Buzz December 2016-January 2017

WHAT’S ON GUIDE. DEC/JAN 2017

Festive Films “ IT ’ S

O W A

U F R E D N

” E F I L L

PIXIES THE HOFF BIFFY CLYRO ONES TO WATCH 2017

RUSSIA 17 | YEAR OF LEGENDS | CHRISTMAS RECIPES | FESTIVE ROUND UP BUZZ 1

Y SIOE GERDD HYNOD LWYDDIANNUS THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL

Cerddoriaeth a Geiriau \ Music and Lyrics

RAY DAVIES

Llyfr \ Book

JOE PENHALL

Stori Wreiddiol gan \ Original Story by

Cyfarwyddwr \ Director

RAY DAVIES EDWARD HALL

WINNE R

BEST N EW M U S OLIVIER ICAL A 2 WARD 015

ION 17 – 21 JAN ’17 BUZZ 2

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pic: dion gillard ( Flickr)

dec/jan 2017

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Vaigncourt-Strallen and briefly hand the receiver to her aunt, Bonnie Langford

04roundup

publisher EMMA CLARK editor LUKE OWAIN BOULT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK social media & marketing CONNIE MATTHEWS Buzz TV JAYDON MARTIN accounts TERESA CLARK designer POLAR10 contributors KEIRON SELF (FILM), GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF (CLUBS), YASMIN BEGUM, LLOYD BEST, ZOE BROOKES, JUSTIN EVANS, BEN GALLIVAN, EMILY GARSIDE, MARCUS HUGHES, ADAM JONES, CONOR KNIGHT, LUCY MENON, GARETH MOULE, LYNDA NASH, DAVID NOBAKHT, JOHN PAUL-DAVIES, MONICA MARTIN, VICTORIA O’HAGAN, CHARLIE PIERCEY, ANDREW PAUL REGAN, RHONDA LEE REALI, NATHAN ROACH, HUGH RUSSELL, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, ELIZABETH SZYMCZAK, CHARLOTTE TAYLOR, LIAM TURNER, AMY-ANNE WILLIAMS, DAVID WYN WILLIAMS, MANON WILLIAMS, BETHANY WHITE

“The often spirit-crushing and financially crippling Edinburgh festival”

8upfront

Among the bumper crop of articles this issue is a look forward to R17, a year of events celebrating a century since the Russian Revolution. I’m moved to wonder how our other subjects might have fared in those circumstances. David Hasselhoff: arrested and sent to work in the salt mines. Biffy Clyro: shot to death by troops in a St Petersburg square

28film

A three-page special incorporating Keiron Self’s 10 cinematic picks from the Dec/Jan releases, but also his top 10 of 2016 overall, and another 10 warmly anticipated releases of 2017. His tireless toil is why I address him by name on this page each month

31food&drink

phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk advertising advertising@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk

Ian, one of our recipe rustlers, is advocating for eating beluga lentils and kale for Christmas dinner instead of turkey. Seems a bit optimistic but as I happen to have both those things in the house, I might give it a shot.

If you’d like to know what other food I have purchased recently, subscribe to my newsletter

BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING

38previews

contents CHRISTMAS MARKET IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE SHOWING AT CHAPTER

buzzmagwales

When reading the Stage section, think about the poor actors who can’t be with their loved ones on Dec 25. For example, Zizi Strallen – Mary Poppins in the Wales Millennium Centre’s month-long run of Mary Poppins – will have to settle for a hotel room phone call to her parents Sandy and Cherida, who may address her by her real name of Sylphide Charity

@Buzz_Magazine

BuzzMagUK

46reviews

We don’t bother trying to do ‘best of the year’ lists in Buzz, thank god, but if we did our best album would be by a dead person or someone who was critically canonised 20 years ago; best single, whatever got played the most on Radio 2; and best book, will tell you once we get it for Christmas

51lifestyle

The best thing about spending £18 on a doormat that says ‘Nadolig Llawen’ and so is useless for 51 weeks of the year is that when the coming global recession ruins you and your family, you can wistfully recall being able to make purchases like this

52travel/sport

Walking is not strictly a sport, unless done competitively, but I approve of the selection of Welsh walks on this page because I walked under the Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall (see photo) in July with my friends Alex, Gordon and Tracey. It was a mint day, in some ways like an Enid Blyton adventure and in others not

55listings

Worst band names in this issue: Mr Tea & The Minions, The Ghost Riders In The Sky, Fedora Chic, Darren’s DIY Band, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Biffy Clyro, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Shootin’ The Crow, The Bungle Cult, Deaf Horse, The Karrots

82competitions

Q. How many nights a week is the casino open? A. As many as you need to beat the house and make your fortune in the wonderful world of gambling

buzzmagtv

Buzz Magazine

www.buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 3

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

EVENT

pic: LadyDragonflyCC

BRIEFLY

Tea Party with Father Christmas “‘Tis the season to be jolly...” and so everywhere you look there are Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas songs. Everything Christmas-related. If you’re looking for something festive for the family, then look no further because there’s a tea party with Father Christmas to be had. This year, your children have the opportunity to have a magical Christmas adventure at St Fagans. Not only do they get to meet, and have tea with, Father Christmas himself, they also get to meet Mother Christmas and lots of elves, who have lots of interesting and wonderful stories to tell. If the children are well-behaved, then Father Christmas might even give them a gift, which is sure to be the topic of all conversations until Christmas Day. With refreshments available for the adults at the nearby cafe, Yr Odyn, this has the potential to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Tea Party with Father Christmas, St Fagans, Cardiff, Sat 17-Tue 20 Dec, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets: £14. Info: 0300 1112333 / www.museum.wales/stfagans

Burns Night

Tickets: £7.50. Info: 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com

pic: Andrea Goh

Sharing a date with St Dwynwen’s Day, Burns Night is a popular date in the Scottish calendar when people remember Scotland’s most revered poet, Robert Burns (born in 1759). The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama are celebrating it again this year, very much marking the event in Cardiff’s cultural calendar. Young musicians and actors from the College will lead the celebrations with concerts, traditional food, whisky tasting, and more.

The night’s events will be divided between the beautiful Dora Stoutzker Hall and the Foyer with its glass-walls and a wonderful view on Bute Park. The traditional Burns Supper on offer includes haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), as well as vegetarian alternative, and a Cranachan dessert (a mix of whipped cream, whisky, honey and fresh raspberries with toasted oatmeal). Don’t forget your dancing shoes, after the dinner there will be a ceilidh with dance instructions.

Burns Night, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, Wed 25 Jan. Tickets £27. Info: 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk BUZZ 4

FUN FUN FUN! Big Fish Little Fish Cardiff ‘Carnival’ Family Rave is a carnival-themed event on Sun 11 Dec. There will be music, crafts, play areas, food, drink and more. Rhys and Eggsy from ribald Newport rappers Goldie Lookin Chain will be in charge of the decks, hopefully keeping matters more family-friendly than the typical content of a GLC number. Everyone will be dressed in their best carnival clothes and there will be face painting and fun workshops available for the whole family. Tickets are available online now.

CELEBRATE! Reviving old traditions, the ‘Widders’ group in Chepstow gather their ribbons and take part in wassailing on the Wye on Mon 16 Jan. Combined with Mari Lwyd traditions, this event starts with the wassail of the Apple Trees, then goes on to traditional Mari Lwyd celebrations, followed by the ‘Meeting On The Bridge’ between the Welsh and English. Celebrations go on until the early hours of the morning and there is even a Ceilidh for everyone to participate in.

Info: www.chepstowwassailmari.co.uk

Christmas Queens RuPaul’s Drag Race is hugely popular in the UK, as well as in America. Therefore, this event is a must for fans of the show.

The cast are bringing their sold out US Christmas show to the UK just in time to help you celebrate the festivities in the most fashionable way possible. After releasing their new album, Christmas Queens Vol. 2, these Christmas queens will be performing all your favourite Christmas tunes, such as Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, but with a sprinkle of glamour and sass. The line-up includes all the Drag Race favourites, such as Alaska, Manila Luzon, Detox, Katya, and Phi Phi O’Hara. You can find the songs and music videos online to give yourself a taste of what the show will include: fun, stunning costumes and lots of humour.

STAGE

Christmas Queens, Tramshed, Cardiff, Thurs 8 Dec. Tickets: £38.50. Info: 029 2023 5555 / www. tramshedcardiff.com

STAGE

Sleeping Beauty It’s that time of year again: pantomime season. One of the best things about Christmas is going to pantomimes with the family for a bit of campy hammy fun. This Christmas time at the Swansea Grand Theatre, a production of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty is being performed.

With an all-star cast, including Britain's Got Talent’s Lance Corporal Richard Jones, Coach Trip favourite Brendan Sheerin, Swansea's Grand Dame of pantomime Kevin Johns MBE, X Factor’s Niki Evans and the hilarious funny man and panto favourite Matt Edwards, this is definitely going to be a treat for the whole family. This spin on the well-loved fairytale, with music, magic and comedy, is a Christmas classic. This pantomime will have the whole family singing, laughing and shouting the usual “he’s behind you” or “oh yes he has!” This pantomime will definitely get everyone into the festive spirit and ready for Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty, Grand Theatre, Swansea, Fri 9 Dec-Sun 8 Jan. Tickets: £12.50-£26. Info: 01792 475715 / www.swansea.gov.uk

EVENT

New Year Walk In Tradition is very important in Wales so it’s not surprising that the old Welsh Mari Lwyd custom is making evermore of a comeback.

Llanwrtyd Wells, in particular, revels in this bizarre, yet interesting folk custom. Typically during the Christmas and New Year period, the Mari Lwyd walks the streets of this tiny town. The Mari Lwyd celebrations entail carrying burning torches on a short walk following the leader, who carries the horse’s skull on a pole, covered in a white sheet, to the Abernant Lake Hotel where the traditional customs of the Mari Lwyd are performed. You then return to the town square in time for midnight to welcome in the New Year. As usual, there will be plenty of food and drink to help compliment the curious celebrations. This is definitely an unusual way to spend your festive season, but maybe it’s time to try something new.

New Year Walk In, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sat 31 Dec. Info: 01591 610666 / www.green-events.co.uk BUZZ 5

upfront

IT’S A WONDERFUL CHAPTER Nobody does Christmas like Chapter.

From food and films to books, beer and bratwurst you need look no further than this guide for cultural and culinary treats this festive period. If you prefer your Christmas a little more Grinch-like then panic not, we’ve even got some treats for you in our ‘enough already!’ section.

Apart from that, have a read, grab a mulled wine and get inspired.

WinterFest Cinema As well as a packed programme of award season favourites like Sully (12A), starring Tom Hanks, and the amazing Arrival (12A), starring Amy Adams, Chapter has some perfect festive flicks this December including It’s A Wonderful Life (U) from Tues 20 to Sat 24 Dec and numerous screenings of The Muppets Christmas Carol (U) from Sat 3 Dec. Not exactly a Christmas movie – well, there are no carol singers or large family gatherings – Trading Places (15) still has all the trappings of a great holiday movie with a staff party, a drunk and disgruntled Santa Claus, themes of generosity and redemption and its screening at Chapter from Tue 20 Dec. The Bad Film Club (Sun 4 Dec) also continues with two terrible movies for a fun filled festive end to the year.

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A packed month of festive fun at Chapter kicks off on Thurs 1 Dec with a Germanstyle festive market and fun events for all the family. As ever with Chapter, the cultural offering is matched by the culinary with mulled wine, new German beers, hog roast, roasted chestnuts and a full festive menu to compliment the Oh So Crafty Christmas Fair which runs on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec. WinterFest runs from Thurs 1-Sun 4 Dec, but the fun doesn’t stop there...

pic: Richard Davenport

Shopping Chapter’s shop stocks a range of goods to suit every taste and budget. There’s an eclectic range of ceramics, artwork, jewellery and goodies from local designers all perfect for stocking fillers this Christmas. There’s also an extensive range of greetings cards! If you prefer something a little more crafty then Chapter’s Oh So Crafty Christmas Fair, on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec, returns crammed with fabulous ceramics, textiles, jewellery and homeware. Maybe you’ll find something a little different and a little local for your friends and family this Christmas!

Give the gift of culture…

If you have a friend or family member who’s a bit of a culture vulture or is looking for an arts-inspired New Year’s resolution, why not treat them to 12 months of discounts on tickets, food, drink and much more at Chapter with a Chapter Friend membership? This great gift of culture comes in Bronze, Silver and Gold and offers year-round offers and benefits. Chapter gift cards are also available and come in denominations of £5, £10 and £20 and can be redeemed on live performances, film screenings, satellite broadcasts or food and drink at the bar or café. Each gift card purchase comes with a choice of decorative wallets to finish off this ideal stocking filler in style.

Theatre Last Christmas, a play that wowed Cardiff audiences last year, is the story of Tom who, returning home for Christmas, is confronted with the ghosts of his past. Forced to face his demons, will he be able to rescue his family and his future in this brilliant one-man show written

by Matthew Bulgo, playing at Chapter on Fri 9 and Sat 10 Dec? Other theatrical highlights include Affinity Female Voice Choir presenting Dreaming Of Christmas on Sun 18 Dec and the classic Norwegian fairytale with original music, puppetry and a sprinkling of magic: The Giant Who Had No Heart In His Body on Mon 19 Dec.

Food You’ve heard of ‘café culture’, well Chapter is the very definition of ‘culture café’ and never more so than at Christmas. Enjoy a twocourse Christmas meal for £17.95 at Chapter with a menu to tantalise all tastebuds. There’s Pembrokeshire turkey, pan fried sea bream, Quorn shepherd’s pie and creamy vegan pumpkin lasagne, as well as gorgeous deserts and mince pies with warm drinks to finish it all off. There is also the hugely popular Festive Food Fayre on Sun 18 Dec, where you can be inspired by the tantalising aroma of scrumptious food, stock up on Christmas treats, stocking fillers, gorgeous chocs, tasty cheese, delicious meats and maybe something special from the Caffi Bar too.

Enough Already There’s also a packed programme of non-Christmassy events at Chapter this December including stand-up comedian Fin Taylor, whose show Whitey McWhiteFace took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm this year and now he’s coming to Cardiff on Thurs 15 Dec with his unique blend of social commentary. There’s also live music from the godmother of acid folk Alison O’Donnell on Tue 6 Dec and two acting legends dominate the screen after dominating the Cardiff stage recently with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart performing live from London on Chapter’s big cinema screen in Pinter’s No Man’s Land on Thurs 15 Dec. Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org

BUZZ 7

roundup WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

Father Christmas

Luke Owain Boult speaks with Father Christmas about his thoughts on 2016, the impact it’s had on Christmas, and why we should be excited for the future.

pic: Matti Mattila

How’s 2016 been for you?

It’s been swings and roundabouts really. Like most magical beings, I’ve been shocked by the year’s events. We’ve lost a lot of good people this year, and the world seems to be getting naughtier and naughtier. But there’s positives. You just have to squint fairly hard to see them. Sure, the world seems to have gone to pot, but there’s a lot to be happy about too! Yes, Brexit makes importing overseas toys potentially more expensive and less economically viable for our toy workshops based in the UK, but we’re determined in the North Pole not to let it spoil Christmas for the kiddies.

Who needs fancy and expensive American, Chinese, European and Japanese imports anyway. Sinclair ZX81s for everyone!

Are you an optimist?

Yes, massively so! Some are worried about the Human Rights Act being scrapped, but personally I think the focus is on the wrong group. I think we should repeal the Elf Rights Act for a cheaper Christmas.

I want to make Christmas great again. There are concerns over the Snoopers Charter as well.

Some are scared of the government storing all citizens’ personal phone records and internet data without a warrant, but think of it like this: it gives Mrs May the same power as I have to find out who’s been naughty, and who’s been nice.

How can you possibly function with all that whiskey in your system? Don’t you think it’s irresponsible to drive a sleigh afterwards?

I’m somewhat of a heavyweight anyway, but in part it’s a hangover – pardon the pun – from my student days. Back then, fire hadn’t been invented see, so to stop our blood from freezing in the magical frozen wastelands of the University of the North Pole, we’d drink constantly. Even though now fire has been discovered, after thousands of years of drinking, it’d be dangerous for me at this point to stop. I’ve tried before, and I tend to get to get... cranky. So Christmas presents are generally worse on the years I cut down on my drinking. Funnily enough, these years coincide with global recessions. Is it irresponsible? Yes, but so is most Christmassy behaviour.

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Soul Legends feat. Clem Curtis 13.01.17

The Bootleg Beatles 06.12.16

Vampires Rock Ghost Train 06.01.17

Stephen K. Amos World Famous 26.01.17

La Fille Mal GardĂŠe, The Nutcracker & Swan Lake 20.12.16 - 20.01.17

Miles Jupp Songs of Freedom 24.01.17

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra A Night at the Movies 09.12.16

Beyond The Barricade 07.01.17

Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games 27.01.17 - 29.01.17

BUZZ 9

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

BOOK NOW JACK WHITEHALL Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Tues 7 + Wed 8 Feb Info: 029 2022 4488 / www. motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk -

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Tue 21-Sat 25 Feb Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc. org.uk -

SUE PERKINS: SPECTACLES

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SOUTH WALES SECRET #72 Sunflower & I, Cardiff

Chapter’s Creative Producer, and one of the brains behind their new Peilot scheme, Cathy Boyce, reveals her South Wales Secret.

Could you explain what Peilot is?

Peilot is Chapter’s Associate Artist programme that will support six artists over three years to make new work, develop new audiences and make new connections at home and abroad. We’ve selected experimental harpist Rhodri Davies, darkly comic bilingual theatre company Triongl, performance collective Common Wealth, performance artist Tim Bromage, Be Aware Productions (who fled their native Turkey after one of their plays was interpreted as being as a rehearsal for an anti-government coup), and dancer, choreographer and movement director Jo Fong.

What was the inspiration behind Peilot?

Supporting artists is in Chapter’s DNA but up until now it has always been ad hoc and a bit under the radar. We commissioned a research project to find out what artists were most in need of and the Peilot programme is a result of those findings. Artists often feel isolated and under-supported and as arts BUZZ 10

organisations come under increasing financial pressure it is more and more difficult for venues to take risks on new work.

I hope that Peilot can shout about the great work that is being made in Wales. I'd like them to think of themselves as Welsh international artists and look more towards Europe rather than London. I'd like to develop new ways of connecting with presenters that is more grassroots and more about individual relationships and commonalities rather than always looking to the often spirit-crushing and financially crippling Edinburgh festival.

What's your South Wales Secret?

Sunflower & I; the strange (and apparently haunted) café bar and flower shop in the Bay. Dark and atmospheric with mismatched antiques and opera playing. It feels like being inside a Jean Cocteau film.

Peilot: Chapter Associate Artist Programme, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sun 26 Feb Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc. org.uk -

WELSH OPEN SNOOKER Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Mon 13-Sun 19 Feb Info: 029 2022 4488 / www. motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk -

SIX NATIONS: WALES V ENGLAND Principality Stadium, Cardiff Sat 11 Feb Info: 0844 8471881 / www. principalitystadium.wales -

BUSTED Newport Centre Thurs 9 Feb Info: 01633 656757 / www. newportlive.co.uk -

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA St David’s Hall, Cardiff Wed 22 Feb Info: 029 2087 8444 / www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

BY ST DAVID’S DISC OVER THE C HRISTMAS YOU’RE LOOKING F O R AT O V E R 3 0 R E S T A U R A N T S

upfront

BUZZ 12

DAVID HASSELHOFF FROM KITT TO CARDIFF

Known for his roles in hit TV shows like Knight Rider and Baywatch, David Hasselhoff speaks to Jaydon Martin about coming to Cardiff to play Captain Hook in the Peter Pan pantomime.

W

hat is it about the character Hook that appealed to you?

This will be my seventh production of Peter Pan and I love playing Captain Hook. The very first show I ever did semi-professional was Peter Pan and I played one of the Lost Boys, called Nibs. When I started in Wimbledon I saw a little boy with a tag with Nibs on it and I said “that was me!” and now, 100 years later, I’m still doing Peter Pan. I think it’s the best show ever and I think it is a positive reinforcement of hope, dreams and its fun.

My Captain Hook isn’t scary, he’s funny. We play a lot with the audience. What intrigues me about pantos is the interaction with the audience. In my life I have an interaction every single moment with people. A guy who took my ticket today said “you’re my hero!” on the train and people just stop me because they’ve grown up watching me, like Baywatch and Knight Rider, and I answer them back and it’s fun. It’s a great interaction with the audience, a lot more fun than television and film because it’s live and you never know what’s going to happen.

What do you think of Cardiff?

I’ve been to Cardiff many times; I’d love to do a concert in Cardiff castle. I hooked up with a beautiful Welsh girl, we’re engaged now and one of the first places we went to was Cardiff because her sister lives there. So I know a lot about Cardiff, I’ve been around Cardiff and I’ve been to the Millennium Stadium as well watching the rugby. But I spent alot of time in Swansea and she lives in Glynneath, but mainly in Cardiff, Cardiff’s cool. It’s lovely when it stops raining.

How were you introduced to panto for the first time?

A gentleman came to my house and told me all about panto. Most Americans shy away from it but I grew up doing melodrama. Melodrama is basically you have the villain, you have the hero and you throw tomatoes at the villain and you cheer for the hero. I grew up in the theatre and I always loved theatre. I walked into the Cardiff theatre [New Theatre] and just got chills because it’s something I wanted to do

since I was a little boy. I never thought I’d be on television talking to a car or running in slow-motion. My dream was to do Broadway. I did Billy Flynn in the West End and got to meet and work with Mel Brooks on The Producers.

How does it compare to movies and TV? Different shows have been better and more successful than other shows in their relationships with the audience. It depends on the size of the theatre, I think this is a great size because it’s intimate even though it’s big, the audience is up and close. I was in Glasgow last year and there were 3000 seats, it was such a big theatre. There were people way in the back – how do you reach them? Luckily we had the Krankies.

Stephanie Webber is also in the cast, she was in a musical that I was producing called Last Night A DJ Saved My Life. We were on tour last year. She’s from Wales and she has a great voice so I asked if she could be in the show and they said “we know Stephanie, we’ve hired her before,” so we have a great cast. The interaction with the audience, I get it right away because I have a gag at the beginning that I purposely ask for in the last show and it works perfectly and it immediately gets the audience’s attention that I’m here to play. I can’t tell you about it but you’ll see.

ally changed everything to Hoff. I get to sing some fun songs and there’s something in it for everyone.

When I did Knight Rider and Baywatch, the reasons those shows were successful was because the entire family could watch them together. That’s why this show will be successful because the whole family will come out.

What was your very first impression of Wales, the first time you ever came here?

The greenery was just... I really enjoyed Swansea, it was so different at the beach, as I’m used to the California beaches. It was just really mysterious and kind of dangerous and sexy at the same time. When we first dated we went to Swansea and part of the Mumbles and then they drove up to Glynneath to drop Hayley [his fiancée] off and then it kind of reminded me of the movie Billy Elliot, so it was different impressions all rolled into one. Then we ended up in the beauty of Wales and that was really the countryside.

I haven’t gone to north Wales yet, I want to go to Snowdonia, I might go to Snowdonia in the next couple of days I’m just thinking about it. [to assistant] What’s the place we wanna go? We ended up doing a lot of hiding out by country lakes and we’d sometimes go into the town and have some fun and I enjoyed the countryside and the Welsh people. I enjoy Welsh traditions, I enjoy the fact that you are so into be being Welsh.

It’s so funny because it’s very different to America – like, am I into being a Californian? Ehh… you know.

It’s the same way in America with Texas [adopts Texan drawl] “I’m from Texas”... but I’ve kind of been a gypsy my whole life as I’ve been everywhere, and I love it. I mean, in a year I’ll stop in Singapore, but I love the countryside and I didn’t even know what rugby was. Well, I knew what it was but I’d never been to a game, and now I know a lot about rugby. I’ve been to a lot of rugby games!

“Swansea was just really mysterious and kind of dangerous and sexy at the same time”

Can you describe the show and what can we expect for when we see it?

Peter Pan will basically be like Peter Pan: The Musical; we tried to keep it very close to the musical and original play. A great movie it’s like would be Finding Neverland, and it holds up so well because it’s got Tinkerbell, who’s a fairy... which is like magic. It’s got a boy who always wanted a sword fight and wins and fights the Indians and they all work together against Captain Hook, who’s just a silly egotistical baddy and it’s the perfect show, it really is.

We changed The Hoff to The Hook and we put in lyrics like “Let’s go to the Hoff oh baby,” and gener-

Peter Pan, New Theatre, Cardiff. Sat 10 Dec-Sun 8 Jan. Tickets: £14-£35. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk BUZZ 13

ones to watch:stage PEILOT Chapter Arts Centre also recently announced the first group of Peilot Associate Artists. Peilot is an initiative funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Arts Council of Wales, and is designed to enhance the assistance Chapter offers to artists at all stages of their careers. The scheme will offer three years of dedicated support to each artist and company to maximise opportunities for touring, partnership working and UK and international collaboration.

From actors and artists to theatre companies and festivals, Owen Scourfield, Luke Owain Boult, and Nathan Roach round up what Welsh talent we should be keeping an eye on in 2017.

Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org

TRIONGL Triongle

Sophie Melville Anthony Boyle

SOPHIE MELVILLE Swansea-born Sophie Melville, recent finalist in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards Best Actress category looks like a definite star in the making.

She was nominated for her role in Sherman Cymru's Iphigenia In Splott, which also got transferred to the National Theatre. Melville earned an abundance of praise for her role as Effie in Gary Owen’s one woman show.

Directed by Rachel O'Riordan and inspired by a Greek myth, the play tells the tale of a foul-mouthed, aggressive young woman living in Cardiff, who lives for nights out and excessive alcohol. The monologue, sees Efie tell the story of meeting an ex-soldier and how that led her life to fall to pieces. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Mellville has put on an impressive performance so far, and I’m sure in 2017 we’ll be hearing a lot more about her.

Info: www.twitter.com/sophiemelville BUZZ 14

ANTHONY BOYLE Another student of the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama is Belfast born Anthony Boyle; currently strutting his stuff in London’s Palace Theatre.

Giving critics plenty to talk about, Boyle stole the show when he broke out in the Harry Potter West End play The Cursed Child. Cast in the role of Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Potter bad-guy Draco Malfoy, Boyle successfully gained the part earlier on this year while he was in his final year at the Royal Welsh College where he studied, and is classed as one of his biggest achievements. He also played a part in filming East Belfast Boy, and gained a part in arguably the most popular show on TV, Game Of Thrones (SPOILERS: he played a young Bolton when Theon Greyjoy’s sister Yara was trying to rescue him). Already making waves, this young Northern Irishman has a bright future ahead of him for sure.

One of the inaugural benefiters of are theatre company Triongl, a performing and audio-visual project with an international dimension. Working collaboratively in both Welsh and English creating work that engages with socially relevant themes with both humour and heart. Triongl is the work of three women: Valmai Jones, Rebecca Knowles and Rebecca Smith-Williams. Whilst working together as actors they discovered a creative chemistry and a shared passion for social engagement within the arts that resulted in them forming the company. The wide range in their ages and backgrounds combine to create a pretty unique style of performance and together they create and perform theatre of social relevance, humour and humanity.

Info: www.triongl.com

COMMON WEALTH Another benefactor of the scheme is Common Wealth, an artist collective based around socialist politics who create site-specific theatre events that encompass electronic sound, new writing, visual design. Their work is very political and contemporary, based in the present day, the work carried out is made to be relevant and addresses real and current issues.

Info: www.twitter.com/antoboyle Info: www.commonwealththeatre.co.uk

ones to watch:art Arron Kuper

BUZZ Diffusion

Mikey Jones

MIKEY JONES Hollow

BEEP CONTRIBUTORS Wales’ only large-scale contemporary international painting exhibition, BEEP, takes place every two years and features among its selection, a fair few interesting artists with connections to Wales. Catrin Llwyd, on display this year, is one such artist, has an interesting style that explores industrial landscapes and the mundane in an abstract and refreshing way. North Wales-based Arron Kuiper’s work is also on exhibition. Using an innovative new 3D technique dubbed ‘Gel’ to create a 3D painting inside a transparent vessel, his work is unique and has hints of an almost childlike surrealism to it. Also exhibited are Daniel Crawshaw’s almost photographic paintings, heavily inspired by his travels throughout the Welsh countryside. The works capture the often bleak but epic nature of much of the Welsh landscape.

Beep. Info: www.beepwales.co.uk; Catrin Llwyd. Info: www.catrinllwyd.co.uk; Arron Kuiper. Info: www.arronkuiper.tumblr.com

EISTEDDFOD WINNERS This year’s National Eisteddfod, as ever, was a good opportunity to discover rising talent.

Richard Bevan received the Gold Medal for Fine Art for his 16mm films that include film projectors at the centre of the work. Lisa Krigel, a New Yorker based in Cardiff, won the Gold Medal for Craft and design with her 18 stoneware towers, which disassemble for personal use, while the very promising Gwenllian Llwyd’s work won the Young Artist’s Scholarship. Llwyd successfully evokes a sense of melancholy and a loss of what once was with her reflections on the decline in the number of chapels, in a work that combines pictures and film clips.

National Eisteddfod. Info: www. eisteddfod.wales; Richard Bevan. Info: www.missingshow.com; Lisa Krigel. Info: www.lisakrigel.co.uk; Gwenllian Llwyd.

Info: www.gwenllianllwyd.wordpress.com

While Andres’ work investigates the people and places of Wales, talented painter Mikey Jones’ (not to be confused with the Swansea Valley-based artist with the same name) series is inspired by the very best and worst landscapes that Wales has to offer. He is able to capture the harsh realities of many deprived areas, and the breath-taking beauty of others. With his masterful command of lighting and colour, it will be interesting to see where he takes his style.

Info: www.mikeyjonesart.com

PHILIP MORGAN MIRA ANDRES Mira Andres, a Swiss photographer living in Wales, has captured the attention of many recently with their almost otherworldly project The Black Crows Of Borth, which focuses on the Ceredigion village’s maritime past and its women, nicknamed ‘The Black Crows’. The gallery includes a mix of coastal shots, and women and girls staring out in the camera’s direction creating a powerful and rather creepy sense of loss.

Info: www.miraandres.com

DIFFUSION Photography fans should also keep an eye out for the Cardiff International Festival Of Photography, Diffusion as more details will be released later in the year. As a part of Diffusion Photography Festival, Buzz magazine will be running a public DIY space where creatives can learn how self-publishing can empower their work and creativity. The space will be open for the entirety of Diffusion (May 2017) and will enable anyone to drop in and make their own zines for free, summit work to be exhibited in the space itself, attend free DIY workshops and talks as well as free pop-up events including gigs, movie screenings and DJ nights. More announcements coming soon!

Info: www.diffusionfestival.org

Also adding to the rich tapestry of Welsh art, and one to keep your eye on, isTriongle Philip Morgan, an illustrator who’s worked with the likes of everyone from Spillers Records to Coca-Cola, and has decorated some of Cardiff’s walls with his instantly identifiable style.

Cartoonish, surreal, clever, and well thought out, Morgan’s creations are a joy to behold.

Info: www.instagram.com/pmillustration

LEE JOHN PHILLIPS Similarly interesting is Lee John Phillips, whose Shed Project, where he illustrates the entire contents of his late grandfather’s shed, has captured the attention of many. The level of detail illustrated in the work is extraordinary, and it will be interesting to see how he takes his work in future.

Info: www.leejohnphillips.com

JENNY HALL

Jenny Hall, of Craftedspace, also demonstrated her ability to think outside the box (no pun intended) with the Hollow exhibition. It featured boxes connected with magnets that can be rearranged in an interactive feature to explore the themes of construction and destruction; her work is filled with imagination and a delightful playfulness, while being able to tackle serious subjects in innovative ways.

Info: www.craftedspace.co.uk BUZZ 15

ones to watch:music

Estrons

Dominic Griffin

It is no real surprise that the word ‘aliens’ in Welsh could still easily be mistaken for the title of some Doctor Who extraterrestrial, but in this particular case, the invasion force is led by one wild frontwoman and a plot to destroy anything mundane or ordinary. This band have been on their hometown of Cardiff’s radar for some time now (and for a justifiable reason). Rocking a slot in Latitude Festival 2016, performing at BBC Introducing at SXSW and recently supporting Slaves on their Back Of The Van tour, this alternative quartet are seriously going places with their viciously addictive servings of in-your-face punk rock.

Working tirelessly to stand out from the majority, Dominic has been described as an indie-folk singer/ songwriter and has already built a formidable name for himself. Working hard to make his name known, he has played at Beach Break Live Festival, headlining an almost sold-out Sin City show in Swansea and recently the main support for Glass Animals. His soul-laced singing voice and instrumental preferences have been associated with the likes of Ben Howard and Keaton Henson in the past but he is currently in the motion of something even more challenging. Long story short, keep both eyes on this man.

Info: www.estrons.com

Bandicoot Engaging their audience with a delicate mix of indie music, this cool quartet have caught enough attention to earn support slots with indie accomplices Vant and Blaenavon at Hoyfest 2016, gathering some of the largest up-andcoming indie acts in the UK including headliners the Milk. Delicate guitar plucks are neatly stitched around the ambient echoes of Rhys Underdown’s voice, giving them an ethereal effect, cloaking their upbeat but gritty tracks. Given time, who knows what this group could go on to achieve, but rest assured that their progress will have them wading through a sea of positive feedback.

Info: www.bandicoot-band.bandcamp. com BUZZ 16

Info: www.soundcloud.com/dominicgriffin

Hannah Grace Originally based in Bridgend and a music graduate of the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, this Welsh soloist’s talents have been thoroughly flaunted, spending the last few years touring across the UK and Europe with artists such as Gabrielle Aplin and Hozier. Releasing her EP Mustang via Never Fade Records, she has also made successful appearances at 2016’s Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and the internationally renowned Glastonbury. Recently completing her first headline tour around the UK, she’s ready to conquer 2017 with her endless breadth of high pitches and soulful lows.

Info: soundcloud.com/hangracemusic

Florence Black Stylishly scorching blues-speckled southern rock in Welsh fire, this trio of Merthyr dragons are fired up to bring you a ballsy form of rock’n’roll. Following in the footsteps of those that have gone to prove the small

Dominic Griffin

nation’s worth, these three young men became Florence Black in 2012 and have progressively expanded their fan base to the point where rock superstars Corey Taylor and Brian Johnson have offered their praise. Gathering a wealth of support from radio stations and fellow music enthusiasts, you’re guaranteed to hear a lot more of this band in the year to come.

Info: www.soundcloud.com/ florenceblackuk

Accu Angharad Van Rijswijk is a fluent welsh speaker, ex-Trwbador member and all around art enthusiast.

Moving to Wales from the Netherlands, the half-Welsh, half-Dutch musician creates dreamy Bjork-like sounds with surreal visuals that cross the line between mundane reality and imaginative euphoria. Collaborating with the likes of comedian Stewart Lee, supporting Meilyr Jones and earning a slot at this year’s Swn festival, her open nature for working with anyone (or anything) in relation to her field is downright impressive to say the least.

Info: www.swnfest.com/artist/accu

Captain Accident & The Disasters When it comes to the reggae/ska/soul Welsh world, this group of ‘disasters’ are far from what their title suggests. Recently headlining Cardiff’s Brickstock festival and sharing the stage with reggae greats Toots & The Maytals, Adam Parsons and his party of talented musicians have accomplished much and come a long way since their formation. With three self-produced albums meeting the high expectations of their fans, they have travelled and graced stages across the UK to bring their Caribbean-influenced groove music to the eyes and ears of those ready to get up and sway to the rhythm.

Info: www.soundcloud.com/ captainaccident

pic: `kweez McG

upfront

From Santa’s grottos to actual grottos, Owen Scourfield gets into the spirit of things with this list of suggestions of Christmassy goings on across Wales.

ST FAGANS St Fagans is always a great day out, but why not add some festive cheer to your visit this year. On Thurs 8 and Fri 9 Dec, the museum’s 18th century Pen-rhiw Chapel is the setting for St Fagans' favourite carol singalong. Expect plenty of traditional tunes and a few more contemporary Christmas classics. Or if arts and crafts are more your thing, get in the mood for Christmas with some hands-on drop-in activity sessions on Sat 10 and Sun 11 Dec. From Sat 17 until Tue 20 Dec, bring the little ones to enjoy a tea party to remember with Santa and Mother Christmas.

St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff. Various dates through December.

Prices vary per event. Info: 029 2057 3500 / www.museum.wales/stfagans

BUZZ 18

Margam Country Park Deer Feed A huge park, with plenty for families to do. Visit the setting of some of your favourite TV shows and pay Rudolph and the reindeers a visit. Arrive bright and early, visit Santa and feed the deer up close and personal. Once the feed is over, visit the Children’s Village, the adventure playground, the farm trail or take a long winter walk taking in the sights within the walls of the park. Finish off with a warm mince pie and a hot drink at the cafe to warm up.

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot. Sat 10, Sun 11 + Sat 17-Wed 21 Dec. 10.30am start. Prices: from £15 per car. Info: 01639 881635 / www.margamcountrypark.co.uk

Ride aboard Santa's Magical Steam Train at the Gwili Railway. Departing at Bronwydd Arms Station, ride the train to Santa's grotto at Llwyfan Cerrig Station, where an exciting programme of entertainment awaits. Enjoy a mince pie and a drink of your choice while you wait to visit Santa in his grotto, and the children can check out their goodie bags (if they’re aged between 1-15yrs). The entertainment takes place in a heated marquee and includes a bouncy castle amongst other activities, before you are taken to visit Santa Claus in his grotto. Santa can also speak to you in Welsh or English when receiving your gift.

Gwili Steam Railway, Bronwydd Arms Station, Carmarthen. Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17, Sun 18, Wed 21, Fri 23 + Sat 24 Dec. Tickets: £5-£11. Info: 01267 238213 / www.gwili-railway.co.uk

pic: Stephen Thomas

T HE G REA T CHR IST MA S ROU N D UP

Gwili Railway

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Over 400 years ago, the Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall provided the energy to drive the wheels of the industrial revolution, from the manufacturing of copper in 1584 to the later tinplate works. Wrap up and take a candlelit walk to the stunning waterfall, enjoy storytelling with Father and Mrs Christmas and cosy on up in the friendly tea-room with a hot drink and a festive bite to eat. Take an evening walk with a difference.

Aberdulais, Neath. Tue 6, Tue 13 + Tue 20 Dec. Prices: from £2.50. Info: 01639 636674 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ aberdulais-tin-works-and-waterfall

CHRISTMAS AT LLANCAIACH FAWR Home to the famous Pritchard family for many years, the Llancaiach Fawr Manor House stands, as it has done since around 1550. Restored and furnished as it would have been in 1645, how better to take a festive visit to such a historical landmark.

Christmas Wreath Making and Sugarcraft workshops take place on Sat 10 Dec, there’s a Carol Concert on Tue 13 Dec, and why not book a Sunday Christmas Carvery meal. There’s even ghost tours of the manor house most Friday and Saturday nights.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson, Treharris.

Various dates through December.

Prices vary. Info: 01443 412248 / www. llancaiachfawr.co.uk

Ice skating, Swansea

CHRISTMAS IN SWANSEA BAY

pic Chris Sampson

A highlight of the musical calendar for many on Fri 23 Dec, the Christmas By Candlelight event is a family favourite at the Brangwyn Hall.

This seasonal treat is full of musical favourites, conducted by Alwyn Humphreys with Ros Evans, the Chamber Orchestra Of Wales Chorale and accompanying musicians. The Dylan Thomas Centre also plays host to Fluellen Theatre Company’s magical celebration on Thurs 8 Dec. In words and music, of Christmases both past and present, the second act of which includes a celebrated adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas In Wales, with Delyth Jenkins on harp.

Info: www.enjoyswanseabay.com

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE One to take the children to: the infamous Snow Queen show at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Presented by Hijinx Odyssey Group, it’s ideal for children aged six and up. Tickets are £8 and it’s being performed in the Weston Studio from Thurs 1-Sat 3 Dec. Not your cup of tea? How about Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas? Or visit him in his grotto free of charge. There’s also a free Carol Concert on the Glanfa Stage on the evening of Wed 21 Dec, and Mary Poppins glides in from Wed 14 Dec. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Prices vary per event. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk

DAN YR OGOF CAVES CARDIFF SANTA & DASH Between all the eating and drinking this time of year, balance it out with some physical activity.

Join Welsh Hearts for a festive 5K run, walk, or jog around Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay on Sun 4 Dec. The event is suitable for all ages and registration includes a T-shirt, water and a certificate. All children are encouraged to wear fancy dress and there will be prizes on the day for the best dressed.

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. Sun 4 Dec. Tickets: £9 for individual or £27 for a family of 4. Info: 029 2064 7735 / www. welshhearts.org

You may be used to hitting up your local shopping centre or garden centre for the annual kids Santa’s grotto visit, so How about a change of scenery this year? Well, that’s what the National Showcaves Centre for Wales is offering deep inside the Welsh mountain side. Dubbed, Wales’ only natural Christmas grotto within the ancient caves, whose entrances are guarded by dinosaurs. That’s a deal maker right there! A prehistoric underground experience with a festive twist.

Abercrave, Swansea. Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 10, Sun 11 + Sat 17-Sat 24 Dec. Tickets: children from £2, adults £14. Info: 01639 730284 / www.christmas.showcaves.co.uk BUZZ 19

upfront

B I F FY C L Y R O Lauren Phillimore speaks with Biffy Clyro drummer Ben Johnston about the band’s highlights of 2016 so far, their new number one album Ellipsis and their upcoming arena tour.

How would you sum up your new album in one sound?

Oh my god! You haven’t started with an easy one have you? Erm, I think it would probably be a sound of surprise, I’m trying to think what that is, um, probably ‘OH’, something like that.

What has been the band’s highlight of 2016 so far?

I would have to say it would be our performance at Reading that was definitely special, to pull it off for a second time and to have improved on our 2013 performance. So it was a real highlight and we all got a massive buzz off it and I’ve watched it back on iPlayer about 10 times, so yeah I’m very proud of what we did there.

Which song on the new album means the most to you and why?

That’s a tough one because it changes daily, and I genuinely love them all. I’m trying to think which one I love most today, I feel like it’s Rearrange. I just feel like that’s a real brave song for a rock band to release, it’s kind of on the verge of r'n'b or pop and it something about the song has always got me. When we played it out on the piano, we didn’t have the lyrics at that point, but we were using voice memo and I knew it was an absolute triumph BUZZ BUZZ20 20

of a song. From there it was just how to present it – it’s a way more r'n'b production.

What is it about your Welsh fans that you appreciate the most?

Welsh people are like Scottish people in lots of respects. We have always been really welcomed in Wales, playing in Clwb Ifor Bach and we’ve met so many Welsh friends over the years, such as People In Planes, who are an amazing band from Wales. We’ve always had lots of Welsh friends. Our very first tour manager was actually from Swansea.

We’ve always loved playing Swansea and Cardiff, even the [Cardiff] Barfly which was a tough venue because the stage was so low, so it was hard to reach the whole room. It always kick off, in a good way, when we play Wales and Wales is such a hotbed for talent as well. There’s so much artistry happening, similar to Glasgow. And I’ll support you guys in any sports against England as well!

On the topic of Wales and Cardiff, what are your highlights of gigging in Cardiff?

Playing at Barfly before its closure, where we were opposite the castle, it was always nice to try and go in and walk about there. We got to play a gig in the grounds there once as well which was amazing. We recorded our

third album there, in one of the Valleys studios [Monnow Valley] so we spent a lot of time there. There’s so many highlights, I really do love the place. We just love your good people and we can’t wait to come back!

What is the nicest thing a fan has done for you?

Our fans have been very nice to us, they’ve all been gifts. There’s a group of fans from all around Europe actually who travel to so many of our shows. It’s a group of maybe eight people, they made these leather-bound books for us which had their memories of different gigs and loads of letters to us. It was really touching, definitely brought a tear to my eye, we all got one each. It was just so thoughtful.

Things like that just make everything we do worthwhile. Even though we’re very selfish when it comes to how to how we make our music, it really means so much that they come to see us that many times. I can’t believe they come to see us that many times and they’re not bored, it blows my mind. They keep coming and they gave us this incredible gift and I will never forget that.

Biffy Clyro, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

Tues 6 Dec. Tickets: from £38.50. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff. co.uk

BUZZ 21

upfront

P IXIES ’ PERSP EC TIVE Marcus Hughes speaks with Pixies drummer David Lovering about getting back together, and trying to keep it together.

“

First of all, it was the farthest thing from my mind that the Pixies would ever be getting back together,” drummer David Lovering starts when talking about their reunion and their persistent popularity, “But when we did Coachella in 2004 it was the first time it became apparent to me that there was a sea of kids out there and the majority of them weren’t even born when we were a band initially. It was a surreal thing to see.”

Despite the warm reception they received from fans and critics in 2004, the band continued to tour their back catalogue without recording any new material for nearly 10 years. This changed with the 2013 release of Indie Cindy, a collection of four EPs the band recorded at Monmouth’s Rockfield Studios.

“Indie Cindy was our first album since getting back together so there was some trepidation in doing that. Always in the back of my mind I knew people were going to judge that album more than any other. With the Pixies, there’s not a formula to anything that we do, but even when I listen to it now I’m still very happy with the songs.”

The album was met with a tepid reaction at the time and was plagued with problems during production. Bassist Kim Deal reportedly announced her intention to leave the band one morning early in the recording of Indie Cindy in a Caffè Nero near their Monmouth studio. It seems bizarre, almost bathetic, that the Boston cult indie foursome,

BUZZ 22

who provided the spark to a decade of alternative music, should finally fracture in a cafe chain in rural south Wales.

The band quickly recruited Paz Lenchantin, former member of Billy Corgan’s Zwan and A Perfect Circle, to fill in for Deal on bass. Paz became a full member of the band shortly afterwards when she joined them on the tour.

“Paz is a wonderful musician and a joy to be around,” David says, “And honestly the audience loves her. She’s been around for three years now, and to Charles, myself and Joe she’s still the new woman so, because of that, everyone’s on their best behaviour. So the band is getting along famously.”

The acrimonious relationship between frontman Charles Thompson, better known by his stage names Black Francis or Frank Black, and Kim Deal was said to have led Charles to break up the band for the first time in 1993.

According to the band, the pair’s desire for creative autonomy steered them towards beginning their own solo projects. But the tension between the four always seemed to go slightly deeper than that.

The 2006 documentary LoudQUIETLoud followed the group during their early reunion tours of North America and Europe. It appeared to show the group with a largely businesslike approach to their performances and little warmth behind the scenes. Towards the end, it was David who became the centre of attention, as the unexpected death of his father seemed to lead him towards drug

abuse and subsequently erratic performances on stage.

I asked David how he felt about the documentary in hindsight: “I can’t even watch it. When I watched it initially, I sank so low in my seat because it’s painted pretty heavy. I hid it from my mother for years but finally she saw it and she didn’t like what she saw. It was an interesting chapter.”

In September, the band released Head Carrier, an album that has been widely received as a return to form. Royal Blood and Band Of Skulls producer Tom Dalgety was hired to record the album, and the band also enjoyed the accompaniment of Lenchantin in the studio for the first time.

With a back catalogue such as theirs I wondered how the band deals with the weight of success when creating new material: “I definitely think Indie Cindy broke a lot of things for us. We reunited in 2004, seven years passed and in 2011 we realised we had been doing this reunion thing longer than we were initially a band. So that was a kick in the pants for us also to realise we were a viable band. And we still feel like we’re a viable band. That’s what we do and I think that’s our mindset now.”

Pixies, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. Wed 7 Dec. Tickets: £30. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

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BUZZ 23

upfront

PEILOT Chapter Arts Centre, already renowned for their encouraging work with artists, will this year be taking their support one step further as they launch the Peilot Associate Artist Programme. Funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Arts Council Of Wales, the scheme selected several vibrant new artists and companies centred on dance, theatre, live art, and music, and will be providing three years of support through both financial and artistic means. The artists selected will not only receive three years of dedicated assistance from the Peilot Creative producer Cathy Boyce, but also receive opportunities like use of rehearsal space, funding, and a supportive programme designed to best create new work.

The chosen artists, a selection of both companies and individuals, have a variety of different talents between them, from poetry and theatre to music and dance.

Friday’s special launching event revealed the names of these artists, and details about the programme.

The chosen artists are: Tim Bromage, who has presented at numerous festivals and whose work draws on areas of folklore and stage magic; Be Aware Productions, a company founded last year by Pınar Ögün, which creates innovative performances with international dimension; Common Wealth, an award-winning theatre company creating political and contemporary work with electronic sound and visual design; Rhodri Davies, an acoustic and electric harp player who won the 2012 Foundation For Contemporary Arts, Grants To Artists Award; Jo Fong, a director, choreographer, and performer who has worked with National Theatre Wales and who is currently touring the UK; and Triongl, a company created by Valmai Jones, Rebecca Knowles, and Rebecca Smith-Williams, whose range of experience and diversity helps them create pieces of humour and social relevance.

Peilot Creative Producer Cathy Boyce says she’s “excited to be working with such a brilliant cohort of artists”, and that she cannot wait to “connect Peilot artists with new audiences”. The programme, running for the first time, will maximise international opportunities for artists and partnership working. DAISY FARROW Peilot: Chapter Associate Artist Programme, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org

RUSSIA 17: RUSSIAN REVOLUTION CENTENARY SEASON IN WALES To mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution, Wales will be partaking in a cultural first as it partners with Russia to commemorate the 1917 revolution through music and performance. From the formation of the first UK Communist Party in the Valleys to Lenin writing letters himself to Welsh Miners in 1921, Wales has fostered a strong relationship with socialism and Russia, and therefore saw it apt to commemorate the country whose culture and history has influenced so many others.

Beginning the celebrations with Twilight Of The Tsars by the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama (Thurs 16-Sat 19 Feb), R17 will also perform with the renowned Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra at St David’s Hall. Later in the year, three of Russia’s most iconic themed works: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Mussorgsky’s Khovanshchina, and Janácek’s From The House Of The Dead, will be honoured with an extraordinary autumn season (from Sat 23 Sept) by the Welsh National Opera.

Not only will we see performances from prestigious names like the RWCMD, R17 has also joined with two patrons, oth of whom expressed interest in performing in Cardiff: BAFTA award-winning actor Michael Sheen and Valery Gergiev, the General Director and Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Gergiev says, “The centenary of the Russian Revolution is a time for reflection and the arts provide an ideal vehicle to explore this momentous historical event.”

The National Dance Company Wales, keen to celebrate the legendary Russian ballet, will also be producing a reinterpretation of the 1917 ballet P.A.R.A.D.E., choreographed

by Artistic Director Caroline Finn with music provided by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales (Tue 24 and Wed 25 Oct). The National Orchestra, along with Principal Conductor Thomas Søndergård, will also be opening at St David’s Hall with music by Shostakovich, Beethoven, and Mosolov.

R17 Producer Laura Drane comments, “We can look forward to a high quality nine-month season of arts and culture by 15 partner organisations in Wales recognising the rich artistic period in Russia before and after 1917, which continues to influence many art forms and artists today.” DAISY FARROW R17, venues across Cardiff, throughout 2017. Info: www.r17.wales BUZZ 24

Spring | Gwanwyn 2017

La bohème Puccini Madam Butterfly Puccini Le Vin herbé Frank Martin 28 January | Ionawr – 18 February | Chwefror Aged 16 -30? Tickets available for £5* 16 -30 oed? Tocynnau ar gael am £5*

029 2063 6464 wno.org.uk/lovespoisonedchalice wmc.org.uk *Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. *Yn amodol ar argaeledd. Telerau ac amodau yn berthnasol.

Registered Charity No | Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 221538 BUZZ 25

profile

KEN S KA T E S Luke Owain Boult speaks with the Cabinet Secretary For The Economy And Transport Ken Skates about boosting tourism and next year’s campaign, the Year Of Legends.

What's planned for the Year Of Legends?

The Year Of Legends is about bringing the past to life like never before, with cutting-edge innovation. It’s about creating and celebrating new Welsh legends – modern-day personalities, products and events that are made in Wales, or enriched by coming here. Our cultural assets will be injected with just as much creativity as we have seen igniting the ‘adventure’ sector, with activities that are unmistakably Wales, and internationally outstanding.

2017 will showcase all kinds of attractions, events, and activities.

There will be an unprecedented programme at events at Cadw’s castles and heritage sites, for example, culminating in the unveiling of major new arts installations based on a legends theme. And across Wales things will be going on, from the centenary of Hedd Wyn at the Ysgwrn, to pop up accommodation at legendary locations. We’ll be retelling some of our stories through exciting contemporary, cultural platforms such as the Tiger Bay Musical to be staged in Cardiff.

The programme will include fresh, innovative ways of discovering our culture and heritage. It will showcase legends of the past alongside contemporary legends such as Gareth Bale and Doctor Who. There will be great sporting occasions, such as the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff and international arts events, and we’ll showcase legendary Welsh products.

What can be done to raise the international profile of Welsh mythology and history?

We know that culture and heritage are strong attractors for international audiences; but the theme also offers the deep authenticity that today’s domestic markets seek out.

Local meets global; old infused with new. Our programme aims to bring these aspects together in exciting ways. As I said, Cadw’s programme will feature more Open Doors events than ever: a thrilling medieval tournament in Conwy; and lots of local events across Wales.

We will celebrate a land of storytelling, working with VisitBritain to mark the release of a new film about King Arthur, and recognising global talent inspired by Wales, from Dahl to Dylan Thomas to Tolkien, with tours and trails.

A rich and inspiring programme of events, exhibitions and collections delivered by cultural partners including Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library Of Wales will feature legendary works and themes.

BUZZ 26

We know for a fact that our German visitors are particularly interested in built heritage such as castles and historical houses, our stunning countryside; they like activities such as walking and hiking predominantly and are also keen on local experiences such as food and drink. The Year Of Legends is a perfect opportunity for us to package all these things together, things which are of interest to our target market, and inspire them to visit Wales, and our campaign will launch in Germany before Christmas.

Has Brexit had much impact on your strategy for Visit Wales?

2016 wasn’t just about the Year Of Adventure, it was also the year of the Brexit referendum. This has changed the context for the Year Of Legends, making it ever more important to internationalise the quality of our product offer with world-class innovation; and to sell Wales to the world with renewed energy like never before.

At the moment tourism forecasts, in the short term at least, are looking very positive and we will do as much as we can to make the most of this here in the UK, in Europe, as well as in markets such as the US. Tour operators are already reporting a strong growth in interest from this market post-Brexit.

Is it fair to say that there's an underappreciation of Welsh mythology within Wales?

The Year Of Legends presents us with a unique opportunity to revisit, reimagine and retell our stories to new audiences across the world.

Our myths, legends and stories have made us who we are today and next year will give us the chance to celebrate our rich history and heritage whilst also looking at the present and future to focus in on our emerging and new legends; people who are doing good things right now in Wales.

In many ways, our myths and legends are yet to be introduced to new audiences, but other legends made in Wales, Merlin, King Arthur, are appreciated the world over, and highlight the scale of the opportunity ahead.

Year Of Legends. Info: www.cadw.gov.wales

Nadolig 2016 Christmas

BUZZ 27

film

by Keiron Self

ROGUE ONE ****

Dir: Gareth Edwards (12A, 133 mins) The Star Wars saga continues in a separate stand-alone story that takes us back to prequel territory. This is set just before the events of A New Hope, the first Star Wars, and details the plan to steal the blueprints of the Death Star thereby allowing Luke Skywalker to blow it up. Director Gareth Edwards lends a handheld sensibility to the unfolding drama as Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso leads a ragtag team to steal the plans, after discovering that her father, played by Mads Mikkelsen, has been instrumental in creating this massive weapon of destruction. Rounding out the cast as a sort of Dirty Dozen are warrior monk type Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk voicing a hardcore droid, Diego Luna Forest Whittaker and Riz Ahmed. They will confront the dastardly Ben Mendelshon’s Director Orson Krennic, and the big breather himself Darth Vader also cameos. Perhaps not as hotly anticipated as The Force Awakens, this marks a broadening of the franchisee to stand-alone stories; next will be a young Han Solo movie. It certainly looks impressive, Imperial Walkers laying waste to beaches, the Death Star being built and a stirring father/daughter story. The Force will no doubt be strong with this one. Opens Dec 15

SULLY ****

Dir: Clint Eastwood (12A, 96 mins) Tom Hanks is excellent once again in 86-year-old Eastwood’s retelling of the landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2008. Hanks plays the captain of that flight Chelsey Sully Sullenberger, whose decision not to return to the airport when his plane started to fail saved the lives of 155 passengers on board and possibly hundreds of others. The film allows us to witness the possibilities of that happening as the event is retold from different perspectives, including Sully’s imagining of what could have happened. Following the event, Sully is forced to justify his actions to the National Transportation Safety Board much to his ongoing anguish. The cast are excellent: Laura Linney does wonders as Sully’s wife, Aaron Eckhart backs up Hanks as his co-pilot and Eastwood, as ever, tells his story directly and grippingly. Opens Dec 2

SNOWDEN ***

BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK ****

Dir: Ang Lee (15, 110 mins) Adapted from Ben Fountain’s satirical novel, Billy Lynn is Ang Lee’s first film since the ground breaking and excellent Life Of Pi. This is another technological leap forward for some in cinemas that will play it in 3D at 120 frames per second, like they did with The Hobbit, making everything look like a TV show – yuck. It’s an unnecessary gimmick for an absorbing story as a group of Iraq War veterans are flown back from the conflict as a PR stunt to be part of the halftime entertainment in a Dallas Cowboys football game. As the game progresses, we see flashbacks of what happened in Iraq to Billy Lynn, an impressive debut performance by Joe Alwyn, and his troop. Lynn had been caught on mobile phone footage attempting to save his commander, giving him hero status, but the real terror of war is far worse.

Also along for the ride is an excellent Kristen Stewart as Lynn’s worried sister, a great Steve Martin as a sleazy promoter and Vin Diesel as the gruff-voiced sergeant.

It’s compelling, involving stuff without the trickery, war is hell and no amount of celebratory dressing it up makes it palatable. Opens Jan 6

Dir: Oliver Stone (15, 134 mins) Oliver Stone, once the enfant terrible of cinema, returns to mainstream relevant film making after several misfires – the sequel to Wall Street, the fluffy W. and banal Savages – in this retelling of Edward Snowden’s whistleblowing. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is superb as Snowden, down to the pitch perfect voice. Stone’s film uses the making of Snowden documentary Citizen Four as a framing device, then follows him through his time in the army reserves to working in the CIA cyber division and his gradual horror at the extent of the governmental surveillance. Concessions are made to the mainstream: Nicolas Cage as an army sergeant, Rhys Ifans as Snowden’s CIA mentor and Shailene Woodley has an underwritten girlfriend part. It’s very much on Snowden’s side and sometimes a little too simplistic but Levitt holds it all together with grace. Opens Dec 2

LA LA LAND ****

Dir: Damien Chazelle (12A, 128 mins) From the director of Whiplash comes a glorious romantic musical drama that boldly offers up an unironic song and dance experience with real heart. Emma Stone is wonderful as Mia, a wannabe actress dreaming of stardom who bumps into Ryan Gosling’s sardonic Seb, a free jazz pianist hardened by life but with a big heart hidden underneath. The pair of them meet again and again and eventually fall in love. They both dream of success and encourage each other, Gosling opens his own jazz club, Stone does a one woman show and eventually their careers take them on a path of romantic implosion. This may seem twee, but the chemistry between Stone and Gosling is infectious; the musical numbers, although sometimes appearing cheesy, ultimately beguile and the film demands you to be swept up in its old-school song and dance. Opens Jan 13

ALSO RELEASED DECEMBER 2016: CHI-RAQ (15) A return to form for Spike Lee in this adaptation of Greek play Lysistrata in modern day Chicago. Full of some proper Spike fury on race, gender and inequality.

MOANA (PG) Dwayne the Rock Johnson goes Disney as demi god Maui setting off on an adventure with a feisty girl to find a fabled island. Singing and hijinks ensue. The Rock sings quite well. THE ARDENNES (15) More classy Belgian drama in this tale of two brothers, who attempt a house robbery only for one to be jailed and the other to go free. Absorbing. I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER (15) Effective thriller as a teen with murderous tendencies discovers a serial killer in his home town. Max Records and Christopher Lloyd star in this efficient hokum. WHY HIM? (15) Bryan Cranston has trouble accepting his daughters’ young, rich James Franco

ASSASSIN’S CREED ****

Dir: Justin Kurtzel (12A, 120 mins) Can the video game to the big screen adaptation ever work? There’s a chance that this latest attempt by the team of stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard together with their Macbeth director Justin Kurtzel just might, as they are such an offbeat team for the source material. Ubisoft's massive stealth and stab franchise has some historical chops amidst the thumb thwacking which the film seeks to address.

Fassbender plays Callum Lynch who through a revolutionary treatment that unlocks genetic memories experiences the adventures of his 15th century ancestor Aguilar in the time of the Spanish Inquisition. He is part of a secret society, the Assassins – champions of free will who have fought the rigid controllers through religion and science, the Templars, throughout history... and now he will have to, in the present day. Cue much jumping off church buildings and parkour. So will this be the new Doom or Super Mario Bros, or something half decent? Hard to know. There’s plenty to whet the appetite though, with a cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons and Brendan Gleeson, although a 12A certificate will tone down the violence of the game. Hopefully this won’t feel like a slightly classier Underworld. Opens Jan 1

BLEED FOR THIS ***

Dir: Ben Younger (15, 118 mins) Despite having many of the same well-worn triumph-ofthe-underdog tropes of every sports movie, this boxing film is based on a true story. Miles Teller convinces as Vinny Pazienza, the Pazmanian Devil – a talented, arrogant boxer who becomes middleweight champion.

Soon after he’s involved in a car accident, leaving him in a hospital bed wearing a halo contraption that covers his top half, fastened by some painfully inserted screws.

He’s never going to box again. Refusing to accept defeat and humbled, Pazienza is determined to get back in the ring and defend his title. His Rhode Island family support him with OTT hair and bellowing, Ciaran Hinds’ dad in particular, and along with the help of Aaron Eckhart’s bald and podgy trainer, he puts the gloves back on. Formulaic perhaps, but anchored by Teller this still scores some emotional punches. Opens Dec 2

PASSENGERS ****

Dir: Morten Tyldum (12A, 120 mins) Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence star in this romantic sci-fi, which should be a futuristic adventure with heartbreak. The spacecraft, Avalon, travelling to a distant planet carrying thousands of people has a sleeping chamber malfunction awakening two people, Pratt and Lawrence, 90 years before they are supposed to reach their destination. As they try to solve the mystery of why they were awoken early, other malfunctions occur and it’s left to them to save the ship and it’s sleeping occupants from disaster, whilst also falling in love. Michael Sheen does robot bartender, with Andy Garcia and Laurence Fishburne also adding some backstory and texture to essentially a two hander fuelled by ‘star’ wattage. Director Tyldum makes a blockbuster leap from The Imitation Game, hopefully offering more than sudsy scifi, as the ship slips deeper and deeper into peril and some heartbreaking decisions must be made. Lawrence can do this standing on her head, and loveable doofus Pratt seems capable of being a truly romantic leading man, after his previous fun but less weighty roles. Here’s hoping for some quality futuristic slush. Opens Dec 21

THE BIRTH OF A NATION ****

Dir: Nate Parker (15, 120 mins) A searing, passionate account of the life of little known Nat Turner, a literate slave and Baptist preacher and his 1831 uprising against white oppression which paved the way for the American Civil War decades later. Nate Parker writes, directs and stars as Turner, brought up in slavery in Virginia with forward thinking slave owners.

He marries and has children before the true harshness of life amidst the white population is brought home to him, as he is force to preach peace to his fellow black slaves even as horrific atrocities are vista upon them.

His preaching soon takes a more revolutionary stance.

Capitalism and religion are clearly combined, religion supposedly being used to keep the subservient status quo, and Turner wrestles with his beliefs and also his need to fight back. Complex, brutal and important, The Birth Of A Nation is necessary viewing. Out Dec 9

A MONSTER CALLS ****

Dir: J.A Bayona (12A, 108 mins) Patrick Ness’ brilliant novel about grief makes it to the big screen fairly intact, offering up some brutal human truths amidst the fantasy. Lewis MacDougall plays Conor, a boy on the verge of adulthood who is tortured by terrible dreams as his mother, Felicity Jones, battles cancer. As her condition worsens, the monster he envisages in his dreams and drawings comes to visit him: made from a yew tree, it’s terrifying and voiced by hardman Liam Neeson. The tree says to him it will tell him three tales and that Conor will eventually tell him his own story. These stories are told in wondrous form, fairytales with inexplicable endings about life’s hardest lessons. Bayona keeps control of the powerful material without launching into sentiment, MacDougall is excellent as the rage fuelled boy but tears will most definitely be shed at the film’s climax. Opens Jan 1

with caustically amusing results. ALSO RELEASED JANUARY 2017: SILENCE (15) Martin Scorsese’s long in gestation drama about two priests in 17th century Japan preaching Christianity and trying to find their mentor. Starring Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, this is epic. THE MERCY (12A) Colin Firth plays yachtsman Donald Crowhurst who fails to win the Golden Globe Race in 1968 but traverses the world instead.On his own. Man against elements with a period vibe. TWENTIETH CENTURY WOMEN (15) Three women explore life and love in 1970s California. One of them is Annette Bening who is, as ever, utterly superb.

ACKSAW RIDGE (15) Mel Gibson returns to the Hollywood fold with this excellent World War II drama based on fact as pacifist Andrew Garfield serves his country in conflict without a weapon. Intense.

film TOP TEN FILMS OF 2016 & 2017… in Keiron Self’s opinion

2016 has been full of blockbuster superheroes and sequels, franchise stutters and starters but amidst much dross have been gems – seek them out on DVD. Here’s my top 10 lists in no particular order.

2016

2017

Sausage Party – Silly and foul-mouthed certainly, but also a sly attack on religion and the Arab-Israeli conflict with a richly worked out world where food comes to life.

Wonder Woman – The best thing about Batman v Superman. Gal Gadot gets her own movie, directed by Patty Jenkins, so hopefully with some feminist oomph and fun.

Captain America: Civil War – Marvel can still do it. Superhero smackdowns with heart and integrity easily kapowing the sombre Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad mess.

Blade Runner 2049 – A sequel to one of the most influential sci-fi films of all times is going to be controversial but it looks to be in good hands with Ryan Gosling starring.

Hell Or High Water – Jeff Bridges is superb and so is Chris Pine in this hard-boiled Texan noir.

The Lego Batman Movie – The Lego Movie was ace. The same people are doing this. With Batman. Should be ace.

Arrival –Sci-fi with intelligence, wit and some hope. A tense, mind blowing experience that explores linguistics and philosophy from Denis Villeneuve.

Kong: Skull Island – An interesting idea for a sequel as the great ape King Kong’s island is explored by Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson. Big budget dinosaurs and creatures.

Nocturnal Animals – Amy Adams and Jake Gylenhaal are great in this twisty film within a film that grips and spellbinds from director Tom Ford.

Logan – The final Hugh Jackman Wolverine film looks set to be an adult gritty affair as the ageing, adamantium-clawed berserker has to look after a child.

Deadpool – A snarky cousin to its more strait laced superhero stablemates, Ryan Reynolds delivered an entertaining, funny and violent fourth wall-breaker.

Ghost In The Shell – Scarlett Johansson stars in this adaptation of the manga classic as a cyborg police woman. Expect alarming visuals.

Bone Tomahawk - Overlooked on its release, this Western is a superb character study and savage scary horror with look away moments. Kurt Russell has never been better.

Dunkirk – Christopher Nolan takes on an epic World War II film with Tom Hardy starring in this chronicle of the mass evacuation of soldiers from France during the conflict.

Victoria – A daring film captured in one shot.

This is a superb Berlin-set thriller that warms us up to its characters before taking us on a heist that goes horribly wrong.

Alien: Covenant – Director Ridley Scott properly returns to the xenomorph that made his name with this continuation of the Alien saga, after the sci-fi success of The Martian.

The Nice Guys – Ryan Gosling does superior banter with Russell Crowe in this witty shaggy dog of a movie from Shane Black. Worth seeing for the toilet scene alone.

Star Wars Episode VIII – The saga continues, the force awakening further with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega and a certain Luke Skywalker in the reinvigorated space opera.

I, Daniel Blake – Coruscating attack on the benefits system from 80-year-old director Ken Loach. Horrifically powerful.

The Founder – The renaissance of Michael Keaton doesn’t seem to be over! This focuses on how McDonald’s went from humble beginnings to taking over the world like a plague.

Happy viewing everyone! But if you are sitting anywhere near me in the cinema and talking, I will shush you, with extreme prejudice.

BUZZ 30

BOX OFFICE: 01446 738622

www.memoartscentre.co.uk GLADSTONE ROAD • BARRY • CF62 8NA

CINEMA

LIVE STREAMING

THEATRE

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

We We Are Are Brontë Brontë

Martin Carthy & John Kirkpatrick Thursday 2 March, 7:30pm

Publick PublickTransport Transportpresent present aa piece piece of of comic comic visual visual theatre theatre inspired inspired by by the the real real and and imaginary imaginary worlds worlds of of Yorkshire’s Yorkshire’sliterary literarysiblings. siblings.

Leading interpreters of English folk, guitarist/singer Carthy & squeezebox virtuoso/singer Kirkpatrick.

Kast Off Kinks

Celtic Guitar Journeys

Former members of the legendary band ‘The ‘The Kinks’ Kinks’ together to to re-live re-live are back together the good good times. times. the

Three of Europe’s finest acoustic guitarists collaborate in an exciting celebration of their Celtic roots.

Superstars LIVE

Supersonic 70s Show

Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston & Amy Winehouse tributes live on stage with the Superstars LIVE band.

An incredible live show jam packed with classic 70s hits, no wonder it’s described as “the best 70s show of it’s kind - West End quality”.

Friday Friday 20 20 January, January, 7:30pm 7:30pm

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm

Friday 10 February, 7:30pm

Tuesday 28 March, 7:30pm

Friday 19 May, 7:30pm

MORE FILM, LIVE STREAMING & EVENT LISTINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE, OR PICK UP A LEAFLET The Memo Arts Centre is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation: 1155291

Shine a light on that perfect gift.

And brighten up your Christmas. We’ve got something for everyone. The land of Christmas Market, Santa’s Grotto and late night shopping.

170 stores + 3000 free parking spaces Full details at Cwmbranshopping.co.uk

BUZZ 31

food/drink

pic: Donald Judge

SATURNALIA REAL ALE RAMBLE

pic: tttaaaooo (Flickr)

Christmas Market Medley

Chris Williams takes a look at some of the Christmas markets you can enjoy this Yuletide season.

This January, join in with celebrations of Saturnalia, a Roman festival which inspired Christmas, that saw slaves temporarily freed to partake in games and festivities with their masters. The Real Ale Ramble will have traditional Roman food for you to indulge in like Lumbuli Assi Ita Fiunt, aka roast stuffed testicles (because nothing screams ‘celebrate’ like roast testicles), warm ale, and more. And if you want to kickstart your New Year exercise following all the Christmas food you’ve gorged on, the ramble along old Roman roads will do you good (although the free beer at each checkpoint probably won’t).

Llanwrtyd Wells, Sat 14 June.

Registration: £11. Info: www.greenevents.co.uk

CELT BREWERY OPEN AGAIN

Cardiff’s Christmas Market is one of the city’s festive highlights. Over 80 quaint wooden stalls housing 190 traders over 44 days, selling food and drink gifts that are essential for Christmas, including jams, chillies, chutneys, pickles and cheeses, as well as craft beers, ciders and wines.

Apart from gifts, you can also find stalls to sustain you while you shop for world food including Nigerian cuisine, Indian food and snacks, freshly made churros and hot roasted nuts. As well as the food and drink, you can also expect to find a wide variety of crafts, ranging from candles and ceramics to textiles and woodwork.

After nearly a decade of brewing some of Wales’ most popular beers, the Celt Experience shut down earlier this year due to the founder, Tom Newman’s personal reasons. But fear not! The Celt Experience has reopened to stock Wales with fine beers for the festive period and beyond. New drinks like Chieftain are on offer alongside original favourites like Bleddyn Red Rye and Silures. Head brewer and new owner James Buckley said, “Celt is on the way back, in time for Christmas.”

Also in Cardiff, there’s Chapter Arts Centre’s annual Festive Food Fair, where you can pick up Christmas treats from a showcase of the best local Welsh produce.

Info: www.celtexperience.com

Swansea has a Christmas market to rival Cardiff, with a Waterfront Wonderland too, as the popular wooden chalets make a welcome return to the city’s Oxford Street. Joining the popular German Swing Grill this year are a Christmas Bar and Christmas Confectionary area. The kids can also visit Father Christmas: this year he’s in residence in his grotto at Swansea Christmas Market.

CARDIFF COYOTE UGLY SALOON OPENING

It’s that time of year again, the time to purchase artisan food and crafts from one of the many Christmas markets around Wales.

Two weeks before the big day is the Abergavenny Christmas Food and Drink Fair, featuring exhibitors from Wales, the Marches and further afield. With 90 stalls across four venues, they offer fresh and cured meats, poultry and game, cheeses and chocolates, cakes and desserts, wines and liqueurs, ales, ciders etc – i.e. everything you need for a festive feast.

Famous for the Big Cheese, Caerphilly offers the sights and sounds of a castle town preparing for Christmas, with funfair rides, street theatre, not to mention a medieval twist to the event inside the castle, as well as separate farmers’ market and craft fayre. With over 100 food, craft and gift stalls, this is a Christmas market for everyone.

Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff city centre. Until Fri 23 Dec. Info: www. cardiffchristmasmarket.com; Chapter Christmas Food Fair, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Sun 18 Dec. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org; Swansea Christmas Market, Oxford St. Until Wed 21 Dec. Info: www.swanseachristmas. com; Abergavenny Christmas Food And Drink Fair, four venues acros Abergavenny. Sun 11 Dec. Tickets: £5. Info: www.abergavennyfoodfestival. com; Caerphilly Christmas Market. Sat 10 + Sun 11 Dec. Info: www.caerphilly. gov.uk

BUZZ 32

Are you ready? Inspired by the real-life American bar which featured in the 2000 cult film Coyote Ugly, Cardiff’s Coyote Ugly Saloon will be opening this December. Famous for its scantily-clad waitresses, Western theme, and with a bar twice the size of any other in Wales (because what else will the ‘Coyotes’ dance on?), the much-anticipated bar is looking to be as popular in real life as it was in the film. And if you want to be a ‘Coyote’ yourself, dancing on tables and spraying drinks everywhere? Auditions will be held in the beginning of December.

St Mary Street, Cardiff. Tickets: £5 for Wed 14 + Thurs 15 Dec, proceeds go to Breast Cancer Care Cymru. Info: www. coyoteuglysaloon.com

pic: Doug Anderson

PLACES TO GO FOR A NEW YEAR’S NIGHT OUT IN CARDIFF Planning New Year’s Eve can prove a trying task. When the biggest night of the year for partying is in full swing, you want to be at an event worth ending 2016 on. To help you with narrowing down your options in Cardiff, Ffion Riordan-Jones has here is a quick list of where to go in the capital.

LOST IN SPACE AT CLWB IFOR BACH

Completely transformed for a space them this New Year, Clwb Ifor Bach are inviting revellers to get lost in space for of the biggest nights in their calendar. With a champagne reception on entry and three floors of different genres of music (perfect for the indecisive), their resident DJs Dirty Pop, GRLTLK and Mr Potter will see you into 2017 right.

Tickets: £5-£10. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net

BIERKELLER

BRANDY BANANA & DATE BREAD Words MICHAEL BELL www.mikeyandthekitchen.wordpress.com @mikeyandthekitchen When it comes to baking, the festive season almost warrants laziness. In fact it demands it. It calls for something fruit-filled and boozy to be placed on a table that keeps for a month at least, so that when callers pass through the home – you will always have something to offer. This banana loaf has all the seasonal splendour you want in a festive bake with not even a quarter of the effort of a Christmas cake.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

170g chopped dates 5 tbsps brandy 150g unsalted butter 150g caster sugar 2 eggs 4 bananas 140g self raising flour ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder

METHOD

For a Bavarian evening like no other, book a table at Cardiff’s Bierkeller for plenty of steins, lederhosen and oompah music. A night at the Bierkeller is packed with entertainment for all, where you can celebrate the year dancing on the tables with all your loved ones. As it’s proven to be a popular venue in Cardiff, be quick when booking a table!

Tickets: £25. Info: 0845 5333000 / www.thebierkeller.com

1. Preheat the oven to 180C and lightly butter a standard size loaf tin.

NEW YEAR’S EVE SMALL BAR

3. In a bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar.

In need of a quieter affair this New Year? Tickets can be bought online for Cardiff’s Small Bar event, where their aim is to provide a relaxed alternative for those who want to celebrate without the usual NYE chaos. Indulge in a two-course meal, snacks and beer in a calm atmosphere away from the hectic nightlife. It’s a great opportunity to enter the New Year with like-minded people who prefer a more chilled night out.

Tickets: £35. Info: www.smallbar.co.uk

CRAFTY DEVIL NEW YEAR’S EVE 90s PARTY

For those who want to travel back in time, this 90s-themed fancy dress party is a great chance to bust out the Britpop tees and grab a vintage bargain. The £30 ticket incudes speciality beers and food, but cider is available for non-beer drinkers! The event will be held in the brewery’s taproom, with an indie disco till 1am.

Tickets: £30. Info: 029 2021 8099 / www.craftydevilbrewing.co.uk

REVOLUTION

Situated in the heart of Cardiff, Revs are promising a night beyond a standard club experience. If you want one of their infamous cocktails or a row of shots, you can expect a fun night where you can dress to impress.

Tickets: £25. Info: 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk

2. Empty the chopped dates into a small mug and cover with the brandy.

4. Add the eggs one by one, mixing in between each egg.

5. In a bowl, mash the banana before pouring in the brandy that has been soaking the dates – leaving the dates remaining in the cup.

6. Add the brandy bananas to the batter to create a paste.

7. Fold in the flour, cinnamon and baking powder.

8. Lightly dust the dates in the cup with flour before adding to the batter and mix.

9. Empty the batter into the loaf tin and bake for 30-35 minutes until risen and slightly cracking on the surface – or until a skewer comes out of the loaf clean.

10. Cool for 15-20 minutes before removing from the tin.

11. Serve with lashings of marmalade for that extra seasonal spike.

BUZZ 33

food/drink NINE YARDS RECIPE: MINCE PIES pic: Andrea Goh

DECEMBER & JANUARY FOODIE FOCUS

For our first Christmas at Nine Yards, we are baking a few treats in December and one in particular is special. As a little oasis from the carnage of the Christmas shop, we have teamed up for Italian hot chocolate and homemade star-topped mince pies.

Unfortunately, we can’t give you the recipe as grandma Cutrupi will never forgive us! The mince pies, however, you are welcome to have a go at.

INGREDIENTS

A

Words JANE COOK www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk

375 g shortcrust pastry 200 g good-quality mincemeat A splash of brandy, sherry or orange juice

ward-winning Cardiff blogger Jane Cook (of hungrycityhippy.co.uk) rounds up five of the most interesting and must-try food & drink events that the city has to offer.

½ an apple, peeled and chopped into small chunks 2 balls of stem ginger, finely chopped 75 g dried cranberries 50 g dried apricots, finely chopped

1. Blas Streetfood Market at Pipes Pontcanna – Sat 10 Dec

A pinch or two of mixed spice

From 4.30pm on Sat 10 Dec, the courtyard which is home to Pipes Beer and Lufkin Coffee will open up as a festive street food market with a built-in bar! Pick up some foodie gifts for friends and family, tuck into a hot meal and wash it down with a pint from Pipes or a pour-over coffee from Lufkin. More info: www.facebook.com/Cardifffarmersmarkets

1 large free-range or organic egg

2. The Christmas Sunday Supper Clwb at DEPOT – Sun 11 + Sun 18 Dec

Icing sugar, for dusting

There’s a special Sunday feast taking place at DEPOT for two weekends in December. Gather your nearest and dearest and enjoy the unique festive ambience of DEPOT’s secret speakeasy ‘The Blind Tiger’. Traders That Fish Guy and The Pork Society will prepare a feast of festive food, Christmas cocktails, mulled wine and cider. Tickets are £25pp and include 3 courses and a mulled winter drink. More info: www.depotcardiff.com 3. Meal Squared at Wyndham Arcade – Sat 3, Sat 10, Sat 17 + Sat 31 Dec Cardiff’s exciting new collaborative supper club concept, Meal Squared, is well underway with a six-week residency at Waterloo Tea in Wyndham Arcade. The concept is all about collaboration, bringing local independents together to combine their talents and offer truly one-off menus.

The three businesses at the heart of this initiative are Penylan Pantry, Waterloo Tea and cocktail experts, the Dead Canary. For more info and to book, see www.penylanpantry.com/latest-events 4. Lee Skeet’s kitchen takeover at Brewdog Cardiff – Sun 22 Jan As the former Head Chef of Michelin starred Hedone Restaurant, Lee Skeet has built a reputation for sourcing exceptional produce with an emphasis on seafood – even going as far as sourcing different species from different areas in Cornwall. This is the second time that Brewdog Cardiff and the chef have collaborated, and this time around, guests will be served a five course tasting menu focussing on clarity of flavour, simplicity, and interesting pairings. The menu will feature Cornish crab, mackerel, oysters, beef and duck as well as stunning scallops delivered still alive from Scotland. Tickets are priced at £40pp, available from www.leeskeet.com 5. Bottomless bubbly brunch at Grey (The Hilton) – every weekend Not strictly a pop-up or an event, but relatively new to the Cardiff foodie scene, is the Hilton’s new restaurant and bar, Grey, and it’s ‘bottomless Prosecco brunch’. Priced at £25 for two courses and unlimited Prosecco for 90 minutes, hungry diners can choose from a selection of eggy delights and guilty pleasures every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 3pm. Highlights include Welsh rarebit with grilled streaky bacon and poached free-range eggs, and a Cerfn Mawr Farm beef burger in a toasted brioche with smoked chilli jam. For more info: www. greyrestaurant.co.uk

BUZZ 34

1 tablespoon semi-skimmed milk Unsalted butter, for greasing Plain flour, for dusting

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4 and grease a shallow cupcake tray lightly with butter.

2. Dust a clean surface and rolling pin with flour, then roll half the pastry out to the thickness of a pound coin. Carefully cut out 12 circles with a pastry cutter or a clean glass tumbler, then lay them in the hollows of the tray and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, spoon the mincemeat into a mixing bowl, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Pour in the brandy, sherry or orange juice, then add the apple, ginger, dried fruits and mixed spice, then mix well.

4. Roll out the remaining pastry to the same thickness.

Using a smaller cutter or tumbler than before, cut out another 12 circles – these will be the lids for your pies.

Knead the pastry trimmings together briefly, roll out and cut into shapes to decorate the tops of your pies.

5. Take the pastry bases out of the fridge and fill them just over halfway up with mincemeat, then smooth the filling out to the edges. Beat the egg and milk together, then brush over the top edges of the pastry. Lay the lids over the top, then crimp the edges together with your thumb and forefinger so the lids stick to the bases. Top each pie with a cut-out shape, then brush once more with the egg wash.

6. Bake in the hot oven for around 25 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked through and golden on top.

food/drink

FOX & HOUNDS

MÃE MARIA

PORRO

Mãe Maria is the latest addition to Canton’s ever-developing food scene. Missing the flavours of home and noting the lack of mainland Portuguese restaurants (Guilford Crescent’s Madeira focuses on Madeiran cuisine) in Cardiff, siblings Laura and Jorge established the restaurant to give Cardiff’s inhabitants a taste of Portugal. With the boom of the Nata & Co. Portuguese bakeries, with which Laura was involved, the next logical step was to open a restaurant for the city’s Lusophiles.

Calling Mãe Maria a restaurant doesn’t do it justice; it’s also a taverna bar and a Portuguese deli. The restaurant itself has an unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for good home-cooked style food. To start with, we sampled deep-fried prawn, meat and codfish rissoles, Portuguese cheeses and rojões com castanhas (fried pork with chestnuts), washed down with one of their many wines. Richness was paramount, the delectable taste of port defining the full-flavoured sauces. This was followed by francesinha (a baked sandwich with steak, ham, sausages, fried egg, melted cheese and a rich sauce) and bifinhos de cogumelos, akin to a chicken stroganoff. Both delightful, and by this point we were almost ready to explode.

To finish, orange flan and a bread pudding from their extensive range of Portuguese desserts; both were rich and bursting with flavour. Mãe Maria are all about range, catering for all sort of events, and while it is still early days for the restaurant, the combination of great food, knowledgeable and passionate staff, almost unbelievable prices and range shows clear promise. LUKE OWAIN BOULT

Porro’s new establishment on Wellfield Road follows on from their success at their 2015 Llandaff High Street restaurant. From the team behind The Potted Pig, Porro serve British food with heavy Italian influences. The restaurant itself is well thought out and spacious, with perfect lighting and a simple design that doesn’t distract from the food.

For starters, I sample ox cheek arancini with salsa verde and polpetto (a Monmouthshire lamb and Herefordshire pork meatball with sourdough toast). The arancini is succulent and bursting with flavour, making the most of the tender ox cheek texture, while the polpetto may well be the nicest meatball I have had. Next up, fennel roast pork belly with hispi cabbage, baked shallots and a pork croquette, and pollo Milanese with lemon, capers, and rosemary and garlic potatoes. The pork belly is perfectly cooked and adorned with crispy crackling and a fennel sauce, a contrast to the almost melt-in-your-mouth pork. A test of a good chef is an ability to not only effectively use, but celebrate, the simplest parts of a meal which are often overlooked, and Porro pass with flying colours for their treatment of the cabbage. The chicken is juicy, and the accompanying potatoes, like all of the food so far, well-seasoned. I usually find myself reaching for the salt and pepper mills, and the fact it didn’t occur to me once is testament to their ability.

A selection of cheeses and a dark chocolate torte with hazelnut ice cream, plus a nice grappa, round off the night. Porro shows off British produce perfectly through an Italian lens, and for a very reasonable price. LUKE OWAIN BOULT

Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff. 029 2039 9174 / www.facebook.com/maemaria.uk Food **** Atmosphere ****

Llancarfan, Vale Of Glamorgan. 01446 781287 / www.fandhllancarfan.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** The Fox & Hounds has always been a bit hit and miss – either brilliant or dreadful, and the opening times a mystery. After a winding drive through the Vale and through the Llancarfan Ford, finding whether it would be open or not was part of the fun. Those days seemed to be behind it as James Milward, formerly of Felin Fach Griffin near Brecon, has taken up the mantle and is slowly transforming the place into a gastropub.

Part of a mini-chain along with Abergavenny’s Coach And Horse, the aim is to be a destination venue with a reputation for having locally sourced fresh food and dishes created daily by James and his team. The once dowdy interior is much brighter, with a cosy bar area and open fire, the restaurant is a bit too bright for my taste, but it’s a vast improvement. The menu on this occasion was perfect for an autumn night: celeriac soup with pickled walnuts, Perl Las with chives, game terrine, langoustine bisque and Welsh rarebit croûte. My dining partner had crispy hen’s egg, Carmarthensire ham, girolles and homemade ketchup, while I had ‘posh prawn cocktail’ with Chase vodka Bloody Mary sorbet… perhaps not ideal for a cold evening.

The main selection is all homemade: fish and chips, pheasant, leek and bacon pie and a selection of fish all brought in fresh from market. Braised local pork belly with champ, purple broccoli, apple purée and cider sauce, and rolled shoulder of local lamb with smoked mash, roast carrots and gravy were our choices with a shared homemade egg custard tart with ginger ice cream and a half bottle of Rioja. With up to six choices for each course, it’s al varied, interesting menu with an appropriately chosen wine list.

There are a few small teething issues, but the vision James and his team have, to be a destination gastro pub, is well on the road to fruition. There is a drive and determination to create a modern take on simple dishes and share his love of cooking. The locals clearly love it, he just needs customers to take a drive to the Vale and enjoy a well thought out menu and the beautiful location right next to a picturesque stream. ANTONIA LEVAY

Wellfield Road, Cardiff. 029 2240 2200 / www.porrocardiff.com Food ***** Atmosphere ****

BUZZ 35

food/drink

P

ack up your parsnips and tell your Brussels sprouts to go away, we’re having salad for Christmas. Tradition has it that we need hot food in cold weather, but I think it’s more complicated than that. Fresh winter salad leaves – mustard greens, purslane, lamb’s lettuce, rocket or watercress – offer a range of interesting flavours, from faint bitterness and earthiness, through delicate herbs to peppery intensity. I use them as a lively base for strong salads: grains and pulses with seasonal goodies, such as clementines, avocado and pomegranate.

I’d eat this instead of Christmas dinner, but most people would be happy to liven up turkey leftovers with these salad recipes.

BLACK BELUGA LENTILS WITH CAVALO NERO (BLACK KALE) Beluga lentils are small, round and dark. They hold their shape and glisten when cooked, so they do look a bit like the famous caviar, albeit somewhat cheaper. Both the black lentils and black kale are in fact very dark green – important, as they can lose their distinctive colour if you’re not careful about cooking them. I load the lentils with more dark things and keep the kale away from water.

For lentils: 250g Beluga lentils, rinsed and drained in a sieve About 6 slices of dried mushroom (porcini if possible), soaked for 15 mins in enough hot water to cover and then finely diced 1 tbsp basic olive oil 2 shallots, finely diced 1 clove of garlic, pulped Bay leaf, celery stick, tied bunch of herbs: thyme, sage, parsley Paprika 25g tomato puree 300ml low salt stock 200ml dark red wine 2 tablespoons of finely sliced, caramelized red onions 10ml good olive oil, splash of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to season Cook the shallots in the oil with a pinch of salt for 10 mins, until noticeably sweeter and more savoury than they were. Add the garlic for the last 2 mins of cooking time. Add the mushrooms, lentils, herbs, tomato puree, stock and wine and simmer for about 40 minutes, adding more hot water if necessary.

The final result should be separate grains of lentil with just enough moisture to hold it all together.

For the kale: 1 tbsp basic olive oil 2 shallots, finely diced 1 clove garlic, pulped Pinch of crumbed dried red chilli Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 250g black kale, washed, stalk removed and sliced Salt and pepper, a splash of lemon juice and good olive oil to finish The shallots and garlic for both recipes can be cooked together and then divided into separate pans before the rest of the ingredients for each dish are added. Cook in the chilli and lemon peel and add kale, stirring until it wilts.

Remove from heat and season.

To serve, lay the kale on a plate, artfully spoon over the lentils and you can sprinkle on some feta crumbs for a dramatic contrast.

BUZZ 36

BEETROOT HUMMOUS This is nothing more or less complicated than hummous with beetroot in it, but the colour certainly livens up a platter of dulllooking food. The important thing with hummous is to find the point of balance between some very strident flavours – lemon, garlic, tahini and cumin. This can only be done by tasting as you go: my lemon might be very different to your lemon, so taste, taste and taste again.

The other important thing is to peel the chickpeas. Each pea has a translucent skin, a bit like plastic. You need tinned or cooked peas, a pan of water – narrow but elbow-deep, big enough to get both hands into – and a sieve. Put chickpeas in the pan, fill with water and rub the chickpeas together between your hands and fingers. When you stop, the chickpeas will settle quicker than the loose skins, giving you a few seconds to pour the skin-laden water through the sieve. Top up with fresh water and repeat.

500g cooked and peeled chickpeas 4 tsp tahini 2 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed 1 tsp crushed sea salt 2 tsp roasted and ground cumin seed 6 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) 3½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice A little water or stock Paprika (optional) Coriander or parsley leaves (optional) 1 tennis ball-sized cooked and peeled beetroot, chopped Blitz the first five ingredients in a food processor until the bits don’t appear to be getting any smaller. Gradually add oil and lemon juice, with the machine running all the time. Add the beetroot and process until smooth and insanely pink and adjust seasonings by tasting. The flavour should initially be noticeably lemony, but quickly filled out by rich, creamy flavours of chickpea and tahini, with warmth and complexity from the cumin. The lemon should appear again, to provide a framework of flavour that lasts in the mouth like a good wine. Acidity makes flavours last in the mouth, and will cut through the smoothness of oil.

the f lora

now open 136 Cathays Terrace

TYMOR NEWYDD O JAZZ BYW, CERDDORIAETH GYFOES A CHABARET NEW SEASON OF LIVE JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY MUSIC & CABARET Rhagfyr 2 December HELLO CABARET Rhagfyr 3 December HUW V WILLIAMS Rhagfyr 9 December THE TOOTSIE ROLLERS Rhagfyr 10 December ALEXANDER HAWKINS ELAINE MITCHENER QUARTET Rhagfyr 16 December ODDVAR JOHANSEN GAN / WITH HELGE LIEN & TORBEN SNEKKESTAD

thef lora.co.uk

#heartofcathays

art

TRADITIONAL CHINESE BIRD AND FLOWER PAINTINGS

National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff Sat 21 Jan-Sun 23 Apr For the first quarter of 2017, the National Museum Cardiff will be displaying a stunning collection of traditional Chinese flower and bird paintings. The tradition of these iconic paintings spans back 600 years, and for the first time ever this stunning collection will be shown in the UK. This will be the third exhibition in the series co-produced with the Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing. The exercise is aiming to strengthen the cultural connection between Wales and the People’s Republic of China.

Two of the paintings being shown are Phoenix And Peony and Golden Pheasant.

These light and delicate paintings show the connection between animals and nature. Using bright reds and fragile pinks and blues, it reflects the cultural China commonly known to be artistic and detailed.

The typical canvases for these paintings are long pieces of delicate fabric. The historical antiques of these art pieces followed an influential and intellectual development in China’s past. With the blend of fine calligraphy, mixed with poetry and a distinct style, this is a good opportunity to learn about the Chinese arts.

Admission: free. Info: 0300 1112333 / www.museum.wales/cardiff (MM) BUZZ BUZZ38 38

HYGGE: CHRISTMAS SHOW 2016

Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay Until Mon 2 Jan Christmas shopping can sometimes feel like a mad dash through town centres, with a lot of the same present ideas popping up in the shops.

If you’re in need of something a little different, the Hygge Christmas Exhibition could be just the thing for you. Craft In The Bay are hosts to this special exhibition, packed with unique gifts inspired by hygge. But what is hygge I hear you ask?

The Danish word hygge (pronounced hue-gah) translates into something along the lines of ‘enjoying life’s simple pleasures’. With the festive season being a time for cwtching indoors with loved ones, expect to see plenty of scarves, homeware, and warm clothes to wrap up in. From paintings to handmade Christmas wreaths, you’ll be able to find pieces for both presents and decoration at this inspired exhibition.

The works on display are handmade with incredible attention to detail, made by gifted and inspired artists. This exhibition is a great opportunity to find gifts that you wouldn’t find anywhere on the high street, made with quality materials and inspired designs. This exhibition houses pieces from artists across the UK, that have subtle festive touches that add a bit of sophistication to the gifts.

Not only is this exhibition a prime opportunity to grab a special gift, but ornate Christmas decorations are also on offer if you fancy a statement piece to your décor this season. The Danish style to the exhibition allows the pieces to make their statement in a light setting.

The exhibition has already opened to the public, but can be seen up until the beginning of January, leaving you plenty of time to spend an afternoon down the Bay. The items on offer cover all price ranges, so there will certainly be something for everyone. FFION RIORDAN-JONES Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 4611 / www.makersguildinwales.org.uk

LINDSAY SEERS: NOWHERE LESS NOW

Glynn Vivian Gallery, Swansea Until Sun 19 Mar Inside the atrium of the Glynn Vivian gallery sits a leviathan. Once you approach the grey mass, it becomes clear that this is merely an upturned ship, albeit with some strange tentacles trapped in its propeller.

Within the body of vessel sits Nowhere Less Now, Lindsay Seers’ video installation, exhibited as part of a programme examining journeys at the gallery.

It is as black as pitch in there. Fumbling to find a seat in the darkness, the only source of light emerges from two rounded screens, gazing out of the darkness. A stream of images – some real, some faked – are projected onto the screen: Zanzibar, a woman dressed in masonic symbols and the inside of the gallery.

The narrative is a slippery beast: it is neither past nor future, rather a suspended present somewhere between fiction and fact. One narrative tells of the artist’s journey in search after her great, great uncle, another is a dystopia where a blind man ‘collects imagines’ and seems to commune with this dead relative, reflecting the history of the gallery’s founder. Behind the imagery, seems to be a coherent idea: through memory we construct our truth and find meaning in our lives.

Admission: free. Info: www.swansea.gov. uk/glynnvivian (CT)

ATTIC GALLERY WINTER GROUP SHOW

Attic Gallery, Swansea Until Sat 24 Dec Attic Gallery has a reputation for stocking some of the finest artistic talents in Wales.

With this in mind, their Group Winter Show is an excellent opportunity to browse the work of over 50 established artists.

The art on show ranges from pottery, sculptures and prints that you can purchase on the day that you view them. As a part of Arts Council Wales, the gallery is a part of the ‘Collectorplan’, meaning that the works aim to be affordable for all budget ranges.

Two landscape artists that are new to the gallery are highly anticipated this year. Jacob Buckland has been highlight applauded by Attic Gallery where they were “immediately struck by the delicacy of his watercolour” when painting the dramatic landscapes of Carmarthenshire.

The second newcomer to the gallery is Michael Howard, who has had an extensive career teaching art at one of the UK’s leading private schools. As he’s now retired, he has dedicated his time to painting professionally.

With the show ending on Christmas Eve, why not take the family for a spot of something different this Christmas?

Admission: free. Info: 01792 653387 / www. atticgallery.co.uk (FRJ)

JOHN ABELL: LOST CONQUISTADORS AND OTHER WORKS

Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen Sat 14 Jan-Sat 11 Mar Oriel Myrddin gallery in Carmarthen is set to host former Welsh artist of the year John Abell. Lost Conquistadors And Other Works is an eclectic series of watercolour and woodcuts, all depicting the journey of a fleet of Spanish soldiers (conquistadors), mythological characters and contemporary day to day life.

Having been kicked out of school as a child, John Abell took to the Cardiff streets or couch surfed whenever the opportunity arose. But, as Abell was seeking solace from his former drug addiction, his prefabricated woodcut entitled, Three Graces: The Floods Left Them was recognised at St David’s Hall in Cardiff. The entry would secure Abell the Welsh Artist Of The Year prize, a far cry from the cold concrete floors of Cardiff he had previously found himself on.

The fractured and intricate woodcut prints are synonymous with contemporary and mythological life. Having merged the two themes together, he has succeeded in creating a visual storybook.

Contrary to the monochrome woodcut prints, Abell’s watercolour series is dominated by vivid yellow and blue tones, equivalent to that of Fauvism.

Admission: free. Info: 01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk (MW)

Oriel Gelf Glynn Vivian Heol Alexandra Abertawe SA1 5DZ

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Alexandra Road Swansea SA1 5DZ

glynnviviangallery.org 01792 516900

Glenys Cour 10.12.16 – 05.02.17 Lliw Dweud The Colour of Saying

Glenys Cour, Blue Monument, 1977 Dinas a Sir Abertawe: Casgliad Oriel Gelf Glynn Vivian City & County of Swansea: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Collection

BUZZ 39

stage

MARY POPPINS

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Wed 14 Dec-Sat 14 Jan Disney’s classic movie musical is given the full theatrical makeover in this touring production. The Sherman Brothers’ original hits – A Spoonful Of Sugar, Let's Go Fly A Kite and all those other memorable tunes – are still in, but in true West End style the songs are even bigger and better than before. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is an epically staged chorus number, choreographed by Matthew Bourne, that features a brilliant dance-along routine the audience can get in on. The extra songs, added by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, are woven into the original score with the new material often introducing fresh characters and storylines from the original children’s stories.

The Banks children, in great need of a nanny, are much more badly behaved than you may remember from the film. Enter the practically perfect Poppins, who needs to teach both good behaviour to the children and the importance of family to their workaholic father. Bert, her friend and accomplice in transforming Edwardian London into a fantasy playground, is the perfect comic foil to Mary Poppins’s strict nanny persona.

The original Broadway production won a Tony for Best Scenic Design and it is easy to see why. 17 Cherry Tree Lane is recreated beautifully both inside and out and the rooftop scene is spectacular. The biggest treat is, of course, kept until the end. Just like Jane and Michael, you may not want Mary Poppins to leave, but you will want to see just how they manage to recreate her famous umbrella flight. Bert, not to be outdone, has his own moment of magic and his character is, literally, elevated beyond his role in the books.

No stage adaptation could ever reproduce the original film, or its standout performances from Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. What this stage show does is to go one better: to recreate the enchanting quality of the original stories, made all the more vivid through the immediate magic of the theatre.

Tickets £22.50-£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk JOHN-PAUL DAVIES

VAMPIRES ROCK: GHOST TRAIN

St David’s Hall, Cardiff Fri 6 Jan For those about to rock, we bite you!

Halloween may be dead and buried but vampires are ready to rock. After 12 years and over 3,000 live performances, Steve Steinman in his role as Baron Von Rockula descends on St David’s Hall in the new Vampires Rock saga, The Ghost Train. Club Live And Let Die has been razed to the ground and the Baron and his band of bloodsuckers are in search of a new habitat. The group take sanctuary in the Ghost Train, an abandoned fairground ride, where they formulate a plan to lure victims and condemn them to rock‘n’roll hell. Forever.

Steinman is joined by a super cast of singers, dancers and musicians who will head-bang their way through such classic rock anthems as Sweet Child O'Mine, We Will Rock You and, fittingly, Bat Out Of Hell. Reported to be fabulously funny and fantastically sexy, the show is a spectacle: pantomime meets Paranormal Activity; hammingit-up meets Hammer horror. Packed with fire and aerial stunts, mischief and mayhem, the vamp has been ramped in this sequel to Vampires Rock Musical Concert. So grab your cape, slip in your fake fangs and get ready for a scream.

Tickets: £23.50-£25.50. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk (LN) BUZZ 40

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHERMAN

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff Until Sat 31 Dec Christmas at the Sherman is always a magical time, and once again they return with two Christmas offerings, one for younger audiences and one for families.

For younger audiences, this year is The Emperor's New Clothes / Dillad Newydd Yr Ymerawdwr in conjunction with Theatr Iolo. Made especially for 3-6 year olds and their family and performed in either Welsh or English, it’s the perfect Christmas outing for little ones. Directed

by Kevin Lewis and written by awardwinning playwright Alun Saunders, when the Emperor demands the coolest clothes the call is answered by a pair of weavers, who concoct a cunning plan and land everyone in an embarrassing situation. Who will help the Emperor rediscover his joy and silliness?

For slightly older audiences, the Sherman takes you on another musical family adventure with The Borrowers.

Following on from The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe in 2015, this year another family classic will be brought to life. Adapted by Mary Norton, audiences will be able to discover the secret world of Pod, Homily and Arrietty, whose lives are turned upside down by a dangerous encounter ‘above the floorboards’.

The Emperor’s New Clothes. Tickets: £8; The Borrowers. Tickets: £12-£25. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermantheatre. co.uk (EG)

BALLET SEASON

St David’s Hall, Cardiff Tues 20 Dec-Mon 2 Jan It wouldn’t be the festive season without The Nutcracker, and this December The Russian State Ballet Of Siberia brings this fantasy ballet back to St David’s Hall as part of its annual festive ballet season (Thurs 22-Wed 28 Dec). Accompanied

by The Orchestra Of The Russian State Ballet, the season again includes Swan Lake (Thurs 29 Dec-Mon 2 Jan).

The season starts with a masterpiece of comedy and one of the oldest ballets still regularly performed, La Fille Mal Gardée (Tue 21 and Wed 22 Dec).

Featuring a virtuoso pas de deux, maypole and clog dances, a farm boy woos a flirty farmer’s daughter and they find inventive ways to avoid her mother.

The Nutcracker is the most famous family-friendly fantasy ballet. When midnight strikes on Christmas Day, the audience is transported to a world where the Mouse King leads his army in war, and the eponymous Nutcracker comes to life and turns into a handsome prince.

Swan Lake rounds off the ballet season’s trio. From the technical challenges of the principal dancer’s dual role of Swan Queen/Black Swan to Tchaikovsky's unforgettable and immortal score, it's the one ballet everyone should see.

Tickets: £16.50-£45.50. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk (CW)

DICK WHITTINGTON

Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot Thurs 12-Sun 22 Jan The Valleys’ streets are paved with gold – or at least that’s what our panto hero Dick Whittington thinks! Join Jermin Productions on the cobbles of the Princess Royal for a ‘purrfect’ family pantomime filled with hilarious antics, daring sword fights and exotic trips with loveable Dick, rat infested vermin and even a navigating cat.

This age-old family favourite begins when Dick Whittington sets sail on a voyage to London where he is determined to make his fame and fortune. Following the golden-paved road, Dick stumbles upon a puss called Tom Tom, a wealthy shop owner and his beautiful daughter, a magical fairy called Bowbells and the evil villain King Rat. This January’s Dick Whittington will be jam-packed with all the classic traditional pantomime ingredients of family fun with stunning sets, brilliant songs, dazzling choreography and heaps of comedy slapstick to encourage plenty of laughs and audience participation!

Raucous laughter, loud cheering and even louder booing are all compulsory, so get down here and join Dick and his trusty cat, Tommy, on a magical voyage from the mountains of Brecon to grandold London town, then all the way back again for a splendid old finale.

Tickets: £7.99. Info: 01639 763214 / www. npttheatres.co.uk (ZB)

45027-46 dick whittington Advert.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2016 11:24 Page 1

Jazz aT rwCMD @rwCMD Fri 27 JaN | Gwe 27 ioN 7.30pM

SoLSTiCe

Fri 10 FeB | Gwe 10 CHwe 7.45pM

Tori Freestone saxes/flute Brigitte Beraha voice John Turville piano Jez Franks guitar Dave Manington double bass George Hart drums

TriCHoToMY Sean Foran piano John parker drums Samuel Vincent bass

Fri 24 Mar | Gwe 24 Maw 7.30pM

Rhagfyr 1 - 14 December Y Colisëwm, Aberdâr

The Coliseum, Aberdare

Rhagfyr 18 - 24 December Y Parc a’r Dâr, The Park & Dare, Treorci Treorchy

£15.00 • £12.00 • Tocyn Teulu/Family Tickets £48.00

TiM GarLaND eLeCTriC QUarTeT Tim Garland saxes Jason rebello keyboards asaf Sirkis drums ant Law guitars

Tickets | Tocynnau £12 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk

BUZZ 41

THE ORB

clubs

TOP BUZZ

Now The Bass @ secret location, Cardiff Mon 26 Dec Now The Bass has been on a welcome addition to Cardiff’s nightlife, ignoring the house-and-techno inundation to do its own thing instead, and often managing to find a way around the lack of diverse clubs – for example, holding garage raves in sports centres. It’s the work of veteran promoter MJ Reed, and after bringing in the brilliant Cardiffian psychedelic techno and acid producer DJ Guy in October, the next night reaches back even further in the past.

Top Buzz first performed at legendary London club Turnmills, before going onto make their break at raves like Amnesia House. Their production career that began a couple of years became identified with the burgeoning ‘jungle techno’ sound that became jungle (they’re even purported to have invented the term). It was a darker twist on breakbeat hardcore, full of rollicking snare drums and fierce bass sounds. After they become one of the iconic hardcore acts of the early 90s, members Jason Kaye and Mikee B both went on to do influential work in the emerging sound of UK garage –Kaye solo and Mikee B as part of Dreem Teem.

The current incarnation of Top Buzz is just Kaye and founder member Mad P. Joining them on the night is a reputable list of Cardiff DJs with their roots in the old school: Dubmatt, Jackal & Hyde, Fav, Paul Lyons, Silk Cut, T Bone and Tyrone Rose.

Tickets: £12.50/£10 early bird. Info: facebook.com/nowthebass (GTDC) BUZZ 42

Tramshed, Cardiff Fri 9 Dec

Influenced by Pink Floyd and Brian Eno as much as acid house, The Orb seem from another galaxy, and date back to another time, when compared to much of today’s club listings.

Journalist Matt Anniss tells of how their track Blue Room flowed out of the radio in 1992 during the Radio 1 top 40 show, unlike anything that had come before it. The full track was a 40-minute swell of acid house drums slowed down to a trippy throb, with a huge, languid dub bassline and the eclectic sampling style of hip-hop. It balanced powerful emotional dynamics with a kind of meandering nonchalance, or even nonsense, at times.

The Orb is approaching its 30th year, and has never stopped revolving, or glowing, or whatever orbs do. Founded by Alex Paterson and Jimmy Cauty, the latter a member of ambient-rave crew The KLF, it’s featured many members over time, but Paterson is the one constant – he’s currently joined fby Thomas Fehlmann, a Swiss-German electronic pioneer.

This tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Orb’s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld, the group’s 1991 album. This album was formative for me too. Not when it came out – I was three – but years later, I remember floating through the school corridors with my Walkman, listening to the skanking dub-house of Perpetual Dawn, the sky-gazing trip anthem {Little Fluffy Clouds} and the final track, whose enormous title and 20-minute length I delighted in showing off to friends: A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules From The Centre Of The Ultraworld (Live Mix MK 10).

This tour also features the debut live outing of their new album, released last month on evergreen Cologne-based label Kompakt. It traverses some less house-centric facets of The Orb’s sound, taking in surreal distortions of easy-listening jazz, hip-hoppy sampler rhythms, drifting post-techno jetstreams and ‘classic’ sounding ambience – including a collaboration with Roger Eno. The album’s title is COW/Chill Out, World!; good advice right now.

Tickets: £20. Info: 029 2023 5555 GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF

TIM BAKER

Castle Nights @ Undertone, Cardiff Fri 9 Dec In house and techno, it’s rare to discover a 90s Detroit artist that you haven’t heard of before – such is the acclaim deservedly heaped on the influential producers from the so-called Motor City. Nevertheless, I’d never heard Tim Baker’s name before seeing this night advertised – one of the reasons for his lack of press could be that he’s actually been based in Chicago for most of his career, though his sound has often borne the rushing techno-futurism associated with his birth city’s techno style. He’s also from the so-called ‘third wave’ of Detroit techno bods, I’d say – a contemporary of DJ Bone, and his excellent early tracks had a similarly driving style also in tune with the pioneering work that Surgeon was making during the nineties over here in Birmingham, as well as the Detroit techno overlords Underground Resistance.

Aside from a couple of releases on Novamute and Ovum, Baker’s tracks haven’t been released on well-known labels in the scene – mostly on his own imprint Elephenthaus – and this could be another reason for his relative invisibility. His current sound also comes from a different angle to that of the late 90s onwards when he started out; cleaner now, away from the raw machine-burn of his beginnings, and the crisp aesthetic suggests the staid plod of tech-house as well as the raunchy pump of ghettotech.

Admission: £5-£10. Info: 029 2022 8883 (GTDC)

FRANCESCO DEL GARDA

Platform @ The Scene Club, Swansea Sat 28 Jan Another new name to me, but the guys at Platform have proven time and again that they know their shit when it comes to the cool, deep and subtle side of underground house and techno. This is about as far from EDM as you can possible get in the world of club music – and you need to be able to understand the beauty that emerges through repetition if you’re going to last the night.

After a stellar year for them, which also saw the demise of main competitors Dogruff, Platform is now the name for house and techno in Swansea, and they’re kicking off 2017 with a highly-rated Italian DJ who plays constantly all over Europe.

Check his studio mixes online and you’ll hear that del Garda is capable of far more than just manipulating the technical rhythmic hypnosis we call minimal tech – he’s often found drawing for downtempo abstract hip-hop, bumpy 2-step UK garage, jazzy broken house and surreal electro, such as in his mix for Resident Advisor this year.

His forté is the utmost depths of house, techno and acid – watch out for rhythmically complex, tonally subtle music of the most underground, unearthed and sumptuous varieties, including stuff by the likes of Chris Gray, Daniel Bell and , of course, Ricardo Villalobos. He’s a DJ’s DJ, and in Italy they seem to call him ‘il mago’ – the wizard. Move over Jeff Mills.

Admission: £12.50/£10 adv. Info: events@thesceneclub.co.uk (GTDC)

ASTROID BOYS

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Mon 12 Dec The dubstep and grime-loving hip-hop crew return to their hometown at the end of a tour which has seen them travel up and down the UK. Astroid Boys’ style is full of lairy South Wales humour and energized aggression and dripping with menace in the beats that use original dubstep grottiness, square-wave grime bass and even jagged nu-metal guitars.

There’s surely some influence from the rap-rock styles of Cypress Hill and N*E*R*D, but their closest sonic cousins have got to be Virus Syndicate and Foreign Beggars – both hip-hop crews with a strong kinship to dance music, whether dubstep, grime or drum’n’bass. They dropped a new single this year, Fallback, which fuses their favourite genres more completely than ever before: Playstation grime claps sparking off distorted power chords and dipping into subby half-step interludes, with the lyrics spitting out a perfectly Cardiffian mix of aggro and humour.

It’s not just about Astroid Boys though, there’s plenty more MCs and crews on offer here to draw heads in. Neverland Clan are billed as “London’s gnarliest boyband,” and described irritatingly by i-D as “the most right-now group of right-now.” Manga – a long time member of famous London grime crew Roll Deep – makes an appearance, along with Sonny Double 1, a younger MC making waves à la Stormzy, plus Mace aka Mason Burnett, and Grove Street Families, a hardcore band from Southampton.

Tickets: £8. Info: 029 2023 2199 (GTDC)

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Send a covering letter and some samples of your writing to: editorial@buzzmag.co.uk

BUZZ 43

UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS

live

SPECIAL CONSENSUS

Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea Fri 27 Jan Self-proclaimed “bluegrass with an attitude” band The Special Consensus ride the wave of fame all the way to the UK as they continue to gain notoriety with each album.

With several nominations and awards under their belt, like the 2012 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy nomination and 2016 IBMA Instrumental Recorded Performance Of The Year Award for their song Fireball, The Special Consensus have taken their guitars and banjos over to Britain again as they tour internationally in their 42nd year as a band.

Unlike most bands that have been around this long, The Special Consensus somehow manage to maintain their freshness rather than losing their sound with age. The reason for their years of success? Their pristine vocals and exceptional playing. Their 18th record, Long I Ride, contains collaborations with ex-band members and friends alike, and despite not receiving as many IBMA awards as their previous album Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute To John Denver, their 2016 album is still as impressive as the others.

Recognising the absence of bluegrass musicians in places like the UK, the band was able to capitalise on this with tours and further their success internationally. Playing Swansea for the first time in late January, The Special Consensus hope to be as big of a hit in the UK as on their previous tour, in 2015.

Tickets: £tbc. Info: 01792 295526 (DF)

BUZZ 44

The Globe, Cardiff Thurs 15 Dec Kevin Starrs, the tall, long-haired, Englishman behind Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, craves mystery. “It’s good for people’s imaginations to come up with their own ideas about things,” he’s previously stated, when it was put to him that he has cultivated a deliberately obscure persona. Such enigmatic guises are difficult to maintain when enjoying the kind of success that Starrs’ band are currently experiencing, with Lee Dorrian’s Rise Above label helping them to reach a global audience, but their mysteriousness remains untainted by exposure.

Uncle Acid’s most recent album, 2015’s The Night Creeper, is a gloriously diabolic experience – awash with creepy, jagged riffs and dimly lit vocals, overlaid with soft harmonies which combine to create a ghoulish atmosphere. Through the gloom, guitar solos erupt like fireworks, illuminating songs like Pusherman, while 60s pop melodies rise above the doom-laden riffs.

Further colour comes courtesy of Starr’s lyrics, which tell a loosely linked tale of a “shadow in blue and indigo dreams, hoping to take you away” – the titular Night Creeper. Starrs has previously described this underlying narrative as a “trashy pulp” story, but this does little to diminish the nightmarish imagery which it brings to mind.

Former tour mates Black Sabbath are very clearly a huge influence on the album, as much for the bleak lyrical content that ran through the legendary Brummies’ songs as for the inspirational guitar work of Tony Iommi. Recorded using vintage gear, The Night Creeper (along with earlier records Volume 1, Blood Lust and Mind Control) feels anachronistic, out of place in an age of Spotify, wireless headphones and Autotune; the crusty old guy at the party, whose jacket stinks of weed but who has all the best stories.

Those heading to the Globe can expect to see a band at the peak of their powers, well-oiled after months of touring in support of The Night Creeper, with long strings of dates across the US and Europe behind them, so a great night’s entertainment is in prospect. Walk home along well lit streets, though. “There’s a man in the darkness waiting for blood...”

Tickets: £14. Info: 07590 471888 HUGH RUSSELL

LISSIE & TEDDY THOMPSON | MUSIC PREVIEW

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay Sun 11 Dec Country night at the Glee Club you say? Well why not! Pop-rocker Lissie brings her solo acoustic tour to Cardiff with support from British artist Teddy Thompson, son of folkrock musicians Richard and Linda.

On the back of a year that included two album releases, there’ll be plenty to celebrate at this intimate get-together. Lissie’s new live acoustic album, Live At Union Chapel, dropped in November and boasts a vocal performance of epic proportions. The 13-song, acoustic, stripped-back record was recorded at the haunting-looking Union Chapel in Islington last year, and includes a pretty raw cover of Joni Mitchell’s {River}.

Leaving herself exposed throughout, the tone that’s projected is incredible. Pretty effortless and flawless.

Earlier this year Lissie’s latest studio album, My Wild West, gained a top 20 poition in the UK album charts. A well-travelled individual, this is probably her most personal album to date; in homage to her life in California, to leaving for the Midwest a lot more confident in her abilities. A self-proclaimed representation of both a new beginning and a return to her roots.

As part of a 12-date tour, taking in venues the length and breadth of the UK, it looks like a potential corker of a show – one with supporting duties falling to Teddy Thompson, who’s musical pedigree can only add to what will be a compelling musical occasion.

Tickets: £20. Info: 0871 4720400 (OS)

KIT DOWNES & LUCY RAILTON

Cardiff University Concert Hall Sat 28 Jan Respected musical prodigies Kit Downes, an award-winning jazz pianist (best known for his work with his progressive jazz trio) and Lucy Railton, a contemporary classical cellist (curator of London Contemporary Music Festival and frequent collaborator with modern dance company Akram Khan) convene here at a intriguing musical standpoint, whereby they can both flourish to audiences old and new.

Otherwise recognised under the alias Tricko, this duet, coordinated by Downes, embraces improvisation, minimalism, classical and jazz disciplines and is at once wildly imaginative and gracefully reserved.

Both musicians committed their efforts to recording last year and have received critical and their live shows. The compositions presented don’t strike as conventional in the slightest, with each instrument featured generously throughout, intuitively exploring and interweaving melodies and ideas but without overpowering one another. It will doubtlessly appeal to those of an open mind when it comes to classical or jazz as the musicians are free with their influences, eschewing the rules of either genre.

Whilst this does often push the sounds into angular, avant-garde territories, they’re also not hesitant to create some real poignant, intense and emotional moments. Above all, those attending should expect something entirely fresh sounding that’ll doubtlessly be unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.

Tickets: £10/£8/free NUS. Info: 029 2087 4816 (CPI)

ISLET

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Sat 10 Dec Since emerging in Cardiff around the start of this decade, Islet fairly quickly mutated into something singular around these parts. Riotous, percussion-heavy gigs that featured a free-roaming approach to both genre and audience interaction earned them a heavyweight live rep, while the handful of albums and EPs mixed the swirling junkshop noise with many layers of dreamy, exploratory beauty. It's a wandering approach that's taken them to real life excursions in Japan, SXSW and Primavera, while maintaining a leaderless independence that puts them closer to autonomous art collective than anything else.

Which is all a wordy way of saying: it’s good to have them back. Self-released and self-produced in the current Islet HQ of rural mid-Wales, new EP Liquid Half Moon is their best material yet: five songs of keyboard shimmer and gently rippling guitar that create an almost tropical warmth, with Emma’s loved-up, cooing vocals pushing things towards an overriding, tentative positivity. Like all great bands, they only sound like themselves, and it’ll be a trip to see new songs blending with old at this gig.

Xmas presents you actually want as supports too: bleak and beautiful electronica from ACCÜ; a one-off improv percussion group called 12 Drummers Drumming, and between all of them fellow Welsh champ Cate Le Bon, and her judicious DJ choices.

Tickets: £10/£20 vinyl and ticket bundle.

Info: 029 2023 2199 (WS)

r17.wales

#r17

BUZZ 45

reviews albums BIC RUNGA ****

Close Your Eyes (Wild Combinations) New Zealand’s queen songbird has given us an offering of mostly covers, but it’s her own compositions that are more intriguing.

The two originals are 60s-throwback breathy pop perfection. Though she doesn’t better Flack’s unsurpassed The First Time... (who can?) or Saint Etienne’s Neil Young version, she certainly does alluring justice to the Beach Boys’ The Lonely Sea. She even takes on Kanye West with a fine, non-delusional, sanitized Wolves. Let’s not quibble – just drown in her enthralling, winsome voice and irresistible arrangements. RLR

CASTLES ****

Fforesteering (self-released) It’s been a long time coming, but CaStLeS have finally managed to put out their debut, which owes as much to the lo-fi surroundings of its recording as it does to the surf-style guitar and accomplished harmonies recently favoured by Krautrock/psych bedfellows Django Django. Lead single Amcanu, the brooding Argau and the hypnotic riff of Tynnu Tuag At Y Diffiethwch provide the highlights of an album suited to the time of year for its innate ability to warm one’s cockles. BG

HOWE GELB **

Future Standards (Fire) Howe Gelb is a musical shapeshifter. Over the past 30 years he’s mashed elements of post-punk, alt. country, mariachi, blues, garage, lo-fi, punk and flamenco; his 2006 album Sno Angel Like You was recorded with a gospel choir and is an absolute joy.

For Future Standards, he’s gone smooth cocktail jazz. The gruff, laconic vocals are still there, and his lyrics are as candid as ever, but unless you’re a major fan of jazz standards, just buy one of the 40+ Giant Sand LPs. GT

LETHERETTE ****

Last Night On The Planet (Ninja Tune) There’s a surprising amount of electronica/ hip-hop/dance hybrids out there at the moment making it particularly difficult to stand out from the crowd. Letherette, however, demonstrate they are more than capable of doing so with their latest effort which is full of rich textures, minimalistic earworm melodies and indelible beats. Pay particular attention, if you will, to the late-night, feelgood atmospherics of Dog Brush and Frugaloo – most assuredly best enjoyed on the dancefloor. CPI

LISSIE *****

Live At Union Chapel (Lionboy) This stripped back 13-song live record, recorded at the eerie Union Chapel in Islington last year, hits every possible high note it can. The simple production leaves the Midwestern American open to the elements and exposed all along, but the formidable vocal just keeps giving and giving. The album warrants a thumbs-up from start to finish: Daughters, a pro-feminist war cry, sounds brilliant, while a pretty raw cover of Joni Mitchell’s River hits the spot. OS

MANU DELAGO *****

Metromonk (Tru Thoughts) An album consisting of the exploration of the emotive and dynamic limits of the Hang, a steel UFO-shaped instrument from Switzerland, all underpinned by live electronic manipulation, may sound a little worthy and a little dull. Yet Manu Delago, alongside Björk producer Matt Robertson, teases out eight tracks of beatific beauty that haunts and embraces the listener. Metromonk floats by and floats into your mind, body and soul.

This is perfect music to work to, to bathe to, to get lost to. Totally hygge. SE

THE MEMBRANES ****

Inner Space/Outer Space (Louder Than War) The Membranes came out of Blackpool at the height of punk. They survived the gloss and sheen of the 1980s and their noisy sound can be described as being a cross between The Birthday Party and Nirvana. Their rather spectacular recent album Dark Matter/Dark Energy is indeed ripe for remixing, and the standard of the remixes here is pretty damn high, with amongst others, Keith Levene (ex-PiL guitarist), Mark Lanegan, Killing Joke and The Pop Group all leaving their dirty mark. DN

MR HUW ****

Make Your Mind Down (Cae Gwyn) Mr Huw’s fifth album is 35 minutes of catchy pop-

rock beats. Songs are short – the longest being three minutes and 53 seconds – many similar in tone and tending to blend into each other. Thirteenth track Du is a very gentle number with a churchy feel. Not being able to speak a word of Welsh, I can only imagine what such titles as Raw Meat, Different Fat and Parts Of Our Bodies are about, though with enough repeat listenings I’m sure it won’t matter. LN

PALE ANGELS *****

Daydreaming Blues (Specialist Subject) Pale Angels' third LP continues Specialist Subject's fine run of releases this year (Doe, Bangers) and provides the transatlantic collaboration between Ergs, Cut Ups and Arteries members with a chance to demonstrate their total mastery of their gritty, varied and raw take on post-punk. Reverb drenches the record, songs like Don't Leave ricocheting around the cranium. Tendrils of melody cling to downbeat dirge Funeral, immediately followed by the clattering, Ramones-esque Loveless, demonstrating a sense of freedom to experiment beyond genre restrictions. HR

PETER DOHERTY ***

Hamburg Demonstrations (BMG/Clouds Hill) A fairly self-explanatory title, as it happens – the whole album was recorded in Hamburg, Germany, where sometime Libertine Doherty always wanted to record, apparently. If you’re down with recording equipment, the 11-song LP was recorded using an eight-track 2” StuderA820 tape machine and mixed onto a quarter-inch Telefunken master machine. Quite a mouthful, but sounds cool. The poignant Hell To Pay At The Gates Of Hell, written in the wake of last November’s Paris attacks, should strike a chord. OS

SEX SWING *****

Sex Swing (The Quietus Phonographic Corporation) Despite what its truly nauseating album artwork might make you think, Sex Swing does not evoke a slo-mo dousing in slug slime, expired jelly and baby spew. Rather, the primarily London-based band cook up a heavy, swaggering psychedelic nightmare via doomed-out guitars, blaring horns, swarming electronics and the zonged-out vox of ex-Dethscalator frontman Dan Chandler. Having only released one previous track, Sex Swing’s debut

GAMES REVIEWS SKYRIM SPECIAL EDITION ***

Bethesda, PC When news arrived that the beloved 2011 Elder Scrolls RPG Skyrim was being reworked in a special edition, to be honest, I was expecting more. As expected with any older game, the graphics can feel somewhat dated, and with this update it does look a bit sleeker. However, the update leaves a lot to be desired in terms of content, with absolutely nothing new added. Part of what made the game so enjoyable was that it could be heavily modded, and now with little mod support available, this edition offers a somewhat emptier gaming experience. Get the original. LOB

POKEMON: MOON/SUN ****

Nintendo, 3DS 20 years on, Pokémon is still growing strong, and this latest instalment proves that the genre has been able to adapt beyond the rigidly formulaic structure that has hindered the series for the past few generations of the game. Taking place in the Alola archipelago, made up of four islands guarded by a Pokémon deity, the game’s setting is a rich world with interesting characters and stylish design. While it is still pretty predictable, the new gaming features make it appealing, even for experienced and jaded players.

LOB BUZZ 46

LP is better than even their live shows threatened: equal parts PiL, Terminal Cheesecake and Last Exit. NG

STANLEY BRINKS AND THE OLD TIME KANIKS *** Vielles Caniques / Nouvelles Caniques (Fika)

Something like the 123rd album released by Stanley Brinks (aka Herman Dune), this double album again sees him joined by the Norwegian folk collective The Kaniks (albeit just with their fiddle and banjo). It’s filled with the European calypso sounds he’s made his own with a generous helping of bluegrass throughout. It’s laid back, like long summer days down by the river, and filled with stories about booze, life on the road, love and heartache. GT

SUN RA ****

Singles: The Definitive 45s Collection (Strut) It would of course be wildly profligate to buy this merely for the song It’s Christmas Time!, which astral jazz geezer Sun Ra recorded with The Qualities in 1960, and put it on your Mixcloud of ‘weird and esoteric’ festive songs that most people will have either already heard or won’t care about. Because that would be ignoring the rest of the vast and beautiful output on Strut’s latest Ra collection, which spans three CDs, 65 songs and five decades. It careers from quasinovelty fare and jaunty, agreeable piano-led stuff to category-atomising free jazz and righteous calland-response stuff like 1982’s Nuclear War, one of the few singles here which sold (or were offered for sale) in any kind of number at the time. NG

VARIOUS ****

Action Time Vision (Cherry Red) As ‘a punk fan’, it has been a quiet pleasure to studiously ignore all of the hogwash about punk rock’s so-called 40th anniversary – which, like the early months of the movement itself, mostly seems to have taken place in London. However, it’s also the hook for the latest Cherry Red genre box set, which opens with the first UK punk single – New Rose by The Damned – and follows that up with 110 more songs from the late-70s explosion.

It isn’t wholly obvious who Action Time Vision is aimed at: many of its selections, from New Rose to Stiff Little Fingers’ Suspect Device and Menace’s GLC are the kind of fare already licensed to a hundred budget CDs sold in Woolworths.

Others, like The Jerks, O Level and Disco Zombies numbers, are legitimately obscure and/or worth hundreds if you have an original. For better or worse, the proportion of punk that was basically just scuffed-up pub rock is made clear, but if you’re ‘a punk fan’ and not a walking encyclopaedia you’ll probably fall in love with something on here. For this listener, it was The Flys, Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias and (to my great surprise) Peter & The Test Tube Babies. NG

VARIOUS ARTISTS ***

Future Disco 10 (Future Disco) Everything old is new again. Snacks has sampled a Love Committee hit from 1971 and there’s a wicked remix of Rhyze circa 1980. Hearing New Order with Kraak & Smaak (Ivar channelling the late, great Teddy Pendergrass) and Here Is Why’s Tonight (Adam Port edit). Excellent techno/funk.

Divine disco diva Lapsley sounding like a seasoned pro at 20 on Operator. Pale Blue and Vimes also very good. Breakout stars: Franc Moody with orchestral- sounding house disco. So fresh and deee-lite-ful!! RLR

VARIOUS **

Speed Kills Volume VII (Music For Nations) From 1985 to 1992, the Speed Kills compilation series showcased the freshest and most ferocious emerging talent from a worldwide thrash metal scene, giving a platform to the likes of Metallica and Slayer. With this reboot, those heights are now as distant a memory as Kerry King’s hair. Painfully dated, zero international flavour and an over-reliance on black metal, the only saving grace is the appearance of Acid Reign whose comeback is sublime. GT

WILLE AND THE BANDITS ***** Steal (Jigsaw)

Steal is a stunning album, full of solid beats and lilting guitar riffs that slip into your subconscious.

Wille and the boys have got the balance right, vocals and music blend rather than compete for attention. Tracks such as Miles Away and the haunting Crossfire Memories are in no hurry, and even when the pace picks up the tone is still laid back. The Bandits have taken blues-rock, dusted it off and freshened it up. LN

A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN *** Iris (Erased Tapes)

produced blah that passes for extraordinary talent on TV such as The X Factor. Her forthcoming EP should be a good one. RLR

PALACE ****

It’s Over (Fiction) The album from which this track is taken carries a message of “love, loss and the shifting of tides of human emotion”. For {It’s Over}, frontman Leo Wyndham writes, “{I’m running out of time.

Eventually they will both be just fine. But father’s wept, and my mother’s crying}”. A surprisingly catchy tune for such a sombre lyric. OS

PETER BRODERICK ***

Grunewald EP (Erased Tapes) Sometime Efterklang and Nils Frahm collaborator Broderick compiles five previously released solo violin and piano instrumentals, recorded in a small Berlin church.

The pieces feel off the cuff, as if in response to the acoustics of the space – on It’s A Storm When I Sleep, rapid, thumping arpeggios are smeared into overlapping chords by the long reverb tails. APR

ROGUE JONES ***

Human Heart (Blinc)

Effective soundtracks straddle two camps – compilations of songs to play with the subtext of key scenes, with Tarantino being a marmite master, and those commissioned to accentuate the mood of the film, with Greenwood and Mansell the intelligent choice. Iris is AWVFTS’ addition to the latter, and their toil has produced a nice suite mixing the symphonic with pulsing electronica, but without the memory of the visuals to contextualise, there appears to be a lack of Woo Hoo or oil discovery moment. CS

Pleasant enough little end-of-the-summer ditty from the seven-strong alt-folkers, taken from the promising, upcoming VU album. Treat yourself to the full single and you’ll get a Welsh-language version and... a slightly longer version of the English one. Whatever happened to B-sides? BG

YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE ****

SHE

Zero Worship (Superstar Destroyer)

www.shemusic.uk

Fresh music from a group consisting of former Yourcodenameis:milo frontman Paul Mullen and ex-Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes. Glued together by drummer Dean Pearson, this record is battling hard to be heard in a battlefield of noise. Anthemic lead single Disappear sounds goooood; a shout out against “the narrow, backward-thinking powers of corporatism, nationalism and fundamentalism.”

Not all hell-for-leather, the lighter beat and tempo of Simone and the romantic cry of You And Me provide a slower highlight. OS

“Singer, songwriter, actress, movement, Welsh speaker.” According to her press release BethZienna Williams, aka She, is capable of them all.

Efforts to paint the south Wales-raised, Londonbased polymath as a fully formed pop star in waiting seem afoot – on the evidence of her current six-song taster, she needs to settle on a sound first rather than hedging bets via pop-house, Gaga anthems, rock-tinged lighter wavers etc. Prince/ En Vogue style sauce-funk number Potential is runaway highlight, in fact. NG

singles

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT *** Cinematography (Self Raising)

Rod Thomas has chosen his favourite film score tracks for his latest EP, and an unusual bunch they are. Cathy Dennis’s Touch Me sits alongside All Saints’ Pure Shores and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time but compared to BLBL’s usual pop-synth material these songs don’t quite take off. LN

MADDIE JONES BAND ****

Burnt To The Ground (self-released) Latest single from this gutsy girl from the Valleys is a r’n’b, country-pop mix. She’s got a terrific voice that’s a welcome change from some of the mass-

demos

AARONSON

aaronsoncentral.tumblr.com This Cardiff trio play serious face post-rock with slightly smaller servings of dynamic post-punk and vaguely cinematic – post-cinematic, perhaps – ambient interludes. They recorded Appearance And Reality, this here 11-track album, in the Manics’ Faster Studios, which I daresay is a nice feather in the cap even if no-one ever talks about Faster aside from it being the Manics’ studio.

Any road, this broods wordlessly with occasional rhythmic canters, and as a tireless irritant I enjoy the ambient interludes the most. NG

FADE FILES

www.fadefiles.co.uk Fade Files are only part Welsh, Cardiffian Richard Griffiths being that part, but their previously released tracks were in Griffiths’ mother tongue.

This brace of newies are in English, presumably more accommodating to Londoner Mark Hopgood and Stefan Schmid of Swiss indiepop band Marvin (who I’ve never heard of but who have their own page on German Wikipedia). Following Your Heart and New City Sunlight offer pallid MOR synthpop which whirrs tolerably without quite delivering the thrill of Fade Files’ transnational premise. NG

THIS MONTH’S DVD PICK SAUSAGE PARTY 15 (Sony) Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s animated comedy tells the story of Frank, a sausage, in a supermarket where the food and products wait with anticipation to get picked by customers. Upon learning what happens to them after being bought, Frank goes on an adventure to save his foody friends. It’s actually surprisingly smart, touching on shock comedy, spoof and satire, and tackles themes from war to religion. ****LOB

MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE 15 (Altitude Film Distribution) Louis Theroux brings his unassuming documentary style Scientology with an unconventional approach, where he “auditions” actors by recreating incidents involving high-profile Scientologists, in an attempt to make contact with them. It was denounced by the Church of Scientology, which is as good as any glowing review. While it’s fantastic for Theroux’s style, Gibney’s Going Clear portrays the insidious goings on with more seriousness. ****LOB

STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES U (Paramount) In honour of Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, The Animated Series is released in a special edition DVD with behind the scenes documentaries explaining why it still holds up (debatable), in addition to the 22 episodes. Sometimes referred to as the fourth season of the Star Trek original series, it’s got something of a cult following. With most of the original cast involved, and recycled Star Trek plots, it’s a little gem for hardcore The Original Series fans. It’s rather strange. **LOB

DEATH NOTE: COMPLETE SERIES AND OVA COLLECTION 15 (Magna) The hit anime series and its rewrites are bundled together in this collection. Light Yagami is a high school student who finds a mysterious book that allows him to kill whomever he wants, simply by writing their name in the book. He sets out to save the world from itself by ridding the world of evil, and those he believes to be evil.

Philosophical and tense at its best, but a whiny teenager with big hair at its worst. ***LOB

BLAIR WITCH 15 (Lions Gate) The sequel to the 1999 found footage genre maker, Blair Witch tells the story of the brother of Heather Donahue, who went missing in the woods while filming a documentary about the legendary Blair Witch. With only a couple of silly jump scare scenes, and a wellcrafted disturbing atmosphere throughout most of the film, it stands out as one of the creepier films of the past few years. To be fair, its competitors are fairly feeble. ****LOB

PLANET EARTH II PG (2entertain) Attenborough’s latest outing, a follow up to the critically acclaimed 2006 nature documentary series Planet Earth, is a triumph. The photography is absolutely stunning, with footage that gets right up close and personal with the wildlife being observed. It’s a celebration of life and all that comes with it, from terrifying predatorial chases and grieving lost young, to exuberant mating displays and play.

This is the BBC at its best. Next up, Attenborough hunts Trump. *****LOB

LIFE ON THE ROAD 15 (20th Century Fox) David Brent is back in this feature film which features Ricky Gervais’ character embarking on a nationwide tour with his band, taking unpaid leave from his day job as a tampon salesman. As ever, the character is painfully funny. While the humour is still there, there’s no new development to the character and it seems to be missing Merchant’s input. The appeal of The Office wasn’t just in Brent, but the other characters around him, but with this, it’s just a one-man show. A funny one though. ***LOB

BUZZ 47

music news EXTRA

Two Welsh musical development schemes are launching new chapters in their respective projects about now. In the case of Live Music Now Wales, the charity is looking for new musicians – solo artists or bands – playing in styles which they’ve pigeonholed as acoustic, rock and pop, classical, jazz, folk and world music. If you apply online at www.livemusicnow. org.uk/request_an_application_form, and are successful, you’ll be trained to work with, and perform for, those in care at residential homes, schools and hospitals.

Meanwhile, on Tue 13 Dec the Forté Project will be unveiling the 10 chosen acts for its 2017 development scheme at Merthyr’s Redhouse venue. Said acts will work alongside industry mentors, gaining professional experience and giving their careers a boost The grand, elegant and internationally admired Welsh National Opera is to visit Dubai, a city which is none of those things, in March for performances of Madam Butterfly and La Bohème.

Taking place at the recently opened Dubai Opera House (which has common ground with WNO’s home venue, the Wales Millennium Centre – both initially enlisted

architect Zaha Hadid before scrapping her designs), the company will also be working with pupils in Dubai schools and colleges during their visit. It’s part of a wider collaborative scheme, UK/UAE 2017, initiated by the British Council Machinations, the second album by heavy rock quartet Hark, is released on Fri 24 Feb by French label Season Of Mist. The followup to 2014 debut Crystalline, recorded as a three-piece, the band – mostly Welsh in origin, currently scattered between here and Bristol – have added a second guitarist, Joe Harvatt, also of jazz-metallers Intensive Square. The nine resultant tracks, recorded in Leeds and Pontypool, are a definite step up from Crystalline.

Production is razor-sharp, metallic and, to an extent, dials back to the two albums

by Taint, singer Jimbob Isaac’s pre-Hark outfit The Chattery, a restaurant and music venue in Swansea since 1977, is up for sale at the time of writing. Opened by Nigel Clatworthy and currently headed

by Alex, his daughter, the Chattery specialises in Americana, folk and

country-rock type music – they were early supporters of The Handsome Family in Wales, for example. Although Alex hopes to continue promoting gigs somewhere, the Chattery’s participation on that front will depend on the whims of the buyer – fingers crossed they’re the sympathetic kind, but nearly 40 years as an independent Swansea business is still a fine statistic.

Before any major changes, though, they host bluegrass band The Grass Snakes on Sat 17 Dec Welsh art collector Gerrion Jones is to revive his popular touring exhibition, Punk Forever, in his home town of Merthyr Tydfil in early 2017. The Redhouse venue will host it from Sat 21 Jan until Tue 21 Feb, and visitors will be able to see the work of three iconic punk-related figures: Jamie Reid, whose most notorious work was the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks album cover; James Cauty, whose punk principles were first adapted in conceptual rave crew The KLF and later in his politically-charged installations; and Billy Childish, a prolific titan of garage rock whose paintings espouse his anti-modern art ideology, which he calls Stuckism

ONE TO WATCH...

HOLDING ABSENCE

The south Wales rock community has expanded exponentially over the years, bands keen to be the next big name after predecessors like Bullet For My Valentine or Funeral For A Friend. Explanations for this growth range from the tireless efforts of promoters bringing larger shows to the region, to – simply – the ever-changing nature of the genre, enticing the enthusiastic amateur to really push their abilities. Whatever reason it may be, it appears that Cardiffbased Holding Absence have found the niche that could carry them into the big leagues in 2017.

Unlike the aforementioned acts, this quintet bear closer resemblance to modern acts such as Being As An Ocean and Trophy Eyes, honing a fine line between rock, hardcore and melodic, ghostly indie rhythms. Combined with a singing/screaming vocal combination from ex-Falling In Style vocalist Lucas Woodland, it makes for a very interesting listen.

Although Holding Absence are currently unsigned, their progress in 2016 has been reaching the eyes and ears of gig-goers across the country. Supporting the likes of Dragonforce, Moose Blood and Lower Than Atlantis, their live persona and individual characteristics mirror them to any renowned artist who has called the stage their home.

Recently releasing their video for their new single, Dream Of Me and working alongside Wales-based promotions company Imperial Music and label Dream Atlantic Records, this infectiously enthralling Welsh quintet are prepping to blow away the cobwebs and spread their wings to continue ascending. NATHAN ROACH facebook.com/holdingabsence

BUZZ 48

one louder A truism: powerful art often emerges from an international-scale crisis, tragedy or disaster. Equally: making this observation risks the response that anyone even thinking about this is fiddling while Rome burns.

Still, so long as you’re not a complete tool who’s actively welcoming the threat of fascism and mounting racial tension because someone might make a banging rap album about it, it should be a legitimate topic of discussion.

In a more perfect world, ‘powerful’ art would change minds and shift public opinion by dint of its sheer beauty and elegance, but in practise an artist’s best tactic is often to be crude, ribald and attention-seeking. Iwan Bala, a Welsh artist whose art is more often than not about Wales itself, unveiled an exhibition in Penarth last month which was all of those things, and got in the local paper as a result.

A series of responses to the EU referendum and US election results of 2016, rendered in Bala’s trusty charcoal-and-pastel style, they include depictions of Boris Johnson doing a guff and Donald Trump as a gun-toting sheriff, flanked by a dwarf-sized Putin in underpants [pictured]. As I say, not highbrow stuff, but sometimes you want your jabs to be as blunt as possible; moreover, the artist is probably familiar with 18th-century political cartoons, which were replete with tits, bums and bodily functions and which these pieces resemble.

Penarth Tory councillor Anthony Ernest helpfully stepped in to publicise the show, describing it as pornographic and calling for its closure. The gallery in question quite rightly ignored his request, which was wrapped in a ‘think of the CHILDREN!’ figleaf but also betrayed him as a man who, even in a political landscape where his ‘side’ are indisputably ‘winning’, wishes to silence even the smallest pushback against this.

This has, after all, been a year whose definitive piece of visual art is arguably The Forgotten Man, a painting by run-of-the-mill dauber Jon McNaughton in which Barack Obama treads on the US constitution as Founding Fathers gasp in horror, Bill Clinton applauds smugly and a purportedly average American citizen with crap shoes – the forgotten man himself – sits despondently on a bench. Despite being laughably corny and ahistorical, it’s gone from being an internet joke to an item of right-wing iconography, one briefly rumoured to be destined for Trump’s White House (this was denied by the painting’s current owner, conservative radio jock Sean Hannity).

Although a pissed Irishman complimented my shoes yesterday evening, proving they are good, sometimes it’s hard not to feel like that forgotten man. His profile is a little like mine – white, male and edging towards middle age – which awards him (me) some innate privilege in Trump’s (May’s), or anyone else’s, America (Britain), but not enough to cement financial stability or even a job in the event of a recession.

Indeed, if McNaughton truly believes that this new regime will see a mass recollection of those forgotten under Obama, he could end up disappointed – although there will probably still be a market for naff paintings aimed at Republicans.

Going into 2017, I too will be fine thanks to a coping mechanism which I typed at about 05.30 GMT on 9 Nov and emailed to myself. “It is time to stop harbouring dreams of being one of those people who analyses polls, data and consumes the testimony of internationally read experts, and join the people who just predict the worst case scenario in any event without any deeper insight. They are invariably proved right.” Happy new year!

FOREIGN BEGGARS (Sin City, Swansea, Fri 2 Dec), GUTTERSNIPE, KAZEHITO SEKI, OBLONG and SUNSHINE (Undertone, Sun 4); SIGIRIYA (Mozarts, Swansea, Sat 10), SCRAP BRAIN, SCORE and VANILLA (Undertone, Sun 11), CHAIN OF FLOWERS and TV CRIME (Moon Club, Thurs 15) and TYPESUN (Gwdihw, Sat 28 Jan) represent our only hope. NOEL GARDNER

UPCOMING SHOWS

O R C H A R D E N T E R TA I N M E N T. CO. U K

Mary Chapin Carpenter + Special Guests Danielle Lewis & Connah Evans

Tuesday 13th December 2016

Clwb Ifor Bach

Wednesday 1st February 2017

St David’s Hall

Courtney Pine ft. Omar + Special Guests

Friday 24th March 2017

Motoroint Arena, Cardiff

Monday 27th March 2017

Y Plas, Cardiff University

Friday 31st March 2017

Tramshed, Cardiff Monday 24th April 2017

St Davids Hall

SUN

11

DEC THU

23 FEB

SUN

14 MAY FRI

19 MAY

LISSIE + TEDDY THOMPSON The Glee Club, Cardiff

SUNDARA KARMA

Y Stiwdio, Cardiff Students’ Union

AL STEWART Grand Theatre, Swansea

THE ALARM

Y Plas, Cardiff University

orchardentertainment

Buzz_FullPage_Ad_V02.indd 1

@OrchardEnt

orchardentertainment

28/11/2016 14:23:13

books

BOOK OF THE MONTH

THE BOY Wytske Versteeg (HopeRoad Publishing)

Translated fiction has seen a rise in popularity during recent years and the latest offering from Dutch author Wytske Versteeg, The Boy is a feast to add to the translated fiction list.The psychological thriller is centred around Kito, a teenager whose body has been found washed up on a beach following a school outing. Not prepared to accept it was accidental, his mother is determined to find out who is responsible which, leads her to believe the drama teacher, Hannah is involved. Her suspicions are confounded when she discovers that she has moved to the Bulgarian countryside, and so Kito’s mother follows her instinct and sets out on her quest for the truth.

True to the genre of the novel, the narrative is fast paced but also succeeds in keeping the reader guessing the outcome to the very end. Character driven, the difficult relationships and the emotional impact on the lives of Kito’s parents and the drama teacher is also well imagined. Vivid descriptions manage to set the scene within the different locations with particular attention to detail.

Translated novels can occasionally fail to capture the atmosphere that’s intended in the original language and, therefore, praise must go to translator Sarah Welling as the writing encapsulates the drama with the right pace and prose.

It’s not surprising to note that the novel has been widely recognised in its country of origin, awarded the BNG Bank Literature Prize and was also longlisted for the Libris Literature Prize. I was captivated by the emotive story, eager to discover the outcome and would definitely look to read more Dutch literature after this gem of a book. RHIANON HOLLEY Price: £10.99. Info: www.hoperoadpublishing.com

NOCILLA EXPERIENCE

Agustin Fernandez Mallo (Fitzcarraldo Editions)

Effortlessly blending art and science, hypothesis and fact, loneliness and love in a series of short, self-contained chapters that range in length from a couple of sentences to a couple of pages, Fernandez Mallo intertwines the stories of his disparate protagonists through a series of elliptical, oblique and poetic vignettes.

We are asked to consider the opinions of Einstein and Bjork, the limits of paternal love, megalomania on the Russian Steppe and much much more: ideas and questions float across these pages like confetti. But the true pleasure is in the writing: the language is dense but effortlessly light, without a wasted word, with an immaculate clarity of expression, always elegant and rhythmic. This is a triumph of translation too: Thomas Bunstead has produced a book that reads as though written in English in the first place, with a natural love of dialogue and idiom. MD Price: £12.99. Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com

THE OLD KING IN HIS EXILE

Arno Geiger, trans. Stefan Tobler (And Other Stories) Geiger’s memoir details his father’s Alzheimer’s and the effect it has on the whole family. Told through snapshots of his own life as well as his father’s, Geiger charts a series of emotions from anger and disappointment through to humour and the celebration of parent-child bonds. Brief conversations intersperse the book, revealing witty and insightful, as well as despairing, moments between father and son. Reflecting on his father’s war-afflicted youth and the impact it had in his later life as well achievements, including building his own house brick by brick, Geiger celebrates both his father’s early life and his current one by preserving in print the very memories that are being forgotten. Negotiating issues that affect us all, Geiger achieves a solid testimony that is evocative without being overly sentimental. LM Price: £9.99 / £5 ebook. Info: www.andotherstories. org

THE PARADISE GHETTO

Fergus O’Connell (Accent Press) There is an argument that art is nothing more than delusion, and perhaps history repays this notion. At Theresienstadt, the ghetto established for ‘privileged’ Jews during the Second World War – where Fergus O’Connell sets The Paradise Ghetto – a rich cultural life flourished; there were lectures series, recitals and even schooling. O’Connell’s narrative tells the tale of the intense relationship which forms between two Dutch inmates in Theresienstadt, Julia and Suzanne, as well as that of the book they write. The novel becomes an escape, and perhaps a saviour. The story-within-a-story construct is not original, and sometimes the novel is rather clunky, yet O’Connell manages to keep your attention engaged in both narratives. More importantly, he leaves you asking an interesting question: is fiction a futile, even damaging, delusion? CT Price: £8.99. Info: www.accentpress.co.uk BUZZ 50

@mabjones

Newly published, and soon to be published, poets spout their stuff at Little Man Coffee in Cardiff on Thurs 1 Dec. Host Christina Thatcher will provide a warm and welcoming environment, and the event itself is free to attend, although coffee, tea, alcohol, cake, and books will all be available for sale. Get there early for a 7.30pm start.

In the capital’s Bute Park, then, Young People’s Laureate Wales, Sophie McKeand, will be leading a free workshop for young poets as part of a UK-wide campaign for trees and woods. The workshop is from 11am-3pm on Sat 3 Dec. Visit www.treecharter.uk for details on how to book.

On Thurs 15 Dec, you can catch the National Poets of Wales and Scotland in a joint reading at Swansea University’s Great Hall. Ifor ap Glyn and Jackie Kay will read from their various publications, followed by a Q&A. Tickets range from £5-£12, and are available from www. taliesinartscentre.co.uk.

Just in time for Christmas, the Publishers’ PopUp Bazaar is a perfect time to pick up a book as a gift from some of Wales’ top publishers, including Parthian, Seren, Accent, and Honno. Simply go to the ground floor HUB in Cardiff Central Library on Fri 16 + Sat 17 Dec between 10 and 5pm, and make sure you’ve got your wallet with you! There will be plenty of fabulous Welsh literary talent on offer, here.

In January, following all that book reading over Christmas, the literary festivities continue, with the regular Open Space taking place in Cardiff’s Central Library on Mon 19 Jan. Guest Holly Müller will read from and discuss her novel, My Own Dear Brother, a coming-of-age story set in Nazicontrolled 1940s Austria.

Published by Bloomsbury Circus in 2016, her book has attracted praise from the Independent, the Guardian, and author Esther Freud. Make sure to book for this free event via the Cardiff Central Library Facebook page, or via the library itself.

Finally, Voices On The Bridge, brings together a host of wonderful valleys-based writers on Tues 27 Dec. Further details available from the venue, Pontypridd Museum, or the host, poet Rob Cullen.

lifestyle

WELSH WOOL COLDATNIGHT BLANKET SCARF Fforest, £75, www.fforest. bigcartel.com

STOCKING SUGGESTIONS

Christmas has crept upon us once again and finding gifts for people gets harder every year. Unless someone tells you exactly what they want, it can seem impossible to get them something that you think they might like. Here are a few ideas from around Wales to hopefully help you.

SET OF 6 WELSH FISH NOTELETS Seld, £8.50, www.seld.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HEART CRAFT KIT Adra Home, £8.50, www.adrahome.com

WOOL TREE Seld, £30, www.seld.co.uk

NADOLIG LLAWEN DOORMAT Bodlon, £18, www.bodlon.com

6 CHRISTMAS TRUFFLES Wickedly Welsh, £4.99, www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk

WELSHCAKE TIN & LARGE BAG Fabulous Welsh Cakes, £14.90, www. fabulouswelshcakes.co.uk

WELSH DESIGN PEWTER CLOCK, Curig, £32.95, www. curigwelshgifts.co.uk

ROAST CHESNUT SOY CANDLE Valley Mill, £16.50, www.valleymill.co.uk

BUZZ 51

travel

WELSH LEGENDS Victoria O’Hagan looks ahead to 2017, the Year of Legends, and rounds up her top pick of legendary locations in Wales.

2016 may well go down in history as the year where Western politics went a little bit bonkers and Bowie left for his home planet, but 2017 is set to become a legendary year for Wales. The Year Of Legends 2017 is a campaign set up by the Welsh Government Tourist Board to raise the profile of Wales’ tourism. All Celts love a good story, and Welsh history is studded with tales of ghosts, devils, wizards and some seriously irritated 12th century monks. So, if you're looking to travel around Wales, why not give these legendary locations a try?

BUZZ 52

pic: Angel Ganev

pic: Jim Linwood

pic: Stewart Black

TINTERN ABBEY

GELERT'S GRAVE

LADY OF THE LAKE

Situated in the lower Wye valley near Chepstow, the serenely romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey have inspired poets and artists throughout the ages. Its remote location appealed to the 12th century Cistercian ‘White Monks’ who lived out their quiet and pious lives within the hauntingly beautiful valley. Their peaceful existence came to an end thanks to Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, and the arrival of the Black Death didn't help matters either. According to legend, the lost souls of these plague-stricken monks can be seen walking towards the Abbey in single file.

Another local legend tells the tale of a group of 18th century treasure hunters who decided to dig within the remains of the Abbey looking for priceless antiquities.

They didn't find any treasure, but they did chance upon the ancient remains of two Cistercian monks. To celebrate their ghoulish find, the men cracked open the booze and got drunk within the ruins, amused by their own hedonism within this holy establishment.

They didn't laugh for long. A veil of mist descended on the abbey as thunder rolled across the sky, and the ghostly spectre of an armour clad knight fixed his eyes on theirs. Behind him stood an army of white-robed monks, closing in slowly...

Tintern Abbey is a must-visit for aspiring artists, poets, historians or ghost hunters, but if you do decide to visit the ruins of Tintern Abbey, it's best to leave the hip flask at home.

If you've survived Cadair Idris's bloodthirsty hounds, why not stay within Snowdonia and pay your respects to an altogether different sort of dog? Prince Llewelyn's legendary dog Gelert is buried in the town of Beddgelert and the tragic tale of this loyal dog draws visitors from across the world every year.

In the 13th century, Prince Llewelyn had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went on a hunt without his faithful hound and on his return, he found the dog drenched in blood. When finding his young son's empty cot, the Prince plunged his sword into Gelert's side, as punishment for killing his only heir.

The dog's dying yelp was answered by a child's cry. The prince's young son was very much alive, lying near the body of a dead, blood soaked wolf, who had been killed

by Gelert himself.

The prince was devastated at his mistake and buried the dog in a beautiful, peaceful spot in Beddgelert. It is said that the Prince never smiled again.

Fancy a visit to a damned lake? After you've paid your respects to the town of Merlin's Oak, go and visit the famous Llyn Y Fan Fach in Carmarthenshire. According to a local folk tale, a young man agreed to marry a beautiful girl who rose naked from the lake, on the condition that he would never hit her more than three times. They didn't have many anger management courses back then, so this impulsive young man found it hard to stick to his wife's one simple rule.

As punishment, the lady slunk back into the lake, taking all of her husband’s cattle with her, which is the historical equivalent of throwing your partner’s MacBook into a swimming pool.

Info: 01291 689251 / www.cadw.gov.wales

CADAIR IDRIS Standing at the southern gate of Snowdonia, Cadair Idris (Idris's Chair) is one of Wales' most iconic mountains and the source of numerous local legends. Named after the mythological giant Idris and surrounded by many (apparently) bottomless lakes, the mountain is a great place to visit for anyone seeking out more about Welsh mythology. According to legend, king of the Tylwyth Teg (Fair Folk) and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld Annwn, Gwyn ap Nudd would hunt on the mountain with his pack of spectral hounds, the Cwn Annwn.

It's said that if you fall asleep on the slopes of Cadair Idris, you'll wake up either a madman or a poet. But if you're woken up by the sound of howling, the Cwn Annwn will sweep you into Hell before you've even composed a limerick.

After a strange and confusing 2016, next year may be the time to look back at our past and remind ourselves that there's magic in them there hills.

The Year Of Legends. Info: www.visitwales.com

Info: www.beddgelerttourism.com

There are lots of reasons to visit the beautiful ancient market town of Carmarthen. Steeped in history, the town is one of the oldest in Wales and known for its famous Black Book, which is perhaps the earliest Welsh manuscript. Dated at around 1250, the Black Book contains poetry and references to Welsh myths, including the legend of Arthur.

Camarthen was also the site of Merlin's Oak. Legend has it that King Arthur's wizard put a spell on an oak tree, warning that the tree's removal or destruction would bring about the drowning of the town.

The tree was poisoned by a disgruntled villager in the 1850s and preserved in iron railings, but despite these measures it was set on fire in the 1970s. As a stark warning not to mess with legendary wizards, the town suffered its worst flood in years.

pic: Ted and Jen_Mark

MERLIN'S OAK

Info: www.carmarthen.info

Info: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

BUZZ BUZZ53 53

pic: Robert Haandrikman

sport

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST

Y

ou’re going to be full of turkey and trimmings and copious amounts of drink; at some point over the festive period you’re going to have to think about getting out of the house and putting those legs to good work.

We’re very lucky here in Wales to have some of the best and most beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges in Britain. Maybe one of these walks or hikes will take your fancy to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.

pic: Angel Ganev

Owen Scourfield puts on his hiking boots and takes us on a tour of the best places to burn those Christmas calories.

SNOWDONIA

BRECON BEACONS Just shy of Brecon town, Pen y Fan has seen an influx of interest in recent years; almost pilgrimage-esque.

A selfie atop the summit seems to be in fashion lately.

However, it actually is a great little walk with a number of routes of various difficulties. Whether you’re setting off from Llangorse Lake or Storey Arms, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you’re heading back down to lower ground; selfie or no selfie.

One of the southernmost peaks of the Black Mountains, sitting a little north of Abergavenny, is the Sugar Loaf. There’s easy ascents on offer from the nearby car park, or if you’re after something a little more challenging, try a longer ascent from Abergavenny itself, or Crickhowell. If you’re lucky on a clear day, from the summit you can catch sight of the Bristol Channel and Somerset to the south, the Cotswolds to the east and the hills of Shropshire to the north.

Info: www.breconbeacons.org BUZZ 54

pic: Arun Marsh

WELSH WALKS

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail boasts 186 miles of the most breathtaking twisting and turning coastal scenery around. Starting in St Dogmaels in the north, it finishes in the south in Amroth. You’ll be sure to catch all sorts of sights, as the trail covers all sorts of maritime landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sheltered bays to wide-open, stunning beaches. Situated almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — Britain’s only coastal national park – the trail has reportedly a total of 35,000 feet of ascents and descents; the equivalent of climbing Everest. You haven’t got to do it all at once, mind.

Info: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

WATERFALL COUNTRY In the heart of the Neath Valley lies Waterfall Country.

Park up in Pontneddfechan or Ystradfellte and head out into the Afon Mellte or Hepste river gorges and beyond on an adventure as big or small as you like; there’s room to tailor your trek as long or short as you want. One route heads out to Sgwd Yr Eira (Snow Falls), where, if you’re feeling brave you can step right behind the curtain of water as it flows over the rock face. Look out for Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls), the Sychryd Cascades and Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd Falls) – the highest waterfall in south Wales with a drop of 27 metres.

Info: www.breconbeacons.org/waterfall-country

It would be rude not to mention the collection of mountains and hills that includes the country’s highest peak. For those hardcore walkers and climbers out there, you may want to push your limits and walk off those extra pounds. Snowdon is doable for many.

There’s six main routes to the summit, one of which, the Watkin Trail is very pleasant this time of year. The railway is always an option if you’re sporting a slight Christmas hangover.

Tryfan is another favourite for the more experienced walkers, and will more than clear your head. Some routes here are bordering on mountaineering, and if you like scrambling then you’re in luck - this journey is considered by many as the best mountain walk in Britain. If you hit the summit, you have the option of taking a ‘leap of faith’ between two rocks, three metres high, four feet apart, known as Adam and Eve. Tradition has it that anyone who can complete the jump receives the ‘Freedom of Tryfan’.

Info: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

* – recommended

pic: Mark James Works

listings

Inclusion in Buzz Listings is free. Send via post or email by 17th of the previous month. Buzz takes no responsibility for material sent or any errors made after time of going to press.

GRUFF RHYS: SET FIRE TO THE STARS New Theatre, Cardiff, Sat 28 Jan Tickets: £18. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www. newtheatrecardiff.co.uk A whole album of new music by Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys came out in the autumn and there’s a fair chance it passed you by. The album in question is the soundtrack to Set Fire To The Stars – a movie starring Elijah Wood as John Brinnin, an American poet trying manfully to curtail Dylan Thomas’ descent into boozepickled oblivion. Given the film is now two years old, and didn’t exactly break box offices on release, Rhys’ score is effectively left to stand on its own merits – which it does perfectly well, and makes its debut live performances in January a tantalising prospect.

Much of the SFTTS music carries a recognisable Gruff Rhys stamp – a more languid, 1960s orchestral pop-influenced take on his solo work, with inimitable vocals present and correct. The only active attempt at evoking the music of 1950, the year the film takes place, comes with a boisterous hot jazz number titled Atom Bomb – part of a sharp midalbum turn into wriggly jazz pastures, recorded with a band including Portishead’s Jim Barr and Osian Gwynedd of Sybridion.

It’s not confirmed how much of this SFTTS soundtrack will be performed at the New Theatre, the third of four UK dates. However, the show’s promoters Swn say that it’ll be supplemented by other songs from Rhys’ catalogue, and that if you turn up for 7pm (the live show starts at 9) you can watch the movie in question beforehand. Both screening and performance should be a refined treat in the New Theatr, an underused setting for events like this.

CONTENTS pg 56 pg 58 pg 60 pg 68 pg 75

art clubs events live stage BUZZ 55

art

art Aberystwyth Arts Centre

University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre British Wildlife Photography Awards Event held, and indeed exhibited here, annually, split into 16 different categories. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Dave Ball ‘Searching For The Welsh Landscape’ Based on a survey of five distinct hilly regions in Wales, Ball exhaustively attempts to address the question of whether there is such a thing as a perfect, archetypal Welsh mountain.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Haul: The Art And Friendship Group Works by participants of Art and Friendship group run by Martine Ormerod. The group meets weekly during term time to explore different ways to make art from painting to collage and using digital cameras. (Until Sun 15 Jan) Aberystwyth Illustrators: Pumed Gainc / The Fifth Branch Exhibition organised

by Peter Stevenson and coincides with the Aberystwyth Storytelling Festival 2017; it focuses on the dark secrets of the Mabinogi. (From Sat

21 Jan until Sat 25 Mar) Edgelands A collection of contemporary painting celebrating the forgotten margins of our landscape and considering how we perceive the world. (From Sat 28 Jan until Sat 18 Mar)

Albany Gallery

74b Albany Road, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Christmas/Winter Exhibition A changing exhibition of selected new work from over 50 established and emerging artists. (Throughout December) Drawings Exhibition Drawings in a variety of mediums from selected gallery artists. (From Thurs 19 Jan until Sat 11 Feb)

Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog)

Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk The Christmas Collection Welsh artists display a variety of collectible art covering a range of subject matter. (Until Wed 4 Jan)

Arcadecardiff

Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm.

www.arcadecardiff.co.uk This Must Be The Place I Never Wanted To Leave Paintings from contemporary Welsh artists, plus selected works from the Beep2016 Painting Prize, curated by Beep and Elysium’s Jonathan Powell. (Until Fri 23 Dec) Rory Duckhouse Details TBC for this show so I’ll use this space to note that ‘Rory Duckhouse’ sounds like the name of a Tory MP in a really bad BBC sitcom that only lasted one series. (From Mon 16 Jan until Sat 11 Feb)

Art Central

Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free. 01446 709805.

10th Anniversary Open Exhibition Featuring submissions (all confirmed now, FYI) from painters, photographers, craftspeople, designers, film makers, performance artists and others. (Until Sat 14 Jan)

Art In The Attic

The Factory, Jenkin Street, Porth. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.

Free. 01443 687080 / www. facebook.com/thefactoryvenue Gustavius Payne A new exhibition of recent figurative paintings by the Merthyr artist, exploring “the human predicament” including environmental and political

concerns through his own artistic response. (Until Wed 14 Dec)

Attic Gallery

37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk Winter Group Exhibition New work from over 50 artists, most of them Wales-based or inspired by Wales. Paintings, sculpture, glasswork, pottery and original prints are on show and for sale. (Until Sat 24 Dec and from Tue 24 Jan until Sat 25 Feb)

Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery

Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.

Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036.

50/50 Fundraising Sale Art Show sale of donated art works to raise funds for the museum. (Throughout December)

Bay Art

54 B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk Jerwood Painting Fellowships 2016 Work resulting from an initiative established in 2010 to support emerging painters in the early stages of their professional practice. The artists selected this year are Francesca Blomfield, Archie Franks and DaleLewis. (Until Fri 16 Dec)

Cardiff Story

ZOOMORPHIC Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran, Sat 3 Dec-Sat 28 Jan Admission: free. Info: 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Zoomorphism – humans or gods depicted as animals, or deemed to possess animal-like characteristics – is a versatile conceit. You can find it in high and low culture alike, used by the deeply religious and stoutly secular, Shakespeare, Spiderman, black metal album covers and furry conventions. And for nearly two months, you can also find it in the gallery at Llantarnam Grange, where 10 artists present work which explores the blurred lines between man and beast through the mediums of ceramics, sculpture, photography, collage and textiles. The results are eclectic, sometimes alarming and grotesque, but rarely less than captivating – Zenna Tagney’s sculptural references to Cornish mythology, for example, or Adrian Higgins’ collages of absurdist Victoriana.

BUZZ 56

The Hayes, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am4pm. Free. 029 2034 6214 / museum@cardiff.gov.uk Cardiff Remembers Find out about First World War objects and discover the stories of the people behind them. (Throughout December) The Ageless City Explore the views of residents of both Cardiff and Lisbon as they reflect on how cities can be planned to manage and serve people of all ages.

(Until Tue 3 Jan) Cardiff To Greenham Did you know that the Greenham Common protest began with a march in Cardiff? asked this venue’s listings of me, just before I pasted them onto the page.

As it happens I didn’t! So here’s the place to come and learn more. (Until Sun 26 Feb) Dusty’s First World War Discover the history of Dusty Forge and find out how the Ely estate grew up in the aftermath of the First World War. (Until Sun 26 Feb)

Castle Fine Art

St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 9.30am8pm, Sat 9.30am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2213 0100 / www. castlegalleries.com Bob Dylan ‘The Beaten Path’ Limited edition prints from a new exhibition by the last living musician. Painted in 2015 and 2016, Dylan attempts to capture the back streets, alleys and country roads of the USA on his travels. (Until Sun 11 Dec)

Chapter Gallery

Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free.

029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org Artes Mundi 7 Works by internationally acclaimed artists Nástio Mosquito and Lamia Joreige, who are two of the artists nominated for this biannual art prize. Other artists’ work will be showing in the National Museum. (Until Sun 26 Feb)

Craft In The Bay

The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Emily Skinner ‘Applicate’ Showcase for a recent series of interactive 3D wall panels, which are made from birch ply and slot together into infinite pattern and colour variations. (Not literally infinite, before any mathematicians write in.) (Until Sun 11 Dec) Vanessa Cutler Guest maker exhibits sculptural forms in glass, made using waterjet cutting technology.

(Until Mon 2 Jan) Hygge: Christmas Show 2016 Annual show displaying and selling potential festive gifts for friends and family, this year getting on the Danish wellbeing bandwagon a few months after all the Sunday supplements etc. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Anna Noel ‘Telling Tales’ Touring exhibition initiated by the Mission Gallery and featuring this artist’s ceramic animals. (From Sat 21 Jan until Sun 5 Mar)

Dylan Thomas Centre

Somerset Place, Swansea.

Daily 10am-4pm. Free.

01792 463980 / dylanthomas.lit@swansea. gov.uk / www.dylanthomas. com Love The Words Ongoing, permanent exhibition dedicated to Dylan Thomas, with lots of interactive features and voiceovers from people including Prince Charles and Richard Burton.

Elysium Gallery

16 College Street, Swansea. Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www. elysiumgallery.com This Must Be The Place I Never Wanted To Leave Multi-artist exhibition aiming to explore notions of perception, memory and belonging grounded in a place, space or time in the medium of paint. Part of the Beep Wales International Painting Prize series of events. (Until Fri 23 Dec)

Ffotogallery

Turner House, Plymouth Road, Penarth. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2070 8870 / turnerhouse@ ffotogallery.org David Barnes ‘In Solution’ Photography / video / found onjects exhibition documenting some of the older, stranger and more enduring traditions

that still exist in south Wales – relating to Freemasonry, the old industries, rural areas etc.

(Until Sat 3 Dec)

Fountain Fine Art

Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Winter Group Exhibition A group show of new paintings and sculpture from the resident gallery artists. (Until Sat 24 Dec)

Futures Gallery / Oriel Gallery

Pierhead Building / Senedd, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am4pm. Free. 0845 0105500 / www.pierhead.org USDAW. 125 Years Strong A look at the social history of the Union Of Shop Distributive And Allied Workers, showcasing past campaigns regarding safer workplaces, better conditions, improved pay and fairness at work. (Until Fri 23 Dec) Elizabeth Foster Photographic exhibition.

(From Mon 2 Jan until Sun 5 Feb)

G39

Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org S Mark Gubb ‘Revelations: The Poison Of Free Thought Part II’ / Mike Kelley ‘Mobile Homestead, 2010-11’ Gubb will be creating an iconic sculpture within g39’s warehouse space during Cardiff Contemporary, to be shown alongside the influential films Mobile Homestead, 2010-11 by Mike Kelley.

(Until Sat 17 Dec) Freya Dooley ‘Rhythms And Disturbances’ Dooley works with words, voice and collage, using cut-ups of found and borrowed texts, literature, letters, snippets of conversations and earworm pop songs.

(Until Sat 17 Dec)

Y Galeri, Caerffili

Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygalericaerffili. co.uk Christmas Exhibition An evolving showcase of artworks from Welsh artists, with a profile by landscape artist Richard Bavin the highlight, plus gift ideas from over 50 designers and makers. (Until Sat 24 Dec) Open Art Exhibition Eclectic showcase of work by professional and amateur artists, selected from open submission and featuring over 120 wall hung and freestanding pieces. (From Sat 7 Jan until Sat 11 Feb)

The Gate

Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am9pm. Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@thegate.org.uk Merry And Bright Open exhibition offering an opportunity for young or established artists to be seen by a large audience. Submissions cost £10 per piece. (Until Sun 18 Dec)

art The Gate / Y Gat

Pentre Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm.

Free. 01994 232726 / thegate@carmarthenshire. gov.uk Chris Rees New photographs by art lecturer and ex-music video maker Rees. It looks back at the people and places in St Clears that he has known and grown up with over the years. (From Sat 7 Jan until Sat 4 Mar)

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Alexandra Rd, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Free.

01792 516900 / www. swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian Leonardo Da Vinci: Ten Drawings From The Royal Collection Drawn using various methods (pen and ink, red and black chalks, watercolour and metalpoint) and covering various subjects (painting and sculpture, engineering, zoology, botany, mapmaking and anatomy).

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Lindsey Seers ‘Nowhere Less Now 7’ Video work tracing the journey of a relative of Seers who sailed the seas in the Royal Navy over 100 years ago.

The ‘7’ of the title is actually written like ‘to the power of 7’ but the font I use for these listings isn’t having it. (Until Sun 19 Mar) The Colour Of Saying – Glenys Cour: An Artist And Her World Curated by Mel Gooding, this show celebrates the life and work (including paintings, stained glass, theatre design and artist books) of much loved Swansea artist, designer, teacher and mentor, Glenys Cour. (From Sat 10 Dec until Sun 5 Feb)

Grand Pavilion

The Esplanade, Porthcawl.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Silures Art Society Twentieth anniversary exhibition featuring paintings in mediums including oil, acrylics and pastels. (Until Sun 15 Jan)

Greenspace Gallery

30 King Street, Carmarthen.

Tue-Sat 10am-4pm. Free.

01267 267652 South Wales Potters Christmas Selling Exhibition Showcasing work by 11 members, with a diverse range of pottery from functional to sculptural. There will be demonstrations by exhibitors on selected days throughout the exhibition.

(Until Sat 24 Dec)

The HeARTh Gallery

Ground Floor Plaza Entrance, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, Llandough. Daily 9am-8pm. Free. www. drawingcancer.wordpress.com Breast Cancer: A Creative Intervention Project aiming to articulate the experience of breast cancer through art; to enhance awareness and understanding of the condition, and empathy with those who suffer and who care for them. (Until Wed 7 Dec)

King Street Gallery

33 King Street, Carmarthen.

Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk Small Objects Of Desire Gift-sized, affordable artworks

by King Street Gallery artists.

(Until Thurs 8 Dec) Work Inspired By The Poetry Of Mererid Hopwood KSG artists present their responses to new work by poet Hopwood.

(From Fri 9 until Sat 31 Dec) Winter Show New and diverse work by the Gallery’s members. (Until Wed 4 Jan) January Sale Pick up some work by KSG artists at a bargain price. (From Thurs 5 Jan until Thurs 2 Feb)

Martin Tinney Gallery

18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@artwales. com Christmas Show Featuring a group of new works by the esteemed Harry Holland, plus an extensive, evolving exhibition by leading and emerging Welsh artists. (Until Sat 24 Dec)

Mission Gallery

Gloucester Place, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free.

01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Catrin Jones Maker In Focus show featuring hand-

Swansea's recently reopened Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has an exhibition for nauticallyminded folks until Sun 19 Mar. Titled Nowhere Less Now 7, it's a video work investigating the Royal Navy life of an ancestor of artist Lindsey Seers.

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Zoomorphic Mixed show exploring the half world between human and animal through ceramics, textiles and print, and featuring Anthropomorphica, Eleanor Bartleman, Christie Brown, Adrian Higgins Visual Artist, Kerry Jameson, Barbara & Richard Keal, Gladys Paulus, Jackie Needham and Zenna Tagney. (From Sat 3 Dec until Sat 28 Jan) Remnant Black Craft showcase from a woman (yes that is an individual’s name) who specialises in alternative embroidery inspired by anatomy, vintage medical books and Victoriana. (From Sat 3 Dec until Sat 28 Jan) Amanda Caines Jewellery made with found objects from the Welsh landscape such as wood, glass, river stones or pottery. (From Sat 3 Dec until Sat 28 Jan) Penny Turnbull Textile and print artist based in Monmouthshire. (From Sat 3 Dec until Sat 28 Jan)

M.A.D.E. Gallery

41 Lochaber St, Cardiff.

Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. Free.

029 2047 3373.

Winter Affordable Art Show Annual exhibition of over 30 artists encompassing 2D works from limited edition prints, to original pen & ink drawings and oil paintings.

(Until Tue 31 Jan) M.A.D.E. Christmas Craft Market Local craftspeople and makers display/sell ceramics, jewellery, felted gifts and decorations, knitwear and handmade clothes. (From Wed 7 until Sat 24 Dec)

made, mouth-blown glass, concentrating on the relation between light and the intense colour transmitted through flashed glass. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Helen Dennis Work in the [...] space by an artist who combines light, architecture, and drawing within an alternative photographic processes. The work here stems from a month-long stay in Swansea in early 2016. (Until Sun 8 Jan) City Stories A group exhibition comprising of selected artists who work predominantly in drawing, painting and illustration whose work takes influence from our built environment and cityscapes: Tom Banks, Derek Bainton, Michelle Conway, Laura Edmunds, Catrin Llwyd, Rhiannon Lowe, Matthew Otten, Jonathan Powell, Philip Watkins and Jonathan Williams. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Anne Gibbs ‘The Language Of Clay’ Third exhibition in The Language Of Clay: Part One initiative; a Mission Gallery National Touring Exhibition, curated

by Ceri Jones. (From Sat 21 Jan until Sun 26 Mar) Migrations Work in the [...] space by a company who bring international contemporary dance and installations to Wales. (From Tue 10 Jan until Sun 19 Feb) Kate Haywood Maker In Focus show exploring our relationship with objects while referencing aspects of ritual, ceremony and adornment. (From Tue 10 Jan until Sun 19 Feb)

National Museum & Gallery

Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff Artes Mundi 7 Biannual

contemporary art showcase returns, showcasing works by seven international contemporary artists whose practices explore current social issues and everyday life. (Until Sun 26 Feb) Nature’s Song: Chinese Bird And Flower Paintings On show in the UK for the first time, this show reveals the development of this art form in China from the late Ming dynasty at the end of the 16th century to recent decades. See Art. (From Sat 21 Jan until Sun 23 Apr)

National Waterfront Museum

Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm.

Free. 01792 638950.

When Dai Became Tommy Exhibition looking at the history of Welsh soldiers in World War I. (Until Sun 29 Jan) Waste Not! Want Not! Recycled objects, many of them ingenious as well as practical, made both throughout the ages and cross the world. (Until Sun 5 Mar) Oxford Model Cars Swansea company Oxford Diecast was famous for its intricate model cars, tractors and planes. Find out how they were made and pick your favourite from the many examples on display. I would have loved this aged 11 or so!

(Until January TBC)

Newport Museum & Art Gallery

John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk David Gardner ‘Respond’ Two works intrinsically linked and inspired by a coin engraved with the words ‘Frost’ and ‘set him free’, in the museum’s Chartism exhibition. Pennies For The People (2015) is a chandelier. constructed from coins; Call And Response is a video inspired by said chandelier.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Your Gallery In June, the public were asked to choose their favourite paintings from over 200 works in the Museum’s collections in storage. This exhibition is the result. (Until Sat 20 Jan)

Off The Wall

The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Free. 029 2055 4469 / art@ galleryoffthewall.com Christmas Show Featuring some of the gallery’s artists who have been on the wall during the year, as well as a host of new talent. (From Sat 3 Dec until January TBC)

For over 14 years Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales has worked in partnership with Artes Mundi in organising one of the UK’s most important and highest profile exhibitions and prizes for contemporary visual art. Every two years a group of international selectors meet in Cardiff to select a shortlist of artists to represent current debates and themes within contemporary art practice. In a format similar to the celebrated Turner Prize, the shortlisted artists present their work in an exhibition with the winning artist being selected by a group of independent judges. Over the years, Artes Mundi has been hugely successful in bringing high-profile artists to Cardiff and ensuring that audiences in Wales have access to the very best contemporary work.

This autumn the latest manifestation of the show, Artes Mundi 7, opened at National Museum Cardiff and Chapter, featuring the work of an exciting group of international artists: John Akomfrah, Neïl Beloufa, Amy Franceschini / Futurefarmers, Lamia Joreige, Nástio Mosquito and Bedwyr Williams. Working across media that unites this diverse group of artists is a desire to engage with current social and political issues. Although the artists were selected long before the Brexit referendum and Trump’s presidential victory, their engagement with themes of colonialism, religious persecution, globalisation and political stalemate all reflect our newly focused sense of anxiety and unease. These interactions with contemporary politics makes Artes Mundi 7 an important exhibition.

And this of course is one way in which museums and galleries can make a vital contribution to our society. We must continue to collect, preserve and tell stories about our past, but we also have a duty to reflect and engage with the contemporary. In 2011 National Museum Cardiff opened a new wing for modern and contemporary art. These galleries have been very successful in creating more space for our collection and developing new audiences for the visual arts.

Artes Mundi 7 is on display until Sun 26 Feb at National Museum Cardiff. Open every day except Mondays, 10am-5pm and admission is free.

Oriel Davies

The Park, Newtown, Powys.

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm.

Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Imaginary Worlds: Illustration Open Exhibition of artworks selected from an open competition featuring 52 illustration BUZZ 57

clubs and book artists from Wales, other parts of the UK, Europe and Australia. (Until Wed 15 Feb) The Drawing Room A creative social space assembled from found, collected, customized and bespoke objects, where art, performance, craft and film will be made, shared and inspired.

(Until Sat 25 Feb) Penny Hallas & Caroline Wright ‘Binocular: Disturbance’ Work exploring the position and experience of the insider and outsider, using this gallery’s TestBed space to challenge ideas through drawings, exchange and

their work here this year.

(Throughout December) John Abell 'Lost Conquastidors And Other Works' See Art. (From Sat14 Jan until Sat11 Mar)

and collector Gerrion Jones presents an exhibition of original artwork by Jamie Reid, James Cauty and Billy Childish. (From Sat 21 Jan until Tue 21 Feb)

four artists from Meironydd, north Wales: Valerie Land, Lavinia Range, Huw Lewis Jones and Wendy Murphy.

(Until Sat 27 Jan)

Oriel Q

Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport. Mon-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free.

01633 656757.

Maindee Poster Exhibition Maindee Festival has featured a different theme in each of its 20 years, which has influenced the poster and design work. This exhibition brings together said work. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

49 High Street, Crickhowell.

Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Hannah Firmin ‘Usk Valley Impressions’ An exhibition of new prints and illustration. Also showing work by all members of the Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative.

(Until Sat 3 Dec) Christmas Exhibition Mixed show of work by all members of the Usk Valley Co-operative, including original prints, paintings and sculptures.

(From Wed 7 Dec until Sat 14 Jan)

The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqueenshallgallery. org.uk Winter Open Exhibition Submitted work for this needs to be handed in on Fri 18 and Sat 19 Nov. Main gallery 3D

Chris Rees is an art lecturer in Pembrokeshire with a background in photography, notably rock gigs and sporting events. An exhibition at The Gate gallery in St Clears, Carmarthenshire showcases some of his archive work, featuring people and places from that small town. It's on from Sat 7 Jan-Sat 4 Mar. display of objects, parallel walking, mapping of locations and other works. (Until Sat 25 Feb)

area: Assorted ceramics and jewellery by students and well-known artists. (Until Thurs 22 Dec)

Oriel Joanna Field

Oriel Y Bont

Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free.

01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk

Nigel J Bevans Digital landscape photography focusing on the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire county. (Until Fri 13 Jan)

Oriel Lliw

Pontardawe Arts Centre, Herbert Street, Pontardawe.

Free. 01792 863722 / www. npt.gov.uk/theatres Arts In The Tawe Valley Christmas Show A showcase of art, including painting, glasswork, drawing, photography. This show marks the reopening of this gallery to boot. (Until Wed 4 Jan)

Oriel Mwldan

Bath House Rd, Cardigan.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free.

01239 621200 / helena@ mwldan.co.uk Angela Davies ‘Silent Spaces’ An artist who uses sculpture, installation and performance to create both intimate and large-scale sculptural light forms, drawing upon a hybrid of craft disciplines alongside creative technologies; photonics, electronics, interactivity, coding and moving image. (From Sat 3 Dec until Sat 21 Jan)

Oriel Myrddin

Church Lane, Carmarthen.

01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Makers Market 2016 Over 30 artists, makers and designers both showing and selling BUZZ 58

University Of South Wales, Pontypridd. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm. Free. 01443 480480 / www.gallery. southwales.ac.uk Coal Society Exhibition examining aspects of the south Wales coalfield, including the work of artists ranging from painters Jack Crabtree and Ernest Zobole to photographers Levi Ladd and I C Rapoport. Part of a collaboration with Wolfson College, Cambridge. (Until Fri 14 Apr)

Pontypridd Museum

Bridge Street, Pontypridd.

Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Free. 01443 490748 / www. pontypriddmuseum.cymru The First World War: Personal Perspectives Exhibition telling the stories of local individuals who experienced the war, through objects from our collection.

(Until Fri 23 Dec)

Redhouse

Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Fuse IV – The Circle Of Trust New work by six artists, all of whom teach Fine Art at the University Of South Wales: Carol Hiles, Lisa Krigel, Chris Nurse, Tiff Oben, Heather Parnell and Andreas Rüthi. (Until Sat 10 Dec) *Punk Forever Celebrating 40 years of punk rock, which was mostly observed in 2016 you’re right, Merthyr artist

The Riverfront

St John The Baptist Church

Church Street, Cardiff. MonSat 10am-4pm. Free. 07743 270275.

Pop-Up Charity Christmas Card Shop Run by Cards For Good Causes, this is stocking more than 200 designs of Christmas cards in aid of more than 25 local and national charities. (Until Sat 10 Dec)

Swansea Grand Theatre

Singleton St, Swansea. MonSat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Moira Evans & Roger Dunstan Work inspired by the natural environment and especially the Gower Peninsula, captured in watercolour, watercolour ink, acrylic and fast-drying oils.

(Until Fri 16 Dec)

Swansea Museum

Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www.swanseamuseum.co.uk Hilary Bryanston ‘Fragments Made Visible’ Paintings, ceramics, assemblages and stonecarvings.

(Until Fri 23 Dec)

Taliesin Arts Centre

Singleton Park, Swansea.

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12pm-6pm and performance evenings 6pm8.15pm. Free. 01792 295526 / www.taliesinartscentre. co.uk The Christmas Show Affordable yet beautifully crafted objects and jewellery, alongside original artwork by artists and craftspeople from Swansea and further afield.

(Until Thurs 22 Dec)

Tenby Museum & Art Gallery

Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids.

01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Pembrokeshire Craftsmen’s Circle Work from eight members of said circle: Susan Bain, Annette Beattie, Annie Coombs, Sheila Hickey, Jo & Leigh Rhian, Riitta Sinkkonen Davies and Roy Thedvall. Great bunch of craftsmen. (Until Fri 16 Dec)

Theatr Hafren

Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren. co.uk Meirionydd Artists Work by

Tower Gallery

Tower Gallery

Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc. co.uk Reading The Rocks: The Remarkable Maps Of William Smith Discover the story of William Smith, the man who developed what is regarded as the first true geological map of any country – A Delineation Of The Strata Of England And Wales, With Part Of Scotland, published in 1815. (Until Sun 26 Mar)

Velindre Hospital

Whitchurch, Cardiff. Open 24/7. Free. 029 2075 2251.

South Wales Art Society – Permanent Rolling Exhibition Members’ works are available to view in the corridors and restaurant of the hospital at any given time.

20% of all sales go to the hospital.

Victoria Fearn Gallery

6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm.

Free. 029 2052 0884.

Christmas Exhibition A mixed exhibition featuring contemporary applied arts, handmade in Britain. (Until Sat 7 Jan) Alex Arnell Solo exhibition, predominantly featuring landscapes; also showing is sculpture made by Stephen Arnell in bronze and bronze resin. (From Fri 13 Jan until Sat 18 Feb)

Wales Millennium Centre

Bute Place, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2063 6464 / www. wmc.org.uk The Wondercrump World Of Roald Dahl Large-scale interactive experience celebrating Cardiff-born author’s centenary, featuring artefacts from the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, original manuscripts and handwritten letters, plus “a large dash of magic and a sprinkling of mischief”. (Until Sat 14 Jan)

West Wharf Gallery

Jacobs Market, Cardiff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com Winter Exhibition Showing a selection of new talent alongside leading Welsh artists. (Until Sat 7 Jan)

Workers Gallery

99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm or by appointment. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail. com Alone In The Universe Group exhibition of original art inspired by a poem by Mike Church. (Until Sat 24 Dec)

clubs 10 Feet Tall

11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo.co.uk Fridays Soulection 9pm3am, £3 after 10. Soul, boogie and the like from Blue Honey DJs. Fri 9 Funk’d 10pm, £5/£3 adv. Funk, hip-hop, disco, house, garage and old skool jungle with acts TBC. *Fri 27 Jan Palette 11pm4am, £6/£5 adv. New monthly dance night gets highly rated experimental house DJ/producer Willow to headline. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk, neo-soul and Motown with music from James Morgan-Rees & Alex Moxham. Sundays 10 Feet Tall Industry Night 5pm-3am, free. 50% off all drinks for industry staff with this venue’s Industry card, alongside late-night Blue Honey DJs.

Blind Tiger

49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek session.

Fridays The Friday Night Project With special guests, prizes and karaoke sessions until late. Saturdays Koncept & Friends House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights. Sat 3 Dec features Josh Woolsly (Spctrm); Sat 10 features Liyle and Sat 17 is a Koncept and Friends Xmas Special with guests TBC.

Buffalo

11 Windsor Place, Cardiff.

Open Mon-Thurs 11am3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff. com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, £4/£3 before 11.30. 90s r’n’b/hip-hop night.

Thurs 1 Ten Thousand Yen Showcase 10pm-4am. Doc Daneeka’s bass music label, set up in 2010, has actually been quite busy in the last year or so. XXXY, Earl Jeffers and the Doc himself tip up here for sets. Thurs 15 Let’s Dance! A Bowie Christmas Party 10pm-3am, £3 adv.

Also featuring hits by other ‘knackered vinyl copy bought for £12 by students’ artists like Prince and Fleetwood

Mac. Thurs 8 Carnival Cardiff End Of Term Bash 10pm-3am, £5/£4. Reggae bashment party aimed at students, as this month’s event title betrays. Fri 2 Aperture 10pm-4am, £10/£8. Monthly drum’n’bass blowout, headlined by A-Sides with GLXY, G>coin, Bandit, 1Time, Erb and hosted XL. Saturdays The Shake Up 10pm-4am, £3. Pop, chart, house, r’n’b funk and soul from residents over two floors. Plus, when you order a drink from the bar you roll a dice and, if you roll a double, it’s half price.

My commiserations to this venue’s bar staff for having to put up with this.

Cardiff University Students Union

Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only. 029 2078 1458 / studentsunion@cardiff. ac.uk Wednesdays YOLO 9pm2am, £4/£3 adv/free before 11. New midweek club night promising both your favourite tunes and great offers. Good name, really on trend.

Saturdays Juice 10pm3am, £5/£4 NUS. Chart, dance and pop.

Club Oxygen

1 Northampton Lane, Swansea. 0844 8849171 / www.globaloxygen.co.uk Fridays Dance Anthems 11pm-6am, from £5. House and commercial music all night from Big Al, Nicky G, 3 Bird, Jordan Steins, LJ Isaac and Tom Chizzy. Saturdays 10pm-6am. Room 1: ED, progressive, big room, electro, deep and house. Room 2: r’n’b, bassline, garage and hip-hop. Plus big name guests TBC.

Clwb Ifor Bach

Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Tue 6 Triple Cooked 11pm4am, £4-£10. Live art, decor, live music and DJs (Jamie Thomson, Lurcott Bros, SM One, Sam Hodkinson, Adam Goward, TRiN, Loz and Triple Cooked residents) playing disco, house, bass, garage and grime. Wed 7 C-Y-N-T 10pm.

Student clubbing, lineup TBC. Thurs 1 Soul Jam 11pm, £4. Apparently this is the UK’s top touring soul, funk and disco party. Thurs 8 Brooklyn Zoo 10pm-3am, £5/£4. Hip-hop and grime night aimed at students.

Fridays (bottom) Zerox 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night. With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox. Fri 2 Rotary Club 10pm, £4-£7. First night in this venue for newish promoters, who have enlisted DJ Steaw to headline. Fri 9 Groove Theory 10pm, £6-£10. Featuring Mr Mendel (Lumberjacks In Hell / Disco Deviance) and residents.

Fri 16 Journey Presents The Labels 10pm-4am, free before 11.30. Pre-Christmas trance party for which local DJs will be playing sets concentrating on one or two specific labels: Arran Roberts (Drumcode and Soma), Hywel Matthews (Anjunabeats), Joe Byrne (Perfecto) and Richie

clubs Knight (BXR and Nukleuz).

Room 2 features more local talent playing house, techno, minimal etc. Fri 23 Lamerica 10.30pm-4am, £10 adv. UK house pioneers Heller & Farley headline. Craig Bartlett & Dave Jones, Darren Stewart and Gareth Hopkins also spin ‘em. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5.

Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco. Sat 31 Nos Galan – Lost In Space 10pm-5am, £5-£10.

This is pretty much like the normal Saturday nights here except there are spacethemed decor and visuals, and you get a glass of champagne on entry.

Courtyard

48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”.

Fridays Spotlight Sessions / The Kickstart 5pm, £3/ free before 9. Classic anthems and drinks deals. Part of the NPCLUBHOP price deal which also includes entry to Blind Tiger, Meze Lounge and Lambaba. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sat 31 NPclubhop NYE Ball 8pm-8am, £10.

That price gets you into

this venue, Labamba, Blind Tiger and Meze Lounge, and promises you the ability to “party like an A-lister” to boot.

Sundays Sunday Shisha Sessions 8pm, free. DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights.

2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight. Fridays + Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town.

Dempseys

Womanby Street, Cardiff.

029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Mon 26 Sub:culture 10pm3am. Local techno promoters invite you to dance until the fattened calf you consumed yesterday falls from your hindquarters. Fridays Gigantic Free. Funk, punk, rock’n’roll, hip-hop, indie, reggae, soul until 3am. Fri 2 Be Happy 10pm-3am, £4/£3 adv. Don’t know what the main theme of this club night is, aside from trying to tell me what to do. Fri 9 House Of Rasta 9pm-3am, £6 before 11. Roots reggae and dub, this month featuring Royal Ascension Sound meets Tafari Warriyah Sound. Fri 23 Ultimate Power 9pm-3am, £5/£4 adv.

Power ballads club night.

Do they just have the same playlist every time? I mean there’s six hours to fill and a finite number of power ballads with sufficient recognition factor. Fri 7 Jan One More Time 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 adv. Room 1: pop, r’n’b, pop-punk and dance. Room 2: alt-rock, indie, Britpop. Fri 27 MK Ultra 11pm-3am, £4.

Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253 / www. dempseyscardiff.com Thursdays (downstairs) Twisted By Design 9.30pm2am, free. Weekly night along the lines of the Saturday lineups. Fridays (downstairs) Blah Blah Blah 10pm-3am, free. Gary Twisted offers up Motown, indie, rock’n’roll, reggae and “no cheesy pop”.

Saturdays 9pm-3am, free.

Rock’n’roll, funk, soul, party tunes yadda yadda, selected

by Chris PJ Martin. Sat 10 Twisted By Design 9pm-2am, £3.50/£3 NUS. Christmas party special. Gary will be playing, as ever, the best in indie choons – Belle & Sebastian, Bowie, Cure, Dead Kennedys, summat like that.

Sat 17 Fabulous 9pm-2am, £4. Mod, ska, reggae, indie, R&B, funk, boogaloo and northern soul, running here for the mods since the 90s.

Fuel

5 Womanby Street, Cardiff.

07970 063107 / www. facebook.com/fuelcardiff Thursdays FUBAR 10pm-

The Full Moon / The Moon Club

Electroclash, industrial, EBM, dubstep and drum’n’bass is on offer here. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free.

DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. Sat 10 + Sat 14 Jan Killing Moon 11pm, £4.

Night celebrating 80s alternative music. Sat 31 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza 10pm-6am, free. Not sure if there’s anything special on, but it’s open late and free to get in, sometimes that’s all you need. Sat 28 Jan Blue Honey Alldayer Free. Nice beats and good vibes spread over two floors.

The Garage

47 Uplands Crescent, Swansea. 01792 475147 / http://www.whitez. co.uk/#garage Sat 17 Red Light 10pm3am, £5. DJ John-Paul plays house music all night long.

Glam

Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mon 26 The Mayfair Sessions 10pm-3am, £8/£4.

Featuring three guest DJs: Masterstepz, Max Denham and Doneao. Mondays The Fest 10pm-3am, £3.50. Two floors of charts, dance and student anthems (room one) and r’n’b, hip-hop, urban and funky (room two). Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am. This night has moved from, er, some other Cardiff club, I can’t be arsed looking up which one. Saturdays Vanity 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed. Sat 3 The Mayfair Sessions Winter Shutdown 10pm3am, £10/£6. Featuring DJ Russke and Hannah B. Sat 31 Kisstory New Year’s Eve 10pm-3am, £10-£20. While I still refuse to kiss a Tory, this night features a live PA from Funky Dee performing his hit Are You Gonna Bang Doe? (just reading the lyrics to this song, quite enjoying the Sid The Sexist vibes) plus special guests Dixon Brothers, Shortee Blitz, DJ Pioneer and Sharky P.

Gwdihw

HARLEQUIN NYE 2016 Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 31 Dec Tickets: £20/£35 inc afterparty. Info: 029 2023 5555 / www. tramshedcardiff.com The folks behind Harlequin, who you may also know from their other ventures including Street Food Circus and the Big Love Festival, booked out the brand-new-at-the-time Tramshed for New Year’s Eve 2015 – and presumably had a fine old night, as they’re back there again this year. A typically eclectic bill is headed by Don Letts [pictured], architect of the punk/reggae crossover in Britain and a DJ with a bag full of floor-slayers.

Legends Of GLC is a slimline version of Goldie Lookin Chain – Rhys, Eggsy and DJ Killer Tom – playing their ribald hits with some sort of audiovisual element. Plus there’s Big Swing Sound, an Afro Cluster live set, a twmpath band, a disco room and an afterparty until 5am in the not-too-far-away Jacob’s Market.

6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Wed 14 Clwb Tropicana 9pm. Tropical house, afroboogie and more. Wed 21 Comfort’s Christmas Cracker 8pm, £2. Funk, soul, reggae, disco, hip-hop etc.

Free Baileys at the door too.

Fri 16 Modula x One Good Thing 9pm. Experimental dance music, details TBC. Fri 23 Pleasuredome 9pm-2.30am, £5/£3 before 11. Conroy, Deemo, Teoman and Ally Parkhurst play the electronic music of the 80s.

Sat 3 Blue Honey 9pm4am, £3. house, disco, boogie etc, lineup TBC. Sat 10 Cosmogramma 9pm, Swish jazzy out-there-ness of some kind, details TBC. Sat 17 Mise En Bouche 9pm. DJing from Gidge and Toclifrench.

Sat 31 Funk You 2016 9pm, £8/£5 adv/£3 early bird.

Boogie, disco and good vibes, with 2016-themed fancy dress

encouraged. Another entry in the series of NYE nights trading on how the year sucked.

When was the last time this kind of consensus was formed? Don’t recall it myself.

Inkspot

The Old Church, Newport Road, Cardiff. 029 2049 0254 / www.inkspotartsandcrafts.com Sat 3 Sound Of Impact 9pm-12am. The guys behind the Saturday Social in Roath present a night that promises to be akin to their usual vibe, with lasers, smoke and two rooms of tunes. Held, improbably, in an arts and crafts shop.

Jacob’s Market

West Canal Wharf, Cardiff.

029 2039 0939.

Fri 9 Teak 10pm-5am, £15 adv. James Tiller of Music For Memory Records is the headliner; Seka and David Bull the regulars. Mon 26 Compound 10pm-5am, £15 adv. Boxing Day? Morelike Boshing Day as local technoheads get Dax J down to headliine. Blake Parker, Jason Wilkinson, Juelz Wyl and residents also feature. Sat 31 Harlequin PopUp Club 9pm-5am, £15 adv.

An add-on to the main party in the Tramshed, so you can have three extra hours, this will feature two rooms: funk, disco etc upstairs, plus rave, acid house and techno in the basement courtesy of Big Love Festival people.

Karma

75 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Fri + Sat 8pm-6am. karmaclubcardiff@gmail. com Mon 26 Circle 8 / Raveology 9pm-6am, £12 adv. You’ve heard of d’n’b (drum’n’bass), well this is b’n’d (boxing’n’day). Nicky Blackmarket, Harry Shotta and Magika are the travelling headliners; Bason, Joe Blow, Low, Mowgli, Pabz, T.Bone, Razor, Dark. D, Rapid, Kookie, Slim Teng, Paulo, Deadly Knight Shade, Comma Dee and Ras Robbie the locals.

Ladybird

41 St Mary St, Cardiff. 029 2066 5500 / info@ ladybirdcardiff.com / www. ladybirdcardiff.com Wednesdays Cheeky 10pm-4am, £2. Tickets are £2, drinks (some of them) are £2 and there are two rooms of music. Thursdays Propaganda 10pm-4am, £4. UK-wide indie night’s Cardiff wing. You can tell it’s the Cardiff one becuse they list Stereophonics first on the list of bands likely to be played. Fridays Mi Casa 10pm-4am. House and techno every week, often with some pretty big names. They never announce them in time for these listings though.

Saturdays Solution 10pm4am. A night whose flyer has a big photo of a model in her bra and pants. Sundays Sunday Project 7pm-3am, free with guestlist. Free industry night offers floor fillers and house classics.

Mary’s

89 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk Sundays Mary’s Mad Sundays 12pm-1am, free.

Cabaret and cocktails with Mary Mac.

Metros

Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 9pm-4am, £5. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Freespirit 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm.

Drinks promos, no dress code. Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays Cherry Bomb 9.30pm3.30am. Indie, electroclash (!) and good time rock’n’roll.

Meze Lounge

6 Market Street, Newport.

01633 259144 / facebook. com/mezeloungenewport Mon 26 Undaground Presents 10pm-5am, £10.

Ragga jungle don General Levy is in town for a night that also boasts sound system action from Luckymountain, Love N Harmony, Echo Vybes and guests. Fridays Shake It Off Alternative anthems, pop-punk, hardcore and guilty pleasures. Saturdays Totally 90s! 10pm, £3-£5.

Britpop, indie, r’n’b and club classics. Sat 3 Akil The MC 9pm, £5. A night of hip-hop headlined by one of the Jurassic 5 dudes. Sat 31 Meze NYE 2016 10pm-8am, £5. Two floors of alt-anthems in the main room; heavywieght bass music in the attic with Koncept and friends.

Minskys Show Bar

Cathedral Walk, St David’s Centre, Cardiff. 029 2023 3128 / www.minskysshowbar.com Fridays & Saturdays 8pm1am. Dancing and cabaret with regular drag acts including Tina Sparkle, Miss Babs and Jolene Dover.

Missoula

84-86 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 1315 / www.missoulabars.co.uk/ missoulacardiff Fridays Unfunkinbelievable Half price drinks from 5-10pm.

What I find ‘unfunkinbelievable’ is that there’s a club night called ‘Unfunkinbelievable’ in the year 2016. Saturdays ‘Miss’ Behaviour Music, cocktails, party. All these things are found here.

Mocka Lounge

Mill Lane, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 11am-late. 029 2022 1295 / www.mockalounge.com Thursdays The Social Affair 9pm-3am. Over-25s night with chart hits through the ages. Fridays Timeless DJ Dan Nicholas plays r’n’b, funk, disco and old skool.

Just old skool. Saturdays Decorum Soulful and upfront house, plus funk, disco etc, from Sinky and Styles.

Sundays VIP Chris Evans (My Playhouse) plays club classics, funky house and r’n’b.

BUZZ 59

events Monkey Bar

13 Castle Street, Swansea.

01792 480822 / www. monkeycafe.co.uk Wednesdays Drop 10pm4am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, house, garage, jungle and grime. Fridays Dime 10pm6am, £5/£3 before 12 or with a Kon Tiki stamp. Hip-hop, grime, house and drum’n’bass.

Saturdays Get Busy £3 with a Kon Tiki stamp. Funk, soul, hip-hop, Motown, boogie and party.

NosDa

53-59 Despenser Street,

Fri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676.

Wednesdays Toast Student night where drinks are £1 and they give you free toast.

Thursdays Destination Popworld Lots of cocktails, 2-4-1 offers and, naturally, pop music. Fridays + Saturdays Ain’t No Party Like A Popworld Party 8pm-3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat).

Pryzm

Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Mondays House Party

The fourth instalment of new eclectic dance night Palette hits Cardiff's 10 Feet Tall on Fri 27 Jan. Willow, a fairly new name on the block but bolstered by the early patronage of Move D and acclaimed for her leftfield house productions, headlines.

Cardiff. 029 2037 8866 / www.nosda.co.uk Fri 2 Pryme Cut 6pm-12am.

End of year hip-hop and grime MC battle event.

Now The Bass

Location TBC, Cardiff. facebook.com/nowthebass Mon 26 Now The Bass: Back To The 90s Part 1 9pm-5am, £12.50/£10 early bird. See Clubs for more on this retro rave night, the location of which will be revealed on the day I believe. Iconic hardcore duo Top Buzz headline, while Dubmatt, Jackal & Hyde, Fav, Paul Lyons, Silk Cut, T Bone and Tyrone Rose will also feature.

Penarth Ex-Servicemens Club

69 Windsor Rd, Penarth.

029 2070 7530 / www. penarthexservicemensclub. co.uk Sat 3 Rudie Can’t Fail 7.30pm-12am, £3 adv. Reggae, ska and 2 Tone with DJs Baz, Private Britton and Liam Curtin (Penarth Soul Club).

All playing vinyl.

Popworld

96 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon, Tue + Thurs 9pm3am; Wed 8pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 1pm-3am.

029 2023 5825.

Mondays Pop Rocks 9pm.

A night of what they call alternative pop but their examples (Green Day, Blink, Linkin Park) seem to suggest will be pop-punk and nu-metal.

Ah, it’s all just names at the end of the day. Wednesdays Giggle Free before 12.

Student night. Thursdays Poptails. 9pm-3am. Non-stop pop with DJ Lyndon and 2-4-1 cocktails deals. Fridays + Saturdays Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat).

Popworld

Wind Street, Swansea. MonBUZZ 60

10pm-3am, £4 “Imagine the greatest ever house party, with 2000 mates, the best drink deals, the freshest tunes and craziest entertainment you could ever imagine!” I... I can’t. Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am, £4. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Saturday is in conjunction with Jongleurs comedy club, which also takes place here. Sat 31 Mistajam 9pm3am, £10 adv/£20 VIP. Three rooms of tunes as per, with special guest Mistajam from the radio.

Pulse

3 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

029 2064 1010 / www. pulsecardiff.com. Gay venue.

Wednesdays Warped 10pm-4am. Join DJ Craig W on a journey through time with the best hits from the last two decades. Fridays Pulsetastic 10pm-5am, £4/£3. With live PAs once a month. Saturdays Pop Til You Drop 10pm-5am, £5/£4 b4 11. The very best chart remixes and classic hits all night long. Sat 31 Pulse New Year Street Party 6pm, £20 adv/£35 VIP. As well as all the shenanigans going on inside there are unlimited funfair rides included in the ticket price.

soul, ska, 80s/90s Britpop and 2-tone.

heated.

Room 112

Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-12.30am. 029 2039 1944 / www. tigertiger-cardiff.co.uk Every Day Lucky Voice Karaoke From £2.50 per session. The UK's leading private karaoke experience each day of the week. Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 10pm-3am, £5/£3.50. Exclusive midweek student party, now transferred from Revolution. You don’t need NUS to get in though.

Fridays Tic Toc 10pm-3am, £4. Fri 2 Dec is a ‘sELFie party’, which may just be an excuse to use that portmanteau. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.

3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Thurs 9pm-3am, Fri + Sat 10pm-4am. 029 2066 7996 / www.room112.net Fridays Bedrock 9pm-4am, £10/£5 before 12. R’n’b, hip-hop and dancehall.

Saturdays Cliché 9pm-4am, £10. Old and new skool r’n’b and hip-hop is this night’s deal.

The Scene

Plymouth Street, Swansea. events@thesceneclub.co.uk / www.thesceneclub.co.uk Mon 26 Delusion Boxing Day Classics 10pm-4.30am.

With more info to come shortly. Sat 3 Delusion Xmas Party 10pm-4.30am, £9-£13. Before Delusion’s Boxing Day special, there’s this, which features sets from Will Atkinson, Shugz, Big Al, Rhys Thomas and Callan Christie. Sat 3 Dec + Sat 7 Jan Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. Sat 28 Jan Platform 10pm-5am, £12.50/£10 adv. See Clubs for more on this house/techno/ minimal night, which features Francesco Del Garda as well as Gyan Bhatia and Dan Knight.

Sin City

Dilwyn Street, Swansea.

01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12.

Motown, r’n’b and hip-hop.

Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night.

Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Fri 9 UV Snow Riot End Of Term Party 10pm-4am. This is a seasonal version of The Colour Riot, a culturally appropriative student night where attendees throw coloured powder in the air a la the Indian Holi festival. Saturdays Sink 10pm3am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South.

Sat 10 has special guests Mak & Pasteman. Sat 3 Faux Pas 10pm-4am, £7.50 adv/£5 early bird. Headlined by popular UK DJ Monki, off of the radio.

Soda

Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk Fridays + Saturdays 9pm3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.

St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodacardiff.com Thursdays Thursday Club 10pm, £4. Live music, live DJ and live games. Saturdays Soiree 9pm-4am. Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, really the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that.

The Robin Hood

Sully’s Yard

Revolution

16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2037 8829 / www. robinhoodbar.co.uk Sat 3 Dec + Sat 7 Jan Mod For It Free. Every first Saturday of the month, DJ 45 presents an evening of 60s/70s beat, rhythm & blues,

Quay Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Saturdays (in December) Silent Disco Free. This is a new pop-up venue at the end of Womanby Street, run by the Full Moon folks until NYE. It’s outdoors but covered and

Tiger Tiger

Tramshed

Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Fri 2 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 7pm, £18 adv. Sold out. Sun 11 Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave 2-4.30pm, £7 adv/ free pre-walkers. Babies and toddlers can dance to tunes, selected this time by Rhys & Eggsy from Goldie Lookin Chain, and do various activities. Sat 31 Harlequin NYE 8pm-2am, £20. A follow-up to Matt The Hat and Kaptin’s similar NYE bash here last year, this one features Don Letts, Legends Of Goldie Lookin Chain, Big Swing Sound, Afro Cluster, The Jones Twmpath Band, a Clwb Tropicana Disco room and three extra hours (for an extra £15) in Jacob’s Market after this place’s licence runs out.

Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall)

11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Thurs 1 Get Funky 10pm, £5. Funky disco house from Hannah Ezekiel, Brynn Salter, Daryl Finn and Eben Rees.

Fri 2 + Mon 26 Groove Theory 10pm. Both lineups are TBC right now but expect good house, disco, dirty deep funk cheer. Fri 9 Castles Nights 11pm, £5-£10. See Clubs for more on this night of techno, headlined by Detroit’s Tim Baker and also featuring Silver Red, Corey Lewis and Murder. Fri 16 + Sat 31 Selecta 10pm. UK garage night appears once in its normal mid-month slot and once on NYE. Details TBC, daresay the later date will cost more to get in. Fri 23 Sprung 11pm. London techno-ish label does a preChristmas night, as they have the last two years. I presume one of them comes home to see their parents or whatever. Sat 3 Psychotherapy Sessions 10pm-4am, £5.

Cheap and cheerful lineup hosted by some Bristol promoters hopping over the bridge. Batu, Tom E. Vercetti, Roy Bar, Jurango, Vio_l3t and NoFile are the DJs. Sat 17 Intrinsic 10pm-4am, £5-£10.

New promoters, albeit ones with a good few years' promotional pedigree in Cardiff,

debut with a headline set by Oliver Deutschmann. Clare James, Matt Owen, Murder and JV also feature. Sat 10 Gangster’s Paradise 11pm, £4/£3 before 11.30.

Pre-2010 hip-hop and r’n’b night. Sat 14 Jan Broken Soul Launch 10pm-4am, £8 adv/£6 early bird. Bristol dub crossover type Dr Meaker laucnhes a collaborative art type thing with one Gethin Hughes. Carasel, Sundance, Ransom and Lubi J also feature. Sat 28 Jan Intrinsic 10pm-4am, £10-£15. These guys’ second show is headlined by Honey Dijon and also features Scott Kerr, JV, Butch Queen and Mr Sass.

The Vaults

The Old Natwest Bank, 113-116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents. com Fri 23 Delete 10pm-5am, £30/£25. Loco Dice visits Cardiff for the first time in several years. Caleb Calloway, Matt Owen, Marc Parsons and Lee Graves are also in room 1; the second room is hosted by techno heads Compound and features Corey Lewis, Matt Griffin, Juelz Wyl, Midge, Paul Blandford and Luke Winds. Sat 31 Cellar Door 10pm-5am, £20 adv. Back in their original venue and with a decently priced NYE bash. Techno in room one, house and disco in room 2 and cartoons/chillout in room 3.

Wow Bar

4 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; before 11pm Fri + Sat. 029 2066 6247 / www.wowbarcardiff.com Wednesdays Wish You Were Here Free. Student night with “inflight entertainment” from Lambrini Rampage and Mary Golds, plus music from DJ Krys. Thursdays The Night With No Name Free.

DJ Craig and Mary Golds offer “mad games and crazy entertainment.” Fridays The Greatest Show In The City Free b4 11. With WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty and Marcia, plus special guests every week. Saturdays The VKend Free b4 11. With DJs Craig and Krys. You can get cheap deals in VK. £6.50 for a fishbowl. £6 for a jug of WKD. Settle down now, kids.

Sundays The Cuckoo Club Free. DJ Krys plays the tunes until late.

events EVERY MONDAY

Bachata Revolution 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5-£7 for two classes. Info 029 2022 8883. New weekly session learning a style of social dance originating in the Dominican Republic.

Ballet The Gate, Cardiff.

6-9.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344.

Beginners 6-7pm; intermedi-

ate 7-8; advanced 8-9.30.

Runs until Mon 12 Dec and starts back up on Mon 15 Jan. Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www. cardiffivc.org.uk.

Cardio Climb Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.307.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. High intensity workout combing cardio and climbing.

Children’s Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4-7.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Ages 4-6 4pm; 6-8 4.45; grade 1 5.45; grade 3 6.45. Starts back up on Mon 15 Jan. Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7-9pm. Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Sessions Cornwall Street Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07952 752823.

Restarting on Mon 19 after a summer break. Led

by Pauline Down and taking place most Mondays; ring ahead to check.

India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158. For Grade 3 to vocational level. These classes are by special application only at various points in the month – not on specific days, hence listing them here.

To apply write to admin@ indiadancewales.com with previous dance experience and reason for wanting to join India Dance Wales.

Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-10pm. Info 029 2048 3344. Learn how to play improvised rock and pop grooves and basic chord sequences. Beginners 6pm; improvers 8pm. Runs until Mon 12 Dec and starts back up on Mon 15 Jan. Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 6.158.30pm, £6/£5. Info 01633 656757. 7-11 years old: 6.15-7.15pm; 12 and up: 7.158.30pm. Runs until Mon 12 Dec and starts again on Mon 9 Jan. Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 7.30-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. One of the largest badminton clubs in South East Wales. Monday club nights have coaching with Carissa Turner, the current Ladies Welsh number one, for juniors and then senior club members.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today features Cyr Wheel Beginners (6-8pm); Handstands Beginners (7.45-9.45pm); Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 4.30-6pm);

events Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 5-6pm); Aerial Hoop L4 (6-8pm); Flying Trapeze L3 (7.45-9.45pm); Static Trapeze L3 (7.45-9.45pm); Aerial Hoop L2 (7.45-9.45pm); Aerial Hoop L3 (7.45-9.45pm) and Static Trapeze L4 (7.45-9.45pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4.

Info 029 2063 6464. Tours of the centre running daily for one hour. Advance booking recommended.

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

10.30am-1.30pm, £5.50-£7.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Gentle fitness for the first hour, general for the second two. Starts back up on Mon 15 Jan. Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2051 3440. With Ian Lewis.

Salsa Classes Missoula, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/intermediate.

St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals.

Tango Dancing Argentine Barocco, Cardiff. 8-10.45pm, £3/£1. Info 029 2023 7332.

Tang Soo Do Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7-9pm. Info 07734 557767.

Learn traditional Korean karate; beginners welcome.

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts

Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

On tomorrow also.

Yoga With Valerie Price St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk.

6.30-8pm: intermediate; 8.109.30pm: beginners.

EVERY TUESDAY

A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7-11pm. Info 01495 243252.

Acrobalance The Gate, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £7/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Combining elements of partner lifts, poses and transitions that involve two and sometimes more people. Runs until Tue 13 Dec and starts back up on Tue 9 Jan. Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday.

Advanced Belly Dance Cardiff Central Youth Club, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 5.306.45pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745.

With Steph.

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm.

Info 07790 167560. Every Tuesday and Friday.

Bring It Pong 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Weekly session of table tennis, with two tables in the main bar.

Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £5-£6.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8. Runs until Tue 13 Dec and starts back up on Tue 9 Jan. Extend The Gate, Cardiff.

10am, £3. Info 029 2048 3344.

Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. Starts back up on Tue 9 Jan. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk. Boxing-based highintensity workout with a house soundtrack. First session free.

In this gym every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Gitananda Yoga St David's Uniting Church, Pontypridd.

7-8.30pm, free. Info 01443 408065.

Glam Dram St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7pm. Info 01446 799100.

Amateur theatre company for adults.

India Dance Wales – Bharatanatyam Classes Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5-6pm. Info 07410 977427. Beginners’ class.

India Dance Wales Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown,

JAZZ AND CABARET AT FFRESH Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, from Fri 2 Dec Tickets: £15/£12. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk The Wales Millennium Centre’s bar and restaurant, Ffresh, has booked a clutch of shows in December which range from Bruce Forsythcollaborating cabaret belters to Christian Marclay-collaborating avant-jazz oddities. West End vocal group Hello Cabaret kick us off on Fri 2 Dec, followed on Sat 3 by a set from jazz bassist and London-based Welshman, Huw V Williams. The Tootsie Rollers – a female quintet in whose shows “Duke Ellington meets Rizzle Kicks” apparently – feature on Fri 9, before the fearless vocal-and-piano jazz soundworlds of Alexander Hawkins and Elaine Mitchener’s [pictured] quartet arrives on Sat 10. Modern Norwegian jazz from Oddvar Johansen, Helge Lien and Torben Snekkestad completes December’s programme on Fri 16.

Cardiff. 6.30-8pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to grade 2 and for all ages and abilities.

Irish Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6.15-8.15pm, £6.50/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Taught by Riverdance and former Lord Of The Dance cast member Nicola Dempsey.

Adult beginners 6.15-7.15; adult advanced 7.15-8.15.

Runs until Tue 13 Dec and starts back up on Tue 9 Jan. Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717.

All instruments and ages welcome.

Karate Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15-8.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. With Emma Robins.

Kizomba Tango Classes 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £5.

Info 029 2022 8883. Learn African samba here.

Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www. sparklylaughter.co.uk. “No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers.

Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style JK Club, Neath Rd, Briton Ferry. 8-10.30pm, £5.

Info 07400 080101. Hosted

by Frank, who also runs a similar class in Pencoed each Thursday. Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30.

Life Drawing Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930.

Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Moved from 10 Feet Tall Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea.

6-10pm. Info 01792 475147.

Music Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.45-10.30am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Energetic music and movement class. Runs until Tue 6 Dec and starts again on Tue 10 Jan. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Today: Hula Hoop beginners (6-7pm); Circus Mish Mash (7.45-9.45pm); Mixed Aerial (7.45-9.45pm); Youth Ground Skills – Jedi/Ewok (11+/9-11, 4.15-6pm) and Static Trapeze L3 (7.45-9.45pm).

Off Centre Silver Dragon, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Adult drama group meeting weekly to develop performance skills.

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Tue 13 Dec and starts back up on Tue 9 Jan. Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk.

Salsa Classes Kapu, Cardiff.

7.30-10.30pm, £5/£4 NUS.

Info 07800 565651. Beginners’ class starts 7.30pm; improvers 8.30; bachata 9.30.

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Continuation St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff.

6.30-7.30pm. Info 07772 657692.

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30-6.30 + 6.45-8pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7.309pm, £9. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.

Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation).

Info 029 2047 3373. Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth.

8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.co.uk. Mixed level class.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm.

Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is...

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff. 8-9pm.

Info 07891 712344.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880.

A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm.

Info 01495 243252.

Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks).

Info 01633 656757.

Runs until Wed 7 Dec and starts again on Wed 11 Jan. Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

City Of Cardiff Rotaract Meeting Refectory Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 07768 108394.

An 18-30s community group that integrates young professionals, students and refugees through community projects and social events.

Drop-in Exploring Drawing Workshop Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda.

7-9pm, £10. Info 01443 682034. With tutor Chris Williams.

Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.156.30pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. 5-10 years old: 4.15-5pm; 11-14: 5-5.45pm; 14-18: 5.45-6.30pm. Runs until Wed 7 Dec and starts again on Wed 11 Jan. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Acrobatics Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Adult Acrobatics (6-8pm); Creative Circus L2, L3 and L4 (7.45-9.45pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

7-7pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners session 7pm; advanced 8pm. Runs until Wed 14 Dec and starts back up on Wed 10 Jan. Pub Quiz The Pilot, Penarth.

8pm. Info 029 2071 0615.

With Hayley.

Salsa Classes Rhiwbina Recreational Club, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm.

Info admin@yoga-works. co.uk.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534.

EVERY THURSDAY

Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880.

Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373.

American Line Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 1.15-3pm, £3.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Starts back up on Thurs 11 Jan. Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5. Info 0844 8700887.

Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky.

Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Children 6-11 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4-5pm, £4.95. Info 07837 937351.

Bingo Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Biodanza Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £6/£5. Info antoinette@ biodanza4all.com. “A fusion of music, movement and feeling” taught here by Antoinette Lorraine.

Breakdance The Riverfront, Newport. 6.15-7.15pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves. For ages 8-18.

Runs until Thurs 8 Dec and starts again on Thurs 5 Jan. Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport. 7.3010.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.

Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk.

Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff. 6-6.50pm, £15 (five weeks). Info 01446 401209.

Hosted by Laura Bradshaw.

Hard Côr Japan Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Join the Centre’s urban choir who blend choral singing with BUZZ 61

events

It’s that time of year again when the live roots music scene either goes into hibernation or turns to thoughts of a festive nature. Gigs are in short supply over the next few weeks so, unless you’re a diehard gig-goer, staying at home and catching up with the year’s best album releases might be the best option. Gigwise things do start to look up as January hits the midpoint and one of the highlights of the month is the visit to Cardiff by acclaimed Bristol based instrumental quartet Spiro.

Jane Harbour (violin), Jason Sparkes (accordion), Alex Vann (mandolin) and Jon Hunt (guitar) have been together as a band, originally called The Famous Five, since 1993. Emerging from the Bristol session scene, they quickly developed a reputation for their groundbreaking music which takes inspiration from the folk tunes of Northern England and reworks them into something unique; the four musicians interlocking to create sweeping soundscapes that owe as much to the systems music of Steve Reich and The Penguin Cafe Orchestra as they do the traditional music of Britain.

A couple of cassette releases and a CD, Lost In Fishponds, were released before the band changed their name and followed with Pole Star – after which they seemingly disappeared (but in reality were providing music for film, theatre and television), only to reappear 12 years later with the Real World Records release Lightbox. Subsequent albums Kaleidophonica (2012), Welcome Joy And Welcome Sorrow (2015) and mini-album The Vapourer (2013) which featured live recordings and Moog versions of two of their compositions by Portishead’s Adrian Utley, quickly saw their star once again in the ascendant.

Those albums have seen a renewed interest in Spiro’s unique style, which involves no improvisation or solos – just incredibly tight arrangements in which all the instruments provide both melody and rhythm. In essence, Spiro are best likened to a string quartet, albeit one that has as much to do with musical minimalism, classical music and the repetitive beats of contemporary dance music as it has folk, although the latter remains very much at the heart of their stunning sound as you can discover for yourself when they appear at St. David’s Hall on Tue 17 Jan. Buzz also recommends: Twmpath Dawns with Allan Yn Y Fan. Traditional Welsh dance with highly regarded combo.

Clubhouse, St Athan’s Golf Club (Fri 9 Dec).

Balshazzar’s Feast: Stocking Fillers. Xmas-themed show. New Radnor Community Hall, Powys (Sat 10 Dec).

John Alderslade. Songs, stories and laughs from veteran folkie. Valley Folk Club, Ivy Bush Hotel, Pontardawe (Fri 20 Jan).

Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@ buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767.

BUZZ 62

hip-hop. Every Thursday and Saturday; contact takepart@ wmc.org.uk for further details.

Hatch The Riverfront, Newport. 4.30-6.30pm, £8 per session/£60 per term/£220 per year. Info 01633 656757.

New youth theatre programme organised by the Tin Shed Theatre Co. Age 5-8 4.30-5.30pm; 13-21 5-6.30; 9-12 5.30-6.30. Runs until Thurs 8 Dec and starts again on Thurs 5 Jan. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Pencoed Rugby Club.

8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank.

Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30.

Newport Badminton Club Newport Active Living Centre. 7.30-9.30pm. Info 07789 965285.

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.157.15pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@ gmail.com. Every Thursday.

Quiz Night NosDa, Cardiff.

8pm, £1. Info 029 2037 8866.

With money, beers and pizza to be won.

Salsa Buena Class Little Shop Of Calm, Cowbridge.

8.30-10.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. Beginners 8.30pm; improvers 9.30.

Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff.

8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba.

Story And Rhyme Time In Welsh For Babies Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10-11.30am, free.

Info 029 2057 3650. Every Thursday during terms times; aimed at 0-4 years.

Tai Chi / Qigong Moorland Rd Community Centre, Splott, Cardiff. 10.1511.15am. Info 07772 657692.

The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16.

Info info@yogaskies.co.uk.

Small group class hosted by Mike Young.

Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7.15 + 7.158.30pm, £8/£6.50. Info info@ yogaskies.co.uk. Hosted by Mike Young.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £9/£8.

Info 07727 139379 / www. omstudio.co.uk. 11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga.

EVERY FRIDAY

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm.

Info 07790 167560.

Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. This is now on every Friday and features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”.

Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm.

Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai. co.uk.

Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players

of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Children’s Tap/Ballet Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 10.30-11.30am.

Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.4511.45am, £72/£48 (12 weeks). Info 01446 401209.

Dance Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.05am + 10.15-10.50am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757.

Runs until Fri 9 Dec and starts again on Fri 6 Jan. Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm.

Info 01633 400685.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today: Aerial Fitness (6-7.30pm); Flying Trapeze Taster (6-8pm, one-off, biweekly); Jedi – Aerial (11+) (4.15-6pm) Ropes & Silks L2 (7.45-9.45pm); Static Trapeze L2 (7.45-9.45pm); Ropes & Silks L3; (7.459.45pm); Ropes & Silks L4 (7.45-9.45pm) and Static Trapeze L2 (7.45-9.45pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Older Adult Dance/ Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11am-12pm, £3.

Info 01633 656757. Low impact dance and exercise class aimed at the over 50s.

Runs until Fri 9 Dec and starts again on Fri 6 Jan. Reggae Yoga Breakfast Club Anna-Loka, Cardiff.

7.30-8.30am, £10. Info 029 2049 7703. Vegan cafe launches new session, on every Friday, where you do yoga (with one Yogi Bare) and listen to reggae.

Rhiwbina Farmers Market The Butchers Arms, Rhiwbina.

10am-1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

Tango Argentine Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7.30-8.45pm, £7/£4. Info 029 2023 7332. No experience or partner required.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Sbectrwm Community Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff. 1-2pm.

Info 07891 712344. With Irene Davies.

EVERY SATURDAY

African Drumming Sessions Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10.30-11.30am, £5.

Info 0844 8700887.

Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111.

10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition.

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Family Saturdays Foyer,

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents.

Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff.

9.30am. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Hard Côr Sony Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Mini Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport.

10-11am, £6. Info 01633 656757. Run by Defying Gravity, professional tutors will teach ballet and drama to kids aged 3-6. Runs until Sat 10 Dec and starts again on Sat 7 Jan. NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff.

10.30am-12pm, £7/£6 per session. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 10-11.30am); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 10.30-11.30am); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 11.30am-1pm).

Performance Academy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

10am-1pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Offering professional theatre and performance coaching in dance, acting, musical theatre and singing.

Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff.

9.30am-1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

Sewing Workshops Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 10am-1pm. Info 01633 673739. Hosted by Ellery Design – see www. ellerydesign.com for details of how to book and/ or contact them.

St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff. 11am5pm, free. Info 029 2019 0036.

Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and brica-brac.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

8-9.30am, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio. co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.

EVERY SUNDAY

Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351.

Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre.

7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10). Info 01656 661338.

Cabaret And Showgirl Dancing For All Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am12.30pm. Info 07872 306745.

With Steph. Beginners and mixed ability class. More info at www.cardiffcabaretclub. com.

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880.

Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Hosted by Ben Cooper.

Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50.

Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880.

Farmers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh producers sell their wares every week at this brand new market.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre.

6-10pm. Info 01792 863722.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Today: Youth General Skills Jedi (11+, 12-2pm) and Youth Performance Jedi (11+, 2-4pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip.

Sunday Board Games Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Weekly session featuring a mixture of competitive and co-operative games.

THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

Carol Service St Andrew’s Church, Penylan Road, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £5. Info info@gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care charity event.

Chapter WinterFest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

5pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. German-style festive market. (Until Sun 4) Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Thurs 8 and Thurs 15.

First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400.

Readings by Rhiannon Hooson and Nicholas Murray.

Little Bao Peep Kitchen Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff.

6-10pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Serving steamed buns and other goodies.

Psychic Sally Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £24.50. Info 01792 475715.

This show has the somewhat pleading title Call Me Psychic.

Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055. With special guest Cath Little. Entry fee includes food.

The Murenger Social Ye Olde Murenger, Newport.

7.30-10pm. Info 01633 263977. Hosted by Wales Arts Review and featuring guest speaker Richard King, who has done various cool things in his time (record shop, record label, band, books etc).

Ty Hafan Carols At The Castle Cardiff Castle.

6.30-8pm, £10/£5 kids/free under-5s. Info 029 2087 8100.

Traditional carols and con-

events temporary choirs, for charity.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

Multiple-times-per-day ice skating sessions, as well as a Santa’s Grotto and other attractions, running until Sun 8 Jan. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. Multiple-timesper-day ice skating sessions, running until Tue 3 Jan. Sessions are every Monday to Friday (before and after Christmas) at 11am, 12.15pm, 1.30, 2.45, 4, 5.15, 6.30, 7.45 and 9pm, with an extra session at 9.45am on Saturday and Sunday. The last session on Sundays, until Sun 18 Dec, and on Wed 24 Dec is at 7.45pm. No sessions on Christmas day. Fri 26 starts at 11am and the last session is on 5.15pm.

Wed 31 starts at 11am and has late sessions at 10.30 and 11.30pm. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership).

Info 07526 141392 / www. cardiffivc.org.uk. Meeting here on the first Friday of each month.

Chapter WinterFest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

5pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sun 4) Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free.

Info 01685 725106. Quality produce from no more than 50 miles away, on the first Friday of each month.

Festive Glass Fair National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm. Info 01792 463980. Glasswork created by students from the Swansea School Of Glass.

Let’s Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 821762. Pub quiz.

Llandysul Christmas Craft Fair Tysul Hall, Llandysul. 2.30-7.30pm, free.

Info suewright@suecol. co.uk.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Also on Fri 16, Sat 17, Thurs 29 and Fri 20.

Rod Stevens The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £7.50 adv. Info 01633 533666.

Hypnotist, described as “clean and humorous without being blue”. This venue is run by a UKIP party member who ran for a council position this year, by the way.

Themed Family Skate Nights Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 5 + 6pm, from £15.

Info 01633 413000. Featuring two sessions: Let It Snow (5pm) and It’s Cold Outside (6pm). Also on Fri 9, Thurs 15, Mon 19 and Tue 20.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly term-time events for toddlers and their parents, this month’s theme being ‘winter wonderland’.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan)

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10.

On tomorrow also, and every Friday this month and next, plus Sat 7 Jan.

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

Chapter WinterFest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

12pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sun 4) Christmas Craft Fayre St Michael’s Centre, Llandaff, Cardiff. 11am-3pm, free.

Info info@stmichaelscardiff. co.uk.

Christmas Fayre 66a Commercial Street, Risca. £10 to set up a stall. Info 01633 613794. Presented by the Risca Salvation Army.

Christmas Felts Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-1pm, £40. Info 029 2048 4611. With Claire Cawte.

Christmas Festival Market & Santa’s Grotto Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 738622. Grotto visits are in slots throughout the day and you are advised to book in advance.

Christmas Poetry Session Barker Gallery, Pontypool.

2-4.30pm, £3 adv. Info 01495 752036..

Christmas Winter Warmer West Wharf Gallery, Cardiff.

1-4pm, free. Info westwharfgallery@gmail. com.

Craft Fair Burnham Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff. £10 to set up a table. Info 029 2079 8347.

Craft Fair St Mary’s Church, Swansea. 10.30am-4pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk.

Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111.

Every first Saturday of the month.

Dewch i Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Join musician Delyth Jenkins and learn Welsh through song. Also on Sat 7 Jan. Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic. crafters@gmail.com. Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month.

Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149. Every first Saturday of the month.

Festive Fun Day National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Festive Kitchen Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am3pm, £85. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk. Also on Sat 10.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out how the fire triangle can help us safely extinguish fires and also make exhilarating science demonstrations. (At week-

ends until Sun 11) Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Brighton & Hove Albion Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Edinburgh Capitals Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Look up into the night sky to explore the many lights that have fascinated humans for centuries.

(At weekends until Sun 11) Meal Squared Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. £35. Info kasim@ waterlootea.com. Supper club featuring food and drink from local independent places plus other entertainment.

Also here on Sat 10, 17 and 31 Dec. Memo Christmas Market

For Adults Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10.30am1pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Come and create a stitched felt Christmas decoration on the theme of A Child’s Christmas In Wales.

Saturday Family Workshops Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

10am-1pm, free.

Info 01792 516900.

Explore the new exhibitions and draw inspiration from Richard Glynn Vivian’s life. Book in advance please.

The Herbivore 033: Herbivore x Riverside Sourdough Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 11am-5pm.

Info simon@theherbivore. co.uk. Brunch and lunch menu showcasing the best of Riverside Sourdough’s breads and sweet things. On tomorrow also.

Waterfront Winterland

Newport's cosy Murenger pub has been standing for several hundred years, but other buildings in the city haven't fared so well. On the afternoon of Tue 6 Dec, it hosts a Down Your Local discussion about this very topic.

2016 Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01446 738622.

Open Haus The Printhaus / The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month.

Penarth Contemporary Craft Market Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10am-6pm, free. Info 0844 8700887. On tomorrow also.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 9, Sat 10, Fri 16, Sat 17, Wed 28 and Thurs 29.

Printmaking Cards Mission Gallery, Swansea.

10am-4pm, £20. Info 01792 652016. Workshop by Tim Stokes and Terri Saunders.

Rhiwbina Christmas Festival Various locations, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 4-6.30pm, free. Info www.rhiwbina. co.uk. Lots of stalls and general good cheer in this Cardiff suburb that calls itself a village.

Santa’s Grotto Cardiff Castle. £10.95. Info 029 2087 8100. Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Victorian Christmas. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 10, Sun 11 and Sat 17.

Santa’s Grotto Carnegie House, Bridgend. 10am-4pm, £5. Info 01656 815757. Kids’ event with various activities.

Also on Sat 10 and Sat 17.

Saturday Craft Workshop

Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm.

Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Xmas Festival The Depot, Cardiff. 11am-5pm.

Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk.

On tomorrow also.

Blue Honey Kilo Sale Sully’s Yard, Cardiff. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Taking place in the Full Moon’s new outdoor pop-up space near their standard stomping ground. Buy vintage clothes by the kilo at competitive prices. Not sure if it’s happening concurrently with the market (see below), or before or after.

Bryngarw – Green Santa Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

11.15am-3pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995. Visit Green Santa, wearing his traditional green robes (you heard), in an outdoor setting.

Cardiff Santa & Dash Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 12-2pm, £9. Info 029 2064 7735. A festive 5K run, walk or jog around Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay, in aid of Welsh Hearts.

Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400.

CAVETSY Pop-Up Christmas Market

Tramshed, Cardiff. 11am7pm. Info cavetsy@gmail. com. Name stands for Cardiff & Vale Etsy Sellers, and that’s who’ll be offering their wares at this pop-up market.

Chapter WinterFest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

12pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Christmas Market Sully’s Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff. com. Also on Sun 11, Sun 18 and Fri 23.

Crafts For Christmas St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-4.30pm, £2/£6 with car. Info 01446 799100.

Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@hotmail. co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month.

Essential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.15pm, £11.50. Info 07538 878609.

By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Sun 11.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 11) Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 11) Penarth Contemporary Craft Market Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10am-6pm, free.

Info 0844 8700887.

Roath Lantern Parade Welffield Road, Roath, Cardiff. 4.30pm. Info 01656 815757. Family parade starting outside Penylan Library and finishing at Waterloo Winter Fest, Roath Church House.

Santa’s Grotto Cardiff Castle. £10.95. Info 029 2087 8100.

The Herbivore 033: Herbivore x Riverside Sourdough Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 11am-5pm.

Info simon@theherbivore. co.uk.

Tuneless Choir Cardiff Aspire Fitness, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £10 first session/£7 drop-in/£40 for eight weeks. Info 07745 683723. Choir, led by Mei Gwynedd, for people who want to sing but can’t carry a tune. Also on Sun 18, and every fortnight after that.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Weber Winter Warmer Course Llanerch Vineyard,

Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

10am-2pm, £99. Info 01443 222716. Also on Sun 15 Jan. Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am7.45pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

MONDAY 5 DECEMBER

Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Xmas Festival The

Depot, Cardiff. 11am-5pm.

Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk.

Advanced Cabaret Classes Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 8-9.30pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www. cardiffcabaretclub.com. With Steph. Every Monday until 12 Dec; training for a Cardiff Cabaret Club show on Fri 23 Dec. FIFA17 Xbox One Tournament 8 Bit Bar, Swansea. 7-11pm, £3 to enter. Info facebook. com/8bitbaruk.

Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

Poetry Open Mic The Capel, Bargoed. 7.3010.30pm, free. Info 01443 830272. With guest reader Peter Finch.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 8) Wales Sport Awards Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm. Info 029 2063 6464.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758. An open group of writers who encourage others to write and also critique work. Here every first and third Monday of the month.

TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER

Christmas Market Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 12-3pm. Info enterprise@cardiff.ac.uk.

Hosted by Enterprise & Start-Up. Disappearing Newport; A Chat About Buildings That Have Gone (And A Few That Still Remain) Ye Olde Murenger, Newport.

3pm, free. Info 01633 263977.

One of Newport Museum’s bi-monthly Down Your Local sessions held in this jarhouse.

Early Years Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 10.3011am, free. Info 01792 516900. Singalong for babies and parents.

Open Level Chair Dance Classes Ocean Park, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 6.45-8.15pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www.cardiffcabaretclub.com.

Every Tuesday until 13 Dec; training for a Cardiff Cabaret Club show on Fri 23 Dec. Rick & Morty Quizmas Special Embassy Cafe, Cardiff. 7pm, £2 to enter. Info 029 2037 3144.

Toulouse-Lautrec And The Paris Music Halls Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £7.50. Info 01874 611622.

Brecknock Decorative & Fine Arts Society talk by Peter Webb.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four BUZZ 63

events days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 8) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER

BAFTA CYMRU DEC/JAN 2017 The run up to Christmas looks busy as our events programme leads us right up to Christmas week with events for the industry and members of the public to see previews of new films and television programmes made in Wales.

The first event this month will be a screening hospice screening hosted by BAFTA Kids for the Ty Hafan charity.

This will be followed on Fri 9 Dec with an event in BAFTA HQ, Piccadilly, to celebrate the BAFTA-winning series Sherlock with writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, producer Sue Vertue and actress Amanda Abbington.

We’ll be hosting a preview of the series finale of the current series of Y Gwyll}/ Hinterland with a Q&A, for those fans of the noir series set in Aberystwyth that can’t wait until Sun 18 Dec. Our monthly Chapter slot is filled by The Real Midwives, which looks at the stories behind the popular series Call The Midwife, and which will be followed by a Q&A with the actor and documentary presenter Stephen McGann. Tickets are available from Chapter Arts Centre.

Then to get us in the Yuletide mood we will be premiering the new S4C children’s Christmas film. Albi A Noa Yn Achub Yr Iwnifyrs (Albi And Noa Rescue The Universe) is written by Welsh actress/singer and legend Caryl Parry Jones and stars the up-andcoming screen talent of the future from local industry and schools. The film will be shown on S4C at 7:30pm on Christmas Day. Memberships for students and industry professionals are available all year round – further information about benefits and rates is available on our website.

Find out more here www.bafta.org/ wales

BUZZ 64

55+ Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Group aiming to promote independence, social confidence and creative skills through a supportive and sociable environment for all.

Beginners Show Girl And Burlesque Dancing Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www.cardiffcabaretclub.com. With Steph.

Every Wedneday until 14 Dec; training for a Cardiff Cabaret Club show on Fri 23 Dec. Black Kettle Collective Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 3.30-5pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

Friends Of The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

6pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

Prudence Keely talks about ‘The life, work and legacy in Wales of the landscape designer, William Emes (17291803)’.

Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 8) Welsh Speaking Carol Service Ararat Baptist Church, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £5.

Info info@gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care charity event.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER

Christmas Afternoon Tea Swansea Museum. 2pm, pay by donation. Info 01792 653763. Hosted by the Royal Institution Of South Wales.

Christmas At The Mansion House Mansion House, Richmond Road, Cardiff.

7-9pm, £10. Info info@gthc. org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care charity event.

Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8pm, £8. Info 07538 878609.

Howl Mozarts, Swansea.

8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month.

Howling Hops Tap Takeover / Drunken Sailor Kitchen Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 6pm-12am, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Featuring nine guest beers from HH and hotdogs from DS. The Big Christmas Quiz Le Pub, Newport. 8.30pm, £1 to enter. Info 01633 221477.

Annual event with prizes for teams of four or less.

Unpossible Simpsons Quiz The Full Moon, Cardiff.

7-10pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Also on Mon 16-Thurs 19 Jan. (Finishes today) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Young Art Force Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

11.30am-2.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Open art class for anyone aged 14 to 24. Book in advance please

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

Artist in Residence Talk: Richard Monahan Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

12.30-1.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

Carol Ann Duffy & Gillian Clarke Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 5 + 7.30pm, £12/£9. Info 01792 463980. Poetry reading from this dynamic duo.

Christmas Chocolate Truffles Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am1pm, £50. Info 01600 714595.

On tomorrow also.

Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month.

Little Mice Club: Festive Special National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am12pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Bilingual playtime for babies/toddlers.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info 07538 878609.

Revolutionary Dreams Volcano, Swansea. 7pm, £10/£5 suggested donation.

Info www.volcanotheatre. co.uk. Launch of a book, Revolutionary Dreams: From Chile To Wales – The Other 9/11, by Swanseabased Chilean Jose Cifuentes and about his escape from General Pinochet’s dictatorship circa 1973. The evening also includes folk sets by singer Dafydd Iwan among others.

Seren Pop-Up Bookshop Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

10am-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Welsh publisher sets up near the front entrance and sells its books, possibly while keeping its mittens on. (Until Mon 12) Tea Dance St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

2pm, £5. Info 01446 799100.

Themed Family Skate Nights Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 5 + 6pm, from £15.

Info 01633 413000.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm,

£6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

Abergavenny Craft Fayre Market Hall, Abergavenny.

Free. Info 01873 735811.

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Stories For Christmas Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Alternative Events Christmas Weekender The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff.

11am-11pm, free. Info 07738 092524. Featuring stalls, designer makes, artisan crafts, food and drink, live music, glitter makeovers and kids’ games. Also there’s a steampunk twist to the whole thing apparently. On tomorrow also.

Blaenavon Christmas Cracker Broad Street Car Park, Blaenavon. 12-5pm, free (£10 to set up a table/£5 if you bring your own table). Info 01495 792878.

Incorporating the Little Monthly Market plus more stalls, dancing, music, donkeys etc.

Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm.

Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow.

8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Christmas Chocolate Truffles Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am1pm, £50. Info 01600 714595.

Christmas Craft Weekend National History Museum, St Fagans. 12-4pm. Info 029 2057 3500. Drop-in activity sessions. On tomorrow also.

Christmas Market High Street, Barry. 10am-5pm, free.

Info beautifullily@outlook. com.

Christmas Wreaths Mission Gallery, Swansea. 10am-4pm, £20. Info 01792 652016.

Workshop by Louise Tucker.

Craft Fayre St. John’s Church Hall, Cymmer, Porth.

10am-2pm, £10 to set up a stall. Info audmorgan19@ aol.com.

Crickhowell Craft Fair Clarence Hall, Crickhowell.

10am-4pm, £10 to set up a table. Info 01495 524764.

Deep Sleep Yoga & Nidra Workshop Lisvane Memorial Hall, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £15. Info 029 2025 1031.

With Catherine Symons and Natasha Marchant.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Family event, on tomorrow also and then Sat 17-Wed 21.

Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £5 per session.

Info 029 2048 4611. With Suzen Millodot every month.

Elfsteddfod Bridgend town centre. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01656 815757. In which the streets of Bridgend will be full of Christmas elves – how many is dependent on citizens’ interest levels, but FYI

the first 1,000 to turn up get a free elf hat. Then there’ll be various relevant activities.

Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Also on Sat 14 Jan. Ethical Cardiff Night Market Christmas Edition Cardiff Speaker Hire, Dumballs Road, Cardiff.

4-11.30pm. Info community@greenvalleymoves. com. “Nature-based products, veggie food, vegan food and treats, Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, mulled wines, vegan friendly skincare for men and women, yoga pop up, a bar and more,” they say.

Family Festive Fun National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. Craft activities, storytelling and face painting.

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Festive Kitchen Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am3pm, £85. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 11) Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Sunderland Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Hall, Mumbles, Swansea.

10am-4pm. Info nigel. mason@ntlworld.com.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 11) Meal Squared Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. £35. Info kasim@waterlootea. com.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Narberth Winter Carnival Christmas Market 2016 Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am, free/£20 to set up a table. Info 01834 869323.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free.

Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Nimble Fingers Craft Fayre Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 07790 298913.

On the second Saturday of every month.

Open Mic Night Imperial Hotel, Merthyr. 7.30pm. Info mjenkins1927@gmail.com.

With David Foster-Morgan.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info 07538 878609.

Santa’s Grotto Cardiff Castle. £10.95. Info 029 2087 8100.

Santa’s Grotto Carnegie House, Bridgend. 10am-4pm, £5. Info 01656 815757.

events Saturnalia National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon.

11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3550. Roman mid-winter celebration.

Seren Pop-Up Bookshop Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

10am-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Mon 12) Snapped Up Market – A Dickensian Christmas The Printhaus , Canton, Cardiff.

11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. On tomorrow also.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

Alternative Events Christmas Weekender The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff.

11am-11pm, free. Info 07738 092524.

Barry Island Handmade Market Barry Island Train Station. 11am-3pm, £10 to set up a table. Info facebook.com/ barryislandhandmademarket.

Big Pit Babies Christmas Event Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 11.30am12.30pm + 1.30-2.30pm, £5.

Info 029 2057 3650.

Christmas Craft Weekend National History Museum, St Fagans. 12-4pm. Info 029 2057 3500.

Christmas Market Sully’s Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Christmas Quiz Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6-9pm, £1 to enter. Info 07933 844234.

Christmas Sunday Supper Clwb The Depot, Cardiff.

5pm, £25. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Festive street food, Christmas cocktails, mulled wine and mulled cider. This week’s chef is That Fish Guy. Also on Sun 18.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Essential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.15pm, £11.50.

Info 07538 878609.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Santa’s Grotto Cardiff Castle. £10.95. Info 029 2087 8100.

Seren Pop-Up Bookshop Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

10am-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Mon 12) Snapped Up Market – A Dickensian Christmas The Printhaus , Canton, Cardiff.

11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349.

Spooky Stories In Ihe Parlour Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420. With Nick Brunger.

Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Waterfront Winterland

Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am7.45pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER

Advanced Cabaret Classes Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff.

8-9.30pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www. cardiffcabaretclub.com.

Beer & Bards Small Bar, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, free (donations welcome). Info www.smallbar.co.uk. Spoken word and music from Frank Thomas and Thommie Gillow.

Donations will go to Shelter Cymru.

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. On the second and fourth Monday of every month. Although probably not on Boxing Day. Seren Pop-Up Bookshop Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

10am-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm. Info 029 2039 7951.

Open Level Chair Dance Classes Ocean Park, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 6.45-8.15pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www.cardiffcabaretclub.com.

Spirituality Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344.

Second Tuesday of every month.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER

Beginners Show Girl And Burlesque Dancing Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, £7/£35 for six sessions. Info www. cardiffcabaretclub.com.

Christmas Singalong National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 6pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Christmas Talk Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

6pm, £5/£3.50 NUS. Info 029 2034 6214. Dr Martin Jones chats about his book, Christmas And The British: A Modern History.

Scriptdawg 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New writers can have work performed in front of an audience.

Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 07429 598414. A chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports and social group. Also on Wed 18 Jan. The Herbivore 034: Herbaceous Christmas Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

7pm, £25. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk. Fivecourse vegan supper club.

Book in advance please.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER Christmas Quiz Night National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7pm, £3.50. Info 01792 463980.

Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral

Big Independent Christmas Market Something For Christmas, Swansea. Free. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

This venue is a pop-up affair in a disused pub, which will turn into a used pub in early 2017. Before that, Something Creatives are inviting sellers to hawk their vintage clothing, local makers, craft, bric-abrac and art, plus you can have a jar or two while you browse. (Until Wed 18) Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10.30am-4pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk. On tomorrow also.

Crafty Devil Christmas Party Crafty Devil Brewery, Papermill Road, Cardiff.

8-11pm, £25. Info info@ craftydevilbrewing.co.uk.

Ticket price includes some beers (not sure how many) and food from Pettigrew Bakery.

Four Bars Swing Dempseys,

Swansea's Volcano Theatre hosts a booklaunch for Jose Cifuentes on Fri 9 Dec. Titled Revolutionary Dreams, it's an acount of how he fled Pinochet's Chile in the 1970s, ending up in Wales. Dafydd Iwan will also perform some Welsh nationalist folk as part of the evening.

Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8pm, £8. Info 07538 878609.

Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Open Space: Derec Jones & Mark Lock Central Library Hub, Cardiff. 5.45pm, free.

Info 029 2038 2116. Reading from their novels Boys From The Backfields and Cheats & Liars (Jones) and Dead Man’s Hand (Lock).

Themed Family Skate Nights Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 5 + 6pm, from £15.

Info 01633 413000.

The National Poets Of Wales & Scotland Great Hall, Swansea Bay University Campus. 7.30pm, £12/£5 NUS. Info 01792 602060. Taliesin presents readings from Ifor Ap Glyn and Jackie Kay. Someone seems to have vandalised Kay’s Wikipedia entry, but all they’ve done is change her birthdate from 1961 to 1915, and her name to Jackie Chan.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Activities include making a Christmas mini-comic, puppets, creative writing, games, reading, crafts and dressing up. (Until Thurs 22)

Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2023 9253. Featuring a lindy hop class for beginners, followed by dancing to classic swing tracks.

Frontal Lobe 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 10pm. Info 029 2022 8883. New event from “artists, musicians and entertainers who have come together to provide you with evenings of intellectual stimulation”.

I think this is mostly about bands and DJs but they are purposely vague so if this is in the wrong section, tough.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11.

Info 07538 878609.

Publishers’ Pop-Up Bazaar Central Library Hub, Cardiff.

10am-5pm, free.

Info 029 2038 2116.

Books from Welsh publishers are for sale here. On tomorrow also.

Quiz Night The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month.

Waterfront Winterland

Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Thurs 22) Attack! Pro Wrestling: Under The Mistletour 2016 Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2037 3144..

Featuring these grapplers among others: Eddie Dennis, Mark Andrews, Nixon Newell, #CCK, Mike Bird, The Wild Boar, The Anti-Fun Police and Drew Parker.

Big Independent Christmas Market Something For Christmas, Swansea. Free. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

(Until Wed 18) Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782.

Christmas Family Workshop Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, free.

Info 01792 652016.

Christmas Fayre Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-5pm, free. Info 01685 384111.

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. In conjunction with Artes Mundi. On tomorrow also, plus Tue 20-Fri 23 and Wed 28-Sat 31.

Clwb’s Christmas Market Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2023 2199.

Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10.30am-4pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Barnsley Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Heritage, Protection & Military Necessity National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Talk with Swansea University’s Nigel Pollard.

Title sounds a bit fash to me, not sure what’s it’s actually about though.

Meal Squared Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. £35.

Info kasim@waterlootea.com.

Mind, Body & Christmas Spirit St Peters Hall, Carmarthen. 10am-5pm, £5. Info hannahdisley1@ gmail.com. Charity event featuring various holistic therapists and craft stalls.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am4pm, free. Info enquiries@ pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Selling original arts and crafts.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info 07538 878609.

Publishers’ Pop-Up Bazaar Central Library Hub, Cardiff.

10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2038 2116.

Santa’s Grotto Cardiff Castle. £10.95. Info 029 2087 8100.

Santa’s Grotto Carnegie House, Bridgend. 10am-4pm, £5. Info 01656 815757.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die.

(Until Mon 2 Jan) St Fagans Food & Makers Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

(Until Mon 19) Sully’s Yard Beer Festival Sully’s Yard, Cardiff. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out why skin becomes spotty, why noses get snotty and why we go to the potty. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420.

Afternoon reading with Mark Montinaro.

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Thurs 22) Big Independent Christmas Market Something For Christmas, Swansea. Free. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

(Finishes today) Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Christmas Market Sully’s Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Christmas Sunday Supper Clwb The Depot, Cardiff.

5pm, £25. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. This week’s chef is The Pork Society.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Father Christmas At Big Pit Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon.

10.30am-4pm, £5. Info 029 2057 3650.

Festive Food Fair 2016 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

11am-6pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Co-hosted by Green City.

M.A.D.E. Special Winter Fayre M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 12-6pm, free.

Info 029 2047 3373. Featuring Christmas themed workshops for families, garlands for sale, artisan beers, hampers, rafBUZZ 65

events fle, lucky dip and festive live music.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) St Fagans Food & Makers Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

(Until Mon 19) Swansea Vegan Christmas Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Featuring desserts, handmade chocolate, plant-based cheeses, cakes, pies, jams and chutneys, drinks, seasonal savoury goodies, clothing, gifts and skincare.

Tuneless Choir Cardiff Aspire Fitness, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £10 first session/£7 drop-in/£40 for eight weeks. Info 07745 683723.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am7.45pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Thurs 22) Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) St Fagans Food & Makers Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

(Until Mon 19) Themed Family Skate Nights Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 5 + 6pm, from £15.

Info 01633 413000.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Thurs 22) Casting Hands Family Workshop Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016. Cast people’s hands in plaster.

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

BUZZ 66

Crafty Devil Tap Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 6-11pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684.

Local brewer rolls into the city centre for one night only.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Philosophy Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344.

Third Tuesday of every month.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Themed Family Skate Nights Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 5 + 6pm, from £15. Info 01633 413000.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Thurs 22) Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Deer Feed Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10.30am, from £15. Info 01639 881635.

Festive Craft Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am3pm, £1. Info 029 2034 6214.

Kids’ activities, also on Wed 28.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Self-Led Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today) Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Christmas Quiz Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £1 to play.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com.

Jingle Bell Rock Leige Manor, Bonvilston, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £10/£7 kids/£25 family. Info 01446 781648. An evening of Christmas family entertainment at a horse riding school / equestrian centre in the Vale. On tomorrow also.

Quiz Night The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047

5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Manchester Storm Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm.

Info 029 2038 2001.

Jingle Bell Rock Leige Manor, Bonvilston, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £10/£7 kids/£25 family. Info 01446 781648.

Last Minute Christmas Market Sully’s Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-7pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am8.45pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Festive Craft Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am3pm, £1. Info 029 2034 6214.

Fun And Frolics Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420. With John Bilsborough.

Funky Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Make a cool calendar in time for the New Year. (Until Sat 31) Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info

While it's probably fair to say that many vegans do not entirely consider Christmas "the most wonderful time of the year", there are still means for them to mount ethical and psychic defences against the industrial turkey bloodbath – such as the Vegan Christmas Market at Swansea's National Waterfront Museum on Sun 18 Dec. There, they can buy cruelty-free food, drinks, skincare products, clothes and more.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v West Ham United Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Tenby Boxing Day Swim North Beach, Tenby. 11am, free. Info www. tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk.

Annual event raising money for charity, and preceded by a raft race and fancy dress parade.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-7pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-6pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

07538 878609.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Premium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.15pm, £15.

Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 30.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan)

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Funky Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 31) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Premium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.15pm, £11. Info 07538 878609.

Spooky Stories Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420. With Nick Brunger.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm,

Awaken Your Creativity With Laughter! Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, £50. Info maria@ sparklylaughter. co.uk. Workshop by the Sparkly Laughter team. The other day I saw a performance by this guy Laraaji, who does workshops like this in New York. It was pretty good but he has this habit of laughing for no apparent reason while speaking which takes some getting used to.

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

£6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Funky Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 31) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Premium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea. 10am-10pm.

Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

Chapter New Year’s Eve 2016 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. £20 adv/£15 before Fri 16 Dec. Info 029 2030 4400. A Bowie-themed good riddance to this absolute exploded pancreas of a year.

Featuring Bowie tribute act Let’s Dance, Bowie-oke, DJing from Matt Jarrett and Graham from Goldie Lookin Chain, a Bowie-themed cocktail bar, a photobooth and prizes for best fancy dress.

Christmas Holiday Art Family Activities National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Crafty Devil 90s New Year’s Eve Party Crafty Devil Brewery, Papermill Road, Cardiff. 8pm-1am, £30.

Info info@craftydevilbrewing. co.uk. Featuring a retro indie disco, for whatever reason, plus beer and food all included in the ticket price.

Dylan’s Tall Tales Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420. With Mark Montinaro. On tomorrow also.

Family Christmas Party Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01495 243252.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Bournemouth Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Funky Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today) Inner City Cyphers Oner Signs, Cardiff. 12-5pm, free.

Info 029 2037 1231. Monthly hip-hop open mic session and general meetup. Also on Sat 28 Jan. Mari Llwyd & New Year Walk In Town centre, Llanwrtyd Wells. 10.30pm, free. Info www.green-events. co.uk. Annual procession from the recesses of Welsh tradition, where participants follow a horse’s skull on a stick around the town.

Meal Squared Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. £35. Info kasim@waterlootea. com.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am12.30am, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3 Jan) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Mon 2 Jan)

SUNDAY 1 JANUARY

Dylan’s Tall Tales Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne. 1pm, free. Info 01994 427420.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-7pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10.45pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3)

MONDAY 2 JANUARY

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Aston Villa Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 3pm.

Info 0845 3451400.

events Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Tue 3) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today)

TUESDAY 3 JANUARY

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

3-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6.50-£9.50. Info 0333 6663366. (Finishes today)

WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY

Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

3-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 16.

THURSDAY 5 JANUARY

Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055.

With special guests Cath Edwards. Entry fee includes food.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

3-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8)

FRIDAY 6 JANUARY

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership). Info 07526 141392 / www. cardiffivc.org.uk.

Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free.

Info 01685 725106.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly term-time events for toddlers and their parents, this month’s theme being ‘rainbows and raindrops’.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

3-10pm. Info 01792 712008.

(Until Sun 8) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111.

Every first Saturday of the month.

Dewch i Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Expoosive science demonstrations that you could in principle do at home, but shouldn’t. (At weekends until Sun 29) Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic.crafters@gmail.

com. Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month.

Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry.

10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149.

Flavours Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk. With Angela Gray.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Visit the planetarium as we find out the true nature of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, the Gas Giants. (At weekends until Sun 29) Mari Llwyd Puppets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 31) Open Haus The Printhaus / The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm. Info 01792 712008. (Until Sun 8) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran.

1-4pm. Info cwmbran_ crafts@hotmail.co.uk.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Game On! Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-7pm. Info 01792 712008. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 9 JANUARY

Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £5.

Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Second Monday of every month.

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054.

Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

TUESDAY 10 JANUARY

Spirituality Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344.

WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY

Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Royal Institution Of South

Wales Lecture Swansea Museum. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 653763. Paul Frame on ‘Apostle of liberty: the life and work of Richard Price, 1723-91’.

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY

3D Space Show National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

7pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Presented by AstroCymru.

Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214.

Skill Builder: Knife Skills Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Star Gazing Evening National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY

Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm.

Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow.

8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £5 per session.

Info 029 2048 4611.

Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre,

Lazy Crafternoons: Upcycled Shopping Bag National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1.30pm, £5. Info 01792 463980.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Nelson: His Life And Legacy National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Talk

by Sid Kidwell.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free.

Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

New Year New You! Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk. Recipes to eat nutritiously in the new year, which you’re definitely going to do.

Out Of The Darkness National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm.

Info 01792 463980. Andrew Lound traces the history of the discovery of Pluto.

Saturnalia Real Ale Ramble Various locations, Llanwrtyd Wells. 10.30pm, £11 to enter. Info www.greenevents.co.uk. Beer-drinking all-in based in some way on ancient Roman festival Saturnalia.

Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.45pm, £3.

Info 0845 2263510.

Thrifty Kids: Make A Recycled Milk Carton Elephant National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am-12.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY

10 Minute Musicals The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, £80. Info 029 2128 0189. First in a

On Thurs 19 Jan, Cardiff-based author and musician Holly Muller will be reading in Cardiff Central Library. Not only that, she'll be reading out loud, and if you complain to staff they will inform you that she is reading her debut novel My Own Dear Brother, because the library asked her to do it.

Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Arsenal Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Hedge Laying Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. £105. Info 01600 714595. Also on Sat 28.

series of workshops aiming to “encourage and nurture new and existing creatives to write for musical theatre in Wales”. Also on Sun 22 and Sun 29, then back in July and November.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Weber Winter Warmer

Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

10am-2pm, £99. Info 01443 222716.

MONDAY 16 JANUARY

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 19) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

TUESDAY 17 JANUARY

Dr Phil’s Health Revolution Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3-£15.

Info 01239 621200. Medical journalist Dr Phil Hammond, not to be confused with the Tory cabinet minister or the American TV personality. In Builth Wells tomorrow.

Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Informal book club, also on Tue 24 and Tue 31.

Philosophy Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 19)

WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY

Apple Pruning Course National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-1pm, £30. Info 029 2057 3500.

Dr Phil’s Health Revolution The Wyeside, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £15/£12.

Info 01982 552555.

Skill Builder: Thai Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 07429 598414.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 19)

THURSDAY 19 JANUARY

Afternoon Dance Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

1.30pm, £4. Info 01792 475715.

Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Open Space: Holly Muller Central Library Hub, Cardiff.

5.45pm, free. Info 029 2038 2116. Reading from her 2015 debut novel, My Own Dear Brother.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Finishes today)

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY

Burns Night 2017 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £27.

Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring a concert, Burns Supper, whisky tasting and ceilidh with dance instruction.

MTB Hydraulics & Suspension Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30pm-4pm, £105. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

So You Think You’re

Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252.

Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Burton Albion Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 3pm.

Info 0845 3451400.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Regional Indian (Kerala) Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk.

Santes Dwynwen – Love Bugs National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Make a cute love bug to celebrate this ancient Welsh love tradition. On tomorrow also.

Welsh Wrestling Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £12/£9. Info 01495 227206.

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

10 Minute Musicals The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, £80. Info 029 2128 0189.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Santes Dwynwen – Love Bugs National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Seafood Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £180. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

Wedding Showcase National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

MONDAY 23 JANUARY

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054.

Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

TUESDAY 24 JANUARY

Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.

WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY Artes Mundi 7 Conference National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2039 7951. Shortlisted artists will be speaking about their work and exploring the themes of the exhibition.

Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class / Hoop Jam

BUZZ 67

live music Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff.

8-10pm, £5/£8 both classes.

Info 07934 011061. Last Wednesday of every month.

The class is from 8-9pm and is followed by a hoop jam from 9-10.

Friends Of The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

6pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

Jonathan Powell on ‘In Defence of Painting’.

Reading Between The Wines Bookclub The White Hart, Llangybi. 7.30pm. Info uskbookclub@gmail.com.

Monthly club, discussing The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh this month.

Science Cafe National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

7.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Skill Builder: Curries Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Tea Dance Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 2.30pm, £5. Info 0845 2263510.

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

Royal Institution Of South Wales Annual General Meeting Swansea Museum.

7pm, free. Info 01792 653763.

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY

Brickjam 2 Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm-1am, £42. Info 029 2023 5555. Charity event for the Tiffan Project, which feeds Nepalese children. It’ll feature food from EJ Catering, The Potted Pig and Scene Cuisine, drinks from The Lansdowne’s barpeople and live music from Kookamunga.

Four Bars Swing Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2023 9253. Featuring a lindy hop class for beginners, followed by dancing to classic swing tracks.

Incandescent Hibiscus Lounge, Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff.

5.30-6.45pm, free. Info incandescentcf@gmail.com.

The return of this quarterly literary meeting. Bring your favourite poems and lyrics for discussion.

Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Fireside Stories National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3500. Part of National Storytelling Week.

On tomorrow also.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 29) Hedge Laying Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. £105. Info 01600 714595.

Inner City Cyphers Oner Signs, Cardiff. 12-5pm, free.

Info 029 2037 1231.

Pirate Weekend National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. On tomorrow also.

BUZZ 68

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

10 Minute Musicals The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, £80. Info 029 2128 0189.

Don’t Do This At Home!

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Fireside Stories National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

a guest on.

Hackensack Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2038 7026. Local jazz combo.

You can pay £5, £7 or £10 depending on what you think their performance is worth, taking into account various social and intersectional considerations.

Jane’s Calamity Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. An evenng

Dirty Alex might not be the most appealing band name of all time, but on the strength of their first few tracks they're a name to keep tabs on. Based in Cardiff, they combine conscious hip-hop with live jazzy instrumentation, akin to Guru's Jazzmatazz, and are launching an EP in Gwdihw on Thurs 8 Dec. Info 029 2057 3500.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Finishes today) Pirate Weekend National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY

Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Southampton Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 7.45pm.

Info 0870 400004.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Preston North End Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400.

live THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

2016 West Park Primary Christmas Concert Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1.30 + 6pm, £4. Info 01656 815995.

On tomorrow also.

BBC NOW: Belshazzar’s Feast St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5-£37. Info 029 2087 8444. A performance of this work by William Walton plus others by Elgar and Frederick Delius.

Chris Newman & Mairi Ni Cathasaigh Cuffern Manor, Roch, Haverfordwest. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01437 710071.

Counterparts + Expire + Landscapes + Knocked Loose Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7pm, £14. Info 029 2023 2199: Fronteers + The Broadcasts + Little Folk The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Presented by This Feeling.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s

of singing along to songs from the musicals round the piano.

Jess Glynne + Raye Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

7pm, from £25. Info 029 2022 4488. Sold out.

Katherine Jenkins Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £54/£44. Info 01792 475715.

Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £21.50. Info 01873 850805.

Nigel Price Organ Trio Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth.

8pm, £4-£8. Info 01834 869323. Spanjazz night. Also features a guitar workshop led

by Price himself (he isn’t the organist in the Organ Trio, you see), starting at 6pm and costing £3.

Pi & Hash Presents Local Showcase The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Also on Thurs 5 Jan. Portals Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Upbeat Sneakers Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

182 + Bowling For Cawl The Scene Club, Swansea.

7pm. Info 07730 432166.

Swanisphere present a poppunk tribute evening. Bowling For Cawl are indeed a Welsh tribute to Bowling For Soup.

Not gonna lie, this has made my day.

2016 West Park Primary Christmas Concert Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1.30 + 6pm, £4. Info 01656 815995.

Amser Jazz Time Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391.

Performances in the foyer every week until Fri 9 Dec. A Night At The Movies Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01495 227206. With the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Balsamo Deignton &

Friends Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01792 475715.

Bella & The Blues Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Bryn Yemm Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £12.50. Info 01873 850805.

Charity concert for Save The Children.

Chris Kelly Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Classic Intentions The Newbridge, Rumney, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2030 8031.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dual Control Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

First Annual Community Christmas Concert Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

7pm, £6. Info 01685 384111.

Featuring Redhouse Performance Academy, Treharris Male Voice Choir, Choir Of Light, Dare To Sing Ladies Choir and CAST Musical Theatre.

Foreign Beggars Sin City, Swansea. 10pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 468892. UK hip-hop stalwarts.

Give Me The Night Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With a five-course meal plus Nat Augustin paying tribute to George Benson.

Guto Dafis & Melusina Trio St Fagans Village Hall.

7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2970.

Pentreffest Noz monthly folk session.

Henry Marten’s Ghost Diabolo’s Gastro Pub, Carmarthen. Info 01267 232755.

Jake & The Jellyfish The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

John Nicholas Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 234447. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Kaytannau Plas Derwen, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853144. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month.

Los Campesinos! + Weddings Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Sold out.

Madness + Lightning Seeds Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £47.50/£35. Info 029 2022 4488.

Mr Tea & The Minions + Mike Dennis Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv.

Info 029 2039 7933. Dub/ swing/Balkan/whip your dreads in some poor bugger’s face type band headline.

Musical Portraits 3 National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7951. Anne Pritchard, Senior Curator of Historic Art at National Museum Cardiff, introduces the extensive Impressionist collection at the Museum and Kenneth Hamilton plays music by composers who worked at the same point in history.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A

Valley Folk Club night. Also on Fri 6 Jan. Opera Gala At Christmas Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2039 1391.

With the WNO Orchestra.

Outreach Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7.30pm. Info 01443 491424. Hip-hop/ battle night hosted by Urban Culture Wales. MCs: Cujo, Turna Phrase, The Forgotten, Double KD, EZ Mak, Young D, TNT, Dan Mac, Krazy Flow, Capacity 2 Reason, Feenix and Trapskipper v Junior T. Pardon Madame The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £150 weekend. Info www. planetrock.com/events/ planet-rock-live/planetrockstock-2016. This has been sold out for months. Today kicks off with one stage only, featuring The Dead Daisies, Tyketto, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons, A Thousand Horses and Stone Broken.

(Until Sun 4) Super Furry Animals + Bo Ningen Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £30. Info 01970 623232. Last month’s Buzz cover stars play the first of two gigs in the region we cover, the other being in Cardiff on Sat 17. They’ll be doing stuff off their first two albums.

Swnami + Ffracas Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.

Info 029 2023 2199: The Apartment + Dapper Cadavers The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £5. Info 01267 231012.

The Blockheads The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17 adv. Info 07590 471888.

The Cut Ups + Pipedream + Disjoy The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £5. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Presented by DIY Cardiff.

The Distributors Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 516194. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

The Ghost Riders In The Sky + Calling Apollo + No Beef Sin City, Swansea.

7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 468892. This band are fronted

by Steph Carter, ex of Gallows.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

The Kenny Driscoll Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Welsh Camerata Christmas Concert St Mary Of The Angels, Talbot Street, Cardiff. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2023 0492. Performing works

by Thomas Tallis. In Swansea on Sat 10 Dec.

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

3 Amp Cockett Inn, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

A Touch Of Holly At Christmas Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £17. Info 01600 772467. Buddy Holly tribute set.

Attila The Stockbroker The Albion, Penarth. Info 029 2033 0743. Plus DJs playing new

wave, punk and reggae.

Bad Reputation The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

Bella Courtyard, Newport.

3pm, free. Info 01633 213161.

Blues Brothers Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With a five-course meal plus Blues and soul hits from Birmingham duo.

Broken Jaw + Junk DNA + Incursion + Another Dead Hero + Magnu Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107.

Cardiff & Vale Music Services The Gate, Cardiff.

7pm, £6-£8. Info 029 2048 3344.

Cardiff University Jazz Ensemble Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7pm, free. Info 029 2087 4816. Performing music by Mozart, Schubert and Fokkens.

Cat Southall The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 654753. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Chains Of Fleetwood Mac The Dolls House, Abertillery.

7.30pm, £5. Info 01495 213300. Tribute band.

Choir Of The Year Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, £17.50-£31.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Featuring finalists in six categories and your host, Josie D’arby.

Chris John The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Christmas With The Sirens St Margaret’s Church, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info www.ticketsource.co.uk/ citysirens. Festive concert by local all-female a capella group.

Cloudbusting Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15.

Info 029 2089 0862.

Dan Reed + Nick B Byrne + Tom Roynon Blake + Rhys Davis The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Daz English Ty Risha, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 725287. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dodgy + Shimai + Darren Nigel Evans The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £15 adv. Info 01685 387925. Goodtime Britpop-era indie starts who, for whatever reason, ain’t too proud to play a pub in the valleys circa 2016.

Fedora Chic Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6.45pm, £18.

Info 01633 673739. A ‘bohemian jazz’ band play as part of an evening which includes tapas in the price. Yes that is their name, one you may well see checked on page 3 of this very issue.

Forever Never Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £8/£6 adv.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com.

Greenleaf + Steak + Lacertilia + Suns Of Thunder + Grifter + The Rollbars + VAILS + Oak The Moon Club, Cardiff. 2.3010.30pm, £10 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. A day of stoner rock bands, presented by Snuff Lane.

Grizzmas 2016 Mozarts, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 01792 649984. Annual punk rock bash, this year featuring sets from Teenage Mutant Single Mothers, Low Blows, Nihilistic and Iron Gosling, a name

live music which nearly caused me to smile.

Gwalia Singers Clyne Golf Club, Swansea. Info 01792 203392. Charity Christmas concert by local ensemble who perform at various other Swansea venues on Tue 6, Thurs 8, Tue 13, Wed 14 and Thurs 20. The number given here is that of their secretary.

Huw M Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £22.50 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415.

Huw V Williams Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Jazz.

Jazz All Stars Of Brecon Northcote Conservative Club, Brecon. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01874 622063.

Marillion Tramshed, Cardiff.

7pm, £28 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. UK proggoes, first time here for years I think.

Sold out.

Markham Band Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £8/£7. Info 01495 227206.

Mayor’s Charity Concert Pontypridd town centre.6pm, free. Info www. pontypriddmuseum.cymru.

Carols etc.

Nine Below Zero The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. If a second-hand record shop has Nine Below Zero LPs in the ‘punk/new wave’ section it’s guaranteed to be crap.

Only Men Aloud St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £27.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Ozzy Ozzspawn Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £7 adv.

Info 01443 682388. Tribute to Ozzy’s solo career.

Pilgrim + Kikamora + Fireroad + I Destroy + Mahouts + Heavy Flames Con Club, Aberdare. 5.30pm, £5 adv. Info 01685 871661.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £150 weekend. Info www. planetrock.com/events/ planet-rock-live/planetrockstock-2016. Main stage: British Lion featuring Steve Harris, Martin Turner, Whiskey Myers, The Raven Age, The Amorettes and Colour Of Noise. Second stage: The Dust Coda, Idlewar, Tess Of The Circle, Haxan, Under A Banner, Bad Touch and Darren’s DIY Band. (Until Sun 4) Rachel B Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Showaddywaddy Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 01792 475715. “‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 4 decades!” Glad that’s settled. In Abergavenny on Fri 13 Jan. Son Of Man Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £20. Info 07818 056599. Featuring Deke Leonard.

Soul Lotta Funk Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@

porterscardiff.com.

The 4th Kind Kiwis, Cardiff.

10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Acoustix The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2031 1319. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

The Christmas Fantasia Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm.

Info 0845 2263510. Featuring Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers. Sold out.

The D Teez The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Guy Tortora Band Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info 01633 483238. Borough Blues club gig.

The Money Shot Riverside Tavern, Newport. 7.30pm, free. Info 01633 439166. Punk band play in recently refurbished bar.

The Navarones Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £3. Info 01443 491424. Ska covers.

The Pistols + The Clashed + The Ramoned Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07512 237983. It was 40 years ago today / the Sex Pistols played in Caerphill-ay... meaning that having restlessly tapped its foot as London has got on their ‘40 Years Of Punk’ nostalgia ting during 2016, it can finally begin in south Wales.

Oh goody. Three tribute bands feature in this instance.

The Smiths Indeed Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £12.

WNO ORCHESTRA: A NIGHT IN VIENNA Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff, Fri 13 Jan Tickets: £16/£14. Info: 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk The orchestra of Welsh National Opera have a natural kinship with Vienna, a city whose relationship with the operatic medium has a long and distinguished history. In January, they’ll be in the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama to perform a concert in the classic Viennese style. The evening’s programme will centre on Mozart’s Concert For Flute, Harp And Orchestra, a technically demanding but widely revered part of Wolfgang Amadeus’ repertoire. Violinist David Adams will direct the performance, which will also include a number of waltzes and polkas. The pledge from venue and orchestra alike is to bring attendees a rich warmth on what will doubtless be a chilly midwinter evening.

Info 029 2023 2199. Tribute band, not commemorating 40 years of anything.

Vespertine + Fire Fences + Mumbleman The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com.

Voes + To Bear Sir The Dolls House, Abertillery.

7.30pm. Info 01495 213300.

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

Aubrey Parsons The Pheasant, Bridgend. 7pm, free. Info 01656 653614.

Calypso Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 234447. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Cardiff University Brahms: German Requiem Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

3pm, £8/free NUS. Info 01792 475715.

Chasing Cadence + Dream State The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 07730 432166.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Festive vocal performance in the foyer. (Until Tue 6) Del Mar Piano Trio Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 3pm, £3-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Electric Six + We Are Z The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888.

E6 very much in the category of ‘bands who book a December gig in Cardiff every year’, alongside Jools Holland, Status Quo and May Contain Nuts. This gig is sold out! In Swansea tomorrow though, which doesn’t seem to be.

Gruig The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. *Guttersnipe + Kazehito Seki + Oblong + Sunshine Undertone, Cardiff.

7.30-10.30pm, £6. Info 029 2022 8883. Lesson No.1 and FYB present various flavas of noiserock and noise, headlined by mercurial Leeds duo Guttersnipe. SEE THIS BAND! Mayor’s Charity Concert Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7pm, £6/£3. Info 01639 763214. In aid of Y Rhosyn Cancer Care and Alzheimers Research.

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Local singersongwriters perform in the main bar every week.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £150 weekend. Info www. planetrock.com/events/ planet-rock-live/planet-rockstock-2016. Main stage: Black Stone Cherry, Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, Inglorious, Von Hertzen Brothers and Jackaman.

Second stage: Simo, Federal Charm, Aaron Keylock, Black Orchid Empire, JOANovARC, Fallen Temples and Tequila Mockingbyrd. (Finishes today) Steve Tamer Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

The Lonely Hearts Rugby Clwb Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info

029 2030 4400. Twenty-piece band playing music from around the world.

The Sixteen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £5-£22.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

The Snowman Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2039 1391. Screening of said animation with a live orchestra. (Until Tue 6) Wonk Unit + The Murderburgers + Pizzatramp The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Punk bands, presented by Punk Rock Bowling.

DECEMBER

MONDAY 5

Caerphilly Christmas Showcase St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £7-£9. Info 029 2087 8444. Featuring ensembles and choirs from across said county.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Tue 6) Electric Six + We Are Z + Calling Apollo + Teenage Mutant Single Mothers The Scene Club, Swansea.

7pm, £14.50 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Groucho Club Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live jazz, also here on Mon 19 Dec and Mon 9 Jan. The Hiding Place + Chapter & Verse + Stay Voiceless Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7-10.30pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107.

The Snowman Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 10am + 12pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Tue 6) The So So Glos Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.

Info 029 2023 2199.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.

University Of South Wales Live Bands Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Mon 12 Dec, Mon 23 Jan and Mon 30 Jan.

TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER

Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers.

Akil The MC + Truemendous + Aleighcia Scott Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Also featuring DJ Jaffa. *Alison O’Donnell & Firefay + Sproatly Smith Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Alison was singer in culter-than-thou psych-folk band Mellow Candle in the early 70s, and will be doing some of those songs with Firefay, a French band. The Wyrd Wonder presents.

Biffy Clyro + Brand New Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

7pm, from £38.50. Info 029

2022 4488. Sold out. But we’re still running a Biffy interview Upfront, for the sole purpose of taunting anyone who wants to go but can’t.

Capital City Jazz Orchestra Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Llanfrynach Village Hall, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday.

Contemporary Music Group: Minimalist Classics Cardiff University Concert Hall. 6.15-9pm, free.

Info 029 2087 4816.

Gwalia Singers Scout/Guide Headquarters, Brynmill, Swansea. Info 01792 203392.

Gwyn Lewis & Friends Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Jessica Robinson & Rhiannon Pritchard The Riverfront, Newport. 3pm, £6.

Info 01633 656757. Soprano/ piano duo.

Jim Bob + Chris T-T The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Him out of Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine.

MC Lars + MC Chris + Mega Ran + Koo Koo Kanga Roo The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07730 432166. Nerd rapper headlines, supported by some people or bands with awful names.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Every Tuesday.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday.

RWCMD Festive Cafe Concert St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

3pm, £6.50. Info 01446 799100.

The Snowman Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 10am + 12pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Finishes today)

WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER

Acoustic Open Mic Night Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

7-11pm, free. Info 01685 384111.

Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Also on Wed 21.

Bella’s Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Blackhawk Big Band with Owain Mealing Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport.

8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Bryony Sier + Wayne Brennan + Olivia & The Saint NosDa, Cardiff.

8.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2037 8866. Hosted by U&I Radio.

Cardiff County And Vale Of Glamorgan BUZZ 69

live music Music Service Christmas Showcase St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2087 8444.

Cardiff University Chamber Orchestra Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7pm, £5/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Christmas Coffee Morning Concert The Met, Abertillery.

11am, £4. Info 01495 355800.

Price includes a coffee and a mince pie.

Mavron Christmas Recital The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344. Book in advance please.

More Than A Song Community Choir Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £3. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Mornington Lockett with Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Every Wednesday. Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday. *Pixies + Fews Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £32.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

See Upfront for an interview with Joey out of the Pixies, ahead of their first Cardiff gig for something like 27 years.

Royal Welsh College Chorus & Badinerie Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm,

£14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

The Heavy Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Three Legg’d Mare Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £6-£7.50. Info 01970 623232. Local folkies.

We’re No Heroes + Tibet + Boy Azooga Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER

Brother Mule Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Folk duo.

Dirty Alex Gwdihw, Cardiff.

8pm, £2. Info 029 2039 7933.

Launch show for a new local hip-hop collective who feature jazz musicians a la Guru’s Jazzmatazz. Might be alright.

Elvis Legacy Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With Mark Summers upholding that legacy, likewise your fivecourse meal.

English Chamber Ensemble St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£48. Info 029 2087 8444. This concert was going to feature well buff classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglic – shout out to all you thirsty Googlers who have made ‘...girlfriend’ the second autocomplete result for his name – but he can’t play, so will be compering and Craig Ogden will take his place.

Gwalia Singers Vivian Hall, Blackpill, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01792 203392.

Heart Of Gold Clwb Ifor

live review

Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8.

Info 029 2023 2199.

John Crespo Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

St Fagans Christmas Songsheet National History Museum, St Fagans. 6 + 7.30pm, £5.50. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also.

Viscera Trail + Sodomized Cadaver Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07970 063107. Death metal.

Headliners are from Israel and call themselves “the sickest band in the holy land!”

Winter Mountain + Little Red + Shootin’ The Crow Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Zervas & Pepper + Blue Rose Code The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £13 adv.

Info 07590 471888.

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

Amser Jazz Time Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391.

Andy Fairweather-Low & The Low Riders Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £21. Info 01873 850805.

A Night At The Movies: Heroes & Villains St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm,

PANIC! AT THE DISCO Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Fri 18 Nov

£5-£22. Info 029 2087 8444.

Cinematic theme music performed orchestrally, with the movies in question as a backdrop.

Belleville Gypsy Jazz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Bernard Woma Cardiff University Concert Hall.

6.45pm, £10/£8/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Esteemed Ghanian xylophone player.

Birdcage Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Christmas On Broadway Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2039 1391.

Festive songs from The Royal Welsh College Concert Orchestra and Only Men Aloud’s David Mahoney.

Cities + Boris A Bono + Joe Bayliss Cinema & Co, Swansea. 7.30pm, £4. Info 07981624959.

Diamond Nights Hamptons, Penarth.

7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With a five-course meal plus Jeff Phillips paying tribute to Neil Diamond.

Dirt The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Alice In Chains tribute band.

Dual Control Plas Derwen, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853144. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Eden Root Reggae Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026.

Also on Fri 13 Jan. ESP The Duke Of Wellington,

Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Ian Thomas Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Like A Lion Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Marc Angel The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Moody Groover Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

NosDa/Pi & Hash/ Roundhead Christmas Bash NosDa, Cardiff. Free.

Info 029 2037 8866. Two-day, all-day event featuring the following acts: Hip Route, The Kinky Wizzards, The Bakestones, Curious Orange, The Bastard Joe Kelly, Them

By There, Sam Antonio Freeway, Tobias Robertson, Thoby Davies, Ilana Held, Lee Owen, Best Laid Plans and more. On tomorrow also.

Palm Honey + Rainbow Maniac The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Purple Rain The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 07590 471888. Prince tribute set. This is long sold out so they added two more dates on Mon 19 and Tue 20, both of which also sold out.

Royal Welsh College Festive Brass St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £7/£6 adv.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Simon Trigg Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

St Fagans Christmas Songsheet National History Museum, St Fagans. 6 + 7.30pm, £5.50. Info 029 2057 3500.

Talking Bird Collective Rose & Crown, Porthcawl.

9pm, free. Info 01656 784850.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Glory Of Christmas Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7pm, £3.50-£8. Info 0800 0147111.

With the Parc & Dare Band.

The Orb Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Ambient/techno/ prog sorts. This is a live show, but see Clubs anyway.

The Tootsie Rollers Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Toriah Fontaine The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 01497 821762.

Trip The Switch Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Void + Pilgrim + Genovese + Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters The Dolls House, Abertillery.

7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 213300. This is billed as a Rock N Roll Circus Xmas Charity Bash For Cancer Care Line and is on tomorrow also, with other bands.

Wall Street The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 387925. Wall Street are a covers band and this is their last ever gig.

Whiskey River Trio The Ivy

It takes a die-hard Panic! At The Disco fan to queue up to be slammed against the front barriers today. The weather in Cardiff is biblical to say the very least; the sun is barely able to peep through the clouds and violent hailstorms come and go. That said, makeshift camps are made up outside the Motorpoint Arena and the hundreds seem in high spirits.

This becomes more apparent when confronted with the screams of the clientele as the first roadies shuffle onto the stage. Dozens of sub-five-footers run towards them, only to be disappointed and trudge back solemnly to their chaperones. Support band Tigertown, from Sydney, are surprisingly popular. They sound like the sort of band that would pop up on Yo Gabba Gabba! to sing a song about respecting your elders rather than act as understudies to a pop-rock band on a stadium tour, but their audience participation trickery means that the kids lap it up.

A small selection of contraceptives is blown up and they bob around above the crowd just before Brendon Urie and his backing band enter stage right to the tones of Misirlou.

A powerful bang and the condoms are blown out of the air by an elaborate explosion of streamers as they launch into Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time. The crowd go wild, cameraphones are held aloft and that’s pretty much as it goes for the next hour and a bit.

Much of the set is pulled from recent album Death Of A Bachelor but there are a couple plucked from their 2005 debut as well as a nod to 2008’s Pretty. Odd. in the form of Nine In The Afternoon. Even the unexpected (and more importantly, unnecessary) drum solo gets the crowd whipped up. There’s even something for the mums and dads as they stumble through an adequate cover of Bohemian Rhapsody.

It’s an accomplished show – fireworks, smoke machines, streamer cannons and other visuals help things along, and within 90 minutes we’re done. Everyone got what they came for, including the bargain basement merch providers outside who are savvy enough to know that their pockets will be filled by eager kids and parents not wanting to spend £30 on a tee indoors. words BEN GALLIVAN photos NATHAN ROACH

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR 2017: THE FALL (Tramshed, Cardiff, Fri 3 Feb) BRY (The Globe, Thurs 16 Feb) SUNDARA KARMA (The Globe, Thurs 23 Feb) THE DEARS (The Globe, Fri 24 Feb) JULIAN COPE (The Globe, Sun 26 Feb) WHITE LIES (Cardiff University Students Union, Mon 27 Feb) STORNOWAY (Tramshed, Wed 1 Mar) HANNAH WANTS (Cardiff University, Fri 3 Mar) MEILYR JONES (Cardiff BUZZ 70

live music Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

Abba Gold Gwyn Hall, Neath.

8pm, £15. Info 0300 3656677.

Tribute show.

Acid Reign + Shrapnel Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, £15/£12.50 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Goofy UK thrash metallers of old, recently reformed, pop down. *Alexander Hawkins / Elaine Mitchener Quartet Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Experimental jazz with an impressive pedigree.

Andy Fairweather-Low & The Low Riders Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50 adv.

Info 029 2023 5555.

Aubrey Parsons The Penny Farthing, Cowbridge. 7.30pm, free. Info 01446 774999.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Blackhouse The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £2.

Info 01685 387925. Covers.

Bute Chorus Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391.

Calypso The Fairwater Hotel, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 3049. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Casio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Celtic Pride The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

Chris Kelly The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Christmas Cabaret Evening Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 8pm, £15. Info 01495 355800. Pop covers, a cold buffet and a glass of fizzy wine.

Christmas With Elvis Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12.

Info 01873 850805. Starring Keith Davies.

Crowsaw + Daylight Robbery + SKAM + Stone Broken + Fahran + Twisted Illusion + Fallen Temples + Kikamora The Dolls House, Abertillery.

7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 213300.

Explosive Light Orchestra Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

8pm, £15. Info 01685 384111.

ELO tribute band.

Good Vibrations Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. Beach Boys tribute. Five-course meal.

Hells Bells The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 07590 471888. AC/DC tribute.

Huw Chidgey The Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304. Playing the monthly music sessions ran by the folks who previously did Open Hearth Acoustic. *Islet + Accu + 12 Drummers Drumming Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199. See Music. Also features a Cate Le Bon DJ set.

James Kennedy The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

7pm, from £43.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

Juice & Dave Parsons The Heath, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£5 kids. Info 029 2039 4207. A RUFF Ceilidh night, also featuring a guest spot from Cwmni Gwerin Pontypwl Welsh Folk Dancers.

Junior Conservatoire Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

5pm, £7.50/£4. Info 029 2039 1391.

Michael Leslie Ty Risha, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 725287. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Mike Dennis The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Motor Lizzy + Everyday Hero Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm, £2. Info 07981 684142. Motorhead and Thin Lizzy covers band who are playing a few places round here in December and January.

Music For Inner Peace Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2087 7959. Sri Chinmoy presents mantric music arranged with eastern and western instruments.

NosDa/Pi & Hash/ Roundhead Christmas Bash NosDa, Cardiff. Free.

Info 029 2037 8866.

Philomusica Of Aberystwyth Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £2-£9.50.

Info 01970 623232.

Punchline Hen Dderwen, Sketty, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 203631. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Risca Choir Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 8pm, £7.

Info 01633 868239.

Salvation Army Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800.

Sigiriya + The Groundnuts + Independents + People And Other Diseases Mozarts, Swansea. 7pm, £3.

Info 01792 649984.

Simon Parratt Courtyard, Newport. 3pm, free. Info 01633 213161.

Smiling Tigers + We Come From Ashes + Beneath The Divine The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Soul Stripper Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £6/£5 adv.

Info 01443 682388. AC/DC tribute band.

Strange Doors Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £11. Info 01495 708022. Doors tribute band.

Surplus Winter Warmer The Roath Park, Cardiff.

2pm-2am, £7.50/£5 before 6.

Info 01495 708022. Featuring the following: Drunk Floyd (techno), The Sporadics (punk), Lacertilia (psych), Gung Ho (punk), Hogslayer (sludge), Pizzatramp (punk), John Lewis (rockabilly), Clay Statues (punk), Monsterometer (rockabilly punk), Clusterfuck (electro) and Surplus DJs (all kindsa stuff).

The Shakes Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Promise Of Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3 + 7.30pm, £5-£13. Info 029 2087 8444. With the Cambrensis Choir & Orchestra.

The Special Brew + The Bungle Cult The Scene Club, Swansea. 8pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 07730 432166.

The Vibrators + Foreign Legion + Greazy Ratz The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £9 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Welsh Camerata Christmas Concert All Saints’ Church, Oystermouth, Swansea. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 369971.

core/garage from The Joy Collective and Lesson No.1.

Expect short sets here! Maybe the promoters will fill the time with some ripper tunes to dance to or something.

Steve Tamer Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

Topette-Bal Noel Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire.

8-10pm. Info 01239 841387.

Anglo-French folkies.

Will Barnes Hot Club Trio

Cardiff pub The Roath Park, specifically a big room upstairs, hosts a 12-hour bash titled the Surplus Winter Warmer on Sat 10 Dec. It features a grab-bag of punk, metal, folk, techno, rockabilly and electronica type acts, many of whom have also played parent event, the Surplus Festival.

Whitehall Parade Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

Christmas With The Stars St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £24/£23. Info 029 2087 8444. Lesley Garrett and others sing songs from the musicals.

Christmas Village Quire The Globe At Hay, Hay-OnWye. 4pm, £8 adv. Info 01497 821762. Songs and stories in trad folk, er, tradition.

City Voices Cardiff St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £5-£13. Info 029 2087 8444.

With City Voices Brass & Percussion plus organist Robert Court.

Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, except not on Christmas Day I wouldn’t have thought.

Heavy Quartet The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free.

Info 01600 712767.

Lissie + Teddy Thompson Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £20 adv.

Info 0871 4720400. Country, pop and folk in roughly equal measure. See Music.

My Name Is Ian + Ivan & The Terribles + The Gentle Good + Little Arrow + Quiet Marauder Gwdihw, Cardiff. 4pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7933. Bubblewrap Records Christmas party.

Salvation Army Messiah Christmas Concert Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

6pm, £5. Info 01792 475715. *Scrap Brain + Score + Van-illa Undertone, Cardiff.

7.30-10.30pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. DIY punk/hard-

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5.

Info 029 2038 7026. Playing the monthly Hot Club Swing night.

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER

Astroid Boys + Neverland Clan + Grove Street Families + Sony Double 1 + Manga Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. See Clubs for more on this show. It’s a combo of live bands and grime/rap MCs, you see.

Bay City Rollers + Sweet + Dirty Harry Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £32.50 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Glam rock bonanza. Sweet are one of two versions of The Sweet currently touring, while Dirty Harry is a Blondie tribute band.

BBC NOW: Søndergård At Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £10-£12. Info 029 2063 6464. Conductor Thomas Søndergård with a programme of Prokofiev and more.

Ceredigion Schools Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.45 + 7.30pm.

Info 01970 623232.

Every Time I Die + 68 + Drug Church The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

Info 07590 471888. Gnarly hardcore/metal band from the States headline. This has been sold out for months.

Jango Haze Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Jazz, also here on Mon 26 Dec and Mon 2 Jan. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Placebo Newport Centre.

6.30pm, £27.50 adv. Info 01633 656757. First Welsh date in what must be... ages,

to celebrate 20 years since their debut album. Ruddy heck. This has been sold out for months.

The Collective Big Band Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

The Computers + Atlas Wynd The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Rock’n’roll punk sorts play gig rescheduled from last month.

Treorchy Comprehensive School Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7pm, £3-£5. Info 0800 0147111. Annual Christmas concert.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

University Of South Wales Live Bands Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2038 7026.

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

AYDMS Christmas Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £6.

Info 01495 355800. Carols etc.

On tomorrow also.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Joel Frank + Rosie Bell + Ibex + Dimethoxy + Pipes Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. This is a new experimental art night called Fluxus, which strikes me as a slightly hubristic name to choose but hey.

Gwalia Singers Singleton Campus, Swansea University.

1-1.30pm. Info 01792 203392.

Himalayas + The Broadcasts Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Into The Ark Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11. Info 029 2023 2199.

Messiah St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£39.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Handel’s renowned work performed by the BBC National Chorus Of Wales and the WNO Orchestra. In Swansea on Sun 18.

Only Men Aloud Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £25. Info 01970 623232.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Paul Hornsby Octet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

The Memphis Six Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER

A Christmas Concert Of Seasonal Music And Carols St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£13. Info 029 2087 8444. In aid of CLIC Sargent.

Aubrey Parsons The Retreat, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2040 7987. Presented by Nailed It Events.

AYDMS Christmas Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £6.

Info 01495 355800.

Badfinger The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888. See Upfront, I think.

Beartooth + Vanna + Trash Boat Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2023 5555.

Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Wed 11 and Wed 18 Jan. Chepstow Community Big Band with Phil Lee Thomas Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus.com.

South Wales Big Band Society Christmas gig; price includes a buffet.

Clay + Monico Blonde + Hvnter The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Eduardo Niebla The Wyeside, Builth Wells.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01982 552555. Big cheese Spanish guitarist.

Folk Night Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd.

7pm. Info 01443 491424. Second Wednesday of every month.

Gwalia Singers Bay Campus, Swansea University.

1-1.30pm. Info 01792 203392.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Paul Sawtell Quartet with Danny Moss Jr Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10.

Info 07802 912789.

Quicksilver Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Swinging 60s To The Sizzling 70s Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With a fivecourse meal plus Julia Martin hailing those two decades.

Status Quo + REO Speedwagon + The Lounge Kittens Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £48.

Info 029 2022 4488. This is supposed to be Quo’s last electric tour ever. I reckon they’ll go back on that though.

Talking Bird Collective The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm, £2. Info 01685 387925.

The Dylan Project Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18. Info 029 2023 2199. Bob Dylan tribute band, featuring two Fairport Convention members. Fairport >>> Dylan, just throwing that out there.

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER

Abbaholics The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge. 8.30pm, free. Info 01446 774814. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Age Cymru Winter Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7pm, £8-£15. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring the Morriston Orpheus Choir, Academi Berfformio Caerdydd and guests.

Andrew Fawcett Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

A Night Of Soul & Motown Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm,

University, Fri 3 Mar) DAVE MASON (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 7 Mar) SAM BAILEY (Grand Theatre, Swansea, Wed 8 Mar) ALL TIME LOW (Cardiff University, Sat 11 Mar) THE XX (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Fri 17 Mar) JAMES ARTHUR (St David’s Hall, Sat 18 Mar) MARTI PELLOW (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sun 19 Mar) SONATA ARCTICA (Tramshed, Sun 19 Mar) BEAR’S DEN (Tramshed, BUZZ 71

live music £39. Info 029 2070 5391. With a five-course meal plus music from Glen Leon.

Bad Manners The Neon, Newport. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

Info 01633 533666. *Chain Of Flowers + TV Crime + Disjoy The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £8/£6 adv.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Noisy indie/dreamy punk locals. Good support bands too.

Dark Valley Revival The Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304. Welsh bluegrass band.

Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18.

Info 029 2023 2199. American R&B veteran.

Granny’s Attic Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night.

Please Mind Your Head Christmas Party Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5.

Info 029 2023 2199. Featuring these acts: Little Arrow, Farm Hand, Mike Dennis, Quiet Marauder, Gindrinker and DJ Ben Jah Meakin.

Sean McGowan Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 01633 221477.

Starsailor Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50 adv.

Info 029 2023 5555. *Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats + Vodun The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 07590 471888. See Muaic.

White Eskimo + Digital Criminals The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07730 432166.

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

360 Degrees Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Al Lewis & Friends Christmas Show St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, £15/£12.50 adv. Info 029 2022 9683. Also featuring Carwyn Ellis and Lily Beau.

Arrival Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £19.50/£17.50.

Info 01686 614555. Abba tribute.

Aubrey Parsons The Penny Farthing, Cowbridge. 7.30pm, free. Info 01446 774999.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Bad Sam + Motor Lizzy The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm, £5. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

BBC NOW: Christmas Celebrations Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15-£20.

Info 01792 475715. Conducted

by Richard Balcombe.

Belleville Rouge Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Calypso Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Catrin Finch’s Classical Cafe Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv/£7.50 early bird. Info 029 2089 0862. Four emerging artists from the classical world each performing a 20 minute set in a relaxed environment.

Chris Kelly Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by

Nailed It Events.

Cwmbach Male Choir Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare.

7pm, £10/£8. Info 0800 0147111.

General Skank + Miss Mitten Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 8pm, £10. Info 01239 615952. Reggae, cabaret, Christmas.

Gulah The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Kill 66 The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm. Info 01495 213300. Metal covers.

Live Wire + Limehouse Lizzy Tramshed, Cardiff.

7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. AC/DC and Thin Lizzy tributes.

Mamma Mia Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391. Abba tribute, five-course meal, on tomorrow also.

Marc Angel The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Martha Tilston The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £12 adv. Info 01497 821762.

Oddvar Johansen with Helge Lien & Torben Snekkestad Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Norwegian jazzers.

Paul Dark Plas Derwen, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853144. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rhys James Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Shelter Cymru Christmas Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £85. Info 029 2039 1391. Hosted

by Bryn Terfel, Rebecca Evans, Only Boys Aloud and friends. That price gets you a pre-show reception and after-show party too.

Skalet The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07590 471888. Welsh ska band with what they claim is their final reunion gig.

Talking Bird Jazz Courtyard, Newport. 3pm, free. Info 01633 213161.

Talon Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £21.

Info 01873 850805. Eagles tribute. On tomorrow also; in Aberystwyth on Sun 18.

The Amazing Blues Brothers The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

The Correspondents Queens Hall, Narberth.

7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 01834 869323. Electroswing types.

The Firm Kiwis, Cardiff.

10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Fugitives Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

The Johnstown Flood The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Treatment Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £10 adv.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue.

com.

The Whitefern Mountain String Band Miners’ Welfare Hall, Resolven. 8pm. Info www.facebook.com/ whitefern-mountain-stringband-84010602197.

UB4D The Neon, Newport.

7pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 533666. UB40 tribute band.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER Aberystwyth Choral Society Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £2-£12. Info 01970 623232. Performance of Tippett’s A Child Of Our

To Remember and Funeral For A Friend. They don’t have names yet though. Always assumed that with a tribute band you came up with the name first.

Off The Record Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paige Kenzie Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Dark Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by

The Pizza Tipi in Cardigan, something of a Buzz favourite, hosts a gig headlined by west Walian psych sort Cate Le Bon on Thurs 22 Dec. Bas Jan and Alex Dingley also feature. Cold At Night are the promoters, and while their name will doubtless be prophetic, a big fire is promised. Plus pizza.

Time.

BBC NOW: Christmas Celebrations St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£37.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv/£25 VIP. Info 029 2023 5555.

Christmas With The Choir 2016 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510.

Featuring Côr Meibion Llanelli. *Clutch + Valient Thorr + Lionize Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2078 1458.

Doughty American heavy rockers play their biggest Welsh gig yet.

Dai Robs Christmas Special Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £7. Info 01686 614555.

John Paul Gard & Alex Hutchins The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Kaine The Patriot, Crumlin.

9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

NWOBHM revival type band with three guitars. Might be decent.

Mad Dog McRae Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £11. Info 029 2023 2199.

Mamma Mia Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £39. Info 029 2070 5391.

Mohwakestra The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Motorheadache Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 07970 063107. Tribute band.

My Chemical Bromance The Scene Club, Swansea.

7pm. Info 07730 432166. MCR tribute headline a night that also features tributes to A Day

Nailed It Events.

Recluse + Greenmailer + Theme From Alex Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 01443 491424.

Sam Dowden The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01497 821762.

Sarah Brown Ty Risha, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 725287. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Sendelica Drone Band + Spurious Transients Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 07818 056599.

Simon Trigg The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 654753. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Stars In Their Eyes Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Twice-yearly cover band evening for charity.

Super Furry Animals + Ffug + Goldie Lookin Chain Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £30. Info 029 2022 4488.

Talking Bird Collective Hen Dderwen, Sketty, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Talon Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £21.

Info 01873 850805.

Tarion Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free.

Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Big What?!

Band Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com.

The Blunders + Failed State, Regret + Laymens Terms + Trigger McPoopShute The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm.

Info 01495 213300. Punk bands.

The Grass Snakes The

Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01792 473276.

The Happenings Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Johnstown Flood The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com.

The Kansas Smitty’s Band Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

The UB40 Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Tribute band.

Troy Ellis And The Hail Jamaica Band Meze Lounge, Newport. 10pm, £5.

Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of a Winter Ska Session that also features DJs spinning tunes across the genre’s history – INCLUDING ska-punk.

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER

Affinity Female Voice Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2030 4400.

Performing two special Christmas sets.

Carols For Christmas St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £5. Info 029 2087 8444. With the BBC National Chorus Of Wales and lots of primary school kiddies.

Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

Jazz in the bar.

Dave Luke + Chuck Micallef Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £5-£8. Info 07818 056599. Country duo.

Drenge Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50. Info 029 2023 2199.

Glen Tilbrook The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888.

Korn + Limp Bizkit Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

7pm, from £39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Ironic Korn Purchase Leads To Non-Ironic Crowdsurf – The Onion Messiah Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01792 475715.

Steve Tamer Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Talon Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £22/£20. Info 01970 623232.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

The West End At Christmas The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7pm, £8-£12.

Info 01639 843163. Songs from musicals etc.

Welcome To Christmas 2016 Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8/£7. Info 01873 850805. Sing along to some seasonal bangers.

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER

Groucho Club Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Purple Rain The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info

07590 471888. Sold out.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

Bluesy Susie And The Hot 3 Muse Arts Centre, Brecon.

8pm, £10/£8. Info 07791 654799.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Ffug + Argrph + Adwaith Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933.

Gwalia Singers Mumbles Pier, Swansea. 6pm. Info 01792 203392.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Opera Holloway The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 01685 387925.

The Wessex New Orleans Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

The West End At Christmas Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

All That Malarkey The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10£12. Info 029 2048 3344.

Comedic cabaret group Andy Collins Open Mic Night Cockett Inn, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Ffi Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. New singer-songwriter.

Gimme Abba The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute set.

Himalayas + The Broadcasts + Parish Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 029 2031 0312.

Jeff Hooper & Alan Barnes Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

8pm, £11.50. Info 01656 815995.

Jelly Roll Jones Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Llantrisant Folk Club Christmas Party Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01443 226892.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Purple Rain The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 07590 471888. Sold out.

The Cottle Brothers Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £13.50. Info 07802 912789. Christmas party evening.

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER Bad Manners The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Cate Le Bon + Bas Jan + Alex Dingley Pizza Tipi,

Fri 24 Mar) BLOSSOMS (Tramshed, Sat 25 Mar) FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES (The Globe, Sun 26 Mar) COURTNEY PINE + OMAR (Tramshed, Fri 31 Mar) GRAND MAGUS (The Globe, Sat 1 Apr) YOU ME AT SIX (Motorpoint Arena, Sat 15 Apr) BURY TOMORROW (Cardiff University, Fri 21 Apr) SNARKY PUPPY (Tramshed, Sat 6 May) WARD THOMAS (Tramshed, Wed 17 May) SIMPLE MINDS (St BUZZ 72

live music Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8-£15/ free under-13s. Info 01239 612259. Cold At Night present a festive gig in their coalyard.

Christmas By Candlelight Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Performed by the Chamber Orchestra Of Wales.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636.

Red Morning Light + A Night Like This + Half Blind + New Age Banquets + I Digress The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Smooth Operator Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 516194. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

The 1975 Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £23. Info 029 2022 4488. Sold out.

The Riff Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2199.

FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER

Christmas By Candlelight Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7.30pm, £13.50. Info 01792 475715.

James Kennedy Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 234447. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Keith Rock Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Lee Calaway Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paige Kenzie Lamb & Flag, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 857611. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Palomino Party Undertone, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Presented by Rotary Club.

Pull The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Hit Kings Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Semantics The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

9pm, £2. Info 01685 387925.

Tommy & The Trouble The Full Moon, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER

Chris John The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Jon Paul The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 6pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Mr Fishy The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Sebastian The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The VIPs Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info

01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Tribute set.

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER

2 Rude The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Ska and 2-tone tribute band play and there’ll be DJs until late as well.

Albino Frogs The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, £20. Info 01600 712767. That price gets you a three-course Indian meal and some champagne at midnight.

Alive & Kickin Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events.

A Night At The Musicals Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £85. Info 029 2070 5391.

Samantha Link sings songs from film and stage while a SEVEN-course meal is served.

Claire M The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove + Junior Bill + Milk Sully’s Yard, Cardiff. 7pm-4am, £15 adv Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Headliners are launching an album apparently, and their Voodoo Revue will feature lots of other jolly things.

Jumpin’ Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Hats off to Porter’s for being the first people to send me a NYE listing whose text specifically plays on what a shitheap of a year 2016 has been.

Kamikazee Millionaires The Patriot, Crumlin. 9pm, £7. Info 01495 247178.

Phil Campbell All Starr Band The Muni, Pontypridd.

8.30pm, £22. Info 01443 490390.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers + Marie Batchelder The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

7.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Soho Sopranos The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

The Acoustix The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Moon Birds The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

9pm, £15. Info 01685 387925.

Ticket price also gets you a buffet of the finest snacks available in Merthyr.

The Silver Surfers Rose & Crown, Porthcawl. 9pm, free. Info 01656 784850.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Up The Creek The Old Inn, Swanaea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 894097. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Bella Collins Band West End Club, Barry. 4.30-7pm.

Info 07561 143114.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

Paul Dark The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 3pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Jango Haze with Leila McKenzie Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Rachel B The Fairwater Hotel, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 3049. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Sonic Boom The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

Steve Tamer Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny.

Free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Talking Bird Collective Rose & Crown, Porthcawl.

9pm, free. Info 01656 784850. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Underdogs Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER

2 Rude Riverside Tavern, Newport. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 01633 439166.

WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Tom Auton + Owain Whatley + Albino Frogs The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8.30pm. Info 01685 387925. Hosted by U&I Radio.

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER

Chroma + Hyll + Cadno Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2023 2199.

Midnight Black + The Last But One Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5. Info 01443 682388.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636.

FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER

Andy & Gos Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Ashton Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Pauline Kaytannau Wood The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Bowie Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888.

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 1 JANUARY

Dizzy Lizzy + Digital Criminals The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £7/£6 adv. Info 01685 387925.

Hells Bells The Dolls House, Abertillery. 6pm,

£6/£5 adv. Info 01495 213300. AC/DC tribute.

Steve Tamer Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. Free.

Info 01873 853613. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

MONDAY 2 JANUARY

Jango Haze Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

TUESDAY 3 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

THURSDAY 5 JANUARY

Free For All Festival Launch Party The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. In keeping with previous years here, every gig in January is free entry.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636.

Pi & Hash Presents Local Showcase The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

FRIDAY 6 JANUARY

Chris John Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Clay Statues + The Sonny Bonds Duo + Welcome Back Delta + KVSD The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Kaytannau The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Lee Calaway Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 234447.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe.

8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

Beyond The Barricade St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Songs from the musicals.

Glas Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.

7.30pm, £7/£5. Info 01633 483238. Borough Blues club gig.

Henry Marten’s Ghost The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Jon Paul The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Lee Calaway Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Motor Lizzy The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm.

Info 01495 213300. Metal covers.

Rhys Davis Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 9pm. Info 01443 491424.

Wright Hear Wright Now The Birchgrove, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

Bel Blue + Tom Crow + Amy Goddard The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Presented by Acoustic Routes.

On New Year's Eve 2015, Lemmy out of Motörhead had just died, so the band’s guitarist Phil Campbell probably didn’t have the best time. On Sat 31 Dec 2016, though, he and his All Starr Band will be whooping it up at Pontypridd Muni with a set of ‘Head gems plus various other rock classics thrown in. info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Deaf Horse + Blackjazk Zero + Bag Of Bones The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, free. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

Jon Paul The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm.

Info 07477 627267. Also on Sun 22.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

MONDAY 9 JANUARY

Groucho Club Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 10 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Preservation Kings Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY

Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Folk Night Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 491424. Second Wednesday of every month.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

The Rumblestrutters Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY

Electrick Haze The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636.

Open Mic Night The Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304.

The Counterfeit Sixties Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £17.50/£15.50. Info 01792 475715. Covers revue.

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY

Acoustic Sinners The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

A Night In Vienna Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 029 2039 1391.

The WNO Orchestra perform works including Mozart’s Flute & Harp concerto.

BBC NOW: Great Brits 1 Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10-£12.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Eden Root Reggae Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026.

Eduardo Niebla Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01239 621200.

Top Spanish guitarist.

Henry Marten’s Ghost

David’s Hall, Tue 30 May) ANASTACIA (St David’s Hall, Sun 4 June) ROBBIE WILLIAMS + ERASURE (Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wed 21 June) BLINK 182 (Motorpoint Arena, Mon 3 July)

BUZZ 73

stage Beaufort Arms, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 234447.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

John Paul Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

King King + Broken Witt Rebels The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 07590 471888. Blues-rock faves.

New Roads Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Ashton The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

£18.50. Info 029 2039 1391.

Violin recital.

Paul Jones & Dave Kelly St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £22.

Info 01446 799100.

Risca Male Choir Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01495 227206.

The All Nighters The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Live northern soul band.

The Counterfeit Seventies Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

7.30pm, £17/£15. Info 01633 868239.

The ELO Experience Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715.

American 'math-metal' band The Dillinger Escape Plan's live shows are notorious, especially the time where their vocalist threw his own dung at a Reading Festival crowd. This probably won't happen on Mon 23 Jan at Cardiff Tramshed, but it is their last ever tour so who knows what they have planned.

by Nailed It Events.

Showaddywaddy Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £20. Info 01873 850805.

Soul Legends St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Featuring Clem Curtis from The Foundations.

Supreme Queen Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 01792 475715.

Tribute band.

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY

Acoustic Sinners The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Adwaith + Francesca’s Word Salad + Fflur Dafydd + Gareth Bonello The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7-10pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Presented by Timeless Promotions, Beast PR, Decidedly Records and Hope Not Hate.

Benn Willis Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dual Control The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Guns 2 Roses + No Glory The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm, £6 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

Henry Marten’s Ghost Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Kaytannau The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 654753. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Nicola Benedetti Plays Beethoven Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50BUZZ 74

Tribute band.

Tommy Emmanuel St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444.

Acoustic guitar whiz from Australia.

Ultimate Floyd Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 01443 682388. Pink Floyd tribute band.

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

MONDAY 16 JANUARY

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Tommy Harris Quartet Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 17 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk.

John Scantlebury Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Spiro St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £13. Info 029 2087 8444. UK folk act who combine that influence with minimalism a la Steve Reich etc. Presented by Roots Unearthed.

WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY

Blues Duo Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

THURSDAY 19 JANUARY

Avenged Sevenfold + Disturbed + In Flames Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

7pm, from £45. Info 029 2022 4488. Metal triple bill.

Sold out. Hopefully mostly to people who heard that Simon & Garfunkel cover Disturbed did and think all their songs will be like that.

Black Skies Burn + Vile Inscription + Levitas + Edbodiment + Negative Thought Process Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Presented by Eradication.

Conformist The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Gerry Cross The Mersey Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare.

7.30pm, £20. Info 0800 0147111.

Keith Donnelly Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night.

The Roy Orbison Story Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715. Tribute show.

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY

Acoustic Sinners Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free.

Info 01446 407767. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

BBC NOW: Mahler 6 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£37. Info 029 2087 8444. Conducted by Adrian Partington and Thomas Søndergård. In Swansea tomorrow.

John Alderslade The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

Jon Paul The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Jon Crespo’s Continuum Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026.

Jon Paul The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

New Roads The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Ashton Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Punchline Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rebecca Newman Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

7.15pm, £17.50/£15.50. Info 01792 475715. Apparently this lady’s nickname is ‘the people’s soprano’, which means she sings popera.

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £34/£24. Info 01792 475715. Tribute band.

The Quireboys Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £15 adv. Info 07970 063107. Unplugged set.

Tyhai Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7.30pm. Info 0845 2263510.

Indo-Celtic folk trio featuring Rajesh David, Pete Stacey and Dylan Fowler.

Valleys Folk Ceilidh Blaenavon Rugby Club.

7.30-10.30pm, £3. Info 01495 790446.

We’re No Heroes The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Acoustic Sinners The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 654753. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

BBC NOW: Mahler 6 Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7.30pm, £15-£20. Info 01792 475715.

Ben Huws The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Cat’s Claw The Heath, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£5 kids.

Info 029 2039 4207. A RUFF Ceilidh night, also featuring caller Mic Spenceley.

Chop Suey + Killswitch UK The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01685 387925.

Tributes to System Of A Down and Killswitch Engage.

Kaytannau The Fairwater Hotel, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 3049. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Let’s Hang On Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715.

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute act.

Revolver The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

The Bachelors Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £19/£18. Info 01633 868239.

Venerable Irish duo.

The Shades Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Ultimate Floyd The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01495 213300. Pink Floyd tribute.

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

A Day To Remember + Neck Deep + Moose Blood Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £25. Info 029 2022 4488. Pop-punk goonery in triplicate.

Cardinal Bay + Decembre The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Also featuring workshops from 2.30pm.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

MONDAY 23 JANUARY

Devil You Know The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £12.50 adv. Info 07730 432166.

This band feature Howard Jones who was the singer in Killswitch Engage.

Dom Norcross Quartet Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360.

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. *The Dillinger Escape Plan Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Longstanding

twiddly metalcore band on what they say is their last ever tour.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

University Of South Wales Live Bands Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2038 7026.

TUESDAY 24 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk.

Dave Smith Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

King Creosote Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16.50 adv.

Info 029 2023 5555. Scottish indie-folkie.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY

Bully Wee Band Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725.

Celtic folk quartet.

Candlebox + Jeff Angell’s Staticland The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

Info 07590 471888. Seattle hard rock band who got their break in the early 90s, when a dog’s egg with a lolly stick in could get signed if it was from Seattle.

Jelly Roll Jones Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £33.50/£23.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

Aeddan The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Amy Wadge & Luke Jackson The Wyeside, Builth Wells. 8pm, £13/£11.

Info 01982 552555.

Donny Osmond Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £40.

Info 029 2022 4488.

Half Waif Dempseys, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Experimental synthpop from Brooklyn.

Hotel Books Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07970 063107. Post-rock meets spoken word from California.

Martha Wainwright Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £24.50/£22.50. Info 029 2023 5555.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636.

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY

Amy Wadge & Luke Jackson Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01239 621200. In Cardiff tomorrow.

BBC NOW: Welsh Foundations 3 Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10£12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Performances of compositions by Welshmen, namely William Mathias, Daniel Jones, Gareth Glyn and Alun Hoddinott.

Bella Blues Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£2.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Classic Intensions The Twelve Knights, Margam.

9pm, free. Info 01639 882381.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Elvis: The Legend Lives On Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206. With Gordon Davis. On tomorrow also.

John Paul Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Kaytannau Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Max Boyce Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01633 868239. On tomorrow also.

New Roads White Horse, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 652583. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Ashton The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Special Consensus Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 602060. See Music.

The Boss UK The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Springsteen tribute.

The Karrots Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

7.30pm, £20. Info 01639 763214. Local band from the 80s/90s play two reunion gigs. This one is sold out but tomorrow’s isn’t, at the time of typing. I’m listening to their song Plastic Deals on YouTube, which is uploaded off a knackered tape and as such could pass for some ultra-hip hypnagogic yacht rock indie thing.

Tyketto Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7pm, £15 adv. Info 07970 063107. Early 90s hard rockers. Sold out.

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY

Amy Wadge & Luke Jackson Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Chris John The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dual Control Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Elkie Brooks Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01600 719401.

Elvis: The Legend Lives On Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206.

ESP Cockett Inn, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Get Ready! Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events. *Gruff Rhys New Theatre,

stage Cardiff. 7pm, £18 adv. Info 029 2087 8889. Super Furries frontman performs his soundtrack the film Set Fire To The Stars, which is swish and jazzy but seems to have gone under the radar a bit.

The screening starts at 7pm and the live set at 9.

Henry Marten’s Ghost The Red Dragon, Bridgend.

9pm, free. Info 01656 654753.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Kast Off Kinks Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 01446 738622.

Tribute band.

Kit Downes & Lucy Railton Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Highly rated UK jazzer plus cellist Railton. See Music.

Legend The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Bob Marley tribute.

Max Boyce Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01633 868239.

Off The Record Hen Dderwen, Sketty, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 203631.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Karrots Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01639 763214.

Typesun Gwdihw, Cardiff.

9pm, £6/£4. Info 029 2039 7933. Live jazzy electronica playing as part of the Cosmogramma night.

Tytan The Patriot, Crumlin.

9.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

Reformed NWOBHM band.

Not heard them but one of the members was in Angel Witch so that’s not a bad start.

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

Black Mountain Jazz The King’s Arms, Abergavenny.

7.45pm. Info 07958 612691.

With a guest act TBC. My Only + Frown Upon Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 07970 063107.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675.

MONDAY 30 JANUARY

Dick Hamer Quartet Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360.

Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

University Of South Wales Live Bands Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2038 7026.

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY

Capital City Jazz Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £13. Info 029 2087 8444.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk.

Hot Strings Cafe Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Welsh Singer Competition Winner 2016 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2087 8444. Featuring Sioned Gwen Davies.

stage THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10-£22. Info 029 2087 8889. Presented by Orbit Theatre and penned by Broadway writing duo Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.

(Until Sat 3) Angelos & Barry Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400.

Comedy duo.

Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. Simon Stephens’ play, presented here by the Richard Burton Company, about the lives of three friends spanning the Tory goverments of 1979-97.

(Until Sat 10) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £6. Info 01633 656757. Panto, presented by Hiss And Boo. Also on Sat 3, Sat 10, Wed 14, Sat 17, Sun 18, Tue 20-Sat 24 and Mon 26-Sat 31.

Dai Aspora Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5-£7.

Info 01970 623232. Oneman comedy show in which a retired Welsh fruit seller talks about his ancestors.

Dance Through The Musicals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9.50/£7.50. Info 01633 868239. With Annette’s School Of Dance. (Until Sat 3) Dani Dee School Of Dance Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7pm, £10.50/£9.50 kids. Info 01792 475715.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. Panto starring Frank Vickery and someone from Stella. In Treorchy from Sun 18-Sat 24. (Until Wed 14) Gangsta Granny Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am + 1pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555. Stage adaption of David Walliams’ kids’ book.

(Until Sat 3) It’s A Wonderful Life Little Theatre, Neath. £5.

Info 01639 643462. A live radio play, by Joe Landry and directed by Debra James.

(Until Sat 3) Light Waves Dark Skies Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

New work by We Made This, exploring the beauty and power of light and water and our place in the universe.

(Until Sat 3) Mary Bijou’s Fairytale Christmas The Depot, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk.

Cardiff-based cabaret faves present a festive show which also incorporates circus and dance.

Not The End Of The World The Wyeside, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £10/£6.50.

Info 01982 552555. Mid Powys Youth Theatre with a stage adaption of Geraldine McCaughrean’s novel. (Until Sat 3) Santa In Love Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 1pm, £8-£9. Info 01446 738622.

Family musical.

Sean Lock Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £23. Info 029 2063 6464.

Shirley Valentine Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £10.50. Info 01656 815995.

The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10am + 2pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Mary Norton’s book is the inspiration for the Sherman’s main Christmas production this year. Afternoon performance is dementia-friendly. (Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes The Drill Hall, Chepstow. 10.30am, £8/£6.

Info 01291 625981. The Sherman’s Christmas production for 2016, on the last day of its Welsh tour before it settles back into the Sherman Theatre from Mon 5-Sat 31 Dec. The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomens Guild Operatic Society’s Production Of The Mikado Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. Amateur theatre about amateur theatre.

On tomorrow also.

The Snow Queen Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. Llinos Mai’s new adaptation of this classic tale.

(Until Sat 3) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. Shakespeare, performed by the Richard Burton Company. (Until Sat 10) The Witches Of Eastwick Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510.

Presented by Llanelli Musical Players. On tomorrow also.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt! Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 11am, 1pm + 4.30pm, £8.50. Info 01792 602060. Kids’ show based on the book. On tomorrow also.

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£22. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sat 3) Andy Askins + Andrew Stanley + Jen Brister + Kevin McCarthy Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £25.

Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Thus is Christmas party prices kicking in now. You can pay more for vari- ous meal combos but I’m not listing them all.

Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale.

7pm, £14/£11. Info 01495 355800. Panto, starring Owen Money. (Until Sun 4) Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info

029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Dance Through The Musicals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9.50/£7.50. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 3) Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am, 12.30pm + 7pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 14) Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 16.

Gangsta Granny Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am + 7pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555. (Until Sat 3) Hello Cabaret Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.30pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. West End performers do songs from the musicals.

It’s A Wonderful Life Little Theatre, Neath. £5. Info 01639 643462. (Until Sat 3) Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. Tracey Letts’ play about an encounter with a professional killer. (Until Sat 10) Light Waves Dark Skies Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 3) Not The End Of The World The Wyeside, Builth Wells.

7.30pm, £10/£6.50. Info 01982 552555. (Until Sat 3) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Establishment Club Mozarts, Swansea. 7-10pm, free (donations welcome).

Info 01792 649984. Comedy, poetry, spoken word etc

2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) The Witches Of Eastwick Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt! Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 11am, 1pm + 4.30pm, £8.50. Info 01792 602060.

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

360 Degrees Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.30pm, £2. Info 01633 263670.

Christmas cabaret.

A Christmas Carol New Theatre, Cardiff.

2.30 + 7.30pm, £10£22. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Finishes today) Andy Askins + Andrew Stanley + Jen Brister + Kevin McCarthy Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £30. Info 0871 4720400.

Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 2 + 6pm, £14/£11. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sun 4) Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Christmas Fundraising Gala Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £35. Info 029 2063 6464.

A variety of performances hosted by National Dance Company Wales.

Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dance Through The Musicals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9.50/£7.50. Info 01633 868239. (Finishes today) Dick Whittington Coliseum

Fancy some Ghost Stories For Christmas? At three Welsh venues in December – Narberth Queens Hall on Sun 4, Neath Gwyn Hall on Wed 7 and Y Ffwrnes in Llanelli on Tue 13 – you can spookify yourself with just that. A company called Don't Go Into The Cellar are responsible. from this laundry list: Chris Chopping, Jeff Japers, Tim Evans, Rhoda Stewart, Anita Shaw, Tony Webb, Rebekah Louise, Nathan Webb, Josh Elton, Victoria Lee, Iqbal Malik, Eve Moriarty, Calum Stewart, Dave Parton, Mat Troy and Geraint Thomas.

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomens Guild Operatic Society’s Production Of The Mikado Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670.

The Snow Queen Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 3) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029

Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Gangsta Granny Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10.30am + 2pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555. (Finishes today) It’s A Wonderful Life Little Theatre, Neath. £5. Info 01639 643462. (Finishes today) Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Light Waves Dark Skies Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Not The End Of The World The Wyeside, Builth Wells.

2.30 + 7.30pm, £5-£10. Info 01982 552555. (Finishes today)

OTUS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 01874 611622. Circus performance presented by Company O&B. In Cardiff on Sat 10.

Pierre Hollins + Jay Handley + Jonnie Price Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £10.

Info 0845 2263510. Comedy Club night.

Pinnochio The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, £8.50 adv/£6.50 kids. Info 029 2048 3344.

Panto by Black RAT Productions. There are lots of performances but apart from this one, and one on Sat 10, they’re all for schools.

Raslas Bach A Mawr Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 1 + 6.30pm, £9/£7. Info 01239 621200. Welsh language family comedy. In Llanelli on Wed 7 and Thurs 8.

Shirley Valentine Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01685 384111. Presented by the Lighthouse Theatre Company.

The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Snow Queen Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3 + 7pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Underneath A Magical Moon Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £6-£8. Info 01970 623232. Family show presented by York Theatre Royal.

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 2 + 6pm, £14/£11. Info 01495 355800. (Finishes today) Christmas with The Stars Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

3pm, £9. Info 01633 868239.

Dance.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Ghost Stories For Christmas Queens Hall, Narberth. 7pm, £9 adv. Info 01834 869323. Spooky theatre presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar.

Larry Dean + Joe Jacobs + Alicia Roberts + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff.

7pm, £6. Info 029 2031 0312.

Presented by Buffalo Comedy.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.

Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 4pm, £8.50-£20.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Two stories presented by Ballet Cymru.

Santa Saves Christmas Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

1pm, £9/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. Show aimed at 2-7-year-olds.

Secured AJ’s Coffee House, Cardiff. 7pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2045 1588.

Play presented by Clock Tower Theatre. The following two days are a fiver a ticket.

BUZZ 75

stage (Until Tue 6) T42 Christmas Special Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £8/£7. Info 01633 263670. Variety show of some sort. (Until Tue 6) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10)

MONDAY 5 DECEMBER

Congress Youth Christmas Fundraiser Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7pm, £6.

Info 01633 868239. Theatre.

Secured AJ’s Coffee House, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2045 1588. (Until Tue 6) T42 Christmas Special Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £8/£7. Info 01633 263670. (Until Tue 6) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

The Sherman’s Christmas production for kids aged 3-6.

(Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £25£28. Info 01970 623232. The longest running play in the history of the world has also been on tour for two years, and these are the last dates.

(Until Sat 10)

TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER

Blodeuwedd Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am + 12.30pm, £10.75/£8.06. Info 0300 3656677. Welsh panto.

Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Crafty Laughs The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952.

Free standup comedy of the night every first Tuesday of the month.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 14) George’s Marvellous Medicine Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10am, £9.50. Info 01874 611622.

The Birmingham Stage Company squeeze in just in time to make themselves part of Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday year. (Until Sat 10) Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Kiss Me, Kate Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £7-£43. Info 029 2063 6464. A Welsh National Opera production. (Until Sat 10) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2128 0189. Paywhat-you-can preview night for a new play presented by Difficult|Stage, described as “anarchic anti-panto”. (Until Fri 23) Secured AJ’s Coffee House, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2045 1588. (Finishes today) T42 Christmas Special Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2 + 7.15pm, £8/£7.

Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) The Borrowers Sherman BUZZ 76

THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER

Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £25-£28.

Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 10) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10)

WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670.

Dickensian moralising. (Until Sat 10) Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 8pm, £6-£13.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Ghost Stories For Christmas Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £10.75/£5.38.

Info 0300 3656677. Theatre presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar. In Llanelli on Tue 13.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 14) George’s Marvellous Medicine Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10am + 1.15pm, £9.50. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 10) Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Kiss Me, Kate Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £7-£43. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 10) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2128 0189.

Next show is on Fri 9. (Until Fri 23) Mark Steel Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 8pm, £15. Info 01873 850805.

Raslas Bach A Mawr Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1 + 6.30pm, £10/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

Seann Walsh Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £14. Info 01600 772467.

Comedian. In Cardigan on Thurs 15.

The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £25-£28.

Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 10) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10)

A Child’s Christmas In Wales Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-1.30pm, £4. Info 01792 463980. Performed by Fluellen Theatre Company with Delyth Jenkins on harp.

A Christmas Carol Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670.

(Until Sat 10) Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Christmas In Wales Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

7pm, £2-£6. Info 01792 463980. Performed by Fluellen Theatre Company with Delyth Jenkins on harp.

Christmas Queens Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £35-£100. Info 029 2023 5555. Another grab-bag of contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race, specifically Michelle Visage, Alaska Thunderfuck, Manila Luzon, Phi Phi O’Hara, Katya and Detox. Standard price is £35, VIP tickets are £75 or £100 although they both seem to be sold out.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 14) Elf Willows High Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £9/£7. Info 07748 840625. Performed by the Youth Academy (ages 6-16) of Kinetic Theatre Arts. Go to www.ticketsource. co.uk/kinetictheatrearts to book. (Until Sat 10) George’s Marvellous Medicine Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10am + 1.15pm, £9.50. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 10) Jimmy McGhie + Geoff Norcott + Mike Wilmot + Bobby Mair Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 10) John Robertson + Jo D’Arcy + Jim Smallman Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323.

Comedy Club night.

Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 10) Kiss Me, Kate Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £7-£43.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 10) Love Steals Us From Loneliness Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Reprise of an early, popular Gary Owen play set in his hometown of Bridgend.

(Until Sat 10) Off The Street Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 01495 355800.

Annual showcase for Blaenau Gwent’s Senior and Youth Dance Companies. On tomorrow also.

Potted Panto Little Theatre, Neath. 7.30pm, £2. Info 01639 643462. Directed by Tracey Walton.

Raslas Bach A Mawr Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1 + 6.30pm, £10/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

Romeo & Juliet Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01239 621200.

Presented by Ballet Theatre UK. Santa In Love Gwyn Hall,

Neath. 1.30pm, £6.45. Info 0300 3656677.

Sleeping Beauty & The Spinning Wheel Of Doom Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

6pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252. Panto. (Until Sat 10) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £25-£28. Info 01970 623232.

(Until Sat 10) The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre + Charlie Smith + Matt Goss + Gareth Thomas + Paul James The Duke, Neath. 8pm, £7. Info 01639 643892. A Clown’s Pocket comedy night.

The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10)

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670.

(Until Sat 10) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. Presented by Rainbow Valley and starring Owen Money. (Until Fri 30) Black Cat & Top Hat Burlesque And Variety Show Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 9pm, £6/£4 adv.

Info 07981 684142.

Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Cinderella Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £8/£6.

Info 0845 2263510. Panto

by Ammanford Community Theatre. (Until Sun 11) Danny Buckler + Lloyd Griffith + Mark Palmer Bethel Baptist Church, Pontyclun. 7.45pm, £10/£8 adv. Info wales@ thecomedycow.co.uk. A Comedy & Carols night presented by The Comedy Cow. Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

Panto from Jermin Productions. (Until Sat 17) Elf Willows High Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £9/£7. Info 07748 840625. (Until Sat 10) George’s Marvellous Medicine Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10am + 1.15pm, £9.50. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 10) Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

Panto starring Tony Wright.

(Until Sun 18) Jimmy McGhie + Geoff Norcott + Mike Wilmot + Mark Olver Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £25. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 10) Kevin McCarthy + Stefano Paolini Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £25. Info 08700 111960.

Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info

029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Kiss Me, Kate Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £7-£43. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 10) Last Christmas Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Dirty Protest with a one-man play starring Matthew Bulgo.

On tomorrow also.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Love Steals Us From Loneliness Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Until Sat 10) Off The Street Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 01495 355800.

Romeo & Juliet The Wyeside, Builth Wells.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01982 552555. Presented by Ballet Theatre UK. Romeo A Juliet Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 6.30pm, £12/£7 kids. Info 01686 614555.

Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. Panto, starring Lance Corporal Richard Jones among other global superstars. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty & The Spinning Wheel Of Doom Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

6pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252. (Until Sat 10) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £25-£28. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 10) The Rat Pack At Christmas Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £22. Info 0845 2263510.

The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 10) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Gagglebabble present a gig-theatre take on Roald Dahl’s short stories for adults. (Until Sat 24)

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670.

(Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Blindsided Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Cinderella Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 2.30 + 6.30pm, £8/£6. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 11) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2 + 6pm,

£15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 1 + 5pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sat 17) Elf Willows High Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £9/£7.

Info 07748 840625. (Finishes today) George’s Marvellous Medicine Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2pm, £9.50. Info 01874 611622.

(Finishes today) Ignacio Lopez + Sam Lloyd + Mark Hurman + Nick Hiscott + Lilith The Gag Hag + Sarah Breese Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd.

7pm, £3 adv. Info 01443 491424. Clwb Comedy night.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. Panto. (Until Sat 31) Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1 + 5pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 18) Jimmy McGhie + Geoff Norcott + Mike Wilmot + Mark Olver Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £30.

Info 0871 4720400. (Finishes today) Killer Joe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Kiss Me, Kate Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £7-£43.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Last Christmas Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Love Steals Us From Loneliness Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Finishes today) Mandy Knight + Stefano Paolini Jongleurs, Cardiff.

7pm, from £25. Info 08700 111960.

OTUS Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14-£35. Info 029 2087 8889. Hasselhoff, D stars as Captain Hook this year and you can read an interview with him Upfront, where he tries not to complain too much about how rainy it is here.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Pan... To The Muni, Pontypridd. 1pm, £7.50. Info 01443 490390. Presented

by Stage Left. Took me an embarrassingly long time (about 10 seconds) to figure out that the title was a pun on ‘panto’.

Pinnochio The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, 2pm + 6pm, £8.50 adv/£6.50 kids. Info 029 2048 3344.

Romeo & Juliet Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 3pm, £18/£13. Info 01600 719401.

Presented by Ballet Theatre UK. Russell Kane Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £17.

Info 01686 614555.

Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan)

stage Sleeping Beauty & The Spinning Wheel Of Doom Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

6pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252. (Until Sat 10) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Mousetrap Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £25-£28. Info 01970 623232.

(Finishes today) The Two Gentlemen Of Verona Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 4.30pm, £8/£6.

Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 1 + 5pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sat 17) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 pm, £11. Info 01656 815995.

Next show is on Fri 16. (Until Sat 31) Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1 + 5pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

Next show is on Thurs 15.

(Until Sun 18) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 6pm, £14-£35.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Romeo & Juliet Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Presented by Ballet Cymru.

Sleeping Beauty & The Spinning Wheel Of Doom Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

12 + 6pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER

Beauty And The Beast The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 01633 533666. Panto.

Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 14) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm,

£8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

5pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 14) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

9.45am, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 17) Ghost Stories For Christmas Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 07512 237983. Courtesy of Caerphilly Players Amateur Dramatics Society. (Until Sat 17) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am, 12.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. Panto. (Until Sat 24) Cinderella The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £7-£9.

Info 01443 490390. Panto, presented by Pontypridd Theatre Company. (Until Sat 17) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Finishes today) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

12.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 17) Elf Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. Performed by the Young Venture Players.

(Until Sat 17) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. See Stage. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Masa Comedia Comedy Club Xmas Special O’Neills, Cardiff. 8pm, £5.

Info 01685 384111. Featuring Joe Jacobs, The Death Hilarious, Charlie Webster, Tony Davison, Connor

Diamond and Paul James.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Santa In Love Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 4.15pm, £9/£8.50.

Info 0845 2263510. Family musical.

Seann Walsh The Wyeside, Builth Wells. 8pm, £14. Info 01982 552555.

Sleeping Beauty Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800. Presented

by Brynmawr Amateur Pantomime Society.

(Until Sat 17) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea.

2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26.

Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Snow White Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 10am. Info 01446 738622. Family panto; today’s performance is aimed at a schools audience. (Until Sun 18) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

Info 01239 621200.

Sleeping Beauty Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 17) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Snow White Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 10am + 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622. Schools performance in the morning. (Until Sun 18) Steve Williams + JoJo Smith + The Noise Next Door + Jarlath Regan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 17) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff.

10.30am + 2pm, £15-£25.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Rat Pack At Christmas St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £29.50/£28.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

A Christmas Carol Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 07512 237983. (Until Sat 17) A Christmas Themed Evening Little Theatre, Neath. 7.30pm, £2. Info 01639 643462. Variety show of some kind I imagine.

Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am, 12.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Until Sat 24) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £7-£9.

Info 01443 490390. (Until Sat 17) Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 17) Elf Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 17) Fin Taylor Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£10.

Info 029 2030 4400. Standup comedian performs his hit Edinburgh show, which I am sorry to inform you is titled Whitey McWhiteface.

Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 18) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Rob Beckett Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £15. Info 01686 614555. Comedian.

Seann Walsh Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £14.

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 07512 237983. (Until Sat 17) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am, 12.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Until Sat 24) Cinderella The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £7-£9.

Info 01443 490390. (Until Sat 17) Comedy Shed The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757.

With standups TBC. Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 9.45am + 5pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 17) Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400.

Elf Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 17) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

2pm, £11. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sat 31) Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 18) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Matthew Crosby + Lazy Susan + Fin Taylor

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

7.15pm, £10. Info 01874 611622. Comedy Club night.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Rent The Gate, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£8. Info 029 2048 3344. Musical, presented here by Canolfan Berfformio Cymru. On tomorrow also.

Sleeping Beauty Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 17) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Snow White Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Until Sun 18) Steve Williams + JoJo Smith + The Noise Next Door + Jarlath Regan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £25. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 17) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

LOOKING THROUGH GLASS The Other Room @ Porters, Cardiff, Tue 6-Fri 23 Dec Tickets: £5-£12/pay by donation on Tue 6 + Wed 7. Info: 029 2128 0189 / www.otherroomtheatre.com Looking Through Glass is the second production by Difficult | Stage, the in-house theatre company of The Other Room. The first, 2015’s Alix In Wundergarten, was one of those excitingly meta ‘drama about drama’ plays, a wilfully bad-taste Alice In Wonderland riff set in a radio recording studio, and scored good press during its stint in Edinburgh this year. This follow-up also has a radio drama theme: applicants are invited to come to the studio and join in a recording session, with the favoured candidate of producer Alison Tittenson given an internship. Difficult | Stage’s entertaining synopsis takes the form of a letter to applicants (sample advice: “in the event of an emergency or fire please leave”) which suggests a kind of surrealism-of-cruelty League Of Gentlemen vibe.

BUZZ 77

stage SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

2pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 07512 237983. (Finishes today) Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11.

Info 01633 868239. Panto

by Rainbow Valley. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

Next show is on Mon 19.

(Until Sat 24) A Thousand Years Of Christmas Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £18/£17. Info 01874 611622.

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

10.30am + 12.30pm, £7.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Tiddly Prom musical play for small kids. Also on Mon 19 and Tue 20.

Bluestocking Lounge Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £15.50. Info 01792 475715. Burlesque.

Cinderella The Muni, Pontypridd. 2 + 5pm, £7-£9.

Info 01443 490390. (Finishes today) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dance Wales UK Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

7pm, £10. Info 01639 763214.

Dick Whittington Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 1 + 5pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

(Finishes today) Elf Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 1 + 5pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Jack And The Beanstalk Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1 + 5pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 18) Little Red Riding Hood The Met, Abertillery. 2.30pm, £5. Info 01495 355800. Panto.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. Presented

by Cardigan Theatre. (Until Fri 30) Rent The Gate, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£8. Info 029 2048 3344.

Rhodri Rhys + Junior Simpson + Barry Castagnola Jongleurs, Cardiff.

6pm, from £30. Info 08700 111960.

Sleeping Beauty Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 12.30 + 6pm, £5. Info 01495 355800.

(Finishes today) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) BUZZ 78

Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. In-house panto production. (Until Sat 31) Snow White Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Until Sun 18) Steve Williams + JoJo Smith + The Noise Next Door + Jarlath Regan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £30. Info 0871 4720400. (Finishes today) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3 + 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER

Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 24) A Merry Musical Christmas Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. Seasonal fun with Centrestage Cymru.

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. Next show is on Wed 21. (Until Sat 31) Jack And The Beanstalk

Theatre, Barry. 2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Finishes today)

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER

Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 24) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am + 12.30pm, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Santa Saves Christmas Theatr Hafren, Newtown.

3.30pm, £10.50/£9.50. Info 01686 614555. Kids’ singalong show.

Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Giant Who Had No Heart In His Body Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, £3-£5. Info 029 2030 4400.

On Sat 17 Dec, Brecon's Theatr Brycheiniog hosts A Thousand Years Of Christmas – a sort of high-minded variety show featuring song, verse and presenter Rowan Williams, who the venue note “loves a good joke”. So I guess you could say... he is the... Archbishop... of Banterbury.

Pontardawe Arts Centre.

3pm, £12. Info 01792 863722.

(Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £14-£35.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. Next show is on Thurs 22. (Until Fri 30) Snow White Memorial Hall

Dirty Kids’ show based on a Norwegian fairy tale.

West End At Christmas Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale.

7.30pm, £14/£12 adv. Info 01495 355800. Hits from the musicals and also from Christmas.

Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

A Chorus Line Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 029 2039 1391. Musical presented by Kinetic Theatre Arts. (Until Thurs 22) Aladdin Congress Theatre,

Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 24) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

10.30am + 12.30pm, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) La Fille Mal Gardée St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £7.50-£35. Info 029 2087 8444. Performed by The Russian State Ballet Of Siberia and accompanied

by The Orchestra Of The Russian State Ballet. On tomorrow also.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14-£35. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

A Chorus Line Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Thurs 22) A Christmas Carol Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £13/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

Musical presented by The Performance Factory. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 24) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31)

Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. Performed by Aberystwyth Arts Centre Youth Theatre. (Until Fri 23) La Fille Mal Gardée St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £7.50-£35. Info 029 2087 8444.

Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER

A Chorus Line Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

Musical presented by Kinetic Theatre Arts. (Finishes today) A Christmas Carol Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sat 24) Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 24) Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2 + 7pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. (Until Fri 23) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Fri 23) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Mike Bubbins + Dave Fulton + Andre Vincent + Ivo Graham Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 +

7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Another Russian State Ballet Of Siberia production.

(Until Wed 28) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £13/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sat 24) Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 24) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 24) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cardiff Cabaret Club: Christmas Curiosities Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £12-£16. Info 029 2023 5555.

Featuring performances from Lydia L’Scabies, Dis Charge, Lolly Rouge, Micheline Starr, Tallulah Rouge, Joy La Vie and Bonnie Gems.

Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2 + 7pm, £15-£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Sat 24) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

2pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) Looking Through Glass The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. (Finishes today) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Mike Bubbins + Dave Fulton + Andre Vincent + Ivo Graham Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £20. Info 0871 4720400.

Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

stage

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1pm, £13/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

(Finishes today) Aladdin Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 12pm, £15/£11.

Info 01633 868239. (Finishes today) Aladdin Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30pm + 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

12 + 3pm, £16/£13. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 10.30am + 2pm, £15-£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Finishes today) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

11am = 3pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £14-£35.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan.

2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1 + 5pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 4pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

(Until Wed 28) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2pm, £16/£13. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

2pm, £11. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sat 31) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan)

2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today)

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Wed 28)

WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER

Aladdin Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 1.30 + 6pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 0845 2263510. Panto. On tomorrow also.

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206.

(Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport.

1.30 + 5.30pm, £11£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622.

Panto by Jermin Productions.

(Until Mon 2 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sat 31) L’hotel Noel Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm, pay by donation. Info 01834 869323.

Pay what you can theatre.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, £8/£6. Info 029

Aladdin Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 10am + 4pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 0845 2263510.

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Fri 30) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Hosted by Clint Edwards and featuring Robin Morgan, Mark Olver and one more TBC. Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

10.30am + 3pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Fri 30) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Another Russian State Ballet extravaganza. (Until Mon 2 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 31)

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FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER

Beauty & The Beast Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

2 + 5.30pm, £16. Info 01495 227206. (Finishes today) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

1 + 5pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8 Jan) Peter Panto Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2 + 7pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Finishes today) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 +

Photo: DAVID SECOMBE

(Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Wed 28) Wonderman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 24)

‘When Jupp is in full flight he becomes lacerating and self deprecating in a way that no one else can quite do’ The Times 2016

tue 17TH jan 2017

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE TICKETS: 01792 475715

www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre milesjupp.co.uk

Tue 24TH jan 2017

CARDIFF ST DAVID’S HALL TICKETS: 029 2087 8444 stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk rbmcomedy.com

BUZZ 79

stage 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s.

Info 01600 772467. Panto by Spontaneous Productions.

(Until Wed 4 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2 + 6pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 31) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Mon 2 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

Afternoon performance is a relaxed one. (Until Sat 31) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 31)

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5.30pm, £11-£20. Info 01633 656757.

Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1 + 5pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Until Mon 2 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

11am + 3pm, £11. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 31) Mark Olver + Andrew Stanley + Mike Bubbins + Allyson Smith Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £29.50. Info 0871 4720400.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14 Jan) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £14-£35.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Rebecca Riot The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Drag act (with a name that was there for the taking, although it feels like more of a roller derby name to me) presented

by Nailed It Events.

Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 12 + 4pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. (Until Wed 4 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

12pm, £15-£17.50. Info 01646 695267. (Finishes today) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50-£37.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Mon 2 Jan) The Borrowers Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 4pm, £15£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Finishes today) The Emperor’s New Clothes Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Finishes today)

SUNDAY 1 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Until Mon 2) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 2 + BUZZ 80

6pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. (Until Wed 4)

MONDAY 2 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Finishes today) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 6pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. (Until Wed 4) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

(Finishes today)

TUESDAY 3 JANUARY

Crafty Laughs The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. (Until Wed 4)

WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. (Finishes today)

THURSDAY 5 JANUARY

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8)

FRIDAY 6 JANUARY

Christian Reilly + Caimh McDonnell + Andrew Bird Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

8pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

Comedy Club night.

Laura Lexx + Glenn Moore Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8)

Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. Panto. (Until Sun 15) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8) Vampires Rock Ghost Train St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25.50/£23.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Some sort of schlocky musical with classic rock hits performed therein.

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 3 + 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. Annual panto by The Wardens. (Until Sat 21) Laura Lexx + Glenn Moore Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £14£35. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 8) Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1 + 5.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 8)

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1 + 4.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Peter Pan New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £14-£35.

Info 029 2087 8889.

(Finishes today) Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1 + 5.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15) Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1 + 5pm, £12.50-£26. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 9 JANUARY

Jack Whitehall St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £30/£25.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 12.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15)

TUESDAY 10 JANUARY

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14) Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 12.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15)

WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY

‘Allo ‘Allo Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £7. Info 01633 868239. Presented by Theatr Ad Hoc. On tomorrow also.

Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14) Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

Panto presented by the Friendship Theatre Group.

(Until Sun 29)

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY

‘Allo ‘Allo Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £7. Info 01633 868239.

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

6.30pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. Panto. (Until Sun 22) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 14) Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677.

(Until Sun 15) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29)

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

10am + 6.30pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Until Sun 22) Greville’s Whore Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £9/£8. Info 01646 695267. A new play based on the life of Emma Hamilton, lover of Horatio Nelson.

Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 14) Mike Doyle New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9.50-£19.

Info 029 2087 8889.

Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677.

(Until Sun 15) Tom Stade + Jarred Christmas + Jake Lambert Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY

A Night At The Movies: RSD Performing Arts Academy The Muni, Pontypridd. 5pm, £8/£7. Info 01443 490390.

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

2pm, £7. Info 01639 763214.

(Until Sun 22) Harriet Dyer + Colin Havey + Owen Niblock + Kris Davies + Anita Shaw + Steffan Evans Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7pm, £3

adv. Info 01443 491424. Clwb Comedy night.

Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

11am + 7.30pm, £16/£14.

Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Magic Matt Edwards Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £12.50.

Info 01792 475715.

Mary Poppins Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Finishes today) Pop! A Magical Comedy Show The Wyeside, Builth Wells. 2pm, £8.50/£7.50.

Info 01982 552555. Aimed at ages 3-8.

Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1 + 5.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 15) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Tom Stade + Jarred Christmas + Jake Lambert Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

2pm, £7. Info 01639 763214.

Next show is on Wed 18.

(Until Sun 22) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1 + 4.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Pop! Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £9.50/£8.50.

Info 01239 621200.

Slapstick-y kids’ show.

Puss In Boots Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1 + 5.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 0300 3656677. (Finishes today)

TUESDAY 17 JANUARY

Carl Donelly + Annie McGrath + Glenn Moore Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

7.30pm. Info 0845 2263510.

Comedy Club night.

Harvey Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. Newport Playgoers Society present a play about an man who thinks he has an invisible six foot-tall rabbit for a best friend. (Until Sat 21) Miles Jupp Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £18.50. Info 01792 475715. Miles Jupp has done a lot to make people think everyone called Miles is posh, but it’s also my younger brother’s name and he is very definitely not posh.

In Cardiff on Tue 24 (Miles Jupp that is, not my brother).

Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sunny Afternoon Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£52.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. The musical about the career of The Kinks arrives here. Just had the horrible realisation that I will probably live to see an Oasis musical. Unless you, the person reading this listing, kills me as soon as possible. (Until Sat 21)

WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

10am + 2pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Until Sun 22) Harvey Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 21) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Jim Davidson Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £23.50. Info 01792 475715.

Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sunny Afternoon Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £17.50£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 21)

THURSDAY 19 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

10am + 6.30pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Until Sun 22) Harvey Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 21) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Room On The Broom New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 4pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Another runout for this adaption of popular kids’ book. (Until Sun 22) Sunny Afternoon Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £17.50£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 21)

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

10am + 6.30pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Until Sun 22) Harvey Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 21) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Room On The Broom New Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 2pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 22) Sunny Afternoon Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£57.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 21) Tom Lucy + John Fothergill + Tom Deacon Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

10am + 2pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Until Sun 22) Dr Penny’s Cabinet Of Curiosities Mozarts, Swansea. 2pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Two-day free

stage comedy festival, featuring various names (TBC) from the UK circuit. On tomorrow also.

Harvey Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Jack And The Beanstalk Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 3 + 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 4pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

Panto presented by Westenders. (Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Room On The Broom New Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 2pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 22) Sunny Afternoon Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Finishes today) Tom Lucy + John Fothergill + Tom Deacon Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

Dick Whittington Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

1 + 5pm, £7. Info 01639 763214. (Finishes today) Dr Penny’s Cabinet Of Curiosities Mozarts, Swansea. 2pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 4pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Room On The Broom New Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, 2pm + 4.30pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 23 JANUARY

Sister Act Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £26.50£50. Info 01792 475715.

Musical comedy starring Alexandra Burke, unless you attend one of the matinee performances, in which she will not feature. Loves her siestas does old Burkey.

(Until Sat 28)

TUESDAY 24 JANUARY

Miles Jupp St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £17. Info 029 2087 8444.

Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sister Act Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £26.50£50. Info 01792 475715.

(Until Sat 28)

WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY

Comedy Club Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

8pm, £11. Info 01792 475715.

Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sister Act Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £26.50-£50. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 28)

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

Feet Of Clay Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01873 850805. Amateur production of a Pratchett novel.

(Until Sat 28) Into The Woods Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01646 695267. Sondheim’s musical, presented by Artistic Licence theatre company. (Until Sat 28) Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Ross Noble Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £25. Info 01970 623232.

Sister Act Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £26.50-

£50. Info 01792 475715.

(Until Sat 28) Stephen K Amos St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £16. Info 029 2087 8444. Standup. In Swansea tomorrow.

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY

Feet Of Clay Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01873 850805. (Until Sat 28) Into The Woods Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sat 28) Jen Brister + Glenn Wool + Andy Robinson + Jonny Pelham Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Jethro Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01600 772467.

Lord Of The Dance St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £40/£37.50. Info 029 2087 8444. NO, Flatley won’t be dancing himself. YES, these are his proteges and no doubt just as good and handsome and famous. (Until Sun 29) Mulan Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. Presented by the Mini Venture Players. On tomorrow also.

Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 28) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sister Act Grand Theatre,

Swansea. 7.30pm, £26.50£50. Info 01792 475715.

(Until Sat 28) Stephen K Amos Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

8pm, £17.50. Info 01792 475715.

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY

SA Night Of Burlesque The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

Diane Spencer + Joe Bromehead + Russell Hicks Jongleurs, Cardiff.

6.30pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960.

Feet Of Clay Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01873 850805. (Finishes today) Into The Woods Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01646 695267. Sondheim’s musical, presented by Artistic Licence theatre company. (Finishes today) Jen Brister + Glenn Wool + Andy Robinson + Jonny Pelham Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

La Bohème Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £7-£43. Info 029 2063 6464. A Welsh National Opera production, also on in February from Thurs 2-Sat 4, Sat 11 and Wed 15.

Lord Of The Dance St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2.30 + 8pm, £37.50-£43.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Mulan Jnr Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30 + 6pm, £10.

Info 01633 263670.

Peter Pan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £12. Info 01874 611622.

(Finishes today) Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sun 29) Sister Act Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £26.50-£50. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today)

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510.

(Finishes today)

MONDAY 30 JANUARY

Some Guys Have All The Luck St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20.50. Info 029 2087 8444. This is a celebration of the career of Rod Stewart. The press copy makes it sound like a quasimusical but it may actually just be a tribute set with ideas above its station.

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY

La Cage Aux Folles New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17.50-£45.50. Info 029 2087 8889. John Partridge stars in this new version of a popular musical. (Until Sat 4 Feb)

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns to Cardiff in 2016

La Fille mal gardée The Nutcracker Swan Lake

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia Accompanied by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet Performed by

THREE MAGICAL BALLETS ONE EXCITING SEASON

20 - DECEMBER - 2 JANUARY

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TWO TICKETS TO SOUL LEGENDS AT ST DAVID’S HALL

EasyTheatres proudly present a throwback to soul on Fri 13 Jan. From Aretha Franklin and James Brown, to Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, you can relive them all in the Soul Legends show at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall. For your chance to be singing along to your favourite soul anthems, answer the following question by Mon 9 Jan: Q. Who sings River Deep, Mountain High?

REHEARSAL CREDIT AT PIRATE STUDIOS

In a band? Pirate Studios are offering £200 worth of rehearsal credit, a perfect opportunity for you to jam.

With the use of mics, drums, amps, and more, you’re all set! For your chance to win the rehearsal space, answer the following question: Q. For how long are the music studios open?

TWO TICKETS TO MARY POPPINS AT THE WMC

TWO TICKETS TO HARLEQUIN – NEW YEAR’S EVE

The world’s favourite nanny brings her magic to the Wales Millennium Centre.

Presented to you by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the 1964 film takes to the stage once again for a night full of song and dance. For your chance to see Mary Poppins live, answer the following question by Sat 10 Dec: Q. Who wrote the Mary Poppins book series?

Fast forward to the summer time with a Harlequin takeover that’ll have you dancing the entire night away. At Tramshed’s Harlequin New Year’s Eve Party this year, 6 Music’s Don Letts will take over the decks with old school classics to bring us into 2017.

The party will also have Legends of GLC, Big Swing Sound and an afterparty at Jacobs Antiques. For your chance to go, answer the following question by Thurs 15 Dec: Q: What does ‘harlequin’ mean?

FOUR TICKETS TO PETER PAN AT THE NEW THEATRE

David Hasselhoff joins the panto crowd as he steps into the role Captain Hook in the swashbuckling adventure, Peter Pan. Joined by local pantomime celebrity Mike Doyle, this year’s production of Peter Pan is sure to be a hit. For your chance to see the Hoff in costume, answer the following question by Fri 9 Dec: Q. What was the name of David Hasselhoff’s character in Baywatch?

FOUR TICKETS FOR A LUXURY CASINO EXPERIENCE AT GROSVENOR CASINO, CARDIFF

TWO TICKETS TO PIXIES

Everyone’s favourite alternative rock band, Pixies, has added Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena as an additional date to their UK tour. Best known for the song Where is My Mind? which featured in the film Fight Club, Pixies started touring again following their latest album. For your chance to see them live, answer the following question by Mon 5 Dec: Q. In which year did Pixies form?

pic: Prayitno

Live gambling, a bar, a restaurant, and entertainment lounge: Grosvenor Casino caters to everyone.

Whether poker’s your game, roulette, or even the slots, the casino has a wide variety of games played 24/7. For your chance to win tickets for a luxury Casino Experience, answer the following question, and please see our website (www.buzzmag.co.uk) for terms and conditions: Q. How many nights a week is the casino open?

Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Sat 31 Jan or the stated closing date.

T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE.

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IMAGINE DESIGN SKETCH EDIT MOULD FORGE PAINT THINK MAKE CHANGE. cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad

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