the language barrier would make it to tiring or confusing, then Amahl and The Night Visitors is for you. (Y Tabernacl, Cardiff, Fri 18th Dec – Tues 22nd Dec, 7.30pm. Tickets: Adults £8, Children £5)
Want to have a jolly laugh this Christmas? Take a look at Jongleurs Comedy Christmas Shows. Performing are some of the leading comedy acts like Kane Brown, Rhodri Rhys and Ignacio Lopez; and they are sure to have your sides splitting with laughter this Christmas. (Jongleurs, Corner Park Place, Cardiff, Sat 19th Dec – Sat 26th Dec, Doors 6:00 pm, Show 8:30 pm. Tickets: £25 – £55)
Chapter Arts Centre is hosting a screening for East London’s drag queens, staring performers such as Jonny Woo, Holestar, Scottee, Amber, Pia Abert and John Sizzle, with their show Dressed As A Girl. See their personal struggles and how expressing your individualism can help find likeminded people. (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Tues 15th Dec, 6pm. Over 18s only. Tickets: Adult £7.20, Student £5.10)
At it again, with their creativity and their inclusive nature, The Chapter Arts Centre is hosting a Creative Cardiff Christmas Party. They have promised music and performers (as well as some other special surprises), but most importantly, the chance to meet new people in the holiday spirit. (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wed 16th Dec, 7.30pm. Tickets: £10- includes a glass of mulled wine and a hot buffet)
Want to make your decorations yourself this year? Christmas feels warmer and more festive when you dress your home with time and care. John Lewis is offering free creative demos in store this Christmas. Learn how to dress your Christmas Tree, craft a Christmas Wreath, learn creative gift wrapping and many other things. Visit between 11am and 1pm to take part in these masterclasses. (John Lewis, Cardiff, every Thursday, Friday and Sunday, from 11am – 1pm until Christmas. Price: Free)
If you’re looking for unique handcrafted Christmas gifts this year, take a look at the Christmas Creatives Exhibition at The Riverfront. With artist from Wales and beyond showing and selling their collection of screen prints, photography, original artworks and gifts, there will be a wide range of artwork for you to choose from this year. (The Riverfront, Newport, Mon 14th Dec – Sat 9th Jan. Tickets: Free)
This Christmas join a clay workshop and make a Christmas Sculpture that you can enjoy all year around. Nantgarw China Works, have put up special sessions for the holiday season, which include a visit from Santa. Afterwards you can make your way to the Chinaworks Tea Room for a hot mug of Chocolate and a Christmas treat. (Nantgarw China Works, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Sat 12th Dec & Sat 19th Dec, 10.30 – 12.30 and 1pm – 3pm. Tickets: £10 per child, £5 for Santa visit only, £5 for Workshop only. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Tickets will be on sale at Nantgarw House. )
words MONICA MARTIN, photo SPIKE CLARK