ladiesfirst • social scene
WHAT’S ON Your vital guide to spring’s social scene highlights
Don’t Miss… Comic genius Rhod Gilbert exploring his ‘supposed’ anger management issues at St David’s Hall 9-11 April (newly added extra dates due to rapid sell-out). Work from abstract artist Andrew Lanning at The Cowbridge Gallery in April, plus a showcase of landscapes from Elizabeth Haines in June. The Spring Exhibition at Oriel Ty Coch / Red House Gallery in Cardiff’s Pontcanna Street (previously Bute Space) 17-30 April – an exhibition of work from over 30 contemporary visual artists and designers. Master of psychological illusion Derren Brown ready to blow your mind at St David’s Hall 19 - 20 April. Ciara Lewis, winner of Off The Wall Gallery’s Art Factor competition showcasing her work at the same Llandaff gallery from May 14. Pieces have been selling fast so make sure you get there early. The Guardian Hay Festival 27 May to 6 June in Brecon Beacons National Park, to celebrate the latest in art, literature, music and comedy. The Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival, at Cardiff International Arena 10 - 12 June, to put the nation’s best cider and ale to the ultimate taste test.
Win!
Cardiff Castle is home to the first Royal Horticultural Society show of the Spring season April 16-18 and includes floral delights, expert advice, show gardens and plenty of entertainment. We have two prizes up for grabs, each offering a day at the show for 4, along with lunch at the nearby Hilton Cardiff Hotel in the Razzi restaurant. For your chance to win, simply tell us the dates of this year’s RHS Show Cardiff. Email your entry to competitions@ladiesfirst.co.uk by Monday 12 April and put ‘RHS’ in the subject box. For information and tickets (£8 in advance, £10 on the day, children free) to the show, visit www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff or call 0844 209 1810. 00
Carrie’s back in Sex and the City 2 Russell Crowe in the new Robin Hood
Family Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, 26 March The magical nanny (Emma Thompson) arrives to help a young mum (Maggie Gyllenhaal) struggling with her farm and children who are warring with their city-bred cousins. Cue a flying motorcycle, a tree-climbing piglet, a baby elephant and five vital lessons. Must-See Clash of the Titans, April 2 Born of a god but raised as a man, hero Perseus (Sam Worthington) must lead a band of warriors on a perilous mission to defeat Hades (Ralph Fiennes) vengeful god of the underworld, and prevent him from seizing the power of mighty Zeus (Liam Neeson). A must-see remake of the mythical epic. Action & Drama Robin Hood, 14 May In a bid to salvage his village crippled by the Sheriff of Nottingham and win the hand of Maid Marian (Cate Blanchette), Robin Hood (Russell Crowe) assembles a gang of skilled mercenaries to seek justice by preying on the upper classes. Chick Flick Sex and the City 2, 28 May Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) return to take another bite out of the Big Apple. Alongside Mr. Big, Steve, Harry, and hunky Smith the four friends are set to Carrie you away...far away! Comedy Get Him To The Greek, 11 June Intern Aaron Greenberg (Jonah Hill) is sent to collect an uncooperative rock legend (Russell Brand) from London for a multi-million dollar comeback gig in Hollywood. But when the rock star insists on a detour, Aaron faces London drug smugglers, New York City brawls and Vegas lap dances
Movies
DVD
The Twilight Saga: New Moon Devastated by the departure of vampire love Edward Cullen, Bella Swan sees her loyalties tested in the second instalment of the Twilight Saga as she’s drawn into the world of werewolves – the ancestral enemies of the vampires – by the hunky Jacob Black. Out from 22 March.
ladiesfirst • social scene
Music
Real Radio breakfast co-host Angela Jay’s album reviews will bring music to your ears Ellie Goulding Lights
Michael Ball in Hairspray at WMC
Theatre
I recently met Ellie when she popped into Real Radio HQ and what a lovely, down to earth, talented girl she was. Ellie’s debut album is definitely worth a listen; her song lyrics, which Ellie confessed were written in her producer’s bedroom, are fantastic! My favourite track is ‘This Love’ - the catchy chorus gets stuck in your head. Verdict: This album is one to have - 8/10
Boyzone Brother
Sell-out musical Hairspray opens its first UK tour at WMC 30 March - 24 April. Starring Michael Ball, the feel-good shows sees Tracey - a big girl with big hair and even bigger heart - set out to inspire her mum and win the boy she loves…Ghostly The Woman in Black celebrates its 21st year of success in the West End by bringing its nerve-shredding production to Swansea Grand 1 & 3 April…Welsh National Opera performs legendary love stories Tosca and Carmen 16 and 17 April respectively at Swansea Grand…Relive the ultimate chick flick on stage with When Harry met Sally at the New Theatre 20 - 24 April, complete with soundtrack from jazz sensation Jamie Cullum and his brother Ben…The National Dance Company of Ireland celebrates their Rhythm of The Dance 10th Anniversary show at St David’s Hall 24 April with another stunning showcase of superb talent…and keep the little people happy with a trip to Blackwood Miners’ Institute to see The Gruffalo live on stage 4 - 5 May, bringing the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson to life.
The Gruffalo
If you’re looking for classic Boyzone covers then this album isn’t for you. It’s an easy listen though, with many beautiful ballads. The first single from the album ‘Gave it all away’ written by Mika, ironically features the late Stephen Gately singing ‘I will learn to live before I die’. If you are a Boyzone fan this album is a must! Verdict: 9/10 - just because I love Boyzone!
Girls Can’t Catch Girls Can’t Catch You might recognize these girls from their supporting tour with Girls Aloud last year. Listening to the album I failed to hear anything outstanding, though they are happy tracks you find yourself singing along to. If I had to pick my favourite songs it would be ‘Unconditional’ and ‘Turn Me Up’, both written by Shaznay Lewis from All Saints. Verdict: Pleasant enough album but at times repetitive, so 6/10 Join Angela Jay and Jason Harrold on The Real Radio Breakfast Show, weekdays 6am -10am, 105 - 106 FM, www.realradio.co.uk and SKY channel 0146.
If this has whetted your appetite, these albums are available to buy from www.amazon.co.uk Simply visit our website and turn to this page within our online version of the magazine to refresh your music collection! www.ladiesfirst.co.uk 00