Christmas is dead, long live Christmas! Traditionally, the festive holiday is followed by January – notoriously a time when seasonal depression sets in hardest. But help is on hand in the form of these fun and unique things to do in Wales this January 2023.
VIAGRA BOYS
Swedish post-punk band Viagra Boys are playing Cardiff SU following the success of their third album Cave World. Expect high energy, lyrics laced with dark humour and (if past performances are anything to go by) some shirtless dad dancing.
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Tue 24 Jan
Tickets: £22. Info: here
ISY SUTTIE
Known for her roles in Shameless and Peep Show, Isy Suttie is a comedian, actor, musician, author and podcaster. She returns to standup with a show that discusses her need to find adventure and surprise, as a partner to someone who hates surprises.
Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Sun 8 Jan
Tickets: £16.50. Info: here
THE 1975
Following their fifth number one album, Being Funny In A Foreign Language, The 1975 are back with a UK and Ireland tour to start the year. (Perhaps they could learn a thing or two about being funny in Welsh?)
Cardiff International Arena, Mon 16 + Tue 17 Jan
Tickets: £57.50 (sold out). Info: here
REFUGEES FROM NATIONAL SOCIALISM IN WALES: LEARNING FROM THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE
This exhibition connects the stories of modern-day refugees with the stories of those who fled from National Socialism in the 1930’s onwards. These historical and modern narratives are represented through artworks, photography and literature, created by refugees.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre, until Sun 29 Jan
Admission: FREE. Info: here
CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW
Find yourself immersed in a world where musical theatre and circus are combined, as Cirque’s award-winning cast will be there for all of your fire-juggling and Hairspray singalong needs. Let’s hope the hairspray and fire don’t mix too much, as this show couldn’t get any more explosive…
New Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 19-Sat 21 Jan
Tickets: £19-£33. Info: here
BLACK STONE CHERRY / THE DARKNESS
That’s right, the Suffolk and Kentucky rock titans are teaming up for a co-headline tour giving you the best of both of their back catalogues. Their UK tour is making its first stop at the CIA.
Cardiff International Arena, Sat 28 Jan
Tickets: £46.60. Info: here
SUSIE DENT: THE SECRET LIFE OF WORDS
Lexicographer and author Susie Dent takes us on a linguistic journey to reveal the fascinating origins and histories of names and spellings, and the surprising stories that explain them.
Blake Theatre, Monmouth, Sat 21 Jan
Tickets: £23.50. Info: here
DISNEY’S FANTASIA IN CONCERT
The BBC National Orchestra Of Wales will be screening both Fantasia and its sequel, Fantasia 2000, accompanied by a live orchestra – blending the nostalgia of 1940s Mickey Mouse with the classical selections of Beethoven to create an experience with as much magic (if not more) as the film’s original release.
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Sat 14 Jan
Tickets: £12-£20. Info: here
AN EVENING WITH SHAUN RYDER
After multiple reschedulings, An Evening With Shaun Ryder is finally making its way to the Glee Club. Shaun, of Happy Mondays and Black Grape fame, will be discussing his life and career with insights into the music industry and the opportunity to ask questions.
Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Sun 15 Jan
Tickets: £22. Info: here
YOUNG WELSH ARTISTS
This exhibition showcases the work of eight Welsh artists in their early careers across a range of media, including ceramics, photography and painting.
MOMA Machynlleth, until Sat 28 Jan
Admission: FREE. Info: here
STEWART LEE
Known for his deadpan comedy and conceptual shows, for latest show Basic Lee Stew is stripping back his usual emphasis on sets and props and is returning to the stage with just a microphone, a basic yet classic approach to comedy.
St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 24 + Wed 25 Jan
Tickets: £27.50. Info: here
ENGLISH TEACHER
After gaining traction with their EP Polyawkward and securing multiple festival/support slots in 2022, English Teacher are embarking on a short run of UK shows as part of Independent Venue Week.
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Tue 31 Jan
Tickets: £10. Info: here
words ELIZABETH MORRIS
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