Buzz December-January Double Issue

JAN 2016

T’S ON GUIDE. DEC/ SOUTH WALES WHA

EXLCUSIVE INTERVIEW

ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG COMEDY, CLASSICAL MUSIC AND DANGER MOUSE

UPFRONT WE LOOK AT THE YEAR IN FILM AND THE ONES TO WATCH FOR 2016

GARETH THOMAS “I WAS LESS NERVOUS WHEN I WAS LEADING WALES ON THE RUGBY FIELD”

KEVIN ALLEN “IT’S OFTEN PRESENTED AS FAIRLY MISERABLE, YET THERE’S A LOT OF FUN AND EROTOCISM”

Tis the Season for Jolly Jumpers!

PLUS ED BYRNE | SHREK | CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP | THE LIBERTINES | BALL IN THE WALL

dec/jan2016

buzz... publisher EMMA CLARK editor LUKE OWAIN BOULT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK film technician (buzz tv) JAYDON MARTIN administration TERESA CLARK designer www.polar10.com contributors KEIRON SELF (FILMS), GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF (CLUBS), SIMON AYRE, JEFFREY BAXTER, ZOE BROOKES, SALLY BROWN, CHELSEA BROWNHILL, NEIL COLLINS, DENIECE CUSACK, SAM EASTERBROOK, BEN GALLIVAN, TOM GANE, DAVID GRIFFITHS, ROB HARRIES, LOUISE HEATH, RYAN HEEGER, ADAM JONES, MAB JONES, RUTH JOSEPH, CONOR KNIGHT, SAM LOVEITT, GARETH MOULE, LYNDA NASH, DAVID NOBAKHT, CHRIS PEACH, CHARLIE PIERCEY, RHONDA LEE REALI, JOE RICHARDS, LAURA RILEY, HUGH RUSSELL, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, EMMA-LOUISE SMITH, STEPHEN SPRINGATE, GETHIN THOMAS, MARK TIMLIN, GAVIN WOODWARD phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents STAR WARS cover ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG by PAUL MARC MITCHEL

04roundup

“Whether ‘dead’ refers to the dish or the consumer isn’t specified”

10upfront

“I don't claim to be an actor, I just play myself,” says Gareth Thomas, cradler of leathery ovoids and friend of Chrissy Biggins. He might not have meant it in the Ice-T/Jeru The Damaja sense, but you will have ‘played yourself’ if you don’t read our interviews with Gareth, Alexander Armstrong, Ed Byrne and Kevin Allen

34film

The presence of two Westerns and a Frankenstein movie in this section caused me to hurtle back through time to 1961. In between celebrating Spurs’ Double win with several glasses of Mann’s Brown Ale, I devised a screenplay for a film set in space. Released in 1977, The Redemption Of Jar Jar Binks remains Keiron Self’s favourite ever movie to this day

36food&drink

Pretty galling that the folks doing that prohibitionthemed ‘secret speakeasy’ place managed to secure a licence, yet my application to open a pop-up bar based on a Chicago crack house was denied on grounds of “tastelessness”. Everyone who came in was going to be handed a glass pipe containing a pork scratching

40previews

“Avenue Q is a show that many people can relate to: growing up on Sesame Street, graduating from university with a seemingly useless degree and financial challenges.” Personally, I can’t relate to this at all. I grew up on a street called something else

48reviews

Including one of the new Cocorosie album which features that YouTube/Guardian commenter favourite, ‘music’ put in scare quotes. I listened to it and was dismayed to find it featured recognisable chord patterns, instruments arranged in approximate harmony with one another and some admittedly squeaky singing over the top

54sport

As 2015 has been a slightly above average year for Welsh sport, and we can’t very well print a magazine with a blank page, here’s a roundup of the highlights of the last 11 months. Includes some not at all selfdefeating ‘as long as we beat the English’ content

56gift guide

Dick Fosbury and Felix Baumgartner erotically feeding each other plum pudding, that's my idea of 'Christmas jumpers'

58listings

A lot of events are listed as taking place every week, but some fall on public holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Use your judgement to calculate the likelihood of a weekly event happening.

In fact, research and compile all your own listings

86competitions

Q. What year did Marty McFly go back to in Back To The Future 2? A. 1961. In fact, there’s a scene in the movie where you can see me in the background, pissed up on Mann’s Brown Ale

www.buzzmag.co.uk • www.twitter.com/buzz_magazine • www.facebook.com/buzzsouthwales BUZZ 3

roundup

BRIEFLY

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

AND THEY’RE OFF! The Coral Welsh Grand National comes to Wales on Sun 27 Dec for a single day of horse-hurdling fun. Don’t be slow out of the gates and make sure you are there before the first race at 12.10pm. With tickets ranging from £25-£35 (depending whether you pay in advance or at the door) and a tasty Pie & Pint package on offer, it’s worth racing down to Chepstow racecourse.

Tickets: from £25. Info: www. chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

EVENT

FREE FOR ALL FESTIVAL Free For All is one of Cardiff’s biggest music festivals and it’s back for the fifth year running for what organisers are promising will be the biggest yet. Starting on Sat 2 Jan at 7pm, the festival takes place at Womanby Street's Full Moon club and runs until midnight on Sun 31 Jan. As the name suggests, it’s free entry for everyone, making it an excellent way to shake off the January lethargy without damaging Christmas-stretched finances. Free For All began to celebrate the launch of the Moon Club four years ago and has been growing every year since. Live bands will perform every night during the festival, with all genres and tastes covered. Already booked for an evening of psychedelic rock are Lacertilia, Sergeant Thunderhoof and Baron Greenback. More bookings will be confirmed via their website over the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for your favourite bands, and get ready for 30 nights of great music to kick off the new year.

Free For All Festival, The Full Moon / The Moon Club, Cardiff, Sat 2-Sun 31 Jan. Admission: free. Info: www.freeforallfestival.net

SANTA’S POST OFFICE LAUNCHES AT MERMAID QUAY Add a little magic to your child’s Christmas letter to Santa Claus by taking them down to Santa’s Post Office at Mermaid Quay. The postbox is open from midday to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout December, and elves will be at hand to help your little ones post their letters. Courtesy of a “magic map” their list of Christmas requests can been seen heading off to Lapland to be read

by Santa Claus himself, who promises to respond to every child individually – with the proviso that, despite extra opening days on Mon 21 and Tue 22, any letter posted after Fri 18 may not receive a response until after Christmas Day. If you want to be sure they receive their letter from Santa before they find out if their demands were successful, we suggest you get them down to Mermaid Quay ASAP.

Santa’s Post Office, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Sat 5-Tue 22 Dec. Info: 029 2048 0077 / www.mermaidquay.co.uk BUZZ 4

MAKE WAVES! You’ll be drowning in Christmas food and gifts this winter holiday so how about floating in the sea for charity? Celebrate the legendary event’s 45th year anniversary and take the plunge on Boxing Day by finding sponsors and heading to Tenby north beach for a good cause. If you need to dive deeper then go to their website to find out more.

Entry: free. Info: www. tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk

EVENT

HAPPY OLD YEAR! The villagers of the Gwaun valley in Pembrokeshire celebrate Hen Galan (the old New Year) on Wed 13 Jan, dismissing the modernised Gregorian calendar for the Julian calendar. So why not welcome the year 2016 for a second time and experience a traditional celebration, soaking up in the jubilant atmosphere as the locals sing in full Welsh voice.

Admission: free. Info: www. visitpembrokeshire.com

SANTA’S SLEIGH TOUR Cardiff Round Table are again helping Santa with his task of visiting as many children as possible on the run-up to Christmas, and this year he’s kicking off the Cardiff leg of his trip on Tue 8 Dec in Penylan at 6pm. Locals are being encouraged to hold their own celebrations along the tour route – suggestions include carol singing and brass bands, or simply mulled wine and mince pies.

Anyone interested in taking part should get in touch with the Round Table.

Santa will be flying through Birchgrove on Thurs 10, Llandaff on Tue 15, and finishing on Sat 19 in Ely and Fairwater. All funds raised go towards a Christmas dinner for the elderly and most vulnerable in Cardiff.

Cardiff Round Table Santa Sleigh, Tue 8-Sat 19 Dec. Info: www.cardiffroundtable.org.uk

EVENT

EVENT

MEAT AND GREEK POP-UP TAVERNA If you’re an aficionado of authentic Greek cuisine, and you don’t want to pay through the nose for it, then we thoroughly recommend paying a visit to Meat And Greek’s pop-up tavern in the Corys Buildings in Cardiff Bay. This small, family-run GreekCypriot company specialises in souvlaki; a traditional Greek dish where chunks of meat are cooked on skewers, over charcoal, and served in pitta bread. Usually featuring either pork or chicken, Meat and Greek also cater for the vegetarian market by adding a cheese version using halloumi. An exceedingly generous portion of souvlaki costs just £5, though for the more adventurous souls among you, £6 will buy you a pitta-full of “’Dead” Spicy Souvlaki.

Whether “dead” refers to the dish or the consumer isn’t specified – we recommend keeping a mouthful of their cooling tzatziki at the ready if you’re brave enough.

Meat And Greek Pop-Up Taverna, Corys Buildings, Cardiff, every Fri and Sat from Fri 4 Dec-Sat 19 Dec. Info: www. facebook.com/meatandgreek

CAERPHILLY RIVER OF LIGHT LANTERN PARADE

EVENT

On Thurs 17 Dec, the moment the children of Caerphilly have been waiting for arrives as they finally get to show off the beautiful lanterns they’ve been working on all month. A great event for all the family, the River Of Light Lantern Parade starts at 6.30pm from Caerphilly’s Railway Station, where it will flow down through the town to the castle, accompanied by drummers, dancers, costumed performers, and atmospheric music provided by Wales’ biggest samba band, Samba Galez. With free entry for all, this is a great way to start the final countdown to Christmas by joining friends and neighbours as they parade through Caerphilly to Crescent Road, where the night climaxes with a spectacular firework display over Caerphilly Castle.

River Of Light Lantern Parade, Caerphilly, Thurs 17 Dec. Info: 029 2088 0011 / www.caerphilly.gov.uk BUZZ 5

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

FATHER CHRISTMAS

pic Wendy Berry

Father Christmas finds time in his busy diary to speak with Luke Owain Boult about the challenges facing the North Pole and his existence.

Where do you and the elves actually live?

That’s an interesting one. People often bounce between saying the North Pole or Lapland, and I really spend a lot of time in both if I’m honest. This is partly because I love both of them equally, but mainly due to tax reasons. North Pole Ltd is actually based in Jersey, and we bank in Switzerland. In regards to the elves, we had to let a lot of them go. It’s no secret that the North Pole is in recession, and has been for years. There was no way the North Poleian economy could compete with China, so a lot of them have left their homes looking for work doing oddjobs like mending shoes. It’s sad but a lot of them can’t get work in countries like the UK because the immigration process is becoming a lot more convoluted and difficult. As a result the entirety of UKIP’s administration have been placed on the naughty list. A lot of the elves found work in pantomimes and the like, but with the cuts to arts funding a lot of them have joined militant communist organisations. Shame.

What do you think of allegations that you are not real?

I laugh them off. It’s like people saying that Paul McCartney died and was replaced, or Elvis lives on the moon. Bloody ridiculous.

I put it down to me not really being part of the Twitter generation. I mean, look at Dave Benson Phillips from Get Your Own Back.

People said he was dead but he had the luxury of being able to tweet to confirm he was not deceased. It’s somewhat worse for me as some idiots say I don’t exist altogether. How else would you explain all those films I starred in?! I make an extra effort to make public appearances at malls around the world and people still say I don’t exist. I have the worst agent.

What’s your pet hate?

Children. Especially naughty ones.

Father Christmas, Christmas Day, Fri 25 Dec. Info: www.letters-to-father-christmas.co.uk

BUZZ 6

Ed Byrne

Saturday 30 January Dydd Sadwrn 30 Ionawr

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - A Night at the Movies Star Wars Special!

Friday 4 December / Dydd Gwener 4 Rhagfyr

Snooker Legends

Christmas Ballets

The Johnny Cash Roadshow

Alexander Armstrong

The Bootleg Beatles

Gareth Malone

Friday 8 January Dydd Gwener 8 Ionawr

Wednesday 27 January Dydd Mercher 27 Ionawr

19 December - 3 January 19 Rhagfyr - 3 Ionawr

Thursday 3 December Dydd Iau 3 Rhagfyr

Saturday 23 January Dydd Sadwrn 23 Ionawr

Monday 14 December Dydd Llun 14 Rhagfyr

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

BOOK NOW HOZIER St David's Hall, Cardiff Fri 5 Feb Tickets: £80 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

SLIPKNOT Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Mon 8 Feb Tickets: £40 Info: 020 2023 4500 www.motorpointarenacardiff. com

?

SOUTH WALES SECRET #61 Ruperra Castle

Founder of Something Creatives, Communications Director at National Theatre Wales and DJ, Matthew Lawton – better known as Matt The Hat – reveals his South Wales Secret.

A man of many talents, Matt The Hat keeps himself busy: “Me and Kaptin have been busy putting together our remix of Can The Frog Tap Dance as Big Swing Soundsystem. We’re putting together a full show to take to the festivals next year, it’s a crazy energetic mix of British eccentricity and street culture. We’ll be giving everyone a taster of this on New Year’s Eve at the Tramshed in Cardiff. It’s going to be like entering a virtual time machine and dancing through the decades, we’re going to party like it’s 1999, then hit rewind and party like it’s 1929.

If you’ve been to Something Creatives’ previous events like Secret Garden, or Street Food Circus then you know it’s all about creating a great vibe.”

With the New Year nearing, we ask what his festival of 2015 has been: “Skinny dipping at Festival BUZZ 8

Number 6 was pretty special but the one memory that stands out was closing the Balearic Beach Bar with Kaptin at Bestival Toronto, showing North Canada how it’s done.”

Matt thought about his South Wales Secret: “Not sure I want to tell you… well, go on then. My South Wales Secret is Ruperra woods and castle. When you get there it’s like finding a secret magical world, and if you climb the summit in the woods you will discover something really amazing.”

Harlequin Gathering – A Magical New Year's Eve!, Tramshed, Cardiff, Thu 31 Dec. Tickets: £25. Info: 0117 9259973 / www.tramshed.com

ALL TIME LOW Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Wed 10 Feb Tickets: £30 Info: 020 2023 4500 www.motorpointarenacardiff. com

BOWLING FOR SOUP Cardiff University Students Union Sun 14 Feb Tickets: £24 Info: 029 2078 1400 www.cardiffstudents.com

ENTER SHIKARI Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Tue 23 Feb Tickets: £28 Info: 020 2023 4500 www.motorpointarenacardiff. com

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Cardiff University Students Union Sun 28 Feb at 7:00pm Tickets: £20 Info: 029 2078 1400 www.cardiffstudents.com

upfront upfront

Alexander Armstrong Renaissance Man Legendary comedian, host of Pointless, voice of Danger Mouse and remarkable singer Alexander Armstrong speaks with Tom Gane about sketch comedy and his upcoming tour, as well as showing off his karate chop skills. image: Paul Marc Mitchell

BUZZ 10

A

lexander Armstrong is pretty much everywhere at the moment. He hosts Pointless, is trekking across the Arctic for Land Of The Midnight Sun, and has a number one album, A Year Of Songs, in the classical charts. With some people this might become overkill, but Armstrong’s affable nature means we haven’t reached a saturation point, even a full 18 years after he emerged as one half of Armstrong and Miller.

Before this comedy breakthrough, he was actually considering enrolling in the Royal College of Music, having sung in a choir since age seven. Now 45, Armstrong has returned to his musical roots with A Year Of Songs and says singing had always been “in the back of [his] mind”.

“When you get to university, a lot of people get to play sports at a very high level, a lot of people get to do drama or music,” he explains. “And you leave university at the age of 21 or 22 and you're kind of at the top of your game, but what's quite cruel is that’s the point you have to decide whether you're going to do it professionally. If you decide not to, then you step off this enormous platform you've been building.

I guess I did what everybody else does when they quit something they love; they keep it going in a personal way. It might be playing five-a-side football or acting in amateur productions, but you sort of keep the flame burning. So I kept singing for my own benefit, but I hadn't really performed in public, although I always hoped someone would ask me to.”

That someone would be Tim Rice, who asked Armstrong to perform at the Royal Albert Hall last Christmas. After that everything snowballed. He got a manager, a deal with Warner, and less than a year later a number one album. He’s also preparing for a January tour of some of the UK’s most famous theatres and almost purrs with excitement when he talks about it.

“We've got a nine-piece band and it is going to be glorious – God, it's going to be so good! I've toured in the past with a quartet, and that quartet forms the core of this band, but we've bolstered it with some strings and an extra keyboard player. They are all just incredible musicians and it's going to be a real

privilege to share a stage with people like that.

“If I’m about to go on stage to do comedy, the thing I'm nervous about is forgetting what I'm meant to be doing. That's what scares me. When I'm about to sing I get nervous about opening my mouth and singing, but when you’re on stage and you've started there's a lovely release. You've opened up something and after you've sung your first song, I don't feel there's any tension left between performer and audience.

Whereas if you're giving a performance you're holding some drama back because you hold the interpretation of the rest of the night in your hands.

“I find singing to be a more fulfilling and honest performance. It's a bit like – I've never been a life model, but I imagine it's like after you've strode out onto your little platform, hung up your dressing gown and plonked yourself down on the couch, there's nothing left to be scared of.”

This is the second time Armstrong has returned to a childhood passion this year as he was also chosen to voice Danger Mouse in the BBC reboot. I’m a massive fan of the original and when I heard he’d been chosen for the role it was very much an “of course” moment. When I ask him what it’s like to play such an iconic character his voice again exudes an almost childlike enthusiasm.

“It’s just the best!” he exclaims. “I cared so desperately about this, and like you I loved Danger Mouse, loved it! I was quite scared, wary shall we say, until I saw the scripts. Obviously in the audition process you get to see little bits, and the minute I read those, even if I only got a snippet, I could see we were in very good hands. It mattered so much to me and it's a wonderful thing to be part of, a real joy.”

Rather than cut together later like most cartoons, Armstrong describes the process as “the nearest thing to drama that I've experienced in the world of animation” – the whole cast work together and “actually do the script, not just read the lines,” including stage directions. To demonstrate, he treats me to a very convincing rendition of the classic Danger Mouse karate chop noises he has to make, which may be the highlight of the interview.

Before finishing this piece it’s only fair I admit

that I’m a comedy nerd. In particular I’m a fan of British sketch comedy from the late 90s to mid-00s.

Armstrong And Miller was first broadcast in 1997, and would be followed by the likes of Big Train, Blue Jam, Bruiser and That Mitchell And Webb Look.

Just for my own indulgence I couldn’t resist asking what it was like working in such a prolific period.

“It was a great time,” Armstrong agrees. “Little Britain and The Fast Show need honourable mentions in that list, and then Cardinal Burns.

They're my sketch comedy heroes; they're everything Armstrong and Miller wanted to be when we started out. Which is probably style over substance, but one hopes there was a lot of substance too.

“Ben [Miller] and I slightly fancied ourselves as actors as well as comedians, so we used to love doing the acting bit. We'd invest a lot of acting into our scripts and I think that was kind of a particular thing of ours. They were very whimsical ideas that would go on and on, and we had hardly any budget, so it wasn't a matter of editing sketches to their bare bones, it was seeing how long you could make them to fill your half hour. God, we had fun doing that.”

In recent years, however, TV sketch comedy has fallen away in the UK, whereas America is still regularly producing sketch shows, like Netflix’s brilliant W/ Bob And David. Armstrong thinks UK sketch comedy will come back, and the lack of sketch shows at the moment can simply be attributed to the fact that “these things come in cycles”.

“Four or five years ago, Miranda and Mrs Brown's Boys were suddenly the massive breakaway hits on television, and this caught executives completely by surprise, like ‘hang on, this is old-fashioned sitcom’.

Then everyone was ‘oh god, we'd all better start making old-fashioned sitcoms’ as the whistle blew in comedy writers' meetings all over the country. It just comes in fads, is the answer, and sketch comedy will come bouncing back. It always has done.”

Alexander Armstrong: A Year In Song, St David’s Hall, Wed 27 Jan. Tickets: £25-£35. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www. stdavidshall.co.uk

BUZZ 11

buzz TV

Buzz TV is gearing up for another big year with exciting new content that will blow your socks off. So as a celebration we’ve picked our top 5 Buzz TV videos of 2015.

ONES TO WATCH 2015 was filled with brilliant films, plays, music and art that made our lives that little bit brighter. Emma-Louise Smith takes a look at the best to come. That’s all folks.

FILM Their Finest Hour And A Half

Meat Puppets’ Cris Kirkwood shoots the breeze with Buzz.

Welsh Music Prize winner Gwenno serenades Buzz.

Massive – The Amazing Rise And Fall will be telling the success story of the Welsh rock music scene throughout the early noughties. The documentary, by musician and film-maker Jamie Black, charts the path from the Valleys to fame of successful groups including Funeral For A Friend, Kids In Glass Houses, The Blackout and Attack! Attack!, and interviews with key individuals who shaped the scene as they share their stories of an incredible and lifechanging 10 years for Welsh rock music. Massive is expected to be released in February 2016.

Eccentric artist Molly Parkin leads Buzz through her creative process.

Goldie Lookin Chain’s Rhys tries his hand at tinkling the ivories.

The man behind Cardiff’s Ball in the Wall reveals his secrets.

To check out more Buzz TV video’s visit

www.buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 12

Their Finest Hour And A Half will be boasting lots of Welsh connections in its production when it’s released in 2016 (exact release date TBC).

The adaptation of Lissa Evans’ 2009 novel was co-financed by the Welsh Government’s Media Investment Budget, filmed in Wales, and features special effects from Cardiff-based company Real SFX (best known for their work with Doctor Who, Sherlock, and more recently Coronation Street’s live episode). Directed by Lone Scherfig, the romantic comedy will follow a British film crew attempting to boost morale during World War II, and stars a glitzy roll call of A-listers including Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Helen McCrory.

Critically acclaimed Welsh actor Iwan Rheon will begin filming with Timothy Spall, Miriam Margolyes and Juliet Stevenson on Crispin Wood’s next film.

Moving Pictures will be a gentle comedy about a small Welsh village suddenly blessed with the presence of the nation’s art treasures, and the joy and troubles it brings to the residents; it's expected to be filmed and released in 2016.

Zoom Cymru Festival will be taking place in Wales from Mon 14-Fri 18 March 2016. The festival also hosts the Zoom Young Filmmaker Awards (on the final night), for which young people in Wales aged eight to 25 can enter their shorter-than-10-minutelong film. The festival is recognised by BAFTA Cymru and funded by Ffilm Cymru.

Info: www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/film/ their_finest_hour_and_a_half / www. crispinwood.co.uk / www.zoomcymru. com

MUSIC Aled Rheon had a successful year in 2015: he deservedly landed himself on the BBC Horizons list, performed to strong crowds at a range of festivals, and became a dad. Rheon’s songs are timeless folk songs at their most beautiful, and despite only having one EP for the merch table, the elder of the Rheon brothers has become highly respected as one of the most hard-working singersongwriters right now, and thankfully shows no signs of slowing down.

The Joy Formidable may have been on a two-year break, but the trio returned to their Welsh roots to record their third studio album, as yet untitled but due for release in 2016. It could be argued that The Joy Formidable have ‘made it’ to some degree and already been considered as “ones to watch” – but with a return on the horizon, they’re still ones we’re watching eagerly. Watch them again, because they’re back!

After becoming regulars on the local circuit for the past few years, The Echo And The Always released their debut album in 2015, rising from the ground in the momentum into 2016. With the backing of HMV’s ‘Next Big Thing’ and fiercely loyal fanbase

behind them, the ‘synth-pop-indie-rockers’ five-piece will be a force to be reckoned with next year. Truly ones to watch!

Remembering August are the youngest on this list, but already they’ve developed a tight sound and vision, and secured the interest of some of the most respected curators around – and if the intimate performance they delivered at Swn Festival was even an inclination of their power to captivate an audience, then there’s no doubt the duo are destined for greatness.

pic Jessica S

My Name Is Ian describe themselves as an “antirock, anti-folk, group of friends and losers”, and quickly became a cult name on the circuit since forming in 2010. Musically, they’ve done bedroom punk, they’ve done garage rock, and they’ve done prog – just to name three genres they’ve graced – filtered through the pop-oriented mind of their frontman. If you haven’t seen them yet, catch them quickly, because they’re guaranteed to become a sensation.

Info: www.thejoyformidable.com / www. theechoandthealways.com / www. mynameisian.bandcamp.com

STAGE

ARTS

The Wales Millennium Centre has already billed a fantastic line-up for 2016. In February, the Welsh National Opera present The Barber Of Seville, the first production of the opera by the WNO in 30 years. Described as “the ultimate feel-good opera”, The Barber Of Seville is a fast-paced romp with crazy disguises, twists and turns, and wit, to satisfy all operatic fanatics.

Hailed as “Britain’s hottest new artist”, Rose Wylie is taking the art world by storm. With three of the most prestigious art awards to her name – the Paul Hamlyn Award in 2011, John Moore's Painting Prize 2014, and the Charles Wollaston Award in 2015 – Wylie’s style is wonderfully bold and chaotic; her succinct observations follows loosely associated trains of thought, mix up ideas and feelings as she borrows from her everyday as well as popular culture. Wylie will be exhibiting her work in Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre between February and May.

The following month at WMC will see Sir Tom Jones –finally– immortalised on stage in TOM: A Story Of Tom Jones. The Musical. The Donald Gordon theatre will welcome the Theatr na nÓg and TNN Production, to tell the story of self-belief, talent and determination that saw the Valleys boy become a superstar.

After 2015 saw the Broadway By The Bay production sell out two concerts, a selection of South Wales’ finest musical theatre performers will be back at Cardiff Bay’s Norwegian Church, to share a whole new array of songs from Broadway's greatest blockbusters.

Info: www.wmc.org.uk/ www. norwegianchurchcardiff.com

pic Simon Gough

Cardiff-based artist Sean Donovan relishes his art, telling Contemporary Arts Wales he “never knows what will appear” and for him that’s “half the fun of being an artist”. The gamble frequently pays off as he flits between the abstract and the semi-figurative, Donovan’s subtle imagery demands your attention as he destroys the created to push his work into new territory.

Neath-born Martin Llewellyn will be exhibiting his work at Ffin Y Parc in November 2016, following a sell-out exhibition in April of last year. The self-taught painter, who began painting with watercolours, cites the landscapes and coastlines of his homeland as the inspiration within his work; work whose distinguishable palette knife strokes, and limited colour palette has seen Llewellyn become a highly respected force within the art world.

Info: www.chapter.org/Rose-Wylie / www.sean-donovan.com / Helen Sear www.welshart.net/display_artist.php?art_id=175 BUZZ 13

upfront

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

FESTIVE FUN Christmas is nearly here and with so much to do, we're providing a handy guide to Wales' festivities. Ho ho ho and all that.

International Eccentric

pic Ches Eskay

Cardiff Christmas Market

pic Liesbeth den Toom

Caerphilly Christmas Fayre From within the almighty walls of Caerphilly Castle comes the Christmas Fayre. Constructed in the 16th century, the castle has long been a key attraction, offering historical sprawling beauty that beats the heart of Caerphilly. This year it has been transformed along with the town into a festival paradise, and will surely be a memory to treasure for all the family.

With over 100 stalls offering food and drink, craft work and locally made goods, a wealth of Christmas goodies are there to be explored. The two-day festival is one of the best in South Wales this December and with rumoured appearances from North Pole resident Santa Claus and his reindeers also in tow, it’ll be fun for all ages.

Caerphilly Christmas Fayre, Caerphilly Castle, Sat 12 + Sun 13 Dec. Tickets: £5.50/£4.10. Info: your.caerphilly.gov.uk BUZZ 14

Many festive shoppers are sure to flock to the high streets in search of the latest trending gifts but if you’re search for a truly unique present then get down to the centre’s CraftWork event. The beautifully lit wooden stands create a wonderful Christmas atmosphere worth experiencing for the sight alone, and with over 140 exhibitors selling items from original artwork, handmade quilts, jewellery and wooden crafted gifts, there is plenty on offer for all your loved ones. There is a selection of food and drink available to sample – or why not treat yourself by enriching your tastebuds with some handmade deserts. With Cardiff’s Christmas Market now expanding into Hills Street, expect this to be the biggest and best Christmas market the capital has ever seen.

Cardiff Christmas Market, St John Street, Working Street, The Hayes, Hills Street and Trinity Street, until Wed 23 Dec. Admission: free. Info: www. cardiffchristmasmarket.com pic Mongo Gushi

Christmas can be seen as a metaphor of culture, mutating and morphing with time and space. In an age of cultural assimilation, traditions often seen as common place have fallen victim to the void and only seem to be associated in the pages of history books. Like the cultures of the world we live in, Christmas and midwinter celebrations in general vary infinitely from the charming and intriguing to the downright bizarre. My all time favourite Christmassy tradition is the Peruvian festival of Takanakuy (from the Quechua for “to hit each other”), and it’s exactly what it says on the tin. In a not entirely dissimilar way to many family Christmases, this is a festival of airing grievances, drinking, fist-fighting, violence, and catharsis. If you’d like to experience Takanakuy without travelling to deepest darkest Peru, I would suggest a stroll down St Mary Street in Cardiff on a Friday night instead.

Another wonderful Christmas tradition is the scatological custom of Tio de Nadal (Christmas Log in Catalan) in Catalonia. Children hit a smiley-faced log with sticks demanding it poos hard giving them tasty treats and presents, with the threat of striking it harder. The children run out of the room and a blanket is placed over the log. Mum and dad put presents under the blanket. Kids run back in and are treated to their presents. This love of all things bottomly can be seen in the cakes in Barcelona around Christmas (use your imagination) and the interesting addition of a caganer (pooper) in the nativity scene.

The Japanese book out KFC months in advance for their Christmas meals, seen as a romantic holiday for couples rather than couples; the Czechs starve themselves with the hope of seeing a magical piglet; while the Ethiopians eat spicy stews and play sports where they throw lances at each other.

pic Emi Yanez

Luke Owain Boult looks into the eccentric Christmas and New Year traditions of those around the world, and at home in Wales.

CHRISTMAS

BY ST DAVID’S E AT L AT E AT O V E R 3 0 R E S T A U R A N T S A N D C A F É S.

upfront pic Gary Bembridge

New Year Walk In

Merthyr Tydfil Winter Market and Skating Rink Set in the ever growing heart of Merthyr is the dazzling return of the Winter Market. Take part this year as Penderyn Square bustles in festive glimmer for the final major event of the year. This year’s market is packed with a wide array of events suitable for all ages. If you thought last year’s festival was exciting then this year you will be spoiled for choice. Fancy falling in grace? Then the skating rink may be for you. With a street full of seasonal food stalls and arts and crafts available even scrooge wouldn’t be able to resist getting in the spirit this year. With £1 all-day parking, this is a great opportunity for holiday fun regardless of the bank.

For some folk the New Year celebrations revolve around excessive drinking, finding a New Year’s kiss and watching the fireworks, but why wait until midnight to get into the festivity? The ancient Welsh New year custom of Mari Lwyd (Grey mare/Holy Mary) comes to Abernant Lake hotel at 10.30pm and tickets are only £3. The parade will light the dark streets with glowing torches, fill the area with powerful percussion and harmonious Welsh voices and a ‘leader’ will carry the ‘Mari Lwyd’ (a horse’s skull) attempting to sing to the occupants of nearby homes.

The occupants spontaneously debate in song (pwnco) and aim to reject the Mari Lwyd from entering their home: think of it like a panto with the plot revolving around unsympathetic house owners rejecting homeless Christmas carollers access. Don’t fret about missing out on our own modern traditions, either, as the group will make their way back to the hotel in time for midnight to commence the excessive drinking, finding a New – well, you know how the rest goes.

New Year Walk In, Abernant Lake Hotel, Llanwrtyd Wells, Thu 31 Dec. Admission: £3. Info: www.green-events.co.uk

Merthyr Tydfil Winter Market and Skating Rink, Penderyn Square, Sat 5 Dec. Admission: free. Info: www.merthyr.gov.uk pic Frvherreweghe

New Year’s Day Barry Island Swim The Barry Island New Year’s Day Swim is back! Shed your Christmas comforts and take part this year as the ever growing swim lights up the beach with swimmers coming from all over Wales. Founded in 1984, this fundraising event has grown and grown into one of Wales' most cherished events. Set in the beautiful scenic Barry Island beach, this thrilling day of exercise, fancy dress (optional) and fun is all for a good cause, raising funds for a charity close to your heart. A planned meal afterwards is the perfect time to swap stories and laughs with your fellow swimmers. So if you want to do something for someone else this Christmas, get down and show off your swimming prowess.

New Year’s Day Barry Island Swim, Barry Island Beach, Fri 1 Jan. Admission: free. Info: www.facebook.com/ BarryIslandNewYearDaySwim BUZZ 16

WELSH WHISKY TASTING NIGHT Whisky has a long history in Wales, having been distilled in the country since the Middle Ages. After the temperance movement, the rich tradition faded into the history books, only to be revived by Penderyn in 2000. Celebrate the revival of Welsh whisky at the stunning Cardiff Castle this winter, sipping on a beautiful range of whiskies to warm the cockles of your soul. For £25 you’ll be guided through the splendour of the castle, taught about the whiskies of the evening, given samples to taste, and treated with a gift bag.

Welsh Whisky Tasting Night, Cardiff Castle, Tue 8 Dec. Tickets: £25. Info: www.cardiffcastle.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE...

pic Mari Lwyd

WELSH WEIRD WINTER Let’s not forget that Wales is rich with Christmassy customs of its own. How better to bring in the New Year than by carrying a hooded horse’s skull and knocking on your neighbours’ doors to request entry, harassing them until they surrender through the medium of song, and being given food and drink. The answer, of course, is that there isn’t a better way than the Mari Lwyd custom, which has made a comeback in recent years. Celebrated in places like Llanwrtyd Wells, this is a tradition that deserves further observation purely because if the streets of Wales were filled with terrifying horse beasts, seasonal drunks may behave themselves.

Kids don’t have to miss out on this season of tricks and charms as they can take part in calenning, when children go out on New Years Day singing songs to welcome in the morning and are given gifts. Whether to shut them up or as a reward is anyone’s guess. Wales wouldn’t be the same without our rich singing heritage, and what could be more Welsh than Plygain, singing on Christmas Day. It is these traditions, along with foody customs like making taffy to predict the future by boiling toffee in pans and dropping drops of them in cold water, and Hen Galan in Cwm Gwaun, which still celebrates the New Year on Jan 13 according to the Julian Calendar, as well as mad swimming and diving traditions that make this country what it is.

It would be a true shame to overlook these traditions and cast them to the history books.

Overall, what you realise in all of these traditions is that they’re about bonding and connecting as humans, and that’s what’s truly important – whether you’re in a drunken fist fight in the Andes, putting pretend poo under a blanket, or terrifying your neighbours with a horse’s head like the Godfather. Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda pawb.

Everything they wish for up to 60% less

#happygiftgiving mcarthurglenbridgend.com

pic Will Sawney

upfront GARETH THOMAS: INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION Rugby legend turned genie and a true inspiration, Gareth Thomas speaks with Tom Gane about the jump from sport to stage, home, and tabloid rumours.

“A good friend of mine, Christopher Biggins, is like the governor of panto. He asked me if I'd be interested in doing it, and I kind of said yes. I wasn't sure but didn't want to miss a potential opportunity. He got hold of the owners who asked me to come in for a rehearsal and I just thought ‘why not?’”

Most people with no acting experience wouldn’t accept a role performing to tens of thousands of people with “why not?”, but Gareth Thomas isn’t most people. He has 100 Welsh Rugby Union caps, is Wales’ second highest try scorer and has captained both Wales and the British and Irish Lions. He also came out as gay in 2009, one of the first professional sportspeople to do so while still playing.

Perhaps it’s not too surprising then that Thomas is more willing to face a challenge than most, and panto is one that he’s embraced. This is his second time doing what he describes as “the highlight of [his] working year” and he seems very comfortable, with the only indication of his rugby past being his shoulders are too big for the Genie costume.

“I don't claim to be an actor, I just play myself,” he says with characteristic humility. “I feel lucky that I'm in such a great cast, because Sam and Linda have done panto for years and they're great teachers."

During the run of Aladdin, Thomas could perform to over 50,000 people. Perhaps this would seem more daunting had Thomas not captained Wales in front of 70,000 people at the Millennium Stadium. Still, I’m curious to know whether the pre-game nerves are similar.

"It's very similar; I crap myself,” he laughs. “If anything I was less nervous when I was leading out Wales because the rugby field is where I'd spent my life, so even if there are a million people watching I know what I'm doing and don't feel the eyes on me.

This is a new environment for me, so to stand on a stage, even if there were only 10 people watching, takes a while to get used to.”

BUZZ 18

In addition to being on stage himself, this year Thomas was heavily involved with the process of bringing the story of his life to the stage. Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage discussed Thomas’ life and the problems of teen suicide in his home town of Bridgend. Thomas’ involvement was extensive, even down to conducting the interviews that became the verbatim script.

“I think it was a very powerful form of doing it,” he explains. “If something is real then the last thing you want to do is add some sprinkle of fairy dust. When you see the end product you have an understanding of why it has to be done that way."

There have been numerous attempts to produce a film about his life and multiple tabloid stories about Micky Rourke and making it an Irish football story for American Audiences. Thomas says a film made by a British company “is happening” and that the rumours are “probably just somebody saying something in the cafe and all of a sudden it’s in the newspaper.”

Previously he’s spoken about how even if professional sport still struggles with homophobia, many club players have said he’s inspired them to come out to their teammates. I confess that this is something I’ve never considered but is perhaps more important than professional sport.

"They [the professionals] are a tiny percentage of the people that participate in team sport,” he agrees.

“Everybody is looking in the wrong place but when you open your eyes and don't just focus on the headline you see so much more."

Given the challenging projects Thomas has been involved with this year it’s understandable that he’s looking forward to panto. The chance to have fun and entertain the people of Cardiff appears to be his perfect end to a busy 2015.

“I don't claim to be an actor, I just play myself”

Aladdin, New Theatre, Cardiff. Sat 12 DecSun 17 Jan. Tickets: £10.50-£31. Info: www. newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Time to laugh‌ Amser i chwerthin‌

The Barber of Seville Rossini 13, 17, 19, 23 & 25 February | Chwefror 029 2063 6464 wmc.org.uk wno.org.uk/barber Registered Charity No | Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 221538

upfront KEVIN ALLEN DIRECTING, DREAMS, AND DYLAN THOMAS The director of classic Welsh film Twin Town, Under Milk Wood, and its Oscar-submitted Welsh language adaptation Dan Y Wenallt, Kevin Allen, spoke with Luke Owain Boult about Dylan Thomas, Welsh history, and the Welsh language.

How would you describe Under Milk Wood for someone that was unfamiliar with the story?

“I would describe it as a 90-minute kaleidoscopic dream. It’s such an anomaly; it’s a tough one to describe. Yeah, it’s a dream that you cwtch up with.

My vision really wasn’t pushing an idea through corporate. It was a collaborative effort between a poet, Murray Lachlan Young, who is very passionate about visualising poetry; the main actor, Rhys Ifans, who loves the piece; and Michael Breen, who’s an expert in all things symbolism. We made a decision to basically make the whole thing a dream; an escape, picking through a narrative menu, and the vision started there. I didn’t want to just put up pretty pictures that were a mirror image of the language.

I wanted to explore a joy in the piece that I’d rarely seen before. It’s often presented as a fairly miserable piece, yet there’s a lot of fun and eroticism.”

Do you think there’s much difference between the English and Welsh language versions?

“No, they’re very well connected. Thanks to Jim Jones’ Welsh text interpretation, the screenplay remains the same for both films. Text-wise, the English one sticks faithfully to Thomas’ original text, the Welsh one is Jim’s adaptation, not a translation.

Nobody could possibly just translate English poetry, or language to be honest with you – it doesn’t work like that. Jim’s was an existing, highly regarded adaptation. Then it was a case of shooting the actors’ dialogue back-to-back: first shoot the English version and then switch to a Welsh version. The bilingual actors could learn it quite easily, so that was fairly straightforward. It’s important to realise Jim’s adaptation is an adaptation; it’s technically a different film, although they look the same.”

BUZZ 20

Are there any other projects you’d particularly like to work on?

I think my next project will be very, very different. I’d really like to do a turn of the century political film, based in a south Wales coal field, maybe somewhere like Merthyr Tydfil and we could look into the birth of socialism. It’s what the British Empire was built on, and there’s some good literature that’s been buried for a long time; a lot of decent Welsh literature set within that very important time period. The first red flag was flown at Merthyr, and the Empire was built on the mud and sweat of that environment.I’d like to look into the lead up to the First World War, the birth of modern socialism as we know it. I think it’d be expensive but there’s an appetite for it; to revisit the world of How Green Was My Valley.

I’ve also got a very low-tech TV series that we’re developing, which is set in the arse-end of industrial South Wales. It’s multilingual; Welsh, English, Polish, Cantonese, and Arabic. It’s set amongst young people and it’s an ambitious piece, but low-tech.

Would you look to do more bilingual films in future?

Bilingual stuff does interest me. Directing in the Welsh language doesn’t faze me, I’m just trying to develop more work here, get more people employed.

There’s some good literature around worth revisiting.

Zac Jones has a good one called Black Parade, which is an epic story of a matriarchal character spanning three generations. It’s really very powerful stuff, when you see what conditions people existed in so that others could build an empire. While we’re moaning about Chinese people not being very nice, there’s a lot of hypocrisy about what the British Empire has got away with. These are issues that have been swept under the carpet.”

Kevin Allen's Under Milk Wood / Dan Y Wenallt is on DVD now. Price: £17.77. Info: www.undermilkwoodthefilm.co.uk

Spring Tour Taith y Gwanwyn 2016

Swansea/Abertawe

Cardiff/Caerdydd

Taliesin Arts Centre Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin 04 Feb/Chwef, 7.30pm 05 Feb/Chwef, 1.00pm+

Sherman Theatre Theatr Y Sherman 18 & 19 Feb/Chwef, 7.30pm 19 Feb/Chwef, 1.30pm*

+

Schools Interactive Matinee Matinee rhyngweithiol i ysgolion

*Family Interactive Matinee

01792 60 20 60 taliesinartscentre.co.uk

029 2064 6900 shermancymru.co.uk

Llandudno

Aberystwyth

Mold/Yr Wyddgrug

Venue Cymru 12 Feb/Chwef, 7.30pm 13 Feb/Chwef, 2.00pm*

Aberystwyth Arts Centre Canolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth 21 Apr/Ebrill, 7.30pm 22 Apr/Ebrill, 1.00pm+

Theatr Clwyd 13 & 14 May/Mai, 7.30pm 14 May/Mai, 2.30pm*

*Family Interactive Matinee

Matinee rhyngweithiol i deuluoedd

Matinee rhyngweithiol i deuluoedd

Milford Haven/ Aberdaugleddau Torch Theatre Theatr Torch 27 Apr/Ebrill, 7.30pm 01646 695267 torchtheatre.co.uk

*Family Interactive Matinee

Matinee rhyngweithiol i deuluoedd

+

01492 872000 venuecymru.co.uk

Schools Interactive Matinee Matinee rhyngweithiol i ysgolion

01352 701521 theatrclwyd.com

01970 623232 aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

@ndcwales #folkndcwales

ndcwales.co.uk Photography / Ffotograffiaeth: Rhys Cozens

pic Roslyn Gaunt

upfront ED BYRNE Known for his appearances on Mock The Week and grumpy guts comedy, Ed Byrne speaks with Stephen Springate about life on the road as a comedian. ‘‘I’m always amused when I’m doing something like canoeing and a couple are going the other way and I hear one say, “Is that the bloke from Mock The Week?” and the other goes, “Don’t be so stupid. What would he be doing paddling a canoe along the River Stort?”

After years of countless panel show appearances on programmes such as Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, it’s perhaps no surprise that to many on the street, Byrne will forever be thought of thus. Like many standup comedians turned TV regulars, though, it’s live on stage where he feels most at home. ‘‘There’s no director, no editor, nobody but the audience and I. I don’t need to watch the show back to see how it went.”

Which is perhaps just as well considering Ed is touring his fourth live show, Outside, Looking In, solidly from now until well into May – stopping in Cardiff on Sat 30 Jan, Port Talbot the following day and then Swansea on Mon 18 Apr. What is life like for Ed on the road? ‘‘There’s no such thing as a typical working day for me, but while I’m on tour I’ll wake up when the hotel tell me to get out. Go and have brunch, which is really lunch because I’ve slept through breakfast.

Drive to the next destination. Check in to the hotel.

Go and sound-check at the venue. Do the gig. Go in search of Indian food. Go to the hotel and have a few drinks. Rock and, indeed, roll.’’

When talking about what it’s like to have an onstage persona which doesn’t necessarily reflect what you’re actually like offstage, Ed has this to say: “On stage I am more confident, louder, funnier and more passionate than I am off stage. My onstage 'persona is, essentially, me turned up to 11.”

It’s easy to forget how long Byrne has been in the stand-up comedy business. Born in Swords, Ireland he left to go to the University Of Strathclyde where, as the student welfare officer, he got increasingly involved with live events until he left university to open a little comedy club in Glasgow. Can he place where he first decided to do comedy full time? ‘‘Not particularly, but I remember how I felt after my BUZZ 22

second ever paid gig, which was at the Edinburgh University Students Association. On my way back to Glasgow afterwards, a woman on a train asked me what I did for a living and I said I was a comedian.

Even though I wasn’t yet making a living from it, it felt right to say.’’

How was it changed since he first started out? ‘‘The main difference is that the club circuit has shrunk considerably while the touring circuit has expanded. When I was doing clubs in the 90s you could make a handsome living doing up to five gigs a night. It’s much more difficult now. People are more likely to go and watch a household name at their nearest arena than visit their local comedy club.’’

And what can we expect from his show this time around?

‘‘You can expect a night of unparalleled hilarity and insightfulness. You can expect to laugh until you cry. You can expect to see a mirror held up to society exposing all our weaknesses and flaws. You can expect whatever you like. What you’ll actually get is a bloke talking about his life and taking every laugh he gets as tacit agreement with whatever point he’s trying to make.’’

Ed Byrne: Outside Looking In, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 30 Jan. Tickets: £19. Info: www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk; Princess Royal Theatre, Sun 31 Jan. Tickets: £19.

Info: www.princessroyaltheatre.com

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns to the UK

The Snow Maiden The Nutcracker Swan Lake

Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia Accompanied by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet

6 r1 e d Un ICE n R e r ild ALF P h C H

19 December - 3 January

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple when they return with a thrilling new show for 2016.

Featuring sensational new choreography, sparkling costumes and a sensational show band performing timeless music.

LULLABY OF BROADWAY NEW YORK NEW YORK BYE BYE BLACKBIRD NIGHT AND DAY FEVER JEALOUSY DOWNTOWN TOO DARN HOT Anton du Beke & Erin Boag Richard Balcombe conductor Lance Ellington star vocalist Six world class Ensemble Dancers Plus the full 25 piece London Concert Orchestra

Thursday 18 February 7.30pm

ST DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF

Box Office 029 2087 8444 SEATS AVAILABLE FROM

stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

raymondgubbay.co.uk

Calls will cost 7ppm plus your network access charge.

(24hrs/bkg fees apply)

0844 847 2319

upfront upfront

pic Helen Maybanks

COMIC CON CYMRU Cardiff is slowly but surely developing a well-deserved reputation for being a place where unusual, left-of-centre and yes I’ll say it, downright quirky events can flourish. Rather than assuming that something will fail, people are giving themselves over to optimism and uncynical joy.

Comic Con Cymru is a fine example of that approach. Not established anyway near the level of larger and commercially driven events in London or Birmingham, the willingness to do the hard graft is still evident, whether they will ever reach the giddy heights, or even want to, is debatable.

To a large degree though that is part of the charm. Smooth, commercial driven events have their strengths but the sense that someone actually gives two hoots about what is being created or being genuinely in love with the subject matter can’t be beat. So excited that they have got Doctor Who (Colin Baker – third best of the Doctor Whos, young people!) that they can’t be bothered with the hard sell.

The same can be said of the plethora of comics or sci-fi related events bubbling in and out of existence in the youngest capital in Europe, such as Mini-Con Cardiff or the Cardiff Independent Comic Expo and the slightly more developed Film and Comic Con Cardiff. Comic Con Cymru is continuing that trend with artists Chris Baker, Dave Powell and Sarah Millman all in attendance giving a strong Cardiff artist flavour to the event.

Equally marvellous and slightly scary will be the products of the talented L Gore SFX and the bizarrely uncomfortable furniture produced by Prop Maker Wales where you can get your photo sitting on the only HBOapproved fan-made Iron Throne from Game Of Thrones. Pointy.

But despite all that loveliness what is a con without a guest or two? Wham bam thank you ma’am, I give you the mean and moody Colin Baker (or is that his version of Doctor Who?), the surly and deadpan Norman Lovett (from Red Dwarf – god, that was a long time ago!) and Torchwood’s Gareth David-Lloyd. Set phasers to fun. JEFF BAXTER Comic Con Cymru, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 16 + Sun 17 Jan. Tickets: £4.50. Info: www.comicconcymru.co.uk

BUZZ 24

SHREK THE MUSICAL Halfway through a rave reviewed UK tour, DreamWorks brings Shrek The Musical to Cardiff, and this charming spectacle will surely sweep you off your feet. Get ready to rejoin our favourite uncharismatic, unhygienic and relentlessly pessimistic protagonist, Shrek (Dean Chisnall) and his larger than life, blabber mouthed right hand companion, Donkey (Idriss Kargbo) as they strive to save the beautiful and headstrong Princess Fiona. Throw a lovestruck, fire-breathing dragon into the mix, along with a comically short, villainous Lord Farquaad, the conniving fairy godmother, dancing pigs, relentless liar Pinocchio and other beloved characters from the films and you have a recipe fit for all the family.

Shrek The Musical made its stage debut in Seattle back in 2008, but has since kicked on from its humble beginnings taking the US, Europe and Australia by storm, most notably performing and securing themselves at Broadway and the West End. The play’s composer, Jeanine Tesori, and the play’s author/lyricist, David Lindsay Abaire have been nominated for a Grammy and two Tony awards for their work on Shrek The Musical.

As we know Mike Myers did a magnificent job in creating a cranky, clumsy, yet brave and kind-hearted ogre. Anyone who attempts to portray the character has a tough task of filling the giant stinking boots of the green monster, and although Dean Chisnall does not steal the show, he does capture the essence of Shrek.

Animated films, namely Disney, have crossed over to theatre on many occasions.

Their films have everything we look for on the stage; drama, laughs, singing and dancing, but the cliché storyline does get repetitive. DreamWorks’ Shrek doesn’t claim to be original, it still follows the same save-the-beautiful-princess-andovercome-darkness plotline that most fairy tales do, but what swept us off our feet was its wackiness and ability to spin said clichés.

Shrek The Musical offers all the fun and laughter you could ask for out of a comedic musical. GAVIN WOODWARD Shrek, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 8 Dec-Sun 10 Jan. Tickets: £18-£56.50. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk

pic Ben Salter

upfront

THE INSATIABLE, INFLATABLE CANDYLION Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys is staging a one-of-a-kind performance at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff this Christmas. Set in a magical world filled to the brim with imagination, colour and good vibrations known as Pixel Valley, The Insatiable, Inflatable Candylion invites you on a psychedelic adventure with Polar Pear, Sledgehog and Cheffyl in this fusion of great musicians, writers and actors.

Based on Rhys’ concept album Candylion, this promising National Theatre Wales production looks to be one of the most inventive works in the country this year.

Starring Sweet Baboo, one of Wales’ top indie musicians, alongside the likes of Dyfan Dwyfor (Pride), Lisa Jên Brown (9Bach), Kliph Scurlock (Flaming Lips) and Emma Daman Thomas (Islet), this innovative production tells the story of the citizens of Pixel Valley when negative vibes take over. Promising to be a mix between theatre and a singalong live music gig, this show looks to be fun for all the family, children and adults alike.

Gruff Rhys has joined forces again with writer Tim Price and director Wils Wilson to create The Insatiable, Inflatable Candylion, having previously worked with them on the inventive, immersive concept piece Praxis Makes Perfect, which was also produced by National Theatre Wales. The piece, which was based on an a concept album by Rhys’ electro project Neon Neon, debuted in a Cardiff warehouse in 2013.

It told the story of the millionaire Italian columnist Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, who published the likes of Doctor Zhivago, and saw him smuggle a manuscript out of Russia, be tortured by the CIA and run into Fidel Castro. The show was a success and was later staged in Bristol, London, Latitude, and Festival No. 6.

With the same team reunited on this National Theatre Wales Christmas show, we can surely expect great things, so make sure to join Gruff and the gang on this wonderful psychedelic adventure. LUKE OWAIN BOULT The Insatiable, Inflatable Candylion, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wed 16 Dec-Sat 2 Jan. Tickets: £8.50-£17.50. Info: www. nationaltheatrewales.org

ANDREW ELLARD Well known for his work as the script editor on Red Dwarf (the new series of which is out next year), Miranda, and The IT Crowd, Andrew Ellard is Graham Linehan and Doug Naylor’s go-to collaborator for comedy. He recently wrote AfterDeath, which won the Nocturna Film Festival Dark Visions award and more.

“AfterDeath is a story where five characters wake up dead and have to figure how to solve that particular problem,” Andrew begins. “The director of the movie will tell you that they were inspired by No Exit, the Jean-Paul Sartre play, where we get the phrase ‘Hell is other people’. I was drawn in by the challenges of writing something that was due to be contained in a very small environment, and fascinated by questions of how we deal with religion and how we feel about a set of rules we allow to be imposed on ourselves.”

I wanted to find out more about his writing process. “With movies, I start with the big premise question and work outwards,” he says, “whereas for comedy I tend to start with characters and then build an environment around them that gives them the best chance to do funny and interesting things.” Andrew had a delightful way of making it all sound so easy, I wanted to find out what mistakes people often made in comedy.

“What sticks out more than anything is passive protagonists. I’ve seen an awful lot of first-time writers in particular write from personal experience, but it means the main character if often just them, which is fine, but of course they think they’re right about things. So they write a main character whose life would be perfect, if it wasn’t surrounded by idiots.

“The truth is in programmes like Seinfeld the characters are absolutely the cause of their own downfalls. I often think – and I’ve nicked this from Graham Linehan, he did it first – if you take a filter off people it’s going to give you some good stories.”

LUKE OWAIN BOULT AfterDeath, currently available on Digital HD from FrightFest Presents. Price: £3.49-£9.99. Info: www.frightfestpresents.com/ after-death

BUZZ 25

profile

MATT WILD Founder of Wild Creations, the company behind the ball in Cardiff Castle’s wall, Matt Wild, speaks with Luke Owain Boult about surprising the city, dinosaurs, and Ainsley Harriott.

I

n an industrial complex in Cardiff's Splott district, there’s a fairly peculiar scene: a mosasaurus explodes out of the ground. It’s sort of like a marker for what, at least from the outside, be a fairly typical warehouse. Inside is where Wild Creations operates, creating works that put people’s imaginations in reality, and the Willy Wonka of this workshop is Matt Wild, who previously worked on Doctor Who. “We’re Wild Creations,” Matt proudly says. “We’ve been going five and a half years now. We make props and display sculptures for TV, film, theatre, sporting events. Our main line of work at the moment is big PR stunts, like the dinosaurs in Waterloo we did for the launch of Jurassic World, and then the ‘ball in the wall’ for the Rugby World Cup.” Back in September, Cardiff’s commuters noticed something a little odd about Cardiff Castle: a rugby ball seemed to have crashed into it. “Cardiff Council came to us; I think it was their idea originally to do the ball,” explained Matt. “We worked with Cardiff Council to look for the best location and what would have the biggest impact, and Cardiff Castle was just fantastic. From our point of view, it was really easy to rig onto, even though it’s a listed building. From a focal point for rugby, the street the castle is on is closed off for games, so you’ve got people there

BUZZ 26

as a captive audience. We drew up all the designs, looked at the angle it was going to be in, pointing towards the Stadium, and went from there really.

It’s cast out of fibreglass, and it’s got a steel frame within it. For the rocks around outside – we took a mould of the castle wall to so that it was accurate as it could be, and then cast them. We were working on it for about a month.”

No-one could have predicted what would follow, and Cardiff’s ‘ball in the wall’ soon started to trend on social media. “It was brilliant,” says Matt smiling.

“We do these things all the time, and it’s always good to see the reaction. This one was around for longer than a lot of other things we do, and I think it really, really captured people’s imaginations. Even the day before it came down, there were still people doing selfies in front of it.

“It’s a lovely feeling because that’s why we do it, to put a smile on people’s face, and I think that one really went further than I’d ever expected. I even saw a photoshopped picture with Ainsley Harriott as the ball... I don’t quite know what the relevance of that was.”

Wild Creations worked hard to make sure that the ball in the wall was a surprise for Cardiff’s commuters. “We had to sign a non-disclosure agreement and keep everything under wraps

because the big thing with it was the surprise in the morning. We went in overnight to install it, which, helped to create a ‘wow’ in the morning. There were quite a few builders who had been working opposite the Castle for a couple of weeks, and their reaction was ‘How the hell did that get there? That wasn’t there yesterday morning?’ It was great. We don’t get much like that in Cardiff. That’s what I thought originally, I thought ‘oh well, that’s why everyone’s gone mad for it, it’s something different in Cardiff...’

“We do a lot of things in London and there’s so much happening in London that quite often people think ‘oh this is a PR stunt’, whereas in Cardiff I think there was a real ‘wow’ but then actually two, three weeks in the hype wasn’t going down, I think it showed we had done something pretty spectacular.”

Info: www.wild-creations.co.uk

Looking for something a little bit different ?

DEC 2015

spend a day on Kate Humble’s farm • Smallholding • Foraging • Build a pizza oven • Crafts buzz publishers ltd

• Willow weaving • Wood fired cookery • Photography • & much more...

Course & accommodation packages available

www.humblebynature.com Upper Meend Farm, penallt 01600 714595

Opening Cardiff December 11th 2015

www.turtlebay.co.uk

film

by Keiron Self

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS ****

THE HATEFUL EIGHT ****

Dir: J.J. Abrams (12A, 136 mins) An upcoming arthouse release, apparently set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away.

Or something. If you haven’t been living underground for the past three years or so, you may have felt a trembling in the Force for this seventh instalment in the Star Wars saga. Thankfully this follows on from the Ewok-fuelled hijinx of Return Of The Jedi, with director J.J. Abrams, who successfully rebooted the Star Trek franchise, at the helm of the series, making grown men and women revert to childlike states of wonder. The terrible prequels will hopefully be excised from history, with this adventure continuing the stories of Han Solo, Leia and Luke Skywalker as well as introducing a whole new roster of characters who don’t care about midi-chlorians and aren’t called Jar Jar Binks. Set 40 years after the second Death Star exploded, with the thankfully fairly unknown Daisy Ridley and John Bodega taking title roles whilst old favourites like R2D2, C3PO, and Chewbacca pop up, this should be a fan’s dream. The Millennium Falcon is back in flight, the FX are more old school and hopefully the story isn’t about trading laws. This should be the Star Wars film all Star Wars fans are waiting for.

Please. May the Force be with us!

Opens Dec 17

Dir: Quentin Tarantino (15, 182 mins) Epic Western from Quentin Tarantino, who obviously loved the genre so much after Django Unchained he got back in the saddle for some more talky gunslinging. A fine ensemble cast have been collected for this snowy Western. Kurt Russell plays a character known as the Hangman, who has captured fugitive Daisy Domergue, played by an excellent Jennifer Jason Leigh, and is transporting her to Red Rock to be hanged.

Along the way they meet Samuel L. Jackson’s bounty hunter and Red Rock’s Sheriff Walton Goggins. The weather deteriorates and they end up in a stagecoach rest stop, where four more characters await, Red Rock’s Hangman Tim Roth, cow punching Michael Madsen, ex-Confederate soldier Bruce Dern, and landlord in absent Demian Bichir. What follows is a claustrophobic talkfest shot in glorious 70mm – you know, like old Westerns such as The Big Country used to be filmed in. The cast reads like a who’s who of Tarantino mates, with Death Proof’s Zoe Bell also showing up for a cameo. The chilly backdrop of a blizzard-ridden mountain pass provides the bleak background for trademark character-driven dialogue. Whether this will translate into overindulgence or genius is up for grabs, especially with its extensive running time, but Tarantino is always worth saddling up for. Opens Jan 8

BY THE SEA **

JOY ****

KRAMPUS ****

Dir: Angelina Jolie-Pitt (15, 132 mins) Even the star wattage of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie cannot save this navel-gazing romantic drama, written and directed by Jolie herself: beautiful to look at but somewhat empty. Pitt is an author with writer’s block, Jolie his former dancer wife – he drinks, she fumes, as they stay in an idyllic French getaway in the 1970s. This proceeds for quite a while before an amorous pair of newlyweds played by Melanie Laurent and Melvil Poupaud fire up jealousies and bouts of peeping tom. Pitt and Jolie observe the young couple through a hole in the wall in their room and try to confront the problems at the root of their own relationship. Niels Arestrup is the engaging tavern owner with whom Pitt chats and drinks in a sea of beige. Ponderous, overlong and far duller than it should be, By The Sea is an inert arthouse misfire.

Opens Dec 11

Dir: David O. Russell (15, 120 mins) Jennifer Lawrence reteams with director Russell, who guided her to win an Oscar in American Hustle, for a star-studded oddball traipse through the American Dream and its impact on one family. Lawrence plays Joy, a woman who founds a business empire and becomes the matriarch of a dysfunctional ‘family’ that includes Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rossellini and Virginia Madsen. An unconventional tale told unconventionally by Russell, what could be a straightforward family saga is delivered with verve and energy, especially with Lawrence rock-solid at its centre effortlessly playing Joy in all the stages of her life. Veering from feminist role model to Mafia-esque don, Lawrence is superb, De Niro gives his best performance in an age as her father in a film that defies easy classification.

Gripping, immersive and about family and life, Joy is a joy. Opens Jan 1

Dir: Michael Dougherty (12A, 100 mins) A decidedly creepy Christmas in this kid friendly festive horror that aims for the tone of Gremlins and mostly succeeds. An ordinary family beset with ordinary Christmas issues, not getting along, complaining about dry turkey and so on, find themselves on the naughty list.

They will not be visited by St. Nicholas, but rather his shadow – Krampus, a horned beast with demonic minions out to punish rather than reward. Well staged with an eclectic cast including Toni Collette, Adam Scott and Anchorman’s David Koechner, as well as various plucky kids, the family have to learn to find their Christmas spirit or be killed. Smart, brisk and rather enjoyable, this apparently anti-Christmas fable ends up being very festive. The comedy and horror blend in an obvious 80s throwback to the likes of Poltergeist, making a chillingly funny advert for being good. Ho ho haargh!

Opens Dec 4

ALSO RELEASED DECEMBER 2015 DADDY’S HOME (15) Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are stepdad and real dad in this comedy of one-upmanship. GRANDMA (15) Lilly Tomlin is fantastic in this character drama about a grandmother accompanying her granddaughter to get an abortion. IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (12A) Ron Howard directs the epic true life source story for the inspiration for Moby Dick. SHELTER (18) Paul Bettany writes and directs this tale of two homeless people, Jennifer Connolly and Anthony Mackie falling in love. SUNSET SONG (15) Period romance from director Terence Davies starring supermodel Agyness Deyn. THE PEANUTS MOVIE (PG) Charlie Brown and Snoopy are back as Charles M. Schulz’s creations get a makeover. Play the piano Linus!

THE REVENANT ****

VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN ***

Dir: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (15, 151 mins) The second epic Western of January along with The Hateful Eight, this time with vengeance at its core and some truly gobsmacking cinematography. Shot only in long takes in natural light, Oscar winning director Inarritu, of Birdman fame, has created a natural world that places the viewer in the heart of the action. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, a pioneer, mauled by a bear and left for dead by nasty Tom Hardy in 1820s frontier America. Native Americans ambush, blood is shed and awesome camerawork is paramount in this brutal, gritty tale based on fact. Something far more than a Western, this is poetic, and making a point about the ravaging of both nature and the native people of America. In Inarritu’s hands, it transcends. Allegedly an incredibly tough shoot in freezing temperatures with Inarritu’s quest for perfection paramount, this looks unlike any film you’ve seen; the camerawork of the one take-riddled Birdman was a warm up for the epic viewed here. DiCaprio and Hardy make great adversaries, DiCaprio as ever excellent, Hardy mumbling yet another accent but far easier to buy as the brutal John Fitzgerald. Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter and Lukas Haas round out the cast, all men struggling to survive in adversity. Superb, engrossing stuff about the resilience of the human spirit and more. Opens Jan 15

Dir: Paul McGuigan (12A, 109 mins) A re-imagining of the body part re-animator Frankenstein, paired up with hunchback buddy Igor, in a cross-genre splicing from the director of TV’s Sherlock. Set in the Victorian era, Max Landis’ script thumbs its nose at Mary Shelley’s source material.

Frankenstein and his monster have had many incarnations, but here Daniel Radcliffe’s Igor, a much later added hunchbacked servant addition to the horror pantheon, is the Watson to James McAvoy’s professor/Sherlock. Igor is part of a circus troupe along with trapeze artist Lorelei played by Jessica Brown Findlay. He falls in with Frankenstein, becomes his protégé, and loses his hump in a pus soaked scene. Igor aids and abets his friend as his experiments into immortality become deeper and darker leading to the inevitable “it’s alive!” moment when the Monster is created. Played very much in a knockabout 12A style, Victor Frankenstein is an entertaining if rather redundant reimagining. Radcliffe and McAvoy spar well together, but despite its reinvention, the film rings loud with familiarity, and the smug referencing often jars, particularly one nod to Young Frankenstein. Andrew Scott, Moriarty himself, is the police inspector after Frankenstein and Igor when body parts go missing and Radcliffe tries to bring his friend back from madness. Fun while it lasts, this Frankenstein is mostly animate. Opens Dec 4

ROOM ****

SISTERS ****

THE DANISH GIRL ***

Dir: Lenny Abramson (15, 118 mins) Brie Larson is stunning in this harrowing adaptation of Emma Donaghue’s moving novel about a woman kept in captivity with her five-year-old son and finally getting their freedom. A space, 11 foot by 11 foot, is all that young Jack (an excellent Jacob Tremblay) has known as the world for years. Brie Larson is ma, who has made the best of their horrific situation, visited every night by Old Nick (Sean Bridgers), their captor for seven years. Jack is a result of rape, but has given Larson a reason to live.

When they have an opportunity to escape, more problems come in their wake, how will they deal with life outside Room? Superbly executed by director Abramson, despite its claustrophobia Room never feels small, it’s about huge emotion and love. Grueling but uplifting, this is an intelligent weepie with a lot of heart.

Opens Jan 15

Dir: Jason Moore (15, 118 mins) Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the dream team of American female comedy, are together in a film, instead of just presenting the Emmys. Starring as siblings who just want to have one last house party in their old family home before it’s sold, Poehler is the responsible, perky perfect one, Fey the wild child who coerces her sister into staging a party that they may be too old for. Directed by the man behind the original Pitch Perfect, this has plenty of sass, some zingy one liners and a hefty supporting cast. Dianne Wiest and James Brolin are the indulgent parents, John Cena turns in another winning cameo following on from his scene stealing work in Trainwreck and comediennes Maya Rudolph and Kate McKinnon add chuckles. Rude, wistful and a little too long, Sisters has two very funny women doing mostly very funny things.

Opens Dec 12

Dir: Tom Hooper (15, 120 mins) Eddie Redmayne takes on a very different acting challenge from his Oscar-winning turn as Stephen Hawking, playing transgender pioneer Lili Elbe who makes the transition from landscape artist husband Einar Wegener to cross dressing model for his wife, Gerda, and eventually to a woman. Alicia Vikander is superb as Redmayne’s wife, caught between her love for her husband, her use of him as her own painterly muse and letting him be what he wants to be. Their relationship is sensitively handled, and Redmayne’s shy copying of feminine gestures and growing confidence as a woman is well captured. It’s a stately film, beautifully shot with strong performances, including Ben Whishaw as a persistent suitor, Sebastian Koch as the surgeon tasked with the first gender reassignment but essentially this is another vehicle for Redmayne, and though well executed is uninvolving, full of integrity but little verve. Opens Jan 1

ALSO RELEASED JANUARY 2016 CREED (12A) Another Rocky film. This time focusing on Apollo Creed’s son, who Rocky is now training. Dead horse? THE BIG SHORT (12A) Star studded drama about four maverick financiers who saw the crash coming and decide to take on the big banks. I smell Oscar. THE FIFTH WAVE (12A) Chloe Grace Moritz stars in alien invasion thriller. THE FINEST HOURS (12A) True life tale of coastguard heroism set in 1952 with Chris Pine on hero duties. SPOTLIGHT (15) Worthy drama following the Boston Globe journalists who uncovered the Catholic Church child molestation cover up in their town. Top drawer cast delivers. YOUTH (15) Harvey Keitel and Michael Caine star in this superb meditation on age.

upfront

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE VERY, VERY BAD FILM ROUND UP

2015 2015 has been a fantastic year for film. We've had the good, the not so good and the completely awful, with enough variety across the generic spectrum to prove that if you think modern day cinema is all about superheroes, then you aren't looking hard enough.

This was the year that the blockbuster began to shift away from capes and spandex, as George Miller’s longgestating Mad Max: Fury Road proved that audiences were ready for something different. Miller’s bonkers sequel to his original dystopian trilogy is easily one of this year's most memorable movies, in that its visuals and ambition are unlike anything else we've seen in 2015.

One of the biggest highlights of the year has to be The Martian. With Ridley Scott on top form, a likeable performance from Matt Damon and an air tight script from Drew Goddard, this thrilling piece of sci-fi is a top contender for film of the year.

Away from big blockbusters, there have been a considerable number of documentaries and art house pictures that have impressed. The Look Of Silence, Joshua Oppenheimer’s shocking companion piece The Act Of Killing, is an unforgettable experience. Asif Kapadia’s Amy – which looks at the life and death of troubled singer Amy Winehouse, and Louise Osmond’s Dark Horse – which tells the uplifting ‘nags to riches’ story of a horse racing syndicate from the valleys – are essential viewing too.

Other filmic highlights include Whiplash; excellent performances with an edge of your seat drum solo, and White God; brutal, beautiful, but dog lovers beware.

What's been particularly great to see this year however, is the revival of excellent animation that proves just as enjoyable for adults as it does children. Towards the beginning of the year we had Studio Ghibli’s The Tale BUZZ 30

Joe Richards reminisces over the highs and lows of 2015’s cinematic releases, from Studio Ghibli to Star Wars, and Pixar to Pixels.

Of The Princess Kaguya, an eye-widening piece of work that broke the heart and made the jaw drop. The same can be said for Tomm Moore’s Song Of The Sea, an Irish folktale that is as good for the soul as it is the eye.

Arguably, it's Pixar’s Inside Out that has been the biggest animated joy of the year. In typical fashion from the studio, the visuals are colourful, the idea is inspired and it has a big heart at the centre of it. It made me laugh and it made me cry buckets.

Of course, it's not all been good and this year has seen some stinkers grace the cinema screen. The first which springs to mind is Pixels, which didn't live up to the potential of its concept. What could have been Wreck It Ralph-meets-Ghostbusters ended up with bad jokes, poor performances and dodgy representations of its female characters – some of which are literally 'trophy wives'.

Adam Sandler and his mates are a big part of the film's awfulness, and, unfortunately, it didn't end there. We had the Kevin James film Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, which was one of the most painful cinematic experiences of 2015, and more recently Hotel Transylvania 2, which is horrific in all the wrong ways.

Shout outs also go to Seventh Son, which looked like a lot of fun rubbish, but ended up just being rubbish; The Visit, great premise that was ruined by crap humour, literally; and Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, more of the same thing but this time in practically pitch-black 3D. However, on the whole 2015 has been another spectacular year for film. Amongst all the original films, we've had Bond back on the big screen, we've said goodbye to Katniss Everdeen, and Star Wars has returned in a very big way. Roll on 2016.

All available on DVD via www.amazon. co.uk

food/drink

Spinach Turnover MAKES APPROX 12 INGREDIENTS • ½ pack frozen greek filo pastry, defrosted & kept wrapped so it doesn’t dry out • 1 tbsp olive oil • Handful of chopped shallots • Salt & pepper • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1kg dry weight of spinach, washed & most stems removed • Grated zest of 1 lemon • 1 tsp chopped thyme & rosemary • 2tsp chopped parsley • 200g feta, crumbled • 50g melted butter

Ultimate Manly Man Spinach & feta turnovers Ian Young is the in-house chef for Welsh Law Firm of the Year 2015, Capital Law, creating daily bespoke menus for the staff and their clients. He began his career as a wine taster, before venturing into food; running vegetarian restaurant The Glasshouse and the Peace Cafe in Cardiff.

Let’s just turn a few misconceptions on their head, shall we? I’ve met a lot of people who think that vegetarian food is somehow the effete option; for those soft of heart and sinew and gentler of nature. Well, I’m from the West of Scotland. Coronary heart disease capital of the world: my sinews are of steel and my nature is red in tooth and claw. You don’t get any more macho than me, unless, perhaps, you happen to be Popeye the Sailor Man, and guess what? He’s on my side.

This is a recipe for my Utimate Manly Man Spinach & feta turnovers. WIMPY foods like turkey and beef don’t do it for me at Christmas; three chews and the flavour’s gone. I prefer the crisp bite of pastry and the fragrant pine nuts, the juicy, mineral and dense flavour of spinach, softened by the briney creaminess of the cheese.

Much of the spinach available in supermarkets is the baby leaf stuff; smooth little leaves & quite expensive by the time you wilt it down. If you can find it, in a greengrocer, International food shop on City Road, or at Riverside market, loose leaf spinach is a better option with more flavour & bang for your buck.

• 60g chopped, toasted pine nuts • 2 tsp black onion seeds METHOD 1. Make the filling: Get the oil hot, but not smoking. Add shallots & a pinch of salt to release moisture & fry for 3 mins.

Add pinch black pepper, garlic, lemon peel, rosemary & thyme and fry for 1 min more & put aside.

2. Put spinach in a large pan & heat through to wilt. When wilted, place in a colander & allow to cool before squeezing as much water out of it as you possibly can. This avoids soggy pastry syndrome.

3. Mix spinach with shallots mixture, parsley & feta & season to taste. Add some black pepper & a splash of lemon juice.

4. Cut filo pastry roll into 3 equal portions, they’ll unroll to strips of about 45cm x 12cm.

5. Lightly brush each strip with melted butter, sprinkle with chopped pine nuts & lay second strip on top of first, again brushing with butter.

6. Put a tablespoon of mixture at one end of pastry strip & fold to make a loosely packed 12 cm triangle, folding over itself all the way up the strip until you have a perfect little samosa shaped pastry.

7. Lightly brush with more butter & chill for 20 mins or longer. Sprinkle black onion seeds onto a plate & dip the edges of each pastry to coat.

8. Bake at 200c for 10 mins or until golden brown.

BUZZ 31

food/drink

ABERGAVENNY CHRISTMAS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Christmas is coming and soon the children will get their presents and Michael Bublé will take over the radio, but Christmas dinner is what we look forward to really. Christmas comes early on Sun 13 Dec as the Abergavenny Christmas Food & Drink Festival – Wales’ biggest food festival and winner of Visit Wales Best Event In Wales 2013/14 – opens. Try out a range of succulent meat, chocolates, cakes, cheese, baked goods, deserts, wine, beer and ale. Food experts will be in attendance to exhibit their skills to help you add some new ideas to your Christmas meal and there will a range of workshops, from gingerbread making and tree decoration making to face painting and Christmas card making to keep the children entertained.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN WALES Chelsea Brownhill takes a look at the Christmas Markets popping up all over Wales.

Christmas is here once again and the festive spirit has truly made its home in our beautiful Welsh towns and cities, filling them with food, drink and exciting activities.

Cardiff’s iconic Christmas Market is expanding even further this year, with over 190 exhibitors joining the city over the 42 days. Ideal for finding original and unusual gifts, including original artwork and bespoke silver jewellery, for all those hard-to-shop-for family members. It is also just a short stroll away from the wonderful Winter Wonderland, perfect for relaxing after your hunt for presents.

Loved for over 20 years, Swansea’s Christmas Street Market returns with an abundance of stalls offering the best handmade Christmas gifts and seasonal treats, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Located on Oxford Street and running until 22 Dec, this is an event that illuminates the city’s wintery cultural scene.

The Abergavenny Christmas Food Festival is focused solely on providing you the best tasting Christmas around. With a huge array of the best

producers of fresh and cured meats, poultry and game, cheeses and chocolates, cakes and desserts, wines and liqueurs, ales and cider, this festival is not one to miss for food lovers.

The return of the Merthyr Tydfil Winter Market is welcome news for many in the area. Penderyn Square hosts a market offering events suitable for all ages, including an ice-skating rink, a street full of seasonal food stalls and arts and crafts.

There really is something for everyone here. With so much on, this looks like a delicious winter for Wales.

Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff city centre, Until Wed 23 Dec. Info: www. cardiffchristmarket.com; Swansea Christmas Street Market, Oxford Street, Until Tue 22 Dec; Abergavenny Christmas Food Festival Market Hall/ Upper Brewery Yard, Sun 13 Dec; Merthyr Tydfil Winter Market and Skating Rink, Penderyn Square, Sat 5 Dec. Info: www.merthyr.gov.uk

WIN A YEAR’S WORTH OF DELIVEROO This summer saw the opening of Deliveroo Cardiff; their eighth branch. Deliveroo have a wide range of restaurants on board, from mainstream favourites such as Ask to niche eateries like Turkish restaurant Saray, or Irie Shack, which specialises in Caribbean cuisine. The concept’s straightforward; you place your order online with Deliveroo, and they do the rest. To win £20 of Deliveroo a month for a year, answer the following question: Q. What’s the name of Cardiff’s Asian-inspired takeaway established by Masterchef finalists Larkin Cen and Dale Williams? (See back page for full details on how to enter) BUZZ 32

Admission: £5/kids free. Info: 01873 851643 / www.abergavennyfoodfestival. com/christmas

SATURNALIA: REAL ALE RAMBLE The highly praised Real Ale Ramble returns for another year and will pay homage to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia. Defined as an occasion of wild revelry or indulgence, that is exactly what you can expect. The Real Ale Ramble has an impressive five-star rating on TripAdvisor and remains at Llanwrtyd Wells. The walks range from 10, 15 and 25 miles and if the challenge alone doesn’t motivate you then there is free ale for those who reach each checkpoint. Don’t forget your toga and bring a friend to enjoy the Roman styled festival, or bring two, that’s if you want to participate in the World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing Championship.

Saturnalia: Real Ale Ramble, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sat 9 Jan. Admission: £11. Info: www.green-events.co.uk

CARDIFF’S SECRET SPEAKEASY Imagine a Cardiff in the middle of the prohibition of alcohol, where gangsters peddle hooch to secret locations where drinkers can get their tipple. Quite a stretch for anyone who’s seen St Mary Street on a Saturday night. However, a secret popup speakeasy has emerged and taken Cardiff’s rummies by storm, stocked with a brilliant bar, talented mixologists and an atmosphere quite like any other. For Cardiff’s most unique bar, follow DTACardiff on Twitter and chase the white rabbit... if you dare. Be careful, though, its Twitter feed is crawling with popup police looking to put away the elusive beer baron watering a dry Cardiff.

Don’t Tell Anyone, secret Cardiff venue, admission requires password. Info: www. twitter.com/dtacardiff

5 OF THE BEST Places for Hangover Cures

RUTH’S EASY TO MAKE CHRISTMAS CAKE words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com

pic Volker Kannacher

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and Christmas parties and an almost offensive level of brandy, mulled wine, hot toddies and champagne will likely render a good amount of the population merry. Chelsea Brownhill kindly looks into the best places to help after a not so silent night in Cardiff.

CAFE 37 Café 37 is like a mother’s hug to hangovers. With its retro style, boasting the best breakfast in Wales and the ‘hangover cure’ Oreo Milkshake, this café will certainly brighten your morning.

37 Salisbury Road, Cardiff. Info: 029 2064 1137

This Christmas cake is a stunner and so easy to make.

Maybe this is the year to make your own. As the fruit is soaked the night before, it’s probably the moistest cake you’ll ever taste. Soak the fruit in a fruit juice, strong dark beer or cider. Don’t forget to add the spices and dollop of golden syrup or marmalade and a generous dash of vanilla extract. The next day, just add the remaining ingredients, mix well and spoon into a lined tin. Bake gently, probably a little lower than normal, and wait for the bewitching mouth-watering smells. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS FRUIT MIX: 750g mixed dried fruit 200g tub glace cherries, halved 100g chopped candied pineapple 250g chopped dates 200g chopped apricots 1 small can beer, or mango juice 2 tablespoons mixed spice 2 tablespoons marmalade Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon Vanilla essence

RAMON'S

EXTRA:

Recently renovated with a swanky new look, and just as cheap and welcoming as Café 37. The only difference between these hangover doctors is the fried potatoes you get with Ramon's breakfast. The deciding factor is really how highly you rate your potatoes.

64 Salisbury Road, Cardff. Info: 029 2039 0391

350g cream

PURE KITCHEN If you aren’t into eating 1,000 calories or more in your first meal of the day, then Pure Kitchen is calling you. Their ‘Pure Café breakfast’ is like a traditional fry-up, but with poached egg and some well-needed veggies. Let’s be honest, your body is probably crying for healthy after punishing it with all that alcohol (tut tut).

The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Info: 029 2049 3348 / www. cafepure.co.uk

BILL’S Bill’s just do everything right. Their vegetarian (don’t recoil) breakfast is renowned for being one of the best in Cardiff. If you truly cannot handle meat-free, then you can also have a standard Bill’s breakfast with some sizzling streaky bacon and sausages.

27-39 Wyndham Arcade, Mill Lane. Info: 029 2023 1524 / www.bills-website. co.uk

COSY CLUB Better known for its evening meals and cocktails, Cosy Club also provides a helping hand with your hangover. Their slightly fancier brunch is the ‘Cosy Eggs’ served with your choice of bacon, spinach, chorizo or smoked salmon. Perfect if you’re not so far gone you can’t even stomach being near somewhere that serves alcohol.

St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff. Info: 029 2022 5998 / www.cosyclub.co.uk

350g margarine or butter 350g soft brown fair-trade muscovado sugar 6 eggs ¼ teaspoon almond essence 100g self-raising flour 250g plain flour METHOD • The night before, place the fruit mix ingredients in large bowl; stirring occasionally.

• The next day, heat the oven to gas mark 3 and double line a large tin.

• Add the cream, margarine or butter and sugar • Beat in the eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla essence and the almond essence • Fold in the self raising flour and plain flour • Spoon mixture into tin and smooth top.

• Bake for 1-2 hours or until the cake stops singing – yes, it sings as it cooks!

• Cool.

• Pour over a little brandy if desired. Wrap in foil.

• Place on board and spread a little marmalade on surface.

• Cut out star shapes using icing sugar if sticking.

Place stars all over the top.

BUZZ 33

food/drink

ETHICAL CHOICE

PLEASE CHOOSE KINDLY FOR CHRISTMAS words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS IN WELSH DISTILLERIES

pic Megan Eaves

A recent revival of distilleries in Wales has astounded fans of a good tipple all around the world. Luke Owain Boult provides a handy guide to the emerging industry just in time for a Christmas dram.

On St David’s Day 2004, the centuries-old tradition of Welsh whisky made a return after over a hundred years of being neglected, but never forgotten. The Welsh Whisky Company set up home in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons and decided to name their spirit, now Wales’ national spirit, after a symbol of Welsh defiance: Penderyn.

Since then a selection of styles of whisky, from Madeira Finish, Peated and Sherrywood whiskies, and ones commemorating important moments of Welsh cultural history such as the Red Flag and Dylan blends, named after the 1831 Merthyr Rising, where the first ever red flag was flown for the socialist cause, and Dylan Thomas. Their success has also inspired the creation of vodka, gin, and cream liqueurs by the same company.

The temperance movement that came along with the spread of Methodism in Wales saw the end of many of Wales’ distilleries, and since then numerous attempts have been made to revive the tradition, including a rather cheeky episode in the 90s where Scottish whiskies were bottled in Wales and advertised as Welsh whiskies, resulting unsurprisingly in a lawsuit.

BUZZ 34

Based in Anglesey, the Celtic Spirit Company claims to be the oldest spirit company in Wales, dating back to the 1890s. Best known for their Black Mountain and Danzy Jones brandy and whisky liqueurs, they also offer horrifically strong poteen. Da Mhile, an independent farmhouse distillery in West Wales, offer a range of interesting spirits and liqueurs, including an apple brandy made with apples on the farm – as well as their own gin, including one made with seaweed, fittingly launched on St David’s Day. While there aren’t many distilleries in Wales, they seem to be making something of a comeback and gaining an international reputation for almost always being of high quality. All I hope is that we see more variety in future, but there is no denying the presence of a surprisingly large range of products in an industry that was only recently revived.

Penderyn Whisky. Info: www.welshwhisky.co.uk; Celtic Spirit Company.

Info: www.celticspirit.co.uk; Da Mhile.

Info: www.damhile.co.uk

It’s that time of the year when the stores are laden with glorious tempting cosmetics. It may be a new fragrance, set of eye-shadows, lip colours or even a luxurious face cream. They will all be there in their cellophaned elegant boxes calling us to buy into that magic world of luxury and glamour.

But there’s a sinister side to this industry: animal testing. Many large cosmetic companies protest their innocence, but after a bit of research it’s all too easy to discover that some of the major companies put profit before animal welfare.

After all, is it worth seeing a cat, dog, rabbit, mouse or rat immobilised, then have chemicals dropped into their eyes, forced down their throats or pushed into gashes so that we can enjoy our Christmas treats?

In 2013, the EU banned animal testing. Yet animal testing persists. How is that possible?

The major cosmetics companies have discovered a loophole in the law that allows them to test abroad and use those ingredients in their products for sale to China, where there is a large market for European cosmetics.

It’s far better to use human volunteers and more sensible in the long run – but of course this costs extra as they have to pay them and take more care, while an injury to an animal who cannot protest is of no concern. Many companies such as Top Shop, The Body Shop, Lush and others already fall into this category.

But there are a huge number who don’t, including the manufacturers of the majority of the high end fragrances. Can it be worth it?

Perhaps this year do a little research, enjoy cruelty-free cosmetics and show these monster companies that we do not need their cruelty pampering.

Instead, look for those supported by the leaping bunny and feel good this holiday.

food/drink

DEPOT: THE WINTER SOCIAL

Dumballs Road, Cardiff 029 2034 1199 / www.depotcardiff.com Food **** Atmosphere ***** Tucked away in a former warehouse near Cardiff Bay lies Depot, which promises to be the home of Cardiff’s most creative pop-up events, and for every Friday and Saturday up until 19 Dec, their Winter Social is a haven from the cold for the city’s foodies. Depot’s magic is in its festival-like atmosphere, which is enhanced by how out of the blue it seems; you walk down a seemingly normal street and suddenly the smell of delicious food and sound of lively music captivates your senses.

We started, as so many such events do, with a drink. Depot offers a great selection of cocktails, beers and spirits to keep everyone happy, and I started by sampling a local Pipes beer and a sherbet fizz cocktail. With my whistle wet and the smell of smoky meats dancing in the air, we decided upon sampling Dirty South, a much loved popup from Newport offering reasonably priced and somewhat over the top burgers and meaty treats, but that’s part of the fun.

For those who wanted something more fragrant, Brother Thai’s beautiful Pad Krapao Gai (a spicy basil chicken) was one of the night’s strongest contenders. Doughboys Pizza, Grillstock, Hokkei (who make a delicious bao), and Big Fish Little Fish (whose alioli and squid was just right) also ensured that there was a wide range of cuisines to keep all foodies well fed and satisfied. Word on the street is that there’s a speakeasy somewhere too, but that’s just between us. LUKE OWAIN BOULT

pic Evoke Pictures

MINT & MUSTARD

pic Jessica Spengler

SARAY

City Road, Cardiff 029 2049 4943 / www.sarayrestaurantcardiff.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** City Road: one of Cardiff’s most vibrant streets, brimming with international food shops and all manner of restaurants competing with each other to tempt diners, earning it a reputation as a hotspot for foodies. From the most appalling kebabs to authentic Chinese food, City Road’s quality of restaurants varies massively, and sitting near the top is Saray, arguably Cardiff’s best Turkish restaurant.

The first thing that strikes you in Saray is the range of choice, offering a selection of cold and hot starters, traditional Turkish soups, grills, casseroles, yoghurt dishes, seafood and steaks. We began with a few starters: sucuk (spicy sausage), kiremitte mantar (cheesy mushrooms), and yaprak sarma (stuffed vine leaves).

This was followed by yogurtlu beyti, a peculiar yet tasty mix of lamb, bread, yoghurt, and spices, with melted butter drizzled on top. The result was unlike any other dish I had had before, like a mix between a Greek grill and buttery Russian cuisine. I also sampled their kofte (lamb meatballs), which were well done, but not the highlight of the meal.

For afters and drinks, Saray offer up the usual baklava (but very well done) and Turkish teas and coffees in addition to more unique treats like kanafeh, a sweet cheesy pastry and ayran, a cold salty yoghurt drink (nicer than it sounds). This is a great place to go to sample a wide range of dishes and learn about an underrated cuisine. LUKE OWAIN BOULT

33-34 Windsor Terrace, Penarth 029 2070 0500 / www.mintandmustard.com/penarth Food **** Atmosphere **** The heart of Mint & Mustard, according to their philosophy, is Kerala: the region from which their dishes originate. Mint & Mustard is one of the wave of Indian restaurants popping up across the country, offering fine dining with a mission statement.

The Keralan way of cooking is fresh, light and healthy food, cooked a little bit longer. I have visited their newest branch in Penarth twice: on the first occasion, we sampled a selection of dishes from the second of two taster menus. Granted, not all were to my taste and I probably wouldn’t have chosen them normally, but I gave it a go.

Given free reign, however, I enjoyed our second visit more. A chicken tikka starter was followed by Malabar chicken biryani, sporting a flaky crust with fragrant spices and served with a light, fresh raita. The four of us dining that night sampled a selection of dishes including a king prawn peera – cooked in coconut, raw mango and ginger with black mustard and curry leaves – paired with seafood pilau rice. Interestingly, there is bison (yes, bison!) and green pepper tikka, cooked with potatoes and a choice of chef’s spices. We also had a selection of naan breads and sag aloo paneer, (spinach, potato, cumin and garlic amongst other ingredients, if you weren’t already familiar – it doesn’t tell you on the menu), a perfect side dish.

The food is very good, and executed as promised by their ‘philosophy’ statement.

A “family of rices” to explain various rice options is a tad flowery for me, and the overused “melt in the mouth” could perhaps be omitted from the menu, but overall we enjoyed it. Despite being more expensive, with Mint & Mustard you are paying for the award-winning Kerala experience and a fine-looking restaurant in which to enjoy this unique culture. ANTONIA LEVAY BUZZ 35

art

TREASURES: ADVENTURES IN ARCHAEOLOGY National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff Tue 26 Jan-Sun 30 Oct Start packing your backpack and get your map at the ready: 2016, Wales’ Year Of Adventure has arrived!

Kicking off this exciting year is the National Museum Wales, who are host to the Treasures: Adventures In Archaeology exhibition. Get ready to step back in time in this specially created exhibition where you are invited to enter the world of famous explorers and discover treasures from around the world.

Join the National Museum on their year of adventure and learn the stories behind great archaeological discoveries, from ancient civilisations, including Greece, Rome and pre-Columbian America, some of which have never been seen in Wales before. The archaeological investigations of people such as Giovanni Belzoni (Italian explorer and archaeologist of Egyptian antiquities), Flinders Petrie (Egyptologist) and Adela Breton (archaeological artist and explorer) will be showcased.

Fans of Indiana Jones will be excited to hear that National Museum Wales will be paying homage to the famous movie adventurer – his hat, whip and jacket are just a few of the items that will be at the exhibition, reminding fans of the fantastic film franchise. Visitors will also be able to view the crystalline cranium that formed the centrepiece of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

A variety of the other gems that will be on show at the Museum include Inca gold, Roman treasures and another crystal skull – 19th century this time, from the Musée du Quai Branly Paris. Visitors will also get to see items dug up on Welsh soil, as human skulls from Viking-age burials at Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey will be on display. Egyptian enthusiasts will be excited to hear that some early items including mummies will be displayed, making for slightly creepy but fascinating viewing.

Tickets: £7/£5/free under-16s. Info: 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk LOUISE HEATH

pic Davidd

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW

Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay Until Sun 10 Jan Craft In The Bay’s Christmas Gift Show is currently underway, offering a wide range of skilled work. Craft In The Bay, home to the Makers Guild In Wales, operates in the beautiful location of Cardiff Bay; they’ve been typically extensive in their activities this year, promoting the best of Welsh craft and offering high quality innovative art.

Now after a year of producing some of the most exquisite art that Wales has to offer, it is now your chance to own a piece.

Be it a gift for yourself or your family and friends, these beautifully crafted items would be a perfect and unique gift. Some of the UK’s most acclaimed modern artists’ highly in demand work will be on display and ready for purchase, with artists such as Eluned Glynn, Sarah Nicol, Alan Perry and Caroline Rees participating. There is a wide range of jewellery, leather bags, hand-blown glass, mirrors and more all on sale; many of the makers associated with the Guild have an approach to their work which straddles both the practical and the aesthetically pleasing.

If you’ve done your Christmas shopping and want to escape from the high streets then this event may still be for you. With a retail area, exhibition space, workshop and a cafe all housed in the building, there is plenty to do.

This is a great chance to peruse attractive and impressive creations, support Wales' artisans, and find that extra special something for that extra special someone this Christmas.

Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 4611 / www.makersguildinwales.org.uk (SL) BUZZ 36

HOUSE

Oriel Davies, Newtown Until Wed 27 Jan It’s been a long, tiring shift and the boss has been on your back all day. You’ve powered through a menacing workload and you happen to spot the time. There’s a minute left until clock out and you glance out of the window. People are wrapped up in thick coats, powerwalking through the rain – many of us would want to kick our feet up, warm up and relax, right? And what better place is there to do it than home. January 2016 will see six artists showcasing their work and explore the theme of home at Oriel Davies.

We have all walked through that neighbourhood or seen it in the films: the neighbours who are suspiciously too friendly, the houses are too pristine to be anymore than a few weeks old and the talk of the town is how old Bernadette’s cat has gone missing. It’s supposed to make us think of comfort and security. Conversely, picture a derelict house riddled with graffiti and exposed smashed windows; it brings the feelings of vulnerability and discomfort.

Through a combination of installations, paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, six artists (Frances Carlile, Ainsley Hillard, Jeanette Orrell, Charlotte Squire, Amy Sterly and Felicity Warbrick) delve into the meaning of home. So if you fancy getting out of the house for the day and viewing some thought-provoking art, make your way down to Home in Newtown's Oriel Davies.

(GW) Admission: free. Info: 01686 625041 / www.orieldavies.org

MAGDA ARCHER: #GIVEMEEVERY- INTERNATIONAL PRINT THINGANDNOTHINGBABY EXHIBITION 158 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Until Sun 24 Jan Magda Archer brings her long-winded, space key-deprived show to Chapter and if you like pop art then you’ll love this exhibition. A self-proclaimed ‘print queen’, her work bursts with colours and is riddled with humour – if your idea of a joke is someone trying to convince you that the colour red is in fact blue. Her work is rooted with contradictions: take the piece My Life Is Crap, a print of a merry sheep falling down onto a bed of flowers with the words of the pessimistic title surrounding the farm animal. It perfectly sums up Archer’s style, which seems to be a concoction of bold colours, animals and words that contradict the visual emotion of the central subject.

Her new show is focused on the topic of Web 2.0, with Archer claiming, “The internet is the modern day funfair: exciting, attractive, fast and flashy, but disappointing and upsetting too. Your heart can be broken in the time it takes to ride the dodgems.

Your self-esteem can be shattered with a stray Facebook comment from a ‘friend’.”

Archer aims to capture the modern social media with her work. One framed print simply reads, “I miss you Elvis ‘n’ I want you to come back”; undoubtedly, some internet users have a preference of shortening the word and, but what is its true meaning? Pop by for an engaging and different exhibition. (GW) Admission: free. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org

Aberystwyth Arts Centre Until Sat 30 Jan The Royal Photographic Society’s International Print Exhibition is the world’s longest-running photography exhibition. Since 1854 it has gathered the best works of modern photography, establishing an unrivalled reputation for the range of photography that it shows.

Student, amateur and professional photographers submitted their images, and from the 5,000 entries received, selectors chose 100 photographs to be included in the exhibition.

Speaking about the exhibition, Simon Roberts, one of the selectors, said: “I believe we have selected an exemplary range of work, reflecting different age groups, nationalities and the varying interests, methodology and vibrant aesthetics of the photographic medium today.” Flicking through the exhibition catalogue reveals the enormous diversity of work on display: from documentary photography to fine art photography, portraiture to landscapes. The only unifying theme is the quality of the works.

Embracing all genres and styles of photography, the International Print Exhibition combines photographic skill with ideas rich in meaning, message and technique. This unique selection of 100 images, curated by a panel of renowned photographers and photographic professionals, will ultimately offer something that will challenge your ideas and capture your imagination.

Admission: free. Info: 01970 621903 / www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk (DG)

Buzz TV is currently seeking an engaging presenter / journalist for an upcoming documentary series.

Are you between the ages of 20 & 30 Will you put yourself into situations where you need to engage with a variety of personalities Can You provoke and uncover information that will further a story Do You have an interest in the arts, culture and current affairs If you think you are a suitable candidate please reply with a paragraph about yourself and/or send a short MP4 video and CV to: info@buzzmag.co.uk

stage

AVENUE Q New Theatre, Cardiff Mon 25-Sat 30 Jan

pic Karen Cox

Puppets are not something you would normally associate with a theatre production for adults, but normal is certainly not something that Avenue Q strives to be. The creation of Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of The Book Of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen, the musical has some serious genius behind its production. With its prestigious credentials, being a winner of the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is a musical like no other.

Carefully combining human actors and Sesame Street style puppets, it is a completely unique show. Avenue Q tells the tale of Princeton, a bright eyed English graduate. Unemployed and lacking in money, Princeton begins the struggle in the search for somewhere to live. Whilst he begins his hunt in Avenue A, he eventually settles on Avenue Q as it is the only place that he can afford. Here on Avenue Q, Princeton meets an eclectic variety of eccentric characters who eventually grow to become his friends. These include Rod, the closeted gay puppet who is filled with frustration, Japanese immigrant Christmas Eve, and her husband Brian, a failed comedian.

Many coming-of-age issues surround this group of friends, including pornography, homosexuality, strippers, drinking and sex, and they are explored through songs which will make you shed tears of both sympathy and laughter. Essentially it is a show that many people can relate to; growing up on Sesame Street, graduating from university with a seemingly useless degree and financial challenges means many of us have begun life on Avenue Q. However, it is a place to learn life lessons, make friends and find your purpose in life, resulting in a show that provides comedic relief as well as being touching and uplifiting.

Tickets: £12-£34. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk LOUISE HEATH pic Andrew Smith

INTO THE WOODS

Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff Fri 4-Sat 12 Dec “Into the woods, it’s time to go. I have to leave, I have to, though...” In the shadows of the trees something magical, fanciful and strange is happening; an enchanting musical masterpiece, filled to the brim with a feast of fabled characters. The Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, at Bute Theatre, presents Into The Woods: a concatenation of half of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

This Sondheim stage production unites the tales of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack And The Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty, with an original story of a childless baker and his wife who are informed by a quivering, quavering witch that their barrenness is a result of her curse. The couple can only undo the spell by journeying into the woods – that scarily inviting place where protections and inhibitions are removed – retrieving key items from various fairytales in the progress. But each of the storybook characters wanders off-path and into one another’s stories, muddying the morals and restoring the fairy tales’ unpredictable, folklorish bite.

This innovative reimagining of classic stories is all vigorous fun, wonderful, wintry entertainment, but its branches catch at your heart. “Children will listen,” warns the show’s best-known song, but this staging of Into The Woods makes sure that adults will listen too.

Tickets: £12/£10/£6 under-25s. Info: 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk (ZB) BUZZ 38

MACBETH

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Fri 4-Sat 12 Dec “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes”. Following the onscreen adaptation of Michael Fassbender as the King Of Scotland, Macbeth arrives in Cardiff on stage.

Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy, the play chronicles the conflicts of Macbeth, both on the battlefield and mentally, as he is consumed by the allure of power and notability. Shepherded by his wife, Macbeth’s transformation from Thane to King examines the physical and internal influences of war, murder and guilt, as he slowly spiral into madness.

Showcased in Chapter Arts Centre, the production will be presented by the Richard Burton Company. Featuring both undergraduates, who have spent two years developing their skills, and seasoned postgraduates from the Royal Welsh College, these students join the Company to exhibit their talents in public performances. As well as providing entertainment, these shows will act as a platform for its aspiring actors and actresses. With the Richard Burton Company staging 15 productions ever year, the success of their upcoming show seems assured.

Under the direction of Caroline Byrne, who is also overlooking rehearsals for the acclaimed Fuck The Polar Bears, her expertise in Shakespeare will do justice to the intense domestic dynamic of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Tickets: £12/£10/£6 under-25s. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org (CK)

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Sherman Cymru, Cardiff Fri 4-Thurs 31 Dec Magic furniture that leads to an enchanted land is the stuff childhood is made of and I’d bet there isn’t a child who, having read CS Lewis’s timeless classic, didn’t try to get through the back of their parents’ wardrobe.

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe takes place during World War Two when siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are evacuated from London and sent to the countryside to live with professor Digory Kirke. While playing hide and seek on a boring rainy day, Lucy burrows into a forest of fur coats and emerges into a land of talking animals and mythical creatures. Narnia is under the spell of the White Witch – “It is always winter but never Christmas” – and it’s up to the children to break that spell, but when Edmund’s love of Turkish Delight leads him into danger, events take a different turn.

Directed by the Sherman’s own Rachel O’Riordan, who was also at the helm for the venue’s 2014 Christmas production Arabian Nights, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is perfect Christmas storytelling, guaranteed to leave you spellbound. There is nowhere more enchanting than Narnia. You will not forget Mr Tumnas the faun, Mr and Mrs Beaver or brave Aslan the lion, and even adults will be checking the back of the wardrobe when they get home.

Tickets: £12-£25. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk (LN)

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

St David’s Hall, Cardiff Thurs 10-Sat 12 Dec What’s not to love about talking animals? The Wind In The Willows has an impressive array of them: the unforgettable mild-mannered Mole, the relaxed river vole Ratty, the gruff and solitary Mr Badger and Mr Toad, the wealthy heir of Toad Hall.

Mole and Ratty spend their time “simply messing about in boats” on the river until Toad persuades them to join him on a trip in his horse-drawn caravan. But Toad has a habit of hopping from one hobby to another; he swaps the caravan for a car and soon finds himself arrested for reckless driving. Meanwhile the weasels take over Toad Hall and the friends have to find a way to evict the squatters, which results in mayhem.

Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s novel (published in 1908) has been adapted for the stage countless times since A.A. Milne started the trend in 1929. This adaptation comes courtesy of the Unknown Theatre Company, who top off a successful year, which has taken them to the Edinburgh Festival among other locations. Musical numbers will be performed by young local actors working with the Arts Active team. This is a moral tale: Toad realises what good friends he has and how badly he has behaved. He makes up for his earlier wrongdoings and the four friends live out their lives happily ever after – just the kind of story you want at Christmas.

Tickets: £10/£8. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk (LN)

43467-35 Cinderella ad W93mm x H135.5mm.qxp_Layout 1 10/08/2015 17:06 P NATIONAL THEATRE WALES

Rhagfyr 3 - 16 December Y Colisëwm Aberdâr

The Coliseum Aberdare

Rhagfyr 19 - 24 December Y Parc a’r Dâr Treorci

Park & Dare Treorchy

£12.00 • £15.00 • Tocyn Teulu/Family Ticket: £48.00

Christmas at the Sherman CandylionNTW_Buzz_93x135.indd 1

A Sherman Cymru and Theatr Iolo co-production Cyd-gynhyrchiad Sherman Cymru a Theatr Iolo

A Sherman Cymru production

The Lion,The Witch and the Wardrobe

4 - 31 December 2015 Age 7+ and their families

The Princess And The pea Y Dywysoges A’r Bysen Fechan Fach

Children and under 25s half price

Image Design Burning Red

029 2064 6900 shermancymru.co.uk

05/11/2015 16:44

5 december / rhagfyr 2015 - 2 January / ionawr 2016 English or Welsh Performances / Perfformiadau Seaseneg neu Cymraeg

Ages / Oedran 3-6

Image / Delwedd Emily Jones

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff CF24 4YE

@ShermanCymru

#ChristmasAtTheSherman

clubs

BLACK HOUSE

Aberystwyth Students Union Sat 30 Jan Black House promoter Kirk Holland has held it down successfully for almost a decade now, bringing to the wild midwest formidable DJs and big soundsystem power that satisfies both tribes: hardened, muddy field ravers as well as the more innocent but no less wide-eyed student population that Aberystwyth has in spades. Over three stages, their ninth birthday boasts a lineup worthy of a large and pumping room in a far larger city, and it’s a month after New Year’s Eve, no less, which takes some balls.

Calyx & Teebee [pictured] top the bill with their trademark bone-cracking drums and electrocutional bass. These guys changed the game in terms of hard and nasty drum’n’bass a decade ago, and after a ripsnorting set at Boomtown Fair back in the summer, they’re still on fearsome form.

One of the UK’s best-respected hiphop crews, Split Prophets offer a different but no less energetic vibe; their sharp rhymes are in high demand across the UK, and it’ll be good to pollute Aber’s seaside idyll with some streetwise grit.

Elsewhere, there’s more UK names to satisfy lovers of alternate tempos, with dubstepping, beat-broken, bassline funk and fury from JFB, Distro and Radikal Guru – plus a retro games lounge, photobooth, pyro and circus performers and stalls from local traders.

Tickets: £15. Info: 01970 621700 (GTDC)

BUZZ 40

HARLEQUIN NYE Tramshed, Cardiff Thurs 31 Dec Cardiff’s biggest new venue, a versatile ex-industrial space right on the jugular of the neglected Grangetown district, celebrates an opening run that hosted everyone from Public Enemy to Hot Since 82 with a party diverse enough to get all your mates on board with – as if that ever happens on the biggest night of the year.

Starting the night off is an homage to the (sparkling) golden era of disco and the notorious New York City club Studio 54; let’s see if Cardiff can beat the four inches of glitter the club reputedly filled the dancefloor with one debauched NYE party. Topping the bill on the night are Carnyvillains, the Invisible Circus’ big and boisterous house band, who finished things off at the Hell stage within Glastonbury’s raucous Shangri-La area – that might give you an idea of their style. Their on-stage theatrics have seen them satisfy the crowds at many other festivals too, from Bestival to Boomtown Fair.

For their part, the Harlequin promoters – all-round party people Kaptin and Matt The Hat – bring a live show in its realest sense. The Big Swing Sound feat. Jukebox Collective and Hypeman Sage promises a menagerie of costumed dancers, energetic MCs, festival veteran DJs and live musicians. As well as dirty rock’n’roll band Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, there are two special guest DJs in the shape of Milky and Gadget [pictured] from Shane Meadows’ brilliant film and TV franchise This Is England.

Though they were most recently seen sporting bucket hats and getting sweaty to old skool hardcore during the second summer of love, their set promises a deep delve into the music and subcultures that inspired Meadows from the beginning, so expect ska, two-tone, new wave and Madchester sounds too.

Along with street food, dramatic walkabouts, circus performers and a glitter bar (take that, Studio 54), this party’s looking rather large – probably a sound choice if you want to close the curtains on 2015 in a star-spangled blur.

Tickets: £25/£20 early bird. Info: 0117 9259273 GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF

LEVON VINCENT

City Bass @ Jacob’s Antiques, Cardiff Sat 19 Dec With a lack of serious, medium-size club spaces willing to put on underground dance music, Cardiff’s most exciting raves lately have been the basements of municipal zones – with Berlin’s techno ambassador Marcel Dettmann in the Bay’s bank vaults last month, and now NYC’s deepest don stepping into the space beneath this antiques showroom. It’s an anomaly for City Bass, who put on a cosy, sweaty evening each month in Undertone’s basement, always relied upon to provide mind-expanding selections from the UK underground, but artists like this one deserve a greater capacity. If you know the venue from Teak’s spacey disco and deep house sessions, don't turn up anticipating more of the same – you’ll need to go a little harder this time.

Levon Vincent’s performances are always special; his style is laden with extraordinary emotive weight and physical power. His own music moves between the borders of house and techno with a creeping, insidious presence and gives a sense of being both frighteningly hitech and skin-crawlingly organic in its aesthetic – an alien kind of technology channelled into a bodily rhythms and muscular vibrations. Don't expect dumb pounding or laser-flashing spectacle – Levon’s music is filled with nuance of a kind which few musicians are capable of.

Tickets: £17/£15. Info: 029 2039 0939 (GTDC)

MR THING

Sure Shot @ Gwdihw, Cardiff Fri 4 Dec The end of the year is also the end of the most funked-out, rhyme-filled night in Gwdihw, Sure Shot – which has been running decent bar parties over the last few years filled with soul, funk, hip-hop and breaks. During that time, they’ve played host to some of the most knowledgable and dedicated beat-slingin’ crews in the UK, from local legends like Metabeats and Don Leisure to West Country names like Bedmo Disco and Boca45. Now they’re giving a highly commendable swansong as they book the most high profile name they’ve ever had, by far – a hero of the UK underground, Mr Thing.

A former member of the legendary Scratch Perverts, he won the DMC UK DJ Championships – the holy grail of scratching, trick-laden turntable prowess – back in the year 2000. His pedigree as a DJ goes back all the way to ‘87, 10 years before this year’s influx of students were even born (ouch), and since then he’s toured alongside such hip-hop royalty as Run DMC, Beastie Boys and DJ Premier.

The man known to friends, perhaps, as Marc Bowles, is still deeply involved in the UK’s ever more underground hip-hop world, not only DJing but also producing – he’s currently been doing both for rapper Yungun, and has credits to his name for his work with the UK scene’s biggest old skool names too, including Skinnyman and Jehst.

Admission: £5. Info: 029 2039 7933 (GTDC)

STORMZY

Sink @ Sin City, Swansea Sat 30 Jan Michael Omari is barely an adult in the eyes of the law, but between his enormous stage presence, his white-hot, powerfully-delivered lyrics and his huge critical and chart success, grime’s great new prodigy Stormzy would have no problem sending most other MCs running. He describes himself as a “child of grime”, a fully-immersed musician who came up as a ‘younger’ in the scene, listening to Wiley and Skepta, and performing at his local youth centre at the age of 11.

His early mixtape series entitled Wicked Skengman (yes, that’s a good thing) saw him freestyling with considerable skill over classic grime instrumental tracks, but it wasn’t long before he had the pick of the UK’s best producers at his beck and call. In 2014, scarcely three months after releasing his first EP, he was named Best Grime Act at that year’s MOBO awards, and the same month became the first unsigned rapper to perform on Later... With Jools Holland.

This year, he’s been just getting stronger, if at all possible, with amazingly high-impact and impossible to ignore tracks like Know Me From and his Shut Up freestyle – which has just become the first ever freestyle to enter the UK top 40. More power to the Swansea promoters supplying Wales with a direct channel to some of the most important and powerful new music to emerge from the UK – don’t miss.

Tickets: £10. Info: 01792 468892 (GTDC)

Monday 14th December 2015

Wednesday 16th December 2015

Friday 6th February 2016

ASH + ASYLUMS & THE AMORETTES

INTO THE ARK + HANA & ALEX STACEY

GOGO PENGUIN + SPECIAL GUESTS

Y PLAS, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

CLWB IFOR BACH, CARDIFF

THE GATE ARTS CENTRE, CARDIFF

Thursday 12th February 2016

Wednesday 18th February 2016

Monday 2nd March 2016

FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS + SPECIAL GUESTS

JACK SAVORETTI + SPECIAL GUESTS

Y PLAS, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

TRAMSHED, CARDIFF

GABRIELLE APLIN + HUDSON TAYLOR & HANNAH GRACE THE GREAT HALL, CARDIFF UNI

GET ‘EM A GIG THIS CHRISTMAS!!!

ORCHARDENTERTAINMENT.CO.UK | 02920 230 130

live

THE LIBERTINES Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Tue 26 Jan Famous for their defiant sound and often poignant lyrics, The Libertines have been massively influential in the development of the alternative indie scene in the UK and abroad since their debut album {Up The Bracket}. This was followed by their eponymous second album in 2004, by which time The Libertines had become almost stuff of legend, with stories of drugs, fights and prison haunting the nation’s tabloids, and Barat and Doherty’s relationship becoming yet another rock’n’roll fallout.

However, the group reunited in 2010 for the Reading and Leeds festivals. Four years later they were resurrected at Hyde Park, and will be reliving the good old days in Cardiff this January as part of a new tour. The group recently released their third record {Anthems For Doomed Youth}, named after the Wilfred Owen poem, which was well received by critics and fans alike. I spoke with The Libertines’ drummer Gary Powell about the reunion.

“It feels great. I’m back with my buddies, which is far more important than being The Libertines. It’s more important that we’ve renewed our friendships and relationships. It’s all based on a relationship and if it works, it’s because it’s based on the relationship that we have. I’m glad to be back with those guys.”

I was curious about how the reunion, and the new album came about. “It was really weird,” laughed Gary. “I remember we got the demo sent over prior to working on it. I’ll be honest, I heard it and thought it was crap. I couldn’t believe I was going all the way out to Thailand for it, but once we started working on it we were all able to add our own sounds. I think it worked in part due to the change of environment. Since then, the highlights have been Glastonbury and a bunch of shows, but also just sitting around with the guys playing guitar.”

Having played in such a remarkable group, I wanted to ask him what advice he’d give musicians.

“Forget about the end goal,” he said, “it’s something that can change at any given time. Just keep on supporting new music.” Tickets: £35. Info: 029 2022 4488 LUKE OWAIN BOULT pic Adrian Lambert

AL LEWIS & FRIENDS

St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff Fri 11 Dec Local music advocate, record label and general invaluable resource New Sound Wales have put together a third Christmassy congregation of local live acts for a festive evening social. Curated with industrious Welsh singer-songwriter Al Lewis, the lineup has been thoughtfully compiled to ensure coveted Christmas cheer.

First of the friends is Jodie Marie. Having initially found success with debut album Mountain Echo this year, she continues that momentum with Trouble In Mind – a well-balanced blend of feverish blues, soul and R&B. Also on the bill is lauded Welsh folk singer Gareth Bonello, aka The Gentle Good.

Gareth has had an eventful year, having revisited China following 2013’s delve into the life and works of Chinese poet Li Bai entitled Y Bardd Anfarwol. He has also taken his music to Australia and India, further expanding his influence with inspiration diverged from new cultures.

The main event will be Lewis and Leigh, a folk/country/Americana alliance between Al Lewis and Mississipi/Nashville pop singer Alva Leigh. Having moved to London, Leigh has joined forces with the homegrown Lewis and merged their complimentary sounds together to the unanimous approval of the public ear.

Admission: £14/£12 adv. Info: francis. cardiff@ntlworld.com (CPI)

BUZZ 42

CARTHY, OATES, FARRELL & YOUNG

The Welfare, Ystradgynlais Sat Dec 12 We have a supergroup in our midst. Each of the four titled here are artists who have found wide critical acclaim, contributing significantly to folk music.

Eliza Carthy is one of the most heralded names in the genre, known for her engaging performances, bringing traditional and contemporary sounds to new audiences. Jackie Oates began her career with Rachel Unthank And The Winterset (now known as The Unthanks) before establishing a solo career. She was a finalist in the 2003 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the recipient of the Horizon award in 2008.

Lucy Farrell is another great talent, known for her enchanting voice and storytelling ability. Her original material has been met with considerable praise, one specific tune To The Boy appearing on Ian Fitzgibbon’s 2011 film Death Of A Superhero. Also highly thought of as a multi instrumentalist she can be currently heard with The Emily Portman Trio.

Kate Young is a trailblazer for Scottish folk. Her fearless dedication and fondness for the experimental defines her as a unique presence in UK music.

Projects including her involvement with world music band Ethno In Transit are consistently broadening her output of fresh and interesting music.

Admission: £14/£12. Info 01639 843163 (CPI)

DUTCH UNCLES

The Globe, Albany Road, Cardiff Wed 16 Dec Dutch Uncles have thus far forged a career that is as irregular as the time signatures that, as well as vocalist Duncan Wallis’ androgynous delivery, have become their pièce de résistance. Hailing from Marple, the band formed at college and released their first full-length effort via a small German label. Thanks to some extensive radio play, word spread and in early 2010 the first UK release came about in the form of debut single The Ink, followed a year later by Cadenza – their first UK album. Its success brought high profile shows, including festival sets and a tour with fellow north-easterners Wild Beasts.

Dutch Uncles’ music sits somewhere in between the accessible art-rock of Everything Everything and the (old) new wave pop-rock of XTC, with the majority of the compositions taking place in the mind of bassist Robin Richards. Wallis’ lyrics are as eccentric as his vocal style and tend to circulate the staple subject matter of love and sex with the occasional nod to teenage angst.

Some unexpected instances have followed, including a surprising European stadium tour with rock giants Paramore and the departure of guitarist Daniel Spedding shortly after the release of most recent – and excellent – album, O Shudder. What to expect of this upcoming mini-tour of the UK is anyone’s guess, but that seems to be how Dutch Uncles like it.

Tickets: £12. Info: 07590 471888 (BG)

PROJECT INSTRUMENTAL: BUILT ON BASS

Cardiff University Concert Hall Tue 8 Dec The essential modus operandi of Project Instrumental, to present contemporary classical music outside of its normal environments and social conventions, is not a completely new or original one, but this East London chamber orchestra's pledge to bring their music to “unbounded” audiences does still represent some pushback against what's expected of classical performance.

Granted, Built On Bass does take place in a concert hall, but will be something of a multimedia zap to the senses, with “live liquid cymatics sculpture” and film projections by Zack Walker, plus live generative electronics by London deep house DJ Tpongle, aka Melanie Powell.

Also, the bar will be open all night (this part is emphasised).

The primary figure linking Project Instrumental to Cardiff is Robert Fokkens, an open-eared South African composer and teacher at Cardiff University School Of Music. PI will be performing a seemingly unnamed new work of his, along with works by Shostakovich and Arvo Pärt in the passacaglia style – referring to compositions which feature variations over a bass. Making these connections is a bold gambit, but Project Instrumental seem forward-thinking enough to carry it off.

Tickets: £8. Info: 0333 663366 (NG)

PLUS SUPPORTS

THE ENEMY THE SHERLOCKS

26 JANUARY 2016 MOTORPOINT ARENA CARDIFF 029 20 22 44 88 | axs.com seetickets.com | ticketmaster.co.uk thelibertines.com T f s Y New album “Anthems For Doomed Youth” out now

reviews albums BARETO ***

Impredecible (World Village) With a title that translates as ‘unpredictable’, you’d be right to feel aggrieved at the ultimately predictable temperament of this debut international release. Initially the undertones of reggae, electronica and other contemporary styles seem a refreshing addition to the traditional cumbia music, performed by the esteemed Peruvian outfit. Sadly in no time the realisation hits that each track is pretty much identical to the last, dealing a mighty blow to the carefree excitement felt early on in the record. GT

BEANS ON TOAST **** Rolling Up The Hill (Xtra Mile) Jay ‘Beans On Toast’ McAllister has a tradition of releasing an album each year on his birthday, Dec 1: something he has been doing now for seven consecutive years. While his albums traditionally consist of jovial folksy tunes, his lyrics have a more serious undertone, exploring topics such as drinking, protesting, growing older, religion, war and the failings of the government. He avoids coming off preachy or depressing via a sarcastic and very British sense of humour, typified on God Is A Cartoonist. DC

that recites poetry while playing and sampling the sounds of children’s toys on their tracks?

Lucky Clover and Un Beso stand out in what is otherwise a bonkers collection of ‘music’. OS

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX **** New Dark Age Tour EP 2015 AD (Season Of Mist) “You’ve got no friends here, only nightmares,” drawls Justin Greaves, Crippled Black Phoenix’s mainstay in an otherwise often shifting lineup.

The suffocating sense of gloom summoned by Greaves’ grim lyrics, intoned over howling organs and crunching guitars, runs through both original tracks presented here. Type O Negative’s influence is clear, as is that of Old Man Gloom. The cloying melancholy abates with a 32-minute take on Pink Floyd’s Echoes, which is rendered cheerier with samples of the Floyd chatting and joking. HR

DATBLYGU ***** Porwr Trallod (Ankstmusik) A group cherished by many for their revolt against the entitled, gravy-boat bloat they saw all around them return 22 years after their last LP and it is hugely heartening to hear David and Patricia as angry and world-weary as ever.

On Porwr Trallod, similarities to Leonard Cohen abound – observations on ageing, sex and solitary life, as well as potentially divisive keyboard arrangements. There’s no hyperbole in comparing the two, either: if you’ve never learnt the iaith, Datblygu have given you the perfect reason. AJ

FUFANU ****

CHANGE **** Reach For The Sky Anthology (Groove Line) Stationed between Italy and New York in the early 1980s, Change – a studio project with a revolving door of vocalists – did good business on the dance charts with their soulful disco and proto-r’n’b approach. You might know their biggest UK hit Searching, which featured Luther Vandross just before his solo career took off, but otherwise Change’s contribution to dance’s evolution has been lost to history somewhat.

This compilation aims to correct that via 150 minutes of highly-drilled, of-its-time boogie and barely disguised Chic imitations. NG

COCOROSIE **

Few More Days To Go (One Little Indian) Like plaid shirts, reading difficult books and going for walks at dusk in the autumnal rain?

Looking for something to listen to? Iceland’s Fufanu successfully mesh Unknown Pleasures style post-punk with grunge, shoegaze and other 90s alt-rock into a tight debut album that’s light on radio hits but heavy on intrigue. This is a beautiful sounding album where guitars shimmer, buzz and thrum, drums thud into the depths, and downtuned pianos, electronic pluses and obtuse lyrics complete the exquisite gloom. SE

Heartache City (Lost Girl) A sixth album from the experimental American sisters, who supposedly return to their roots with a collection of what the industry is calling freak folk. I can guarantee this will not be everyone’s cup of tea – who else do you know

GET YOUR GUN ***** The Worrying Kind (Louder Than War) Nordic folk and post-metal combine to produce a debut album so ominous that dark clouds gather with every play. The unnerving tension constructed by the Danish siblings grips the

listener to the point of exhaustion but in contrast to a lot of metal music it’s the emptiness and minimalism that’s key to the heavy, sombre atmosphere here. A particular highlight is the sludgy, Sabbath-esque Black Book which sets the deliciously dramatic tone for the rest of the record. GT

JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES ***** Second Psychedelic Coming: The Aquarius Tapes (Svart) Finnish rockers Jess And The Ancient Ones are a six-piece that like to defy genre, but this CD has Jefferson Airplane written all over it – and that’s a good thing. Tracks such as Crossroad Lightening have a distinct hippy ‘Ommm’ quality whereas The Lovers is an upbeat synth track and the head-swaying 22-minute Goodbye To Virgin Grounds Forever has some beautiful blues guitar. Jess’s captivating voice blends seamlessly with the music. This is psychedelia for the 21st century. LN

JOHN DIGWEED **** Re-Structured (Bedrock) John Digweed and Nick Muir – individually and as Bedrock – have been releasing consistently great material for nearly 25 years. For this mammoth compilation over two discs, Digweed has compiled 35 tracks of new and exclusive tunage, which for the most part showcases the label’s new talent. Disc one also features more established faves like Quivver and Dave Angel, and is a deep and driving affair. Disc two moves up a gear and is mostly remixes of the Bedrock back catalogue. RH

LIFTING GEAR ENGINEER ***

and the last to do this,” Lubomyr Melnyk has said, of his patented ‘continuous music’ pianoplaying technique. This humblebrag of colossal proportions is justified by the Ukranian’s compositions – this latest album features six pieces across an hour – which are reputedly performed at a tempo beyond human hearing.

Rather than being indulgently virtuosic or fearfully abrasive, however, Melnyk’s playing induces a trancelike calm even as it marches stoutly to its conclusion. NG

MY NAME IS IAN *** In The Best Case Scenario We’d Die At The Same Time (Bubblewrap) The Cardiff trio continue the tradition of word count-eating song titles started by McLusky and perpetuated by Los Campesinos!, who share a similar approach to kitchen-sink pop. It’s a fine line between fey whimsy and winning daftness, and thankfully My Name Is Ian spin ramshackle earworms out of titles like Either Slugs Are Getting Faster Or My Brain Is Getting Slower, Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates, You Feel Sick And Guilty In The End... and Tutankhamun... on this, their best release. CS

PLU *** Tir A Golau (Sbrigyn Ymborth) Championed by Meic Stevens, Plu’s third album (Eng. Land And Light) is a gentle, harmony-filled slice of indie folk, inspired by the ever-interesting landscape of the Gogs. Produced and released by Aled Hughes of Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, the Plu setup is a little simpler than that of contemporaries 9Bach, erring as it does on the ‘trad folk’ side rather than trying anything too audacious with their sound and songwriting.

The mid-album brace of Gollwng Gafael} and Calon Wen are clear highlights.

SIKTH *** Opacities (Peaceville)

Lifting Gear Engineer is Rob Morgan from Swansea and he makes melodic electronic music for your head rather than you feet. He’s done it for yonks and got quite good at it. There’s all kinds of tones, moods and melodies at play on Testing and it’s easy to let it simply wash over you, to feel the bit spray of a digital ocean. I particularly like the use of Boards of Canada-like guitar to offer an organic contrast to the excellent programming. SE

Tech-metalheads produce their first recorded output in nearly 10 years with this mini-album.

Nothing much has changed: the core traits of widdly guitars, intense breakdowns, complex time signatures and the trademark marmite dual vocals still remain. The most noticeable development is the songs are more melodic and anthemic, so maybe they’re hoping to share some of the limelight that went to their US counterparts like The Dillinger Escape Plan. Fans won’t be disappointed, but it’s business as usual. GM

LUBOMYR MELNYK ****

SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE **

Rivers And Streams (Erased Tapes)

Hexadic II (Drag City)

“It’s terrible to think that I could be the first

Six Organs Of Admittance keep going, year after year, without showing the slightest interest in the latest musical trends. You’ll find no instrumental grime on Hexadic II, which explores “the space where “hermetism, composition and imagination overlap”. Putting down our occult tomes for one moment, aesthetically this album traverses similar terrain to that of fellow icons of the acoustic avant-garde Loren Connors, Robbie Basho et al. Ultimately, though, this is a lackadaisical, unmemorable album of alternate tunings and mumblecore vocals. AJ

Testing (Larger)

GAMES REVIEWS FALLOUT 4 ***** Bethesda Game Studios – PC It’s here. It’s here. My lord it’s here. One of the most anticipated games of all time, this latest instalment in the Fallout series is nothing short of incredible. If wandering the wastes of a post-apocalyptic landscape, fighting mutants and bandits as you go, sounds like your cup of tea then this game is for you. This hugely open-ended game may have mild issues with its animation and graphics, but the sense of freedom is unrivalled. Imagine Skyrim after a nuclear holocaust. LOB

SOULSAVERS ****

BUZZ 44

SPACE MARSHALS ***

Kubrick (San Quentin)

Pixelbite – Android Featuring in Humble Bundle 16 (allowing you to get great games and give money to charity), Space Marshals stood out as a highlight. Graphically, the game is impressive and well put together. This tactical top-down shooter (think the X-COM series) is a little unoriginal and a couple of technical issues make it a little difficult to play, but playing as fugitive hunter Burton in this sci-fi Wild West adventure is surprisingly addictive and enjoyable. LOB

Soulsavers seem to be having a highly prolific time, as it was only a handful of weeks ago that their second collaborative album with Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan was released.

In the past, Soulsavers’ music has been used in television programmes such as CSI: NY

and Grey’s Anatomy; Kubrick has its sights set firmly on the big screen, and it deserves to be there. These stunning and sublime instrumentals were inspired by the emotive nature of Stanley Kubrick’s films. DN

TY SEGALL *** Ty-Rex (Goner) Segall, who exhales albums by the lungful, attacks some of the rarer corners of Mr Bolan's catalogue in this compilation of Rex covers, bundling up a few Record Store Day limited vinyl releases which draw from Bolan’s 60s psych-folk oeuvre and touch the glitter of his 70s glam heyday. Though his voice was in fine fettle on last year’s Manipulator, Segall makes little attempt to match Bolan’s croon, powering through a ferocious 20th Century Boy and fuzzing up The Slider. CS

WARM BRAINS *** Big Wow (Milk Milk) After a four-year hiatus, musician and producer Rory Attwell returns under his Warm Brains guise. Trademark indie punk rock, full of catchy riffs and hooks, Big Wow is worth a listen. There’s something for everyone, really: accomplished musicianship, and a proper mixed bag. Attwell himself classes the album as a ‘grower’ and admits he was going to call this album All Hail Davey Cameron’s Majestic Luncheon Meat Face. Rolls right off the tongue, huh? OS

YACHT **** I Thought The Future Would Be Cooler (Downtown) This first studio release in four years from the LA band pairs social commentary with synthpop prowess, frontwoman Claire Evans’ disengaged vocals forming a sharp albeit obvious critique of a celebrity and tech-obsessed modern age. Standout tracks such as Matter and electronic power-pop number Don’t Be Rude bring a subtle, ironic edge to the album’s futurist satire. While this doesn’t break ground, it shows a band ripping into glib contemporary culture without sounding dour in the process. CP

singles C DUNCAN *****

For (Autumn Rebuild) (FatCat) Cocteau Twins and Air aficionados, this is for you. The 2015 Mercury Prize nominee offers a more upbeat/slightly faster airy remix of this album track. Ici À Là is the ethereal, pop-driven Here To There in delicious French and floaty-folksy sad I’ll Be Gone By Winter. Dreamy music perfect for film or modern dance. RLR

ESTRONS ***** Whoever She Was (Gofod) This superlative four-track release is a succinct masterpiece. The tracks are so well written that they astutely address prevailing issues of society (such as battling misogyny in Make A Man) whilst concurrently captivating with gripping refrains and blistering energy. It’s a fresh, infatuating listen from start to finish. CPI

LAURENCE FOX **** Headlong (Caroline) Familiar to many as Detective Inspector James Hathaway in BBC’s drama Lewis, Fox takes the jump from actor to singer-songwriter with his debut single. Bellowing, soaring, husky vocals and aptly coupled instrumental aid in this exploration of young love. A good first offering from 2016’s debut album Holding Patterns. OS

SONIC MEDUSA **** The Sunset Soundhouse Tapes (Ripple Music) A band whose name and (debut) EP title reference the Dead Boys and Iron Maiden respectively, comprised of folks who've done time in iconic Cali doom bands The Obsessed and Goatsnake, plus protoGN'R hair metallers Hollywood Rose. Sounds like it'll be a mess, but a rocking one, right? Right, with plenty o'70s metal derring-do to boot. NG

SPARKS **** Christmas Without A Prayer (Lil’ Beethoven) Unlikely to visit the upper reaches of the Hit Parade, Sparks’ first festive offering since their inception is sparkly, funny and brooding, featuring elements of gospel, balladry and pop in its three minutes. A witty aside rather than a full-blown Christmas song, but that’s hardly a surprise from the kings of quirk. BG

STEREOPHONICS ****

THIS MONTH’S

DVD PICK

AAAAAAAAH! 18 (Lincoln Studios) Words fail this film, which is just as well as there are none in it. This is a thought-provoking, somewhat pretentious, black comedy set in a suburb where people act like apes. An interesting story where dominant males vie for leadership, but what makes it entertaining are the small details, like primate versions of parties and TV. ***LOB

THE RUNNER 15 (High Fliers Distribution) Nicolas Cage stars in this drama about a US politician who is caught up in a sex scandal whilst trying to deal with the fallout of the 2010 BP oil spill. This is an interesting character study of how a man deals with criticism and adulation at the same time, which highlights the media’s fascination with scandal at the expense of people’s livelihoods. ***RH

SINISTER 2 15 (Entertainment One) Resorting to jumps instead of actual atmosphere, this horror is just the same poorly developed story that has been regurgitated by most horror films in the last 10 years. A young boy sees children who tell him to kill his family. Read M.R. James instead. *LOB

Song For The Summer (Stylus) Taken from latest album Keep The Village Alive, don’t let the title fool you: this isn’t a badly timed summer anthem, rather the type of track you can imagine listening to whilst stuck in traffic in the rain dreaming of your living room.

Sweetly melancholy and beautifully acoustic. DC

RIVER 15 (BBC) A remarkably well thought-out and well written story. Original and unnerving, this is one of the best murder mysteries produced by the BBC in years. Detective John River is haunted by the dead and tries to solve the murder of his closest friend and colleague, while trying to stay sane. ****LOB

WE’RE NO HEROES *** Voodoo / Stay Weird (Spiral Icon) Cardiff three-piece release two new songs on 7” vinyl. Together since 2009, the guys have worked hard and in the last year have been receiving the recognition they deserve. Voodoo is a hookdriven, uplifting indie-pop tune whereas Stay Weird has a more 80s new wave vibe. DC

demos RADIO EUROPA

www.facebook.com/radioeuropawales Patently homemade puzzlement from a project – I’d have guessed solo, but refers to itself as “we” – based in or near Carmarthen, and based around impulsive punk poetry and cracked, fuzzy found sounds. It’s anti-musician music as much as anti-poet poetry, albeit sometimes too inscrutable for its own good – at least, if Radio Europa wanted anyone else to appreciate it. I wish more people linked me to Welsh music that reminded me of The Shadow Ring, though. NG

SOUS LES PAVES

PIXELS 12 (Sony) In what seems to be a rip-off of a Futurama episode, Adam Sandler and pal Kevin James team up to save the world from aliens that use arcade games to attack them. Proven by Futurama, this is an idea that can work, but not when Sandler and chums do it. Highly disappointing, this relies on nostalgia for cheap laughs. *LOB

THE TAKING 15 (Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment) One of the best and genuinely unsettling horrors in years. The director is a master of suspense in this found footage film. A student monitors the life of an Alzheimer’s sufferer in her home in the woods, where her behaviour gets more and more unnerving. Original, creepy and unexpected, this is a welcome change from the likes of Paranormal Activity. ****LOB

LEGEND 18 (Studiocanal) Tom Hardy gives an impressive performance as twins Ronald and Reginald Kray in this gangster flick. Gritty and honest, this film shows the mythology and brutality of the infamous and violent Kray twins. It’s a gripping thriller and succeeds more than it fails, none more so than Tom Hardy. 007 material? ****LOB

www.facebook.com/souslespavesmusic Saddling this four-song EP with the impressively bad title of Bellicose Rhetorician, this Newport duo stay in instrumental mode for its duration, and say more with music than words. Neither rock nor jazz or experimental music, they appear informed by each of these, layering rhythms and zipping from low-lit ambience into jagged noise.

The band Sous Les Paves overwhelmingly recall is Tortoise, the Chicago group who have a new album out next month; this is an indicator of their influence. NG

HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD 15 (Spirit Entertainment Limited) Following the story of a small group of activists that set up Greenpeace in 1971, this entertaining documentary tells the story of the development of the environmental movement. Thrilling and captivating, this film shines a light on an important subject, featuring unbelievable archive footage. ***LOB

BUZZ 45

MUSIC NEWS EXTRA

The fifth edition of the annual Welsh Music Prize has seen Cardiff-based synthpop experimentalist Gwenno scoop the award, which carries with it a cheque for £1,000. Gwenno Saunders, to address her by her full name, won for her debut LP Y Dydd Olaf – a Welsh-language album (with a token song in... Cornish) whose concept is loosely based on a 1970s sci-fi novel of the same title. The WMP panel selected the album ahead of 14 others shortlisted, with what organiser John Rostron called “absolute consensus” that it was a worthy winner BBC Wales and the Arts Council Of Wales, along with a panel of Welsh music luminaries, have divvied up the latest Launchpad fund, awarded to bands from this nation. Related to the Horizons scheme which mentors 12 Welsh bands per year, the purse totals £50,000 and is shared between 35 acts, meaning that it functions as a helpful financial boost for the workaday needs of the jobbing musician – rehearsal space hire, MOT for the van, platinum wristband spikes etc.

Among the lucky recipients are Cardiff hip-hop group Afro Cluster (who'll be

using it to make a video), delightful gothic punks Artefact (recording an album) and Newport trio La Forme (buying a PA for gigs in their home city) The Welsh valleys’ two biggest rock bands have each planned curiously similar early summer megagigs. First up, the Manic Street Preachers will play Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on Sat 28 May, 20 years since the release of their Everything Must Go album, which established them as an arena band in the UK. It’ll get performed in full, and Super Furry Animals and Public Service Broadcasting are set to support. A week later, on Sat 4 June, the Cardiff City Stadium welcomes Stereophonics [pictured], who aren’t celebrating any particular date but have played Welsh stadiums several times before. The Vaccines and Band Of Skulls support here With members being mainstays of the Cardiff gig scene since the 1980s, the indomitable spirit of rabblerousing folk/ punk/rock ensemble Cakehole Presley has already been established. Their gig at the city's Globe venue on Sat 5 Dec

will be a tragic yet inspiring case in point: it follows the sudden death of Cakehole Presley guitarist Mark Humphries in mid-October, aged 57. Humphries' musical CV also includes bands such as Doofer, and he could often be seen busking in the capital. The gig in question, promoted by Newsoundwales, was already in place as a Christmas knees-up, but has been retooled to serve as a tribute to the life and work of the late member; a party atmosphere is nonetheless expected First, there was the establishment of the annual Christmas festival. Not long after that, specifically 1993, Swansea's conceptual electronic bubblegum punks Helen Love released their first Christmas single. They have repeated this practise quite a few times over the years, and their 2015 effort promises to top the lot. The tune itself was still under wraps as Buzz went to press, guest vocals come from a brace of Welsh sirens, The Darling Buds' Andrea Lewis and The School's Liz Hunt, plus Tim Wheeler of long-time Helen Love endorsers Ash. Additionally, all proceeds go to UK-wide food bank charity The Trussell Trust

ONE TO WATCH...

DUBROBOTS

You may raise a quizzical eyebrow if I tell you that Dubrobots, a wilfully anonymous production duo based in Cardiff, have existed for 10 years and are only this month releasing their first single. But you may also pause to wonder if thinking in terms of singles and albums is archaic and rockist, especially considering that Dubrobots' chosen genre of music (that'd be dub) has traditionally thrived on the remix and the DJ mix.

Their online footprint, traceable from the Blogspot page below, has plenty of examples of both. Unauthorised refixes of New Order, The Clash and Steve Miller (Fly Like An Eagle is totally dub-ready, right?); zip files containing their favourite cuts from 2005 onwards; recordings of local DJ sets. All very wholesome, but – not gonna lie – I'd never encountered them until their label, North Of Chepstow, linked me up. I'm glad they did, though.

Forever, the single in question, spins a shuffling conga-flecked backbeat, nicely creepy synth moan and evocative breeze of brass out for seven minutes, not going anywhere but not really needing to. It's remixed three times, in fairly comprehensive fashion, and these are very fine too. David Mysterious (also an NOC signee) comes on like Sables Of Paradise circa Haunted Dancehall, which is unexpected and great; Wry & Slobby, a spooneristic duo allegedly from London but nonexistent online, break out the melodica and keep matters agreeably minimal. Maybe we will hear from them again; I certainly plan to return to Dubrobots. www.dubrobots.blogspot.co.uk

BUZZ 46

one louder WHAT a year it’s been in the world of music, and one where the constant electric buzz of the social media cycle has ensured that every significant flashpoint has been at our fingertips. As I sit here, typing away on my Wang computer, I feel on a level pegging with my fellow online fiends: we don’t merely consume the news these days, we generate it. By all rights, we should be paid for these out-of-hours activities, but like every single other person who works at a magazine, I come from an enormously wealthy family, so it doesn't actually matter that much to me.

Either way, it’s a pleasure to undo the top button on my Police brand jeans, relax and think about the highlights of 2015. First up, the medium of expression that just won’t die, no matter what the naysayers and the kids on the bus with their illegal downloads think: the album. The number of albums released this year seemed frankly out of control – at least, it felt that way until I popped a fistful of ChestEze ephedrine tablets, which gave me the focus and clarity to realise that in fact, it was pretty much the same as the last few years.

With that cleared up, I mentally cycled through the year's sparkling debuts, sophomore slammers and triumphant comebacks, recalling the aural bliss that flooded my ears on the reg from January to November, when the reviewable part of the year ends. I felt like Alex in A Clockwork Orange, if Alex had been able to buy his stereo equipment from Cash Generator – the prime destination for decent folk who want to sell a lot of electronic goods very quickly, as well as those who want to buy it so it's not in the shop and the cashiers don't know where it is.

Sometimes, though, you just want to get out of the house and go and see some live music! There were some truly memorable gigs in south Wales this year, from the pokey backrooms to the whizzbang arena shows. All of them shared one common factor: if you walked to the venue, you would probably step on a few manhole covers. And assuming they were made by the good folks at Stanton & Staveley, you needn’t worry about falling into a drain, becoming injured or dead, and missing the gig.

Occasions like these don’t only serve as a place where bands can plough through their catalogue and soak up the applause. They’re social lubricant, if you will, enabling the start of long companionships and memories that’ll last a lifetime. With the exception of AdultFriendFinder, for my money a gig is the prime place for adults to find friends, so let’s have a big hand for the people who make them happen week in week out.

Don’t get me wrong: some of these people have their names in lights, their faces in the paper, and a monthly paycheck that’s not to be sniffed at, while others toil in the engine room away from the limelight. Yet when all’s said and done, everyone involved – the iconic celebrities, the entrepreneurs and the pursestring controllers; the opening bands, the sound engineers and the bar staff – all want to keep the scene alive. It’s like Andy Warhol said: “The president drinks Buckfast, Liz Taylor drinks Buckfast, and you can drink Buckfast too. All the Buckies are the same and all the Buckies are good.”

Buzz magazine may not have a president, or a Liz Taylor, but what we do have is integrity, and we look forward to giving you more content for free in 2016.

MOSS LIME, WHITEBELT and ROUNDHEELS (Dempseys, Cardiff, Thurs 3 Dec), FOREVER CULT (Lemon Factory, Swansea, Thurs 3; Le Pub, Newport, Fri 4), JEFFREY LEWIS (Clwb Ifor Bach, Tue 8), AGS CONNOLLY (Le Pub, Fri 11), SIGIRIYA (Mozarts, Swansea, Sat 12), HARK and SPIDER KITTEN (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 16), BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL and OUTRAGE CC (Undertone, Sat 19), BURUM (Dempseys, Wed 13 Jan) and KAYLA PAINTER (Clwb Ifor Bach, Thurs 21 Jan) all refused to bribe me for the privilege of featuring in this section. NOEL GARDNER

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books

BOOK OF THE MONTH

LIGHT-HEADED Olga Slavnikova (Dedalus)

Olga Slavnikova is regarded by many as one of Russia’s top modern writers, and with good reason. Having been published since the late 1980s, the Muscovite has amazed Russian and foreign audiences alike with novels like 2017. Her latest, Light-Headed, is a continuation of form, telling an ambitious story in an approachable and very entertaining way.

Light-Headed tells the tale of Maxim T. Yermakov, a man who moved from the provinces to Moscow to manage a chocolate company brand, and just happens to have an empty space in his head above his brain. Yermakov is approached by shadowy governmental agents who ask him to commit suicide, as they say his light head caused everything from natural disasters to terrorist attacks. This original concept is well explored in this black comedy, and masterfully asks the question of who’s to blame in modern Russia, where all is not as it seems. Instead of accepting the government agent’s request, Yermakov resists and rages against the machine, fighting for his right to be a slob in peace and liberty against the state.

This is an adventurous piece that bravely explores a range of themes through metaphors that don’t require expert knowledge of Russia to understand. Comedy in some parts, thriller in others, LightHeaded is a well thought-out, watertight social commentary that is beautifully translated for Englishspeaking audiences by Andrew Bromfield.

LUKE OWAIN BOULT Price: £12.99. Info: www.dedalusbooks.com

A KIND OF COMPASS

CLOWN’S SHOES

Ed. Belinda McKeon (Tramp Press)

Rebecca F. John (Parthian Books)

A Kind Of Compass is a collection of 17 short stories edited by Belinda McKeon.

This collection explores the different ways in which distance manifests itself into our daily lives, and forces us to continue on regardless, despite the devastation that it can cause. A common theme throughout many of the stories is the distance between parents and their children. Whilst Sam Lipsyte provides a humorous example, telling the tale of a dying father who cannot quite bond with his son, Elske Rahill and Sara Baume take a different approach. Both authors explore mothers who temporarily escape from their children, creating a much darker tone. Perhaps the most striking is Niven Govinden’s Animal Heart, which cleverly manages to encapsulate the theme of distance in just two pages. LH Price: £11.39. Info: www.tramppress.com

CRIME CORNER What could get you in the festive mood more than a little bit of murder and conspiracy? Here's a couple of recommendations for winter reading by the fireplace.

Started by the late, great Robert B. Parker, and finished by his literary executor Helen Brann, Silent Night (No Exit PressP/B-£8.99) finds Spenser, Boston's premier private eye on the frozen city streets helping out an organisation protecting homeless children. However, all is not as it seems in this exciting tale of conspiracy, murder and unspeakable crimes, and Spenser and his buddy Hawk come up against a dangerous drug overlord who can only be defeated by violence. A perfect and enthralling stocking filler for fans of hard-boiled, well written crime fiction.

Sadly, also deceased is Jill McGown whose 1988 novel Murder At The Old Vicarage: A Christmas Mystery (Pan-P/B-£8.99), an homage to Agatha Christie, is republished this year.

A snowbound village, a little light adultery, some marital problems, a loaded shotgun and a sudden violent death all add up to a juicy potpourri for McGown's police serial characters Lloyd and Hill to solve. A perfect stocking filler for fans of golden-age crime fiction, who love a good old seasonal murder investigation.

MARK TIMLIN

BUZZ 48

Explore the down and out in a stream of cuttingly tragic lives via this collection of short stories. Readers will find themselves inebriated in melancholy as nuances of love and departure create images in a spectrum of emotion. John’s nature for experimental prose creates a myriad of imagist verbs.

A highlight of this can be found in Her Last Show as tragic mother Evelyn muses in the dust lightened by “Slabs of sunlight thrust through the windows”. However, this quickly grows tiresome as the stories and images start to stagnate. John is at her best in the most surreal of the Sunday Times EFG-shortlisted The Glove Maker’s Numbers which sees protagonist Christina explore life after meeting the devil. What lays inside this book is a catacomb of weirdness that radiates beauty throughout its core. SL Price: £8.99. Info: www.parthianbooks.com

RELIQUIAE VOLUME THREE Autumn Richardson & Richard Skelton (Corbel Stone Press) Compiled and edited by Autumn Richardson and Richard Skelton, this is another beautifully assembled compendium of nature writing from Corbel Stone Press. By bringing together these 25 disparate writers, from canonical poets such as W.B. Yeats and Æ to translations of Japanese folktales and newly commissioned work by unheralded voices, the editors have created a true celebration of lost traditions, folklore, and a furious appreciation of the natural world and ways of seeing it afresh. This eclecticism does lead to some wild stylistic contrasts, for instance Chris Watson’s modern day account of creating a sound installation of raven calls in Kielder Forest in Northumberland flows into a 1905 globe-spanning study of farming rituals, but ultimately results in a strong argument for flora and fauna being a cross-pollinating muse for writers regardless of their era or location. This is a diverse anthology of beautifully written texts, focussing on a compelling subject matter that inspires further contemplation on its contents. AJ Info: £14. www.corbelstonepress.com

@mabjones

December is Christmas. And in Wales, it’s A Child’s Christmas In Wales, isn’t it? This charming Dylan Thomas classic inspires a swathe of events this month. First up, you can make Child’s Christmas-inspired holiday decorations at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea on Sat 5 Dec. There are sessions for young people and adults alike. Then, from Sat 12, the Centre will be hosting readings of the book, at 11am on given days, plus poetry, face painting, self-led children’s play, and a plethora of festive arts activities. All events are free too.

On Mon 7 Dec, the author of The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini, will be the guest at BookTalk, an event brought about by Amnesty International and the Law Society's / Cardiff Law School's Human Rights in Collaboration initiative.

It takes place at 7pm, not far from the city centre. More details available at www. cardiffbooktalk.org. The book’s themes of “conflict and migration” continue to another event, Readings For Refugees, taking place at the Green Room, Sustainable Wales, in Porthcawl on Fri 11 Dec. More info on that one at www. sustainablewales.org.uk.

Also on Fri 11, we will be treated to a poetry reading from National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, again at the Dylan Thomas Centre. A rare poetry-based buy one get one free, featuring two of the world’s top and most talented poets, this is an evening not to be missed. Clarke will be reading from her new book, inspired by – ta da! – A Child’s Christmas, called The Christmas Wren. I have read it, and it is wonderful, so I recommend this event from 5pm in Swansea.

On Sat 12, the fine poet Jackie Biggs will be signing her debut poetry collection at the Bookends Bookshop in Cardigan from 3pm, whilst on Thurs 17 we celebrate the last storytelling event of the year at Kemi’s in Cardiff, with a selection of sumptuous midwinter tales.

January is looking a little lit-light, at the moment, but please keep an eye on the Literature Wales website and on Spoken Word Wales’ social media for details of events as they come up. Have a wonderful holiday!

lifestyle 3

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CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY If you ask us, Christmas without a wonderfully garish Christmas jumper isn’t Christmas at all – the uglier, the more flamboyant, the brighter, the more uncomfortable, the better!

Christmas Jumper Day, a day on which people are encouraged to raise money for Save The Children by modelling their best (or worst, depending on how you look at it!) Christmas jumpers, returns as part of ITV’s {Text Santa} on Fri 18 Dec. Here are our favourite festive knits to get your hands on!

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1. HOME ALONE ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMAL, £10, Primark / 2. TALL CHRISTMAS JUMPER WITH EMBELLISHED SNOWFLAKE, £38, Asos / 3. BLACK PENGUIN FAIRISLE CHRISTMAS JUMPER, £24, New Look / 4. HYMN JAVIER FAIR ISLE CHRISTMAS JUMPER, £50, John Lewis / 5. NAVY SEQUIN PUCKER UP JUMPER, £19.50, Dorothy Perkins / 6. RED SANTA CHRISTMAS JUMPER, £12, Primark BUZZ 49

gift guide You’re desperate, a nervous wreck, and running out of ideas and time… not to mention Christmas is coming up. Fear not, we’re here to help. Here’s a handy guide for the baffled and bewildered.

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1. CHAMPAGNE CORK BUCKET – WINE/CHAMPAGNE ICE BUCKET, £57.50, www.amazon.co.uk / 2. PENDERYN DISTILLERY WELSH WHISKY TASTING SET, £30.55, www.amazon.co.uk / 3. CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY: UK EDITION, £20, www.amazon.co.uk / 4. PANCAKEBOT, £100, www.thegadgetflow.com / 5. SOUNDASLEEP THE ORIGINAL SPEAKER PILLOW, £17.74, www.amazon.co.uk / 6. MARSBOY BONE CONDUCTION WIRELESS SPORTS BLUETOOTH STEREO HEADPHONES, £39.99, www.amazon.co.uk / 7. UNWINS MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN GARDEN KIT, £5.99, www.amazon.co.uk / 8. POTATOPARCEL, SEND A MESSAGE ON A POTATO, £9, uk.potatoparcel.com / 9. SQUIER BY FENDER BULLETT HSS IN BLACK METALLIC, £111, www.pmtonline.co.uk / 10. ION AUDIO MAX LP, £79, www.amazon.co.uk

BUZZ 50

BUZZ 51

sport

ASH DYKES: THE LONELY SNOWLEOPARD Getting into the spirit of adventure for 2016, the Welsh Year Of Adventure, Luke Owain Boult speaks with Ash Dykes, the first person to walk across Mongolia, about his current attempt to be the first to walk across Madagascar.

“On average, I cover around 13-15 miles each day but can sometimes hit 20-plus miles if the conditions are good,” starts Ash Dykes, from Old Colwyn in Clwyd. “I walk for around 10-12 hours each day. On occasion, I’ve been forced to skip meals as rations are low. Those are the toughest days as it’s hard to muster the energy to carry on.” And yet he does.

At the age of 19, Ash jumped on a plane to explore the unexplored, and has since cycled the length of Vietnam, trekked the Himalayas, walked across Mongolia and more. Named the UK Adventurer of 2015, Ash is currently traversing the entire length of Madagascar, a whopping 1800-mile-long expedition across mountains, jungles and deserts in a country over twice the size of the UK, raising awareness for the Lemur Conservation Network.

“Mentally, I tell myself to expect the worst in every scenario,” continues Ash. “Physically, I train hard. It takes a lot of motivation to keep going but it's something I'm truly passionate about. Before leaving for Madagascar I trained for three hours daily.”

All of Ash’s hard work and training has certainly been a help, and inspirationally, it seems to have allowed him to continue where others would have likely turned back. “The biggest stopper has been catching malaria.

BUZZ 52

Luckily it was caught in time and I’ve made a full recovery but it was touch and go for a while.”

Undertaking a journey that many would be envious of, Ash revealed the highlights of his expedition. “One of the biggest highlights would be today. I saw four different species of lemur as well as endemic frogs and plants whilst visiting the Ranamafana national park.

I was surprised by how diverse Madagascar is.

It's incredible to be walking one day in desolate and arid regions to then be surrounded by forest, plantations and vegetation. It really is a beautiful thing to experience at a walking pace.”

Before travelling to Madagascar, Ash became the first person in the world to complete a solo and unsupported walk across Mongolia, facing blizzards, sandstorms, dehydration, extreme heat and cold, wolves, snakes, and loneliness, all while pulling a 120kg trailer filled with provisions and equipment he’d need to survive.

Ash completed the 1500-mile trek in just 78 days, and was dubbed ‘The Lonely Snow Leopard’ by locals.

“Sometimes it got to me,” says Ash about the loneliness in Mongolia. “Especially after being with the locals who were so kind and hospitable – it was hard leaving them and not knowing how many days it would be

before seeing another person. Other times I'd embrace it and tell myself it's rare to cover such distance over land and be far away from humans for a long time – so enjoy it, as it won't last forever.”

“There is so much incredible work being done to save the wildlife, protect and regrow the rainforest and educate locals in Madagascar,” says Ash when asked if there was anything he felt the world should know following his travels. “I've been visiting different conservationists and I’m amazed by the dedication and passion that goes into these causes that help this country. One thing that really sticks with me is that although there’s endangered species that need protecting, there are still new wildlife discoveries being made on an almost weekly basis.”

Ash Dykes is an inspiration and encapsulates the spirit of adventure that the country will be celebrating in the coming year, and you can track his remarkable progress through Madagascar on his website. He is proof that all manner of exciting adventures await, and they all begin with a simple step out of your front door.

Info: www.ashdykes.com / www. lemurconservationnetwork.org

pic Jon Candy

Gavin’s top 3 Welsh sporting moments of 2015: 1. Dan Biggar’s 75th min penalty v England

WELSH SPORT RECAP 2015 Boxing, athletics, rugby, and of course football.

Gavin J. Woodward looks back at an unforgettable year for Welsh sport.

Many people outside of the UK and especially Europe aren’t too familiar with the beautiful little country that is Wales. We mention Anthony Hopkins, Tom Jones and Gareth Bale in a bid to gain some sort of recognition of our land—if that fails we grit our teeth our teeth and are forced to say it’s the small country beside England. However, those familiar with the Welsh will know of our affinity to sheep, a certain oval shaped ball sport and our powerful singing ability. Why are the Welsh acclaimed for their skill to hit a note? There must reasonable explanation somewhere but simply: we have had many monumental moments to sing about in recent years, most notably in the sporting world.

After such an impressive year previously with cyclist Geraint Thomas MBE taking the prize of BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year and the Welsh commonwealth game team achieving their all-time largest hauls of medal (36) in Glasgow, we had a tall order to follow. However, the winning ways of the Welsh didn’t stop there and 2015 will go down as one of the most memorable sporting years in Welsh history.

Welsh boxers have conquered many international canvases in the last century, proudly waving the red dragon flag and on the 30th May, Barry born boxer, Lee Selby followed in the greatest of many Welsh

boxers before him, becoming the IBF featherweight champion and Wales’ 12th world champion of all time. Lee Selby has yet to lose a 12 round bout and has an impressive record of 22 wins (23 fights).

Many British fighters have failed to prove themselves in America and having defended his titled across the North Atlantic Ocean, Selby will look to defend his title for a second time in 2016.

Rugby is the sport that truly captures the hearts of the Welsh and in the biggest sporting event of the year, the 2015 Rugby World cup was hosted by the English—well, with a little help from the Welsh Millennium Stadium. The stage was set and things weren’t looking good for the boys in red. Injuries plagued the team, star man Leigh Halfpenny was out and Wales were facing one of the most challenging qualifying groups in rugby history (England, Australia and Fiji—oh and Uruguay.)

The game that’ll stick with us is the famous 25-28 victory over England in their own backyard. The English were beaten and on the brink of exiting their own tournament with Australia on the way, whilst the Welsh celebrated a new found new national hero, Dan Bigger. Wales weren’t able to kick on past the quarter finals, losing to South Africa 23–19 but did it matter? No, not when we progressed further than the

2. Gareth Bale’s winning goal v Belgium 3. ‘THE BIGGARENA’

English and were the cause of Mike Brown’s sulking on live TV. But the sporting stars of the year had to be the Welsh national football team. You have to go back to 1958 since the last time the Welsh national team qualified for a major tournament and the boys have finally broken the duck securing a place in the UEFA Euro 2016. Wales were led brilliant by the colossus Ashley Williams who helped protect the Welsh defence, conceding the least amount of goals in the group (4).

With Gareth Bale’s world class left peg, the Welsh were able to gain automatic qualification, finishing second in the group and the country has a lot to look forward to.

Chris Coleman’s men are no longing the wiping boys for Cyprus and Finland anymore—no, this team were ranked in the top 10 international teams (ahead of England) and go into the competition full of confidence. So bring on 2016. The Welsh are coming, ‘Together. Stronger.’

Geraint Thomas, Info: www.geraintthomas. org; Lee Selby, Info: www.boxrec.com; Wales Rugby Team, Info: www.wru.co.uk; Wales Football Team, Info: www.faw.org.uk

BUZZ 53

listings

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THE APOLLO ARCHIVE The exhibitions shown at Third Floor Gallery, which is mainly geared towards photo-based art, frequently lean towards the iconic: scenes of modern-day poverty from Derby to Detroit to Brazil, the escalating conflict in Ukraine, and a retrospective of rare {Judge Dredd} artwork are among recent examples. By bringing us {The Apollo Archive} a showcase of super-high-resolution photos taken by astronauts on the Apollo missions of 1969-72, they might have outdone themselves.

The publicity posits that this archive of photos – over 10,000 in total, a majority of which you can view on Flickr after they were uploaded a couple of months ago, and a leaner selection of which can be viewed on Third Floor Gallery's walls – could be history's greatest ever photographic project. Apart from the most famous snaps, shown on a global scale after the 1969 maiden landing, nearly all of them lay untouched until 1999, when Kipp Teague began the Project Apollo archive.

While the images aren’t always technically perfect (I’d like to see you get your composition and depth dead-on while you were bouncing around in space), they are frequently visually stunning, and represent an epochal 20th century moment that speaks volumes about developments in technology, science, politics and communication. Although they were really all taken in a Nevada film studio, obviously.

Third Floor Gallery, Cardiff Bay, Fri 11 DecSun 6 Mar Admission: free. Info: 029 2115 9151 / cardiff.thirdfloorgallery@gmail.com

CONTENTS pg 59 pg 61 pg 64 pg 73 pg 79 BUZZ 54

art clubs events live stage

art

art The Abacus

18-20 Wood Street, Cardiff.

Free. modernalchemists@ gmail.com / www. theabacusroom.wordpress. com Where is Everybody Group show from local artists focusing on site specific installations, sculpture and performance. (Until Mon 7 Dec) Exposure A residency from 12 final year art students from Cardiff Met, which sees the artists creating work in three days, having an opening preview on Fri 11 Dec (with live performances and music), and finally displaying the outcome/exhibition for three more days. (From Wed 9 until Tue 15 Dec)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre The Box Season 20 Varied experimental film work.

(Until Fri 15 Jan) Heather Ackroyd & Dan Harvey ‘Stranded’ A 6m long Minke whale skeleton encrusted with ice-like alum crystals,

which serves as a commentary on climate change and its effect on the oceans.

(Until Sat 16 Jan) Royal Photographic Society International Print Exhibition 158 Showcasing 100 works, selected from some 5000 submissions by a panel including photographer Richard Billingham and Guardian picture editor Bridget Coaker. (Until Sat 30 Jan) The Experimentalists Examples of work from the popular Experimental Painting And Drawing class led by artist Roy Marsden.

(Until Sat 30 Jan)

Albany Gallery

74b Albany Road, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com 50th Anniversary Christmas Exhibition Mary Yapp is celebrating 50 years since opening The Albany Gallery, coinciding with this exhibition – featuring more than 50 established and emerging artists, including artists who exhibited at the gallery’s 1965 inception.

(Throughout December)

Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog)

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

01874 611622 / enquiries@

brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Fusion Two sisters display art and glass work, featuring depictions of nature and the livestock on their farms.

(Throughout December)

Arcadecardiff

Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Laura Edmunds ‘The Sun, The Fog, The Pink, The Gold – For Me’ Welsh artist living in Plymouth whose work explores drawing as an expanded practice, and as a means of communicating gesture, intent, loss and stillness. (From Fri 4 until Sat 12 Dec) Liz West ‘Zenith Blue + Primary Red’ New light work made site-specifically, featuring a psychical demonstration of colour mixing and optics which fills the space with radiant colour and luminous light for visitors to explore.

(From Thurs 17 Dec until Sat 9 Jan) Victoria J E Jones ‘WHATITISRITEHAVEN’ Newport-based artist presents specially commissioned lightworks in a show that reflects on shop signage and display, utilising the word SAFE. (From Mon 25 Jan until Sat 13 Feb)

Art Central

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

Alan Salisbury ‘The Influence Of Others’ Celebrating five decades of active involvement with the visual arts, Salisbury is a painter in the figurative tradition whose work contains playful references to art from/of the past. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

ArTeas Cafe & Art Hub

591 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2115 3927 Richard Davies ‘Life & Soul’ Commemorative exhibition of paintings and drawings from a Welsh artist and designer who passed away in late 2014. (Throughout December)

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 2015 Rotating exhibition of the latest work by our established artists and an opportunity for us to introduce work from artists who are new to the gallery. (Until Thurs 24 Dec, and again from Sat 24 Jan until Sat 12 Mar)

Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery

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

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

50/50 Winter Art Exhibition Including a sale of donated art works to raise funds for the museum.

(Throughout December)

Barnabas Artshouse

New Ruperra Street, Newport. Open Mon-Sat. Free. 01633 673739 / www. barnabasartshouse.co.uk Winter Show Works range from soft sculptures by Liz Butler, which depict ageing stereotypes, to a full washing line in Liverpool by Thomas Rathmell. All works are for sale and may be taken at point of purchase. (Until early February)

Bay Art

ORIGINAL ARTISTS' POSTERS Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Fri 8 Jan-Sat 13 Feb Admission: free. Info: 01792 295526 / www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk There's a school of thought that marketing and advertising are the enemies of art and free expression, but it would be folly to dismiss it all as vulgar and grubby. The early 20th century, for example, saw many high-profile art exhibitions publicised using posters which were works of art in their own right. They would be drawn by the artist themselves, such as the Picasso example pictured here – one of several showing in early 2016 in the Taliesin's Ceri Richards Gallery – and printed using lithographic techniques. Another point of note is the scarcity of surviving copies: unlike the standard artworks, these posters weren't made with a view to being impeccably preserved, so this is a very rare chance to gaze upon some in mint condition.

54 B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk Moving Mountains Exhibition by Wandelbar, a pan-European (but mainly Swiss) artists collective and networking group, which takes the motif of the mountain as a point of departure and invites visitors to explore notions of time, scale, stillness and movement. (Until Fri 18 Dec)

Boundary Art

3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www.boundaryart.com Harmony Autumn/winter exhibition aiming to embody

the harmony between nature and human minds, including landscape, seascape, abstract paintings and ceramics. (Throughout December)

Cardiff Story

The Hayes, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

Free. 029 2078 8334 / museum@cardiff.gov.uk Cardiff Remembers: Every Object Tells A Story Exploring stories of the First World War through objects.

(Until Sat 20 Feb)

Carmarthen School Of Art

Coleg Sir Gar, Jobs Well Road Campus, Carmarthen.

Mon, Tue + Thurs 9.30am7.30pm; Wed + Fri 9.30am4.30pm. Free. 01554 748201 / susan.hayward@ colegsirgar.ac.uk The Big Draw: Every Drawing Tells A Story Year five pupils from local schools have been invited to contribute to this project, which will result in a large piece of artwork displayed in an installation space accompanied by sound and image from filmmaker and animation artist Sean Vicary. (Until Fri 4 Dec) Ye Fancy Fayre Selling exhibition featuring an array of original art and craftwork made by students at the college. (From Thurs 10 until Thurs 17 Dec) The Welsh Drawing Book Exhibition And Competition Exhibition highlighting the ‘book format’ as a vessel to hold and develop creative ideas. It is dedicated to the memory of Osi Rhys Osmond, who died in March 2015. (From Tue 26 Jan until Fri 19 Feb)

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 George Barber ‘Akula Dream’ Solo exhibition of four new film works from an artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s via the Scratch Video movement.

See Roundup. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Magda Archer ‘#givemeeverythingandnothingbaby’ Art In The Bar exhibition, first shown in Manchester and described as “an assault upon the peepers in our public spaces via saccharine-soaked, candy-coloured scenarios, statements and speech-bubble philosophy”. (From Mon 16 Nov until Sun 24 Jan)

Coppertone Gallery

Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Free.

01792 293200 / www. coppertonegallery.com See California Landscapes, Like Never Before Large photography, ranging in size from 76 x 76cm up to 2.5m, from a recent road trip undertaken

by Nigel J. Williams and Greg Jones around California.

(Until February)

Craft In The Bay

The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Christine Gittins Ceramics inspired by Gittins’ trip to Botswana, in particular the Makgadigadi Pans and the Okavango Delta. (Until Mon 4 Jan) Joe Finch West Wales-based ceramicist who hand throws pots meant for every day use: dishes, bowls, jugs, plates etc. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Brendan Stuart Burns Renowned artist, recently given the Creative Wales Award, with a set of new work in porcelain.

(From Sat 16 Jan until Sun 6 Mar)

Cwtsh Arts Centre

226 Stow Hill, Handpost, Newport. Tue 10.30am-1pm, Wed + Thurs 10.30am3pm, Sat. + Sun 12-4pm.

Free. 01633 661703 / www. cwtsh.org Cwtch In Winter Exhibition of fine art and photography in the former Stow Hill library, which was closed down by Newport Council and has now been reopened by volunteers as Newport’s newest arts venue. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

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. Lunch At Mussolini’s Following Dylan Thomas’ death in 1953, Ethel Ross, the sister-in-law of Alfred Janes, took a series of photographs of Dylan’s Swansea, and captioned them with an appropriate quote from his work. A selection of these are shown here alongside Dylan’s typescript for his sketch Lunch At Mussolini’s. (Until February)

Elysium Gallery

16 College Street, Swansea.

Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.elysiumgallery.com Espy Photography Award Exhibition Biennial international photography competition which encourages traditional approaches along with digital and experimental techniques. This show features the five shortlisted entrants. (Until Sat 19 Dec)

Fountain Fine Art

6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff.

Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www.fountainfineart.com Winter Group Exhibition A changing exhibition of new work from the gallery’s painters and sculptors.

(Throughout December) Esther Tyson & Sallie Wakley ‘All Creatures Great And Small’ An exhibition of animal screen prints and sculpture. (From Sat 2 until Sat 23 Jan)

BUZZ 55

art Fountain Fine Art

Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Winter Group Exhibition A changing exhibition of new work from the gallery’s painters and sculptors.

(Throughout December)

Futures Gallery

Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am-4pm.

Free. 0845 010 5500 / www. pierhead.org Connection: A Cwilt Cymru Exhibition Contemporary art quilts which interpret connections in history, culture, language, families, industry, identity and landscape. (Until Fri 4 Dec) Heroes Of The home Front Exploring life in Cardiff during the First World War. (Until Sun 21 Feb) Mary Jones ‘A Year Of Conversation’ Featuring 52 sculptured heads representing conversations which Jones had weekly with people of Cardiff over 12 months. (From Mon 7 Dec until Thurs 14 Jan)

G39

Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org Adaptation III: Native The latest segment of the Island series of exhibitions features work from Darren Banks,

Nadine Byrne, Nicholas Johnson, Serena Korda and Marlene Steyn: five international artists whose work travels through themes of ritual, colonialism, horror, folklore and ‘other’. (Until Sat 12 Dec)

Y Galeri, Caerffili

Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygaleri.co.uk Xmas Exhibition Unique handcrafted ceramics, wood, jewellery, glass and more.

(Until Thurs 24 Dec) Open Art Winter Exhibition Eclectic mix of affordable artworks selected from open submission. Expect to see around 130 wall-hung and sculptural pieces from emerging amateurs and professional artists. (From Tue 5 Jan until Sat 6 Feb)

Gallery/Ten

23 Windsor Place, Cardiff.

Free. www.gallery-ten.co.uk Winter Group Exhibition A mixed and changing exhibition of new works which also welcomes internationally renowned sculptor Laura Ford to the gallery; John Abell, Carwyn Evans and Andre Stitt also feature. All work will be for sale, and replaced once sold. (From Thurs 3 until wed 23 Dec)

The Gate

Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am9pm. Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@thegate.org.uk Jessica Davies & Penelope Rose Cowley Davies explores different subjects ranging anywhere from surrealist paintings to portraiture; Cowley derives inspiration from combining art with science, continuously developing this practice to define the art created. (Until Sat 12 Dec) Open Exhibition An opportunity for young or established artists to be seen by a large audience, with each submission (maximum of three) costing £10. (From Wed 20 Jan until Fri 26 Feb)

Grand Pavilion

The Esplanade, Porthcawl.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Emily Louise Heard: Celebrating Colour Eyecatching pieces infused with beautiful colours is what’s promised here. (Until Sun 10 Jan)

King Street Gallery

33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@ kingstreetgallery.co.uk Debbie Dunbar Solo exhibition by local, internationally collected equestrian artist.

(Until Wed 9 Dec) Winter

Show New and diverse work by gallery members, with a weekend of special Christmas events on Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec. (Until January) Yvonne Kelly Big and bold canvases full of vibrant blues and turquoises with subtle hints of yellow and red. (From Fri 11 Dec until Sat 2 Jan)

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Ffolio Exhibition of contemporary artists working on paper; a Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre curated exhibition including the work of Kate Bufton, Angela Davies, Rob Ryan, Andrew Singleton, Helen Snell and Susan Stockwell. (Until Sat 2 Jan) Katrin Moye Craft showcase from an artist designs and makes hand-decorated, wheel-thrown and handbuilt functional and decorative ceramics. (Until Sat 2 Jan) Elizabeth Humble Jewellery showcase, inspiration for which comes from the rugged and dramatic landscape of the west coast of Scotland. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

M.A.D.E. Gallery

41 Lochaber St, Cardiff.

Free. 029 2047 3373.

Christmas Bazaar Craft-y type things to buy, I daresay, and maybe some art as well.

(From Sat 5 until Thurs 24 Dec) Made Winter Exhibition 2015 Over 30 local artists show original artworks at affordable prices in this popular annual show.

(From Thurs 10 until Thurs 31 Dec)

Martin Tinney Gallery

18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

029 2064 1411 / mtg@ artwales.com Christmas Exhibition Work by leading Welsh artists, new and old, with the headline artist (so to speak) being Rosemary Burton’s delicate floral silhouettes. (From Wed 2 until Thurs 31 Dec)

Mission Gallery

MILIEU The Little Man Coffee Co., Cardiff, Fri 11 Dec Admission: free. Info: 07830 381930 / twitter.com/milieucdf Spread over the ground floor and basement of this city centre coffee shop (find it on Bridge Street, near places like The Grazing Shed and Grassroots), Milieu also aims to span several artforms: literature, spoken word, art, photography and visual concepts, they reckon. Founded by Cardiff-based writer Rhys Milsom, this is their debut event, with a view to popping back up every three months. Literature and spoken word will feature on the top level, courtesy of Ellen Davies, Maria Grace, Rhian Elizabeth and Milsom himself, who has a brand new poetry collection titled {Amnesia}. Downstairs, meanwhile, there’s art: illustration and photography from Liam Barrett and Buzz’s own Jaydon Martin. They’ve been sourcing large quantities of broken skateboards for this, which is an intriguing gambit.

BUZZ 56

Gloucester Place, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free.

01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Sian O’Doherty Maker In Focus show from an an award-winning textile artist and designer who lives in Pembrokeshire. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Eva Bartussek Work in the [...] space, a documentary portrait of two women’s repeated visits to St Non’s Well on and around the Saint’s feast day. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Anna Noel ‘Telling Tales’ The first of three solo exhibitions of work by three Wales based ceramic artists; a Mission Gallery National Touring Exhibition curated

by Ceri Jones. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Rhian Haf ‘Captured Moments’ Ruthin Craft Centre touring exhibition that centres on the capturing of light and shadow within architectural spaces or a reflection projected on

to a pane of glass. (From Sat 23 Jan until Sun 13 Mar)

National Museum & Gallery

Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff Reading The Rocks: The Remarkable Maps Of William Smith Two hundred years ago Smith, a blacksmith’s son from Oxfordshire, realised that a map showing where different rock layers came to the Earth’s surface would be of great value to the various mining industries thriving at the time. Many of his original maps plus other documents are displayed here.

(Until Sun 28 Feb) Silent Explosion: Ivor Davies And Destruction In Art Major exhibition by Davies, one of Wales’ leading contemporary artists. It reveals his enduring interest in the creative power of destruction and features work in various media including painting, sculpture and performance, spanning the artist’s career from the 1940s through to the present day. (Until Sun 20 Mar) Augustus John in Focus A selection of paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints by this important Welsh artist. It will focus on images of his family, friends and celebrated sitters as well as his fascination with gypsy culture. (Until Fri 30 Sept)

National Waterfront Museum

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

Free. 01792 638950.

What’s In Store? A community photography exhibition taking a look behind the scenes at Amgueddfa Cymru’s National Collections Centre. (Until Sun 10 Jan)

Newport Museum & Art Gallery

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

Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk James Flewitt Mullock Watercolour drawings and lithographs by one of Newport’s most significant 19th Century artists, who was born in 1818 and witnessed the Chartist rising.

(Until Sat 23 Jan) 140 Years Of Newport RFC Marking the ups and downs of this historic rugby football club.

On display will be an outstanding collection of rugby memorabilia from Newport RFC, together with audio and visual exhibits. (Until Sat 16 Apr)

NoFit State

Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. Free.

029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org Circus Stories Celebrating NoFit State’s 30th anniversary, and preceding a temporary move from this building to a new location on Ocean Way, this features highlights from the company archives

of thousands of props, costumes, photographs, articles and even video and sound recordings. (From Sat 12 until Mon 23 Dec)

Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. Daily 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2087 7959 / www. norwegianchurchcardiff.com Civil Engineering Wales Photographic exhibition featuring images from civil engineering projects in Wales over the past year that have been captured by the general public. This year’s competition is split into two categories, under- and over-16s. (Until Sun 13 Dec) Disability Arts Cymru Exhibition Showcasing various pieces of artwork by people of all abilities from across Wales. (From Wed 6 until Sat 31 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 Delights Featuring artists OTW have shown throughout the year, as well as some surprises – plus the opportunity to find that perfect gift for Christmas. (Throughout December)

Oriel Bach

4 Dunns Lane, Mumbles, Swansea. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Free. 01792 361012 / www. orielbach.com Gaia Hidden Stories Photography, drawing and paintings by Dhyana Fritsche, Jean Perry and Yvonne Daters. (Until Sat 5 Dec) Jeffrey Moreau, Dave Brook, Adrian Hughes & Cheryl Stone A joint exhibition of painting and photography. (From Mon 7 until Sat 19 Dec)

Oriel Canfas

Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Christmas Show Paintings, sculpture and prints from a plethora of guest artists, with all works under £200.

(Until Wed 23 Dec)

Oriel Davies

The Park, Newtown, Powys.

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm.

Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org House Six artists who use the domestic space and objects as a springboard for their ideas: Frances Carlile, Ainsley Hillard, Jeanette Orrell, Charlotte Squire, Amy Sterly and Felicity Warbrick.

Showing sculpture, installation, prints, drawings, painting and textiles, they explore the idea of ‘house’ in many and various guises. (Until Wed 27 Jan) Anna Falcini ‘Talking To Gwen’ During a residency in Aberystwyth, Anna Falcini discovered the letters of Gwen John at the National Library of Wales.

art Her response to the letters was to explore not only their content but the physical materiality and archival preservation of them. (Until Wed 27 Jan)

Oriel Joanna Field

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

Pontypridd. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm. Free. 01443 480480 / www.gallery. southwales.ac.uk FUSE 3: Dias, Hiles, Jackson, Krigel, Oben/ Goddard, Parnell An exhibition of 2D and 3D contemporary artworks by six female south Wales-based

The Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea presents some Original Artists' Posters – that's the title of ther show – for its first exhibition of 2016. It's a collection of rare lithographs created by famous 20th century artists for past exhibitions, and runs from Fri 8 Jan-Sat 13 Feb. 01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Drew Buckley ‘Wonders Of Wales From Sea To Summit’ Award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer presents a showcase of the richness and diversity of Wales. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

Oriel Mwldan

Bath House Rd, Cardigan.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free.

01239 621200 / siobhan@ mwldan.co.uk Anne-Mie Melis ‘Watch My Garden Grow’ A combination of Melis’ practices of drawings, sculptural works, photography and stopmotion animation, questioning our natural environment and the way in which we interact with it. (Until Sat 5 Dec) Matthews & Allen ‘Last Lines’ Artistic duo with an exhibition which includes a film based on the last lines of literary texts, which compels its audience to explore expectations associated with the concept of conclusion. (From Sat 12 Dec until Sat 23 Jan)

Oriel Myrddin

Church Lane, Carmarthen.

01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Makers Market 2015 Gifts available to buy, made by selected artists and makers from Wales and the UK. (Throughout December)

Oriel Q

The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqueenshallgallery. org.uk Winter Open Anyone can submit works for this, and the hand-in dates are Wed 4 and Thurs 5 Nov. Each item costs £3 to enter and you can submit up to four pieces.

Oriel Fach features pots by Ruth Sargeant and Mick Morgan. (Until Sat 19 Dec)

Oriel Y Bont

University Of South Wales,

artists. All are members of the Faculty of Creative Industries at the University Of South Wales and one of them has worked collaboratively with the independent artist Tom Goddard. (From Fri 4 Dec until Fri 19 Feb)

Penarth Pier Pavilion

The Esplanade, Penarth.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

029 2071 2100 / info@ penarthpavilion.co.uk Threads Of Nature New work by Nick Davies, Jennie Gough and Lucy Thomas – “a collaborative effort arising as a result of a mutual interest in nature in its many guises and forms,” they say. The private view showing is on Sat 5 Dec from 3-5pm. (From Wed 2 until Sun 13 Dec) Town Mayor’s Painting Competition 2015 Further details (such as how to enter) TBC, but largely self-explanatory I guess.

(From Tue 15 Dec until Tue 5 Jan)

Redhouse

Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Chris Aylward & Jon Pountney ‘The Forgotten Valleys’ A collaborative photographic collection of the once-thriving South Wales coalfields. (From Sat 5 Dec until Tue 5 Jan) Orbis 3 Studio Abstract expressionist style paintings and prints in oil and acrylic by this Pontypridd collective. (From Wed 9 Dec until Sat 27 Feb)

The Riverfront

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

01633 656757.

Christmas Creatives Screenprints, photography, original artworks, ceramics and gifts from makers in Wales and beyond. (From Fri 4 Dec until Sat 9 Jan)

Steak Of The Art

Churchill Way, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun

11am-9pm. Free. 029 2039 7284/ www.steakoftheart. co.uk Red An exhibition of art inspired by the colour of Wales. Curated by Rachel Bishop, a waitress at this place, it includes work by local artists Molly Pear, Emily England, Amy Hewitt and Hayley Pearson. (Until Tue 12 Jan)

Swansea Grand Theatre

Theatr Hafren

Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren. co.uk Sue Newham ‘Chasing Light’ Newham is a painter in oils and acrylics, who focuses on landscapes and pictures related to faith.

(From Mon 14 Dec until Sun 14 Feb)

Singleton St, Swansea.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Swansea Print Workshop Celebrating 15 years of activity and creativity. (Until Fri 18 Dec) Michelle Dawson ‘Year Of The Red Moon’ A graduate from the Welsh School of Architectural Glass UWTSD, Dawson’s recent work is absorbed with the process of painting. (From Tue 29 Dec until Fri 15 Jan) Llareggub Village Constructed and built by Itchy Fingers Textile Group with fabric, thread, found objects, this forms a tribute to Dylan Thomas and is located in the Arts Wing White Room. (From Tue 12 until Sat 30 Jan)

Third Floor Gallery

Swansea Museum

Tower Gallery

Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www.swanseamuseum. co.uk EuroVisions: European Travellers To Wales Why do people travel to foreign countries? What places do they visit and why do they come to Wales? Exhibition looking at Wales through the eyes of explorers, tourists, refugees and... spies. (Until Mon 25 Jan)

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 Annual exhibition which brings together a variety of styles and genres in a mixed exhibition of art. (Until Wed 23 Dec) Original Artists Posters Many of the world’s leading artists have enjoyed making posters for their exhibitions, often taking the form of original lithographs.

By nature ephemeral, mint copies are rare so enjoy these original examples.

(From Fri 8 Jan until Sat 13 Feb)

Tenby Museum & Art Gallery

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

01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Kids In Museums Takeover In which children are given the opportunity to curate an art show here for just under three weeks.

Not currently aware of more indepth info, sorry to Tenby Museum fans. (Until Sat 19 Dec)

102 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Wed-Sun 1-7pm. Free.

029 2115 9151 / cardiff. thirdfloorgallery@gmail. com *The Apollo Archive Highly detailed, high resolution images of the Apollo moon landings between 1969 and 1972, taken from the Project Apollo archive which was established in 1999. (From Fri 11 Dec until Sun 6 Mar)

Tower Gallery

49 High Street, Crickhowell.

Free. 01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Christmas Exhibition First anniversary showe presented by Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative. (From Wed 2 Dec until Sat 10 Jan) Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc. co.uk Clare Woods ‘A Tree A Rock A Cloud’ The latest Welsh venue for this touring exhibition of works which evolved out of an engagement with traditions of historic painting – portraiture, still life and landscape – from the collections of Amgueddfa Cymru. (From Sat 5 Dec until Sun 6 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 Featuring handmade gifts from some of today’s finest designer makers in Britain.

(Until Thurs 24 Dec) ‘Land Of My Father Themed exhibition featuring many gallery artists, including some original paintings by Valeriane Leblond. (From Fri 15 Jan until Sat 27 Feb)

Wales Millennium Centre

Bute Place, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2063 6464 / www. wmc.org.uk Stephen Kingston Caernarfon-bsed artist creates a special mural celebrating and reflecting the vibrancy and vitality of Black History Month. (Until Wed 30 Mar)

West Wharf Gallery

Jacobs Market, Cardiff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com Christmas Exhibition Showcase of established and new Welsh artists, feature a range of mediums and styles from prints and abstracts to fine art. Open every Saturday until Christmas.

(Until Sat 19 Dec) Sean Donovan ‘50/50 Vision’ Celebrating 36 years of visual practice, the last two of which have seen him represented by a New York agent, Sean will be presenting 50 paintings and sculptures here. There will also be one wall dedicated to Affordable Art: new, smaller works for the budget-minded. (From Thurs 7 until Fri 29 Jan)

Workers Gallery

99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Free.

01443 682024 / wood4tt@ gmail.com Of Site And Song A diverse range of artworks by artists based in Wales, both professional, emerging and amateur. Includes personal responses to the Rhondda Tunnel and a local composer’s hymn. (Until Wed 23 Dec)

Wyeside Arts Centre

Castle Street, Builth Wells, Powys. Tue-Fri 12.30-9pm, Sat + Sun 2-9pm. Free.

01982 552555 / www.wyeside.co.uk A Family Affair: Painting, Photography And Prints

by Christine, Graham And Anna Featuring the work of Graham and Christine Haslock, who met at art college in Liverpool in the 1970s, and their daughter Anna who studied Illustration With Printmaking at Camberwell University.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

clubs 10 Feet Tall

11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo. co.uk

Thurs 31 Hully Gully NYE Super Disco 9pm-3am,

£7/£5 adv/£3 early bird. It’s going to be a glittery disco special apparently. Fridays Soulection 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Soul, boogie and the like from Blue Honey DJs. New night. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk, neo-soul and Motown with music from James Morgan-Rees & Alex Moxham. New night.

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. Sun 3 Jan is a Christmas/ NYE special which 10 Feet Tall have left in the oven waiting for you to get home.

So to speak.

Aberystwyth Students Union

Old College, King Street, Aberystwyth. 01970 621700 / www.aber.ac.uk Sat 30 Jan Black House

9pm-4am, £15 adv. Irregular big, student-friendly Aber rave which is previewed in Clubs. Confirmed so far: Calyx & Teebee, Split Prophets, JFB, Radikal Guru and Distro.

The Angel Inn

57-59 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth. 01970 617878.

Fri 5 Dutty Riddims 11pm4am, £4. Dubstep, jungle and drum’n’bass featuring (first to last) B Fujin & Fanatic, Kreat:ure & Nykto, Boundary, Mr Traumatik & DJ Frenzee, Nexsuz & Eazydubz ft Hypnosis MC, Gemini Twins and host JMZ MC.

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, which recently relocated to here from Undertone. Tuesdays Knee Socks 10pm-3am. Cardiff’s trendiest new music and indie pop club night. Thurs 3 C-Y-N-T 10pm-4am.

Studenty club promo cats with their last bash of 2015.

Dale Howard and Citizenn are the guests of honour. *Thurs 10 Concrete Junglists & Bump N Grind present Unity Beats Hate 10pm-3am, £3-£5. Charity night in aid of the Welsh Refugee Council, aiming to highlight the benefits of multiculturalism (in Cardiff and in general) via these DJs, and their chosen genres: Cygnus (future beats), Jaffa (hip-hop), Jimanoli (ska/reggae), Kooley (jungle), Love & Harmony Sound (reggae), Magenta (dubstep), Mister Bibs (hip-hop), Ransom (jungle), Shanti Squire (ska/ reggae) and host Beni Wild.

Fri 4 Aperture 10pm-4am, £10/£5. Calyx & Teebee with one of their three appearances in this issue’s club listings. Also featuring Speedo, Rewire, MMRB, Ohms, JE3 and host XL. Saturdays Shake Shake 9pm-4am, £4/free before 12. “Cocktail makin’ bassline quakin’ booty shakin’ best credible Saturday night party!” Their words.

Cardiff University Students Union

Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only. 029 2078 1458 / studentsunion@cardiff. ac.uk Mon 7 Itchy Feet 11pm3am, £8 adv. Rock’n’roll, swing, ska, R&B, funk and soul all together in a night that’s moved from Clwb Ifor Bach for reasons I don’t know. Wednesdays YOLO 9pm-2am, £4/£3 adv/free before 11. New midweek club night promising both BUZZ 57

clubs your favourite tunes and great offers. Good name, really on trend. *Thurs 31 NYE Cardiff £17.50 adv.

Aperture, Bedlam, Bullion, Circle 8, Concrete Junglists, Lunacy and Yagga – in other words, every drum’n’bass/ jungle promoter in Cardiff – team up for a night featuring Noisia, Big Narstie, Cause & Effect, D Double E, Hazard, Ivy Lab, Mike Skinner and various locals. Not too shabby. Saturdays Flux 9pm-2am, £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 Thurs 31 10pm-4am, £8/£5.

The Saturday night DJ crew (see below) cook up something epochal for the new year, plus Auld Lang Syne.

Fridays (bottom) Zerox

10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night.

With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox. Fri 29 Jan Time Flies Big Birthday Allnighter 10pm-5am, £15-£10. Featuring every DJ from the 1990s who is still alive – Jeremy Healy, Allister Whitehead, Brandon Block and Alex P – plus several locals, many of whom are pretty much as venerable: Craig Bartlett, Dave Jones, Shane Morris, Footlong DJs, Dave Eaves, Tyrone Rose, Rick Latham and Paul Cahill.

Saturdays 10pm-4am, £5/£4 NUS. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco.

Courtyard

48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

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

Fridays The Kickstart / Terrace Session Classic anthems, downstairs, Mr Ifsta plus allstar residents up on the roof terrace.

Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy.

Sundays Shisha Sundays DJs til late, Shisha served on the roof terrace and the weekend’s sports highlights.

Dempseys

Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253.

Thursdays (downstairs) Twisted By Design 9.30pm2am, free. Weekly night along the lines of the Saturday lineups. Thurs 31 Twisted

By Design New Year’s Eve Party 9pm-3am, £6 adv.

Without the centuries-old ritual of a Twisted NYE in Dempo’s, superstitious types would refuse to accept that the new year had began, causing productivity to grind to a halt. 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 21 Dec + Sat 23 Jan Twisted By Design 9pm-2am, £3.50/£3 NUS. Monthly event with Gary playing the best in indie choons – Belle & Sebastian, Bowie, Cure, Dead Kennedys, summat like that. Sat 30 Jan Fabulous 9pm-2am, £4. Mod, ska, reggae, indie, R&B, funk, boogaloo and northern soul, running here for the mods since the 90s.

Face 11

105 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff. 029 2022 8221 / www.face11.co.uk Fridays DJ 45 Free. Funk,

soul, hip-hop and more, or “poppin’ funk and funkin’ pop” as the tagline goes.

claimed. Sat 5 The Mayfair Sessions 10pm-3am, £4-£10.

With DJ Russke.

Fuel

Gwdihw

5 Womanby Street, Cardiff.

0845 6430032 / www. givemefuel.co.uk Thursdays FUBAR 10pm2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight. Fridays + Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town.

The Full Moon / The Moon Club

Womanby Street, Cardiff.

029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Thursdays Hullabalooza 10pm-4am, free. Alternative party tunes. Thurs 31 Dusk Til Dawn New Year’s Eve Extravaganza 6pm-6am, £10. Live music and DJs for 12 hours over both floors.

Fri 11 Ultimate Power 11pm, £5 adv. Power ballads club night, here every other month or so. Fri 18 Submerge 10.30pm, £5 adv.

Cardiff’s finest dubstep night, they claim, although I think that’s a title they’ve earned by default at this point in time. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free.

DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. Sat 19 + Sat 16 Jan The Hold Up 9pm, £6.50 adv. Monthly hip-hop night, acts TBC at the mo.

Sat 26 Sub:Culture & Castles Nights 10pm, £5. A brace of techno promoters join forces on the fabled day of the box. Sub:Culture: Dirtytechnodog, Iolo, Daen, Aneurin and Tom Ware.

Castles Nights: Murder, Silver Red and Mendezismz.

Glam

DJ GUY Sprungnacht @ Undertone, Cardiff, Wed 23 Dec Admission: £5/£3 before 11pm. Info: 029 2022 8883 / www. undertonecardiff.com The Sprungnacht night debuted in Cardiff just before Christmas 2014 in this same venue, bringing piston-powered Germanic techno cheer. It went down well enough that they’re repeating it for ‘15. Top of the bill this time is DJ Guy, aka Cardiff selector/producer Guy Evans. A fixture on clubnight lineups in the city during the 90s, he was a voracious maker of tracks too, but nearly all of them languished in demo form – until last year, when the All Caps label released a three-track 12” of his woozy, Aphex Twin-like bizarre techno. More archive releases have followed, and Sprungnacht have hooked him for a rare DJ set. Also on the bill is Freerotation’s Sam Watson, Ben and Chris from City Bass, and Sprung Records residents.

BUZZ 58

Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mondays The Fest 10pm3am, £3.50. Two floors of charts, dance and student anthems (room one) and r’n’b, hip-hop, urban and funky (room two). Wed 9 Shangri-La 11pm-4am, £7 adv/£5 early bird/£10 VIP. Hot Creations fave Richy Ahmed headlines tonight, with Nic Saunders, Adam Carey, Liam Matear and Elliot Mitchell joining him in room 1. The VIP room has James Coughlin, Josh Green and Eben Rees. Thurs 3 Fatman Scoop 10pm-3am, £5 adv/£7 VIP. “Joining us for one night only to perform all his massive hits,” according to the wag who writes Glam’s listings copy. Thurs 10 Glam Christmas Party 10pm-3am, £4 adv/£6 VIP. Hosted by Pete Wicks from The Only Way Is Essex.

Thurs 31 Kisstory New Year’s Eve 9pm-4am, £15 adv/£10 early bird/£20 VIP. Twenty quid to kiss a Tory?

Worst NYE ever. 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

6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Thurs 31 Cult Heroes NYE Ball 8pm, £8/£5. Full details TBC. Fri 4 Sure Shot 9pm-2.30am, £5. The last ever party under this promo banner (discounting their Boxing Day co-promo)!

Not sure why, maybe our preview of the night will say, or maybe it’ll just talk about Mr Thing who is the headliner. Fri 11 Modula x One Good Thing 9pm.

Homegrown beats, live performances and visual art dawn from the local pool of DJs, producers etc. Fri 18 + Fri 8 Jan Superchango Takeover 9pm-2.30am, £4/£3 adv. Funk, disco, hip-hop and party. Fri 22 Jan Pleasuredome 9pm2.30am, £5/£3 before 11.

Conroy, Deemo and Teoman play the electronic music of the 80s. *Sat 5 + Sat 2 Jan Blue Honey 10pm, £8-£12. Atlanta-based trueskool house DJ Kai Alce is December’s guest, should be a great set. January is still TBC. Sat 12 + Sat 9 Jan Fat City 9pm, £3.

With a headline set from Zion Road (December) and Jacob’s Heep (January).

Sat 19 + Sat 16 Jan Mise En Bouche 9pm, £4. With a live set from Kookamunga (in December), plus DJing from Gidge and Toclifrench.

Sat 26 Hully Gully, Blue Honey & Sure Shot 8pm.

Disco selector of note John Morales visits this venue for the second time in 2015. Sat 23 Jan Hully Gully 9pm.

With details TBC.

Jacob’s Market

West Canal Wharf, Cardiff.

029 2039 0939.

Sat 5 Teak 2pm. Daytime double headliner special featuring sets from Portugal’s Tiago, Berlin’s Paramida and token local Seka. *Sat 19 City Bass 10pm-5am, £17/£15. Great booking, maybe City Bass’ biggest yet? Off-centre American house ideologue debuts in these parts (unless you count Freerotation in Hay), resident DJs TBC feature also.

Karma

75 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Fri + Sat 8pm-6am. karmaclubcardiff@gmail. com Sat 5 Circle 8 9pm-6am, £12 adv/£10 early bird.

Large drum’n’bass mania, headlined by the Shadow Demon Coalition. Bason, Kooley, Pabz, Kookie Crumble, Screwy, T.Bone and a competition winner are the DJs; MCs are Joe Blow, Endo, Slim Teng, Deadly Knightshade, Chew and Ras Robbie. Sat 19 Modulate 9pm-6am, £8 adv. House, prog, techno and trance from Daniel Skyver, Rio Lorenzo, Dean Angel, Madame Twisted, Dave Hassell and Greg Livingstone. Sat 26 Circle 8 & Stickylemons

9pm-6am. Three floors of Boxing Day brocking out.

Top floor: secret headliner TBC, Stoned Mason, T-Bone v DJ Pabz, Kookie Krumble v Bason, Jay Dee v D Dott and host Slim-Teng. Ground level: reggae and jungle from Uprising Sound System, DJ Truth, Oisin, Jackal & Hyde, Hoffers b2b Gee and more TBC. Basement: grime, garage, 4x4 and dubstep hosted by Submerge and featuring Dubzta b2b RSK b2b Hoax, Chew & Dex, Blokeye b2b Pedeadstrian, Effegy, Ben Britton and Elmono.

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.

Metros

Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 9pm-4am, £5. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Thurs 31 Cheapskates NYE Party 9pm-4am, £10/£8 adv. They still do doubles for £1.70 in here, you know. Fridays Subversion 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm.

Drinks promos, no dress code. Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays Slacker 9.30pm-3.30am.

Wherein Hywel plays alternative and new music.

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 2015. Saturdays ‘Miss’ Behaviour Music, cocktails, party. All these things are found here.

clubs 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. Thurs 31 Mocka Rouge 9pm-3am, £7 adv.

Burlesque, live music and DJs. 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. Sat 26 Persuasive 9pm-3am, £5-£10. R’n’b and soul from headline DJ Matt White, plus a live PA TBC, Raheem and Shendi Bowers.

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

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 10pm-6am, £5/£3 before 12 or with a Kon Tiki stamp.

Hip-hop, grime, house and drum’n’bass. Fri 4 is headlined by Calyx & Teebee, who are also in Aberystwyth at the end of January; Fri 11 welcomes DJ Zinc plus host Tippa, playing a set of half jungle half house; Fri 29 Jan has a big jungle headline, who is TBC right now. Saturdays Get Busy £3 with a Kon Tiki stamp.

Funk, soul, hip-hop, Motown, boogie and party.

NP21

6 Market Street, Newport.

01633 259144.

Fridays Retro-Vibe Party anthems from across the decades to kickstart your weekend at Newport’s brand new cver-21s club.

Saturdays 80s vs 90s Taking it back to the old school with a back-to-back session of retro-centric selections.

Penarth Ex-Servicemens Club

69 Windsor Rd, Penarth.

029 2070 7530 / www. penarthexservicemensclub. co.uk Sat 12 + Thurs 31 Penarth Soul Club 7.30pm12.30am, £3 adv (Sat 12) / £5 (Thurs 31). Motown, northern soul and other 60s and 70s fare, all played from vinyl by Shelley Norton and Liam Curtin.

Perc

108 Lower Dock Street, Newport. percclub@gmail. com / www.facebook.com/ perc.newport Sat 12 Perc Xxxmas 6pm3am, £8 adv. Featuring DJs from Cardiff’s steely techno stronghold2, Holodeck.

Limited capacity with only 100 tickets, which are all sold out! Sorry to get your hopes up.

Popworld

Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676.

Tuesdays Popstar Karaoke 9pm-3am. Karaoke night with a £50 prize.

Wednesdays W.H.I.P. 9pm, free before 11. That’s short for What Happens In Popworld. Thursdays T.N.T. 9pm-3am. That’s short for Thirsty Night Thursday.

All drinks are £1.50 before 12am, apart from wines, cocktails, champagnes and – oh, Swansea – Rekorderlig.

Fridays + Saturdays Ain’t No Party Like A Popworld Party 8pm-3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat).

Pryzm (formerly Oceana)

Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Wednesdays Nu 9.30pm3am. Room 1: Monique B and Dan Willow play commercial r’n’b; room 2: Sole and Pro play old skool house. Thurs 31 9pm-3am, £15/£25 VIP. Three rooms of dance, r’n’b and pop/party anthems, with Nottingham breakthrough DJ Philip George the headline act. Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff.

Saturday is in conjunction with Jongleurs comedy club, which also takes place here.

Fri 4 Dec features a guest appearance from the UK Pleasure Boys, a ‘male revue’ who feature someone off Big Brother. Sat 5 ushers in Danny Mac, aka Dodger from Hollyoaks.

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.

Revolution

Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk Tuesdays Sync 9pm-3am.

Student night featuring hazers, lasers and drink deals.

Fridays + Saturdays 9pm3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.

The Robin Hood

16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2037 8829 / www. robinhoodbar.co.uk Sat 5 Dec + Sat 2 Jan Totally Mod For It Free.

Every first Saturday of the month, DJ 45 presents an evening of 60s/70s beat, rhythm & blues, soul, ska, 80s/90s Britpop and 2-tone.

Room 112

3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Open 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 Pillow Talk 9pm-4am, £10. Old skool r’n’b, hip-hop, house and

decadent partying is this night’s deal.

The Scene

Plymouth Street, Swansea.

07730 432166 / www. thesceneclub.co.uk Fri 4 Dec, Fri 8 Jan + Fri 5 Feb Night Train 10pm3am, £3. Swansea Scooter Society DJs play R&B, mod, soul, jazz etc on the first Friday of every month.

Sat 5 Dec, Sat 2 Jan + Sat 6 Feb Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month.

Fri 18 Dec, Sat 26 Dec + Sat 30 Jan Delusion 10pm-5am, £10 adv. Three big trance nights in six weeks here. Fri 18 (tickets £14/£12) is headlined by Bryan Kearney and also features Sam Jones, Rhys Thomas, Callan Christie and Kye Davies in room 1; Nicky Cursio, Ben Parkin, Teri Simmonds and Kieran Lansley in room 2. Sat 26 (tickets £6-£10) is the nowannual Boxing Day Classics night with trance biggies from Rob Davies, Jonny Griffiths, Callan Christie, Nic Lawson, Kieran Lansley, Ben Saunders and Andrew ‘Butty’ Davies in room 1 (house in room 2 from DJs TBC). And Sat 30 Jan is still TBC regarding lineup, but features hard dance types Dirtbox hosting room 2.

Sin City

Dilwyn Street, Swansea.

01792 468892 / bookings@ alternativeswansea.com Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am. Funk, soul, Motown and hip-hop. Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3.

Student night, back for the new term. Thurs 31 New Year’s Eve + Sin City’s 9th Birthday 10pm-4am.

In which all the greatest anthems from across the decades will be played.

Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Saturdays Sink 10pm-3am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South. On Sat 5 Dec Mike Skinner is doing whatever he does in his DJ capacity, while on Sat 30 Jan grime big boss Stormzy appears (£10 adv – see Clubs).

Soda Lounge

St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodalounge.co.uk Tuesdays Cartel £4/£3.50.

UK-wide student night. Mr. Mozafari will be playing vocal house and electro upstairs; DJ Wallace will supply r’n’b and chart in the Soda Lounge. Wednesdays Replay 10pm, £5/£4. The official sports night of the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Thursdays Clique 10pm, £4. New night promising the hottest r’n’b and dancefloor fillers.

Saturdays Soiree 9pm4am. 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.

Tiger Tiger

Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri

Featuring resident DJs and special guests. Wed 23 Sprungnacht 10pm-5am, £5/£3. Featuring reborn 90s Cardiff techno-scene staple DJ Guy as headliner, plus Sam Watson (Freerotation), Doppellate, Fa·çade, Läuft and Ben and Chris from

Delusion, Swansea-based doughty promoters of trance (who I would expect to take a dim view of its semi-ironic revival courtesy of Evian Christ et al), have no less than THREE nights in the city's Scene club over the next two months. They're on Fri 18 Dec, Sat 26 Dec (Boxing Day Classics) and Sat 30 Jan.

12pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-12.30am. 029 2039 1944 / www.tigertigercardiff.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 Koosday 10pm3am, £7/£5. Something that has lots of decor, smoke machines etc and describes itself as an “Arrogantly Premium Clubbing Experience”. How depressing. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.

Tramshed

Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 0117 9259273 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Sat 5 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 7pm, £14 adv. BBC radio staple, ex comic actor and regular seller-out of Cardiff’s Globe venue moves to a new, bigger room this time out. Craig Bartlett, Spirit Of Boogie (live) and James Parker will also deliver sets. Thurs 31 Harlequin 8pm-2.30am, £25 adv/£20 early bird. See Clubs for more about a night which features Milky and Gadget from This Is England (DJ sets), The Carny Villains (live set), Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Big Swing Sound and Studio 54 Allstars (both DJ sets).

Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall)

11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Tue 8 + Tue 12 Jan Dropped 10pm-4am, £4/£3.

New midweek student dance night offering house and techno, plus a name that tempts fate a little. Tue 26 Jan Mixtape 10pm.

City Bass. Wed 6 Jan + Fri 15 Jan Selecta 10pm, £5/£3. Classic UK garage anthems with a hint of grime all night long with Rich Tea. Wed 27 Jan Boiler Room 7.30-11pm. Details TBC but presumably this will have DJs playing in front of a live stream, and if you want to show your coupon on the internet you’ll need a ticket. Thurs 10 + Tue 21 Jan Fire: Strictly Grime 10.30pm4am, £4/£3. Rich Tea plays the big hitters of UK grime.

The January night is called Shutdown on the listings but as far as I can tell they’re the same night. Thurs 17 Paranoize 10.30pm-4am, £4. An eclectic mix of disco, 90’s house and techno from residents. Thurs 31 RSP 10pm-4am, £11/£8. Not sure who these promoters are but they snagged NYE in Undertone back in July, and are entrusting vibes to DJs of an intrumental grime/ bass music nature Madam X, Silk Road Assassins, Majora, Odeko and Fa·çade.

Fri 4 Hully Gully 10pm4am, £5. Away from their normal Gwdihw home as a one-off, top disco DJ Frank Booker spins alongside Veto, Double Cee and Van Pelt. Fri 11 Castles Nights – Techno Culture 10.30pm4am, £5-£10. Headlined by Cardiff’s own The Organ Grinder, hard techno until the early morning is promised here (not really sure hard techno is TOG’s ‘thing’ but we’ll see). Fri 18 Rotary Club 10.30pm-4am, £4/£3. Exciting, decorative parties with a wide range of dance music ranging from disco/funk, to house and techno. Andrew Hill is the guest DJ tonight. *Fri 1 Jan Memorex 10pm-4am, £12/£10. Cardiff house promoters seem to be getting more ruffly techno with every booking. Scottish duo Clouds are headlining (over The Organ Grinder, Dave Little and Murder) this one.

If their productions are any

indication this will be fairly mental. Maybe have a nap during the day if you’re planning to do NYE then this.

Fri 22 Jan Distant Glow 10pm-4am. Electronic stuff (I think a DJ set, maybe live) from a Cardiff duo who claim to be influenced by Vangelis, Stockhausen and Harry Partsch. Sat 5 Deep Inside 10pm-4am. Modern style deep/jackin house with a lineup TBC. Sat 12 + Sat 26 Groove Theory 10pm-5am, £10-£14. On Sat 12, Sadar Bahar of the Soul In The Hole label in Chicago headlines with one of his acclaimed sets of rare disco, soul, boogie etc. Sat 26 is TBC but carries with it the inevitable prompt to “work off that turkey”. Sat 19 Dec + Fri 8 Jan Yagga 10.30pm-4am. Big boy jungle bizness with further details yet to be released.

The Vaults

The Old Natwest Bank, 113-116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents. com Fri 18 Delete 10pm-5am, £15/£12. UK house duo Dungeon Meat, who include Tristan Da Cunha and Brawther, headline tonight.

Matt Owen, Lee Graves and Marc Parsons are present and correct as residents.

Sat 26 Delete 10pm-5am, £15/£12. Back for Boxing Day in the basement of a bank! Top rated house head Mandar is the headliner tonight, to say nothing of Matt Owen, Lee Graves and Marc Parsons’ efforts.

Boogie Cartel DJs control room 2. Sat 6 Feb Memorex 9pm-4am, £20 adv. Siberian goddess of the tundra Nina Kraviz makes what I think is her Cardiff debut, with The Organ Grinder, Scott Kerr, Sinky and JV also on board. Tickets for this sold out immediately but this probably has a lot to do with dickheads buying loads more than they actually need, so check Facebook or whatever.

Warehouse 54

Cambrian Rd, Newport.

01633 259144 / www.wh54. com Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Matt Kirke mixes up club-influenced beats from reggae to rock, d’n’b to dancefloorled house. Thursday Warehouse54 Live! A free festival-inspired mix of bass and live bands every week.

Friday Shake It Off An eclectic mix of live band sounds From hip-hop to swing to punk to soul to folk to funk, then DJs playing alt anthems, pop-punk and ‘dirty pleasures’. Saturdays VHS Vandals An audiovisual mix of indie anthems, old school hip-hop, mashups and funk-infused beats.

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 enterBUZZ 59

events

Here’s a question. You’re a ground breaking folkrock band that’s been around for almost 40 years.

You’ve toured in 35 countries, released 13 studio albums and a DVD, and collaborated with some of British folk’s finest, including most memorably June Tabor. You’ve won five BBC Folk Awards and curated your own successful folk festival for several years. So, the question is, what do you do next?

If you’re the Oysterband, because that’s clearly who we’re talking about here, you strip things back to basics and get up close and personal with your fans. Singer and melodeon player John Jones, fiddler Ian Telfer and guitarist Alan Prosser are the songwriting heart of the Oysterband who, when Sidmouth and Shrewsbury Folk Festivals asked them to do something a little different, came up with the idea of an evening of acoustic performance and not entirely discreet stories.

An insight into their sometimes turbulent, often funny history, the set features songs from every period of a pretty unusual career which they’ve called Oysters3.

Having started off as a ceilidh band in the late 70s called Fiddler’s Dram, the Oysterband began experimenting with radical arrangements of traditional songs, determined to rescue traditional music from the heritage music industry. Since then their unique brand of modern, folk-based British music has earned them a dedicated following and made them one Britain’s most successful and influential roots outfits. Constantly evolving, their latest project has already been going down a storm as you can discover when Oysters3 hit the stage at Cardiff’s St. David’s Hall on Tue 26 Jan. That aside, as is the norm at this time of year, the live folk and roots scene seems to be entering a period of hibernation and, with the exception of the usual round of folk club Xmas parties and other specialised seasonal offerings, there’s little of note for the dedicated gig goer, although there are a few gems worth checking out (see below).

Buzz also recommends: Balshazzar’s Feast. Top notch musicianship and wry humour. Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy (Tue 8 Dec) Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young. Not a firm of solicitors, but the combined talents of Eliza, Jackie, Lucy & Kate. The Welfare, Ystradgynlais (Sat 12 Dec) The Sam Kelly Trio. Hotly tipped young singer and guitarist. Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun. (Sun 13 Dec) Please send your listings to listings@buzzmag. co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767

BUZZ 60

tainment” 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

Ballet The Gate, Cardiff.

6-9.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344.

Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8; advanced 8-9.30.

Runs until Mon 14 Dec and starts back up on Mon 4 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.

Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff.

7.45-10.45pm, £7/£5 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. Sessions for a dance style billed as a combo of salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, tango and jive.

Runs until Mon 14 Dec and starts back up on Mon 4 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. Led by Pauline Down and taking place most Mondays; ring ahead to check.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com.

Every Monday.

India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158. For Grade 2 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, £7.50-£9.50 per session/£4 taster. Info

029 2048 3344. Learn to play improvised rock and pop and basic chord sequences.

Beginners 6-8pm; intermediate 8-10. Runs until Mon 14 Dec and starts back up on Mon 4 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: 7.15-8.30pm.

Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 7.30-9.30pm. 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 Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today features Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 4.30-6pm); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 5-6pm); Flying Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Hoop L3 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Yoga (6.157.45pm); Aerial Hoop L2 (8-10pm); Flying Trapeze L1 (8-10pm); Static Trapeze L4 (8-10pm) and Flexibility (8-9.30pm).

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 Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff. co.uk. Mixed ability class with Steph; please bring your own mat. Starting on Mon 18 Jan. 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. Runs until Mon 14 Dec and starts back up on Mon 4 Jan. Quizzical The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

RAD Children’s Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4-7.45pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. 4-6-year-olds: 4-4.45pm; 6-8 4.45-5.45pm; Ballet Grade 1 6-8 yrs 5.456.45pm; Ballet Grade 2 6-8 yrs 6.45-7.45pm. Runs until Mon 14 Dec and starts back up on Mon 4 Jan. Salsa Classes Mischiefs, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/ intermediate.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales. com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Monday, Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more.

St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts

Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7.30pm. Info 01446 799100.

Choir rehearsals.

Tai Chi: Health Qigong Glyndwr Community Hall, Penarth. 10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042.

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 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 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.

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown.

8-10pm. Info 07790 167560.

Every Tuesday and Friday.

American Line Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 2.454.45pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Tue 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 Jan. Belly Dance Classes Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.307.45pm, £6/£25 for five sessions. Info 07872 306745.

Mixed ability class with Steph.

Beth’s Buns Pilates Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880.

Bring It Pong 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New weekly session of table tennis, with two tables in the main bar (little known fact: table tennis is one of the best games to play while drinking).

Circus Skills The Riverfront, Newport.

7-8.30pm, £3.50 per session.

Info 01633 656757. For ages 14 and up.

Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £5-£6.50. Info 029 2048 3344.

Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8. Runs until Tue 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 Jan. Extend The Gate, Cardiff.

11am, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. Runs until Tue 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 Jan. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info www.funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Boxing-based high-intensity 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, Cardiff. 6.30pm.

Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to next level and for all ages and abilities.

Irish Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 5.15-7.15pm, £7/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Kids 5.15-6.15; adults 6.15-7.15. Runs until Tue 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 Jan. Jamaican Bum Flex Channel View Leisure Centre, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £5. Info 07950 256969.

Dancehall/reggae style dance moves, “turned into a tough bum workout for the ladies”

by Latone Holder. Also on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717.

All instruments and ages welcome.

Kizomba Tango Classes 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £5.

Info 029 2022 8883. Learn African samba here.

Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www. sparklylaughter.co.uk. “No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers.

Life Drawing 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 4pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea.

6-10pm. Info 01792 475147.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Ground Skills – Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 4.306pm); Hula Hoop (6-7pm); Performance (7-9pm); Circus Mishmash (6-8pm); Beginners Aerial L1 (8-10pm) and Static Trapeze L2 (8-10pm).

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. Running until Tue 15 in December and starting again on Tue 5 Jan. Pilates And Stretch Conway Road Methodist

events Church Hall, Cardiff. 8-9pm, £6/£25 for five sessions.

Info 07872 306745 / info@ burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Steph; bring your own mat please.

Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Tue 15 Dec and starts back up on Tue 5 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.

Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £5.

Info 07949 270618. Every Tuesday. Beginners 7.15-8pm; Improvers 8.30-9.30pm; dancing 9.4510.30pm. No classes on Tue 22 Dec, Tue 29 Dec or Tue 5 Jan. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point).

9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Every Tuesday and Friday. This one visits Big Pit Mining Museum of

Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park (including BBNP visitors centre).

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Continuation St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm. Info 029 2020 6042.

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.

7.30-9pm, £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 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.

Beginners Belly Dance Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.157.15pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff. co.uk. Mixed ability class with Steph. Starting on Wed 13 Jan. Beginners Cabaret And Showgirl Dancing Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm. Info 07872 306745. With Steph.

Starting on Wed 13 Jan. More info at www.cardiffcabaretclub.com Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks). Info 01633 656757.

Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea.

7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail. com.

Contemporary Dance Youth Session The Gate, Cardiff. 5pm, £3-£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Wed 16 Dec and starts back up on Wed 6 Jan. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Wake Up Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

7.15-8am, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com.

Jamaican Bum Flex Canton Community Centre,

Cardiff. 8-9pm, £5. Info 07950 256969.

Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.156pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5pm; 14-18: 5-6pm.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Acrobatics Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Adult Acrobatics (6-8pm); Creative Aerial L3+ (8-10pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

6-8pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. General fitness session for the first hour, advanced for the second.

Runs until Wed 16 Dec and starts back up on Wed 6 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.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point).

9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Wednesday and Saturday. This one visits Caerleon, Caerwent, Tintern Abbey, the Wye Valley, Abbey Mill Craft Centre and Raglan Castle.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

9.30-11am, 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.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea.

5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534.

Zumba Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 6pm, £4. Info 07949 270618.

EVERY THURSDAY pic Christian Reusch

CHRISTMAS STARGAZING National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon Beacons, Thurs 10 Dec Tickets: £12. Info: 01874 623366 / www.breconbeacons.org The good folks behind Dark Sky Wales host stargazing events pretty much all year round, but it’s this one which will bring with the highest levels of misty-eyed symbolism. While you’re welcome to wish upon a star all you like, there is serious astronomical business to attend to – most notably, the Geminid meteor shower. Dark Sky’s Allan Trow and Martin Griffiths will give attendees some background on that, as well as pointing out star formations including Orion and Taurus. This is bound to be a popular one, given that it’s been added as a consequence of Fri 11’s similar event being fully booked. Not only that, the ticket price includes a jacket potato, possibly selected to represent the celestial spheres of unimaginable heat.

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.

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. 6.157pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves.

For ages 8-18.

Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport.

7.30-10.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail. com.

Children’s Latin/ Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.

Funkypump Fitness

Salsa Buena Class Little Shop Of Calm, Cowbridge.

8.30-10.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. Beginners 8.30pm; improvers 9.30.

Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5. Info 07949 270618. Beginners 7.15-8pm; improvers 8.30-9.30pm; Rueda 9.4510.30pm. No classes on Thurs 24 or 31 Dec. Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba.

SeeWales Sightseeing

On Sun 10 Jan, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea will be hosting a performance by virtuoso spoons players Pat Smith and Ned Clamp – who’ll also be leading a spoons workshop afterwards to teach you how to play along.

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 hip-hop. Every Thursday and Saturday; contact takepart@wmc.org.uk for further details.

Hatch The Riverfront, Newport. 4.30pm, £8 per session/£60 per term. Info 01633 656757. Starting on Thurs 14 Jan, a new youth theatre programme organised by the tin Shed Theatre Co. Jamaican Bum Flex Trinity Church Centre, Newport Road, Cardiff.

6.30-7.30pm, £5. Info 07950 256969.

Newport Badminton Club Newport Active Living Centre. 7.30-9.30pm. Info 07789 965285.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Flying Trapeze L1/2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L2 (6-8pm); Ropes & Silks L2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (8-10pm); Ropes & Silks L3 + 4 (8-10pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

6.15-7.15pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com. Every Thursday.

Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point).

9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Albert Road Church & Community Centre, Penarth.

6.30-9.15pm. Info 029 2020 6042. 6.30-7.30: Tai Chi/ Qigong; 7.45-9.15: Tai Chi Short Form.

Tai Chi / Qigong St Albans Church Hall, Splott, Cardiff.

10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042.

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 + 7.15-8.30pm, £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.

Boys’ Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.455.30pm, £2.75 per session.

Info 01633 656757. Taught

by Rubicon, for ages 6-12.

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 BUZZ 61

events

BAFTA CYMRU

Shame on us – we are not planning on screenings of Christmas-related films.

How did we miss that opportunity?

We do have some great evenings planned though! Our regular Chapter slot is going to host a selection of new Welsh short films, starring the likes of Anita Dobson, Torchwood’s Rhys ap Trefor and others, and a Q&A session with the directors and producers.

Our north Wales events will offer a chance to see the Mr Calzaghe documentary at the new Pontio Arts Centre in Bangor and the beautiful film Patagonia with cast and crew in a special event in Bala.

We’re planning for 2016 too, as this will be the year BAFTA Cymru celebrates our 25th anniversary. January will offer a masterclass in how to bring Agatha Christie into the modern age through a new app Mr Quin, made by a local Welsh company; we’ll be hosting games masterclasses with winners from the 2015 Games Awards and a very special preview which is a bit top secret at the time of going to print!

There are some great feature films and television dramas hitting the screens in 2016 and we have plans to celebrate some significant anniversaries of key organisations and long running series over the course of the year.

If you have missed any of our recent events you will find photos, short films and chats with the talent on our website and can always keep in touch with us on Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and Facebook.

We’re still accepting membership applications for students, career starters and branch members – find out more on our website. www.bafta.org/wales

BUZZ 62

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.

Little’ns Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.25am + 10.30-11.15am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757.

Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm.

Info 01633 400685.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Aerial Jedi (11+, 4.156pm); Aerial Conditioning (6-7.30pm); Flying Trapeze Taster (6-8pm).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Older Adult Dance/ Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11.15am-12.15pm, £2.80. Info 01633 656757.

Low impact dance and exercise class aimed at the over 50s.

Rhiwbina Farmers Market The Butchers Arms, Rhiwbina. 10am-1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Streetwise Street Dance Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 4.30-8.30pm, £3.50 per class. Info 01685 384111. Call for individual class times.

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

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, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Clwb Drama The Riverfront, Newport.

11.30am-12.30, £5. Info 01633 656757. Welsh language drama group for ages 7+.

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.

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, £5. Info 01633 656757. Run by Defying Gravity, professional tutors will teach ballet and drama to kids aged 3-6.

NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, 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.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point).

9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

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. 11am-5pm, free.

Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-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.

Ballet For Beginners Dance Studio, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2-3.30pm, £6/£15 for three classes.

Info info@burlesquecardiff. co.uk. Hosted by Stephanie of Burlesque Cardiff.

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, £12. Info 029 2048 4880.

Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play.

Info info@porterscardiff. com. Hosted by Ben Cooper.

Running until Sun 20 in December and starting again on Sun 3 Jan. Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 2-4pm, £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 Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth All 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.

10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point).

9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Sunday Board Games Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Weekly session featuring a mixture of competitive and cooperative games.

TUESDAY 1

Decorate St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. Staff and volunteers decorate the houses for Christmas. (Until Thurs 3) Gangsta’s Parodies Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

Hip-hop karaoke night hosted by Justin Evans.

Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. Multipletimes-per-day ice skating sessions, running daily on the hour from midday-10pm until Fri 18 Dec; 10am-10pm at weekends; 10am-10pm all the time from Sat 19 DecSun 3 Jan. Christmas Eve finishes at 7pm; Christmas Day is closed; Boxing Day is 12-7pm; Thurs 31 Dec is 10am-10pm; Fri 1 Jan is 12-7pm. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

Multiple-times-per-day ice skating sessions, running

until Sun 3 Jan this year.

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 19 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 Sun 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 2

Artist Talk: Robert Alwyn Hughes Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 384111.

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. With Len the blacksmith, showing you what kind of work he would have done in a working colliery.

Also on a great many days in Dec and Jan, find the dates for yourselves. I want you to look at my listings you see, I worked jolly hard on them.

Canu Cymraeg St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

1-2.30pm, £30/£25 for four sessions. Info 07952 752823. Led by Pauline Down, teaching you to sing Welsh language seasonal/ folk songs. Also on Wed 9, Wed 16 and one more with its date and location TBC. Decorate St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Thurs 3) Open Mic Spoken Word Extravaganza 24 Ye Olde Murenger, Newport. 7.30pm, £5/£3. Info 01633 263977.

Featuring David Greenslade and Deborah K Davies.

Fundraiser by CWTSH to help run the former Stow Hill Library.

Peter You’ve Lost The Quiz! An Interactive Brass Eye & The Day Today Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2. Info 029 2022 8883. After a long period in the wilderness with bespoke quizzes about TV shows that I’ve never watched despite their vast popularity, here’s one I reckon I could have a decent go at. Maybe I will, maybe not.

Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free.

Info 029 2078 8334. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Established group aiming to provide constructive criticism, help, advice and guidance to its members. Also on Wed 16, Wed 30, Wed 13 Jan and Wed 27 Jan. Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

events (Until Sun 3 Jan) World AIDS Day Film Screening – United In Anger: A History Of Act-Up The Abacus, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info www.theabacusroom. wordpress.com. Film starts at 6.30 sharp.

THURSDAY 3

Cardiff Archaeological Society Lecture Chemistry Lecture Theatre, Main Building, Cardiff University.

7.15pm. Info www.cardiffarchsoc.btck.co.uk. ‘Roman Wales Past, Present and Future’ by Professor William Manning.

Decorate St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Finishes today) First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400.

New fiction and poetry from David Foster-Morgan, Stephen Payne and Jasmine Donahaye.

Get Your Knit On with Wool And The Gang Buffalo, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £30. Info 029 2031 0312. A ‘knit party’, no less, where you can make a snood and take it home with you (hence the price).

Hokkei In The Classroom Cardiff & Vale College City Campus, Dumballs Road, Cardiff. 7pm, £40 adv. Info hokkeiintheclassroom. eventbrite.co.uk. Charity cooking evening in aid of mental health charity Mind, organised by Principality Building Society, Cardiff & Vale College and restaurant Hokkei.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Quiz The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. This is sold out in advance would you believe.

There’s another one on Thurs 17 and that’s sold out too. Wild.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Also on Thurs 10 and Thurs 17, plus every Thursday in January.

Poems & Pints Browns, Laugharne. 7.30pm. Info 01994 427688. Monthly event with special guest poet Jackie Biggs.

Quids In Quiz Blackweir Tavern, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to enter. Info 029 2034 1405.

Also on Thurs 10.

Refugee Crisis Benefit Art Auction The Abacus, Cardiff. Free. Info www.theabacusroom.wordpress.com.

With art donated by Welsh students.

Richard Burton At 90 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2039 1391. Richard’s daughter Kate Burton and friend Lord Rowe-Beddoe will share reminisces of Wales’s greatest actor and the making of the film version of The Taming Of The Shrew.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Words&Words&Words

Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £5. Info 01970 623232.

FRIDAY 4

Art Opinions Service National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Bring in a piece of art for opinions/referrals by the Art Department.

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Bob Gelsthorpe: Say What You Want, Say What You Mean YMCA, Swansea.

2-4pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Discussion-led workshop on the subject of visual arts, and writing about them.

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.

Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10.30am-3.30pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk. Also on Fri 18.

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.

Let’s Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 821762. Pub quiz.

Little Mice Club: Festive Special National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am12pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Enjoy bilingual play, song and crafts and meet Morys the Museum Mouse.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Also on Sat 12, Fri 18, Sat 19, Sun 20, Sat 9 Jan, Thurs 14 Jan, Sat 16 Jan, Sat 23 Jan, Thurs 28 Jan and Sat 30 Jan. Painting Winter: Snow Scenes In Art Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10.30am-3.30pm, £35/£30. Info 0844 8700887.

Art History Lecture, the last in the series at this venue for 2015.

Squash: Bourse Masters Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 4-10pm. Info 0300 3003121. (Until Sun 6) The Affordable Art Auction G39, Cardiff.

6-10pm. Info 029 2047 3633.

Fundraising event for Cardiff School Of Art & Design’s Fine Art Degree show.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5 (adults).

Info 029 2047 5475.

Monthly day for toddlers with a special theme each month, December’s being ‘Snowflakes & Sparkles’.

UCAN Create Masterclass One School Of Optomertry And Vision Sciences, Cardiff.

5-7.30pm. Info 029 2087 0554. This class is called ‘Making Games In Our City Scapes’, is a collaboration with a company called Yello Brick, and is the first event

by UCAN Productions, a performance and creative arts co-operative for blind and partially sighted children.

Waterfront Winterland

Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Weightlifting: Welsh Open Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 2-8.30pm. Info 01407 763300. (Until Sun 6) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

SATURDAY 5

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Stitched Felt Christmas Decorations Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1.30-4pm, free.

Info 01792 463980.

Ammanford Monthly Arts, Crafts & Food Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island.

11am-3.30pm. Info ammanfordcraftcoop@ outlook.com. Every first Saturday of the month.

Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

On tomorrow also.

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782.

Charity Christmas Craft Fayre Tabernacle Church, Barry. 11am-3pm. Info joferriday@yahoo.co.uk.

Christmas Artisan Market High Street, Barry. 10am4pm. Info 01446 677010.

Christmas At War National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3500. Family craft activity. On tomorrow also.

Christmas Craft Workshop Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. 2-4pm. Info info@blossomsgallery.co.uk.

Make wooden tree decorations, pine cone stars and driftwood trees with professional artist and tutor Pod Clare. Oriel Blossoms is run by some of the people from Aberystwyth’s Gas Gallery, which closed recently.

Christmas Felts Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Kathy Williams.

Christmas Gift & Craft Fair St Johns Church Hall, Danescourt, Cardiff. 1-5pm, £15 to book a table. Info 07534 527522.

Comedy Improv Workshops Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. Info 01348 873237.

Hosted by Carl Anderson.

Also on Sat 12 and Sat 19.

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.

Dark Skies Evening With An Astronomer Dark Skies Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £20. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out Event. Also on Sat 12, Sat 19, Sat 9 Jan and Sat 30 Jan. Dewch Y Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Sessions for Welsh learners. Also on Sat 9 Jan. Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic. crafters@gmail.com.

Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month.

Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops, on for the next two weekends plus Mon 21-Wed 23.

Festive Funday National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Featuring Olaf the snowman, real donkeys, carols around the tree and a special visit from Santa.

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 weekends until Sun 13) Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Leicester City Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Karaoke The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042. Also on Sat 19, Thurs 24 and Thurs 31.

Kidsmarkets Family Sale Llantwit Leisure Centre, Llantwit Major. 11am12.30pm, £1/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 38 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out about shooting stars, planets, rainbows and more. (At weekends until Sun 13) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. A walk through woodlands, ruins and graveyards. Also on Fri 11, Sat 12, Thurs 17, Sat 19, Tue 22, Wed 30, Fri 15 Jan, Fri 22 Jan and Sat 30 Jan. Medieval Banquet Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £60.

Info 01291 420241. For that outlay you get a five-course meal plus two litres of wine and a litre of ale to share between six people on a table. That sounds pretty much like fine dining prices to me, but the menu doesn’t indicate that that’s on offer.

There is juggling, though.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Also on tomorrow, Sat 12 and Sun 13, and Sat 19-Wed 23.

Nimble Fingers Craft Fayre Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. Normally on the second Saturday of every month, but not in December.

Oh So Crafty Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am-6pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

Local craft sellers hawk their wares, with Christmas gifts in mind.

Open Haus The Printhaus, 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, except Sat 2 Jan because all the artists got too wrecked on NYE, prob-

ably.

Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth.

10am-4pm, free. Info enquiries@pigstreetcrafts.co.uk.

Selling original arts and crafts. Also on Sat 19.

Print Fair & Open Studios Oriel Canfas, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2066 6455.

Reindeer Run Velindre Hospital, Cardiff (starting point). Info 07967 818355.

Charity event for Velindre Fundraising, this is a fun event for all ages which will involve running, jogging or waking one mile round Whitchurch Village.

Risca Christmas Market Tredegar Park, Risca.

12-5.30pm. Info 01443 866390.

Squash: Bourse Masters Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9.20am-8pm. Info 0300 3003121. (Until Sun 6) St Michael’s College Craft Fair St Michael’s College, Llandaff, Cardiff. 11am-3pm, £10 to book a table. Info sheryl.williams-gascoigne@ stmichaels.ac.uk.

Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629. On tomorrow also, likewise Sat 12 and Sun 13, plus Sat 19 and Sun 20.

Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also, as well as Fri 11 and Sat 12, then Sat 19-Tue 22.

Morning event is in Welsh; afternoon ones are in English.

The Grand Tour Of The Solar System National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Presentation

by Andrew Lound and the Swansea Astronomical Society.

Walk To Bethlehem Carreg Cennen Castle, Brecon Beacons. (starting point). £35. Info 01874 749092. That’s Bethlehem the village in the Brecon Beacons, and not the town in Pennsylvania, as you may have thought! A Good Day Out Event.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Weightlifting: Welsh Open Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-8.30pm. Info 01407 763300. (Until Sun 6) Winter Market & Skating Rink Penderyn Square, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-5pm, free. Info 01685 726272.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org. uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10.

Also on Sat 2 Jan.

SUNDAY 6

Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Food/Health, Fitness & Beauty Fayre Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 11am-3pm, £1/kids free. Info 029 2037 3144. .

Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400.

Christmas At War National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3500.

Christmas Wreath-Making And Table Decorations Cardiff Castle. 12.30pm, £25/£17.50. Info 029 2087 8100.

Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@hotmail. co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month.

Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 13) Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 13) Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Squash: Bourse Masters Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 10am-4pm. Info 0300 3003121. (Finishes today) Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629.

Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Weightlifting: Welsh Open Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-8.30pm. Info 01407 763300. (Finishes today) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

MONDAY 7

150 Patagonia Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 6.30pm, free. Info 01792 602060. An evening of performances, readings and discussion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Welsh colony Y Wladfain Patagonia.

Northern Lingo Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

This is a night which seems to feature people playing bingo and speaking in Yorkshire dialect. Also on Mon 4 Jan. Science Cafe Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, free.

Info 01970 623232. Harry Strange on ‘Fighting breast cancer one pixel at a time’.

The Star Wars Quiz Episodes 1-6 Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £81 to play. Info 029 2031 0312.

Presented by Inaminutenow.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www.

BUZZ 63

events cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 10) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am8.45pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 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 8

Careers In Sport Live Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2041 6070.

Giving teenagers and young adults the opportunity to find out how to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, learn a new sport and also forge a career in the sport and fitness sectors. Non Evans MBE is the keynote speaker.

Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 10) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Welsh Whisky Tasting Night Cardiff Castle. 6pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8100.

Courtesy of Penderyn, as you would presumably presume.

Also includes a tour of the castle.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 9

Canu Cymraeg St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

1-2.30pm, £30/£25 for four sessions. Info 07952 752823.

Music Networking Event Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4488. Featuring a live set from Featherjaw.

Rhyme & Reason Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Regular monthly event in which a range of people come together to exchange ideas, words and their favourite poems.

Search For Santa Sirhowy Valley Country Park, Caerphilly. 6pm, £4 kids/£1.50 adults. Info 01495 227206. An evening wander through woods for families.

Hosted by Blackwood Miners Institute. On tomorrow also.

The Herbivore Christmas Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna.

7pm, £23. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk. A threecourse festive vegetarian supper (vegan also available) primed for the current season. On tomorrow also, and Fri 18.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £450 (four BUZZ 64

days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 10) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Wine Tasting Evening Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8-11pm, £15. Info 029 2022 8221.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 10

Christmas Market Castle Emporium, Cardiff. 10am10pm, free. Info 07961 257529. A whole weekend of treats inluding discounts, food, pop-up shops, drinks and entertainment, they promise. (Until Sat 12) Christmas Stargazing National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon Beacons.

7pm, £12 adv. Info 01874 623366.

Festive Highlights Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £10. Info 01873 850805. A showcase of Christmas floral designs created by NAFAS National Demonstrator Coral Gardiner, whose name sounds like mine if misheard over a bad phone line.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

New York Christmas Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7pm. Info 01792 475715.

Lavish Christmas parties with a red carpet, cocktails, popcorn, ice skating, a fourcourse meal and some other stuff. On tomorrow also.

Quids In Quiz Blackweir Tavern, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to enter. Info 029 2034 1405.

Search For Santa Sirhowy Valley Country Park, Caerphilly. 6pm, £4 kids/£1.50 adults. Info 01495 227206.

The Full Moon Against Humanity The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. A session playing the wilfully offensive card game Cards Against Humanity.

The Herbivore Christmas Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna.

7pm, £23. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Also on Mon 11-Thurs 14 Jan. (Until Thurs 10) Victorian Christmas Tea Swansea Museum. 2pm. Info www.risw.org.uk. Hosted by the Royal Institution Of South Wales. Donations welcome from non-RISW members.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

FRIDAY 11

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Carol Ann Duffy & Gillian Clarke Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 5 + 7.30pm, £4-£12. Info 01792 463980. The Batman and Robin of contemporary titled British poets team up once more to read verse and celebrate both having just released a book.

Christmas Market Castle Emporium, Cardiff. 10am10pm, free. Info 07961 257529. (Until Sat 12) Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month.

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.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Milieu Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7.30-11pm, free.

Info 07830 381930. Quarterly night of literature, spoken word, art, photography and visual concepts. Featuring, this time round, Ellen Davies, Maria Grace, Rhys Milsom and Rhian Elizabeth.

There’s also photography showing from Buzz’s Jaydon Martin and his pal Liam Barrett.

Museum Christmas Quiz Night National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7pm, £3.50. Info 01792 463980.

New York Christmas Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7pm. Info 01792 475715.

Open Mic Night The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £2. Info 01495 355800.

Scratch Platform Christmas Party Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4488. A chance to perform live art, experimental music, comedy, performance art or spoken word in instalments of 10 minutes tops.

Sessions The Riverfront, Newport. 7-11pm, free. Info 01633 656757. Monthly event featuring live performances and boutique stalls.

Tea Dance St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

2pm, £5. Info 01446 799100.

With Alan Taylor. Also on Fri 8 Jan. Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

SATURDAY 12

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Stories For Christmas Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Stories for the first hour, kids’ activities for the next three. Also on Sat 19.

Big Pit Babies Christmas

Event Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon.

11.30am-12.30pm + 1.302.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. A chance for younger visitors to meet Mother Christmas and find out what’s been happening in the Christmas household. Book in advance please.

Black Tie & Posh Frocks Memo Christmas Party Night Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7pm, £40.

Info 01446 738622.

Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market Town centre, Caerphilly. 9am-5pm, free. Info 029 2088 0011. On tomorrow also.

Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.304.30pm. 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 At Dylan’s 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea.

11am, 2pm + 7pm, £8/£4 kids. Info 01792 472555.

Festive performances and workshops at Dylan Thomas’ old gaff, based around his famous story A Child’s Christmas In Wales.

Christmas Craft Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Featuring a brand new Christmas show: Tinsel The Owl’s First Christmas. On tomorrow also.

Christmas Family Craft Workshop Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334.

Christmas Market Castle Emporium, Cardiff. 10am10pm, free. Info 07961 257529. (Finishes today) Comedy Improv Workshops Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard.

Info 01348 873237.

Dark Skies Evening With An Astronomer Dark Skies Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £20. Info 01874 749092.

Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £5 per session.

Info 029 2048 4611. With Suzen Millodot every month.

Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65.

Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Also on Sat 9 Jan. Family Festive Fun National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Craft activities, storytelling and face painting.

Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Festive Kitchen With Angela Gray Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-3pm, £85.

Info 01443 222716.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047

5475. (At weekends until Sun 13) Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Sheffield Wednesday Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea.

Info 01792 369224. On the second Saturday of every month.

Lampshade Making Course The Abacus, Cardiff.

2.30-4.30pm, from £25.

Info www.theabacusroom. wordpress.com. Hosted by Twin Made.

and fighting.

Sparkly Stars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Kids’ craft activities. On tomorrow also.

Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629.

Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500.

The Festive Book Fair Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 029 2030 4400. Books,

Tue 15 Dec will see Cardiff's Urban Tap House serving as a base for a city centre-wide game called Santa's Snow Dash. Devised by some folks called Yello Brick, teams have to search for hidden presents which Santa has discarded around the streets.

Latin American Christmas Dinner Party Wyndcliffe Court, St Arvans, Chepstow.

7.30pm, £45. Info 01291 621242. live music, dinner party games, cocktails and a culinary journey through Latin America from chef Alexander Brown.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 13) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Milonga Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5. Info 01970 623232. Argentine tango-style open dance event.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Narberth Winter Carnival Christmas Market 2015 Queens Hall, Narberth.

10am, free. Info 01834 869323.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free.

Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Salt Dough Characters Mission Gallery, Swansea.

11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016. Family craft activity with Kat Ridgway.

Saturnalia National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon.

11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3550. A look at this midwinter Roman festival, claiming to feature food, fun

gift ideas, signings, readings and tinsel presented by Parthian. Email susieparthian@gmail.com for ticket info. On tomorrow also.

Vegan Christmas Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Organised by Swansea Vegfest, and claming to be the city’s first allvegan festive market. Which I daresay it is.

Victorian English Patchwork YMCA, Swansea.

11am-4pm. Info 01792 516900. Workshop with artist Jacks Lyndon.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

SUNDAY 13

Abergavenny Christmas Food & Drink Fair Market Hall, Abergavenny. Info 01873 851643. Featuring some 90 stalls, chef demos and other good stuff.

Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market Town centre, Caerphilly. 10am4pm, free. Info 029 2088 0011.

Cardiff Creative Writers Monthly Meetup Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 12.30pm, £5. Info 07830 381930.

Christmas Craft Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149.

Christmas Yard Sale Gwdihw, Cardiff. 1-5pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

Creative Christmas Cupcakes National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30 + 2pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Demonstration by the

events Raspberry Cakery.

Fabulous & Festive Fleece Drill Hall, Chepstow.

2-4.30pm. Info 01291 625981.

Create a painting that could be a Christmas card or make a robin for a seasonal decoration.

Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Festive Food Fair Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am6pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Lights In The Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Finishes today) Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-3pm, free.

Info 01792 463980.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pump Action Doll House Pop Up Cinema Christmas Special The Roath Park, Cardiff. 6pm, £2 per film/£3 for both. Info padhcardiff@ gmail.com. Screenings of Die Hard at 6pm and Black Christmas at 9pm.

Sparkly Stars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980.

Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629.

The Festive Book Fair Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 029 2030 4400.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Craft Fair Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

12-6pm, £20-£25 to set up a stall. Info 01495 227206.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am8.45pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

MONDAY 14

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Cycle Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am4pm, £450. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Festive Winter Tea Dance Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

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.

Taking Flight Theatre Pub Quiz The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 per team to play. Info beth@ takingflighttheatre.co.uk.

Raising funds for the theatre’s own future charity

work.

Tea Dance Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Wray & Nephew Tasting Party 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. I’m assuming the rum itself, bring absolutely lethal, isn’t also free, but who knows.

TUESDAY 15

Destination Space – Launch Evening Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Launch of a International Space Station-themed family show which starts in earnest on Sat 9 Jan. Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Brentford Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Games Wales South Christmas Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2022 8883. Games Wales South is a social meetup for video-games developers that happens once a month in Cardiff.

Santa’s Snow Dash Urban Tap House, Cardiff (meeting point). 7pm, £7 adv.

Info 07968 644062. Hosted

by Yello Brick, this is a Christmas street game in which teams of six compete to find hidden Christmas presents around Cardiff city centre.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) WWE Presents NXT UK Takeover Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20-£175. Info 029 2022 4488. Grapplers from WWE’s rookie-centric TV show tour the UK. It will feature appearances by NXT Champion Finn Bálor, Samoa Joe, Bayley, Tyler Breeze, Dana Brooke and Emma.

Funny name for a wrestler that last one.

WEDNESDAY 16

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Canu Cymraeg St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

1-2.30pm, £30/£25 for four sessions. Info 07952 752823.

Comic Con Cymru St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 11am, £4.50/£3.50 kids. Info 029 2087 8444. All the attractions you’d expect from a comic/memorabilia show such as this. On tomorrow also.

Creative Cardiff Christmas Party Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30-

11.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Tickets price includes a hot buffet and some mulled wine.

Crimbo Singalong Open Mic Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8pm free. Info 029 2022 8221. Big fan of the word Crimbo, just the job for when you don’t have time to say ‘Christmas’.

Pruning Ornamental Vines National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

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 20 Jan. Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 17

Comic Con Cymru St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 11am, £4.50/£3.50 kids. Info 029 2087 8444.

Design Stuff Dempseys, Cardiff. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2023 9253. Monthly talks about design by all types of creatives from the UK. Previously in 10 Feet Tall.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Quiz The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055. Stories and music by Taffy Thomas. Price includes food. Another Storytelling Supper is on Thurs 7 Jan. Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Christmas Party Oldwalls, Gower. £29.95 adv. Info 01792 391468. Featuring a three-course meal and live entertainment in a marquee.

your office party or similar.

Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10.30am-3.30pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk.

Learn The Wassail Song Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10.30am12.30pm, £10. Info 01600 714595. The photo illustrating this event on HBN’s website shows a guy holding the wassail bowl and wearing blackface. There might be scope for getting a fauxconcerned social justice/TV celebrity crossover clickbait article out of that, if any of you are in that line of work.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month.

Star Walk In The Brecon Beacons Location TBC, Brecon Beacons. 7pm, £15.

Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out Event.

The Herbivore Christmas Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna.

7pm, £23. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk.

Toddler Time Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

SATURDAY 19

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Stories For Christmas Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782. Every third Saturday of the month.

Christmas Food Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire.

Info 01558 667149. Featuring Christmas show Tinsel The Owl’s First Christmas. On tomorrow also.

Clay Gift Tags & Decorations Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, free. Info 01792 652016.

Family drop-in workshop with Megan Leigh.

Comedy Improv Workshops Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard.

Info 01348 873237.

Dark Skies Evening With An Astronomer Dark Skies Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £20. Info 01874 749092.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Science demonstrations using simple household equipment that you should definitely not try at home. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Father Christmas At Big Pit Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm,

£5. Info 029 2057 3650.

Karaoke The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Nantgarw Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works.

11am-3pm, free. Info deb_0001@hotmail.co.uk.

Every third Saturday of the month.

Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth.

10am-4pm, free. Info enquiries@pigstreetcrafts.co.uk.

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 Sun 3 Jan) Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629.

Table Tennis: Cardiff Grand Prix Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-9pm.

Info 07754 525754. On tomorrow also.

Tea Party With Father Christmas National History

FRIDAY 18

Black Tie Christmas Party Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £30/£40 VIP. Info 0845 2263510. Featuring a live band, dancers, a cabaret act and food.

Christmas In Portland House Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £32.50 adv.

Info 029 2048 7602. Hosted

by EJ Catering, this features a canape reception, street theatre etc. I think the idea is to book places here for

www.youtube.co.uk/buzzmagtv

BUZZ 65

events Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Tue 22) The Armies Of 1914 National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Talk by Professor John France. Organised by the Historical Association Swansea Branch.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Solstice Feast National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Come and see what foods our ancestors might have cooked to celebrate the turning of the year. On tomorrow also.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

SUNDAY 20

Attack! Pro Wrestling: Under The MistleTour Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 5.30pm. Info 029 2037 3144. Local indy wrestler faves with a sold-out show, featuring appearances from Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, Eddie Dennis, ‘Flash’ Morgan Webster, Wild Boar, Anti-Fun Police, Wonderland Of Wrestle, Chris Brookes and Nixon Newell.

Christmas Food Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info

01558 667149.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v West Ham United Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 4pm. Info 0870 400004.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Also on Mon 28, Tue 29, Fri 8 Jan, Fri 15 Jan, Sat 16 Jan, Fri 22 Jan, Sat 23 Jan and Sat 30 Jan. Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Braehead Clan Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Sully Christmas Markets Sully Sports & Social Club.

10am-4pm. Info 029 2053 0629.

Table Tennis: Cardiff Grand Prix Welsh Institute

Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-9pm.

Info 07754 525754.

Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Tue 22) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Fayre M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff.

12-6pm, free. Info 029 2047 3373. Craft family workshops, live music and festive treats.

Winter Solstice Feast National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

MONDAY 21

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

Also on Mon 18 Jan.

www.youtube.co.uk/buzzmagtv

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Tue 22) Tea With Santa Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 3pm, £6 kids/£3 adults. Info 01495 355800.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

TUESDAY 22

Angels & Elves Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016.

Family craft activity with Kat Ridgway.

Bring It Pong Monthly Tournament 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. £2 to enter. Info 029 2022 8883.

Crafty Layers National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. Using a yarn wrapping technique, build up layered patterns on bookmarks and pencils. On tomorrow also, then from Tue 29-Thurs 31.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 23) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Tea Party With Father Christmas National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, £14. Info 029 2057 3500. (Finishes today) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 23

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Crafty Layers National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

BUZZ 66

Info 029 2039 7951.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Next show is on Sun 27. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Family Saturdays: Fairytale Forest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Finishes today) Meet Father Christmas Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-2.30pm + 4.30-5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Next show is on Sun 27. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 13 Jan. Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 24

Christmas Eve Karaoke Disco The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042.

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-7pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am8.45pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

SATURDAY 26

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

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, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am6.15pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

SUNDAY 27

Cardiff Geek Party Gwdihw, Cardiff. 5pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Monthly gaming night focusing on retro consoles. Also on Sun 31 Jan. Coral Welsh Grand National Chepstow Racecourse. 10am, £25-£35/ free under-17s. Info 01291 622260.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Make a stand-up calendar in the shape of a rocket for the New Year. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

MONDAY 28

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054.

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

TUESDAY 29

Crafty Layers National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Thurs 31) Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 30

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Crafty Layers National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Thurs 31) Don’t Do This At Home

events Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Manchester Storm Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

THURSDAY 31

Crafty Layers National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

(Finishes today) Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Next show is on Sat 2 Jan. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Great Gatsby NYE Party Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff.

8pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2022 8221. I assume you’re expected to dress up but it doesn’t specifically say.

New Year’s Eve Karaoke Disco The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042.

New Year Walk In Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.

10.30pm, free. Info 01591 610666. Honouring the old Welsh custom of Mari Llwyd and hosted by Green Events.

Nos Galan Road Races Miskin Road, Mountain Ash (starting point). 5.158.15pm, free. Info 01443 424123. Infamous annual road race, registration for which is mostly or entirely full by now.

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Next session is on Sat 2 Jan. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Next show is on Sat 2 Jan. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

10am-10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 11am12.30am, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130. (Until Sun 3 Jan)

FRIDAY 1 JANUARY

Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea.

12-7pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3)

SATURDAY 2 JANUARY

Ammanford Monthly Arts, Crafts & Food Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island.

11am-3.30pm. Info ammanfordcraftcoop@ outlook.com.

Don’t Do This At Home Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3) Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic.crafters@gmail.com.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Dundee Stars Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay.

7pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 3) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 3) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea. 10am10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Until Sun 3) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Until Sun 3) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

SUNDAY 3 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. (Finishes today) Rocket Calendars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Waterfront Winterland Museum Park, Swansea. 10am10pm, £5.50-£8. Info 01792 637300. (Finishes today) Winter Wonderland Civic Centre, Cardiff. 9.45am-10pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2023 0130.

(Finishes today)

MONDAY 4 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Northern Lingo Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.308.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

TUESDAY 5 JANUARY

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. An opportunity for staff to show and explain the type of work that goes on in keeping Big Pit open, including working machine demonstrations in the afternoon. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this month. (Until Thurs 7) Life Drawing Sketching Session 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff.

4pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883.

WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm,

free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 7) Pruning Apple Trees National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Also on Wed 20.

Reminiscence Monthly

Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334.

THURSDAY 7 JANUARY

Cardiff Archaeological Society Lecture Chemistry Lecture Theatre, Main Building, Cardiff University.

7.15pm. Info www.cardiffarchsoc.btck.co.uk. ‘The Lost Lake Of Monmouth’ by Dr Stephen Clarke.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

(Finishes today) Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Poems & Pints Browns, Laugharne. 7.30pm. Info 01994 427688. Monthly event with special guest poet Wendy Holborow.

Skill Builder: Knife Skills Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £80.

Info 01443 222716.

Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055.

With Angharad Wynne. Price includes food.

FRIDAY 8 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel,

Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership).

Info 07526 141392 / www. cardiffivc.org.uk.

Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334.

Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 725106.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Snooker Legends St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £15£40. Info 029 2087 8444. An exhibition doubles match with Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White v Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens.

Tea Dance St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

2pm, £5. Info 01446 799100.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5 (adults). Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly day for toddlers with a special theme each month, January’s being ‘Space Adventurers’.

Winter Italian Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716.

SATURDAY 9 JANUARY

Antiques Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149.

Caerwent Craft Fayre

Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.304.30pm. 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.

Dark Skies Evening With An Astronomer Dark Skies

Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £20. Info 01874 749092.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. How do astronaut crews get into space, what is life like on board a space station, and how do they get safely back to Earth? (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Dewch Y Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Farmers’ Market Twyn

Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963.

Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea.

Info 01792 369224. On the second Saturday of every month.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers Ice Arena, Cardiff

Bay. 7pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Mari Llwyd Sock Puppets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. On tomorrow also.

Masterclass Special: Game Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am4.30pm, £195. Info 01443 222716.

Mumbles Produce Market

Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Beyond our solar system, around distant stars, new planets are being found all the time. May they hold the secret we are looking for? (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Squash: South Glam Open Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

10am-8pm. Info 0300 3003121. On tomorrow also.

Table Tennis: Junior Team Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754.

On tomorrow also.

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY

Antiques Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. On tomorrow also.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Mari Llwyd Sock Puppets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980.

Masterclass Special Butchery Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

9.30am-4.30pm, £195. Info 01443 222716.

Playing The Spoons National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Join virtuoso spoons players Pat Smith and Ned Clamp who will be performing, leading a spoons workshop and introducing you to their lifesized Mari Lwyd New Year horse.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047

5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Squash: South Glam Open Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

10am-8pm. Info 0300 3003121.

Table Tennis: Junior Team Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754.

MONDAY 11 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054.

Science Cafe Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Hywel Griffiths and Stephen Tooth: ‘What is the tallest waterfall in Wales?

Myth, measurement and marketing’.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 14)

TUESDAY 12 JANUARY

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 14) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am. Info 01792 463980.

This month’s theme is the various book prize lists of 2015, and it also takes place on Tue 19 and Tue 26.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Sunderland Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 7.45pm. Info 0870 400004.

Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951.

Science Cafe Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 14)

WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY

Blackcurrant & Gooseberry Pruning National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 14) Lunchtime Talk Treasures: Adventures In Archaeology National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Also on Wed 20.

Open Mic Spoken Word Extravaganza 23 Ye Olde Murenger, Newport. 7.30pm, £5/£3. Info 01633 263977.

Featuring Catherine Fisher, Jon Gower and an open mic.

Fundraiser by CWTSH to help run the former Stow Hill Library.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 14) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

THURSDAY 14 JANUARY

Bad Biddies Bingo 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2. Info 029 2022 8883. Every second Thursday of the month.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

(Finishes today) Ludwig Mond And The Clydach Nickel Refinery Swansea Museum. 7.30pm, free. Info www.risw.org.uk.

Lecture by Dr Keith Lascelles.

Hosted by the Royal Institution Of South Wales.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Shakespeare 400 Gala Launch Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, free.

Info 01792 475715. Dead white male William Shakespeare stopped being a living white male 400 years ago, and tonight Fluellen launch their year-long programme of commemorative events.

Skill Builder: Savoury Pastry Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

6-9pm, £80. Info 01443 222716.

Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Finishes today)

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY

Art Lunchtime Talk: Silent Explosion – Discussing Language, Politics And Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Professor Daniel Williams of Swansea University.

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Llancaiach Fawr Ghost Tour Llancaiach Fawr

Manor, Caerphilly. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 01685 722176.

Organised by Theatr Soar in Merthyr.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

So You Think You’re Smart?

Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7pm, free. Info 01495 243252.

Spice Feast Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716.

Table Tennis: Welsh Euro 16 Welsh Institute Of Sport,

Cardiff. 5-8pm. Info 07754 525754. (Until Sun 17)

Weightlifting: Welsh School Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

2-8.30pm. Info 01407 763300.

On tomorrow also.

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY Badminton: Veteran

Nationals Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-6pm.

Info 0845 0454301.

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm. Info 01495 753782.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

BUZZ 67

events Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants Ice Arena, Cardiff

Bay. 7pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

In The Footsteps Of Saint David: A City Region?

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Dr Robert McCoy looks at St David, Britain’s smallest non-Lego city.

Lazy Crafternoon: Storage Jars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1.30pm, £5.

Info 01792 463980.

More Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £100.

Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31) Star Attractions At The Museum National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Space-themed family activities.

Table Tennis: Welsh Euro 16 Welsh Institute Of Sport,

Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754. (Until Sun 17) Thrifty Kids: Glowing Constellation Jars National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Free. Info 01792 463980.

Weber Grill Academy Winter Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

10am-2pm, £100. Info 01443 222716. Presented as part of Angela Gray’s Cookery School, this takes you through grilling, roasting, smoking and baking techniques. Also on Fri 29.

Weightlifting: Welsh School Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-8.30pm. Info 01407 763300.

Woodcraft Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. On tomorrow also.

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY Archery: Welsh Indoor Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 01597 824203.

Attack! Pro Wrestling: It Was Acceptable In The 80’s Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. Info 029 2037 3144.

Second event of the Dec/Jan period for these guys. Details still TBC but will be a midafternoon start I think. And probably sold out by now.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Fencing: Welsh Youth Epee / Sabre Welsh Institute Of

Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm.

Info 07530 226532.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers Ice Arena, Cardiff

Bay. 7pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001. How can they have two home games in 24 hours? They’re going to be knackered.

Pump Action Doll House Pop Up Cinema The Roath Park, Cardiff. 6pm, £2 per film/£3 for both. Info padhcardiff@ gmail.com. Screenings of Caddyshack at 6pm and Ringu at 8.30pm.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Table Tennis: Welsh Euro 16 Welsh Institute Of Sport, BUZZ 68

Cardiff. 9am-4pm. Info 07754 525754. (Finishes today) Winter Supper Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716.

Woodcraft Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149.

MONDAY 18 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Watford Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 7pm. Info 0870 400004.

Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029

2039 7933.

Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.308.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £80.

Info 01443 222716.

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY

Aliens! National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. With author and broadcaster Mark Brake.

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Burns Night 2016 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £26.

Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring a concert followed by a traditional Burns supper, whisky tasting and ceilidh.

Crochet A Welsh Wool Cowl Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am, £40. Info 01600 714595. With Sian, Helen and Louise of Wool In The Woods.

10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Mandy Nash.

Museum Friends Lecture: Gwen And Augustus John, United And Divided By Their Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10.30am, £10.

Info 029 2039 7951.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Saturday Morning Kitchen Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am12pm, £13. Info 01443 222716.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Squash: Senior Welsh National Closed Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

10am-9.20pm. Info 0300 3003121. (Until Sun 24)

Star Dome National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY

Behind The Scenes: Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Alan Webster.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 21) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am. Info 01792 463980.

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 21) Lunchtime Talk Treasures: Adventures In Archaeology National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Skill Builder: Curries Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £80.

Info 01443 222716.

Spice Preview Night Chapter

Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info 07429 598414.

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY

Afternoon Dance Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

1.30pm, £4. Info 01792 475715.

Cardiff Archaeological Society Lecture Chemistry Lecture Theatre, Main Building, Cardiff University.

7.15pm. Info www. cardiffarchsoc.btck.co.uk.

‘Welsh Caves and Their Place In Histories Of Palaeolithic Archaeology’ by Elizabeth A Walker.

Design Stuff 10 Feet Tall,

Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly talks about design by all types of creatives from the UK. Book tickets in advance please.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

(Finishes today) Ivor Davies Exhibition Seminar: St Agnes’ Eve – Performance In Miniature National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Mike Pearson of Aberystwyth University.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Pruning Apple Trees National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Skill Builder: Chinese

After a break of a few months, Romy of Real Frank Food – a vegan pop-up supper club which was somewhat ahead of the curve for this kind of thing – returns with a Food Haven night on Sat 30 Jan. It's in Foxy's Deli in Penarth and costs £35 a head.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Lunch Club Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-2.30pm, £33. Info 01443 222716.

Squash: Senior Welsh National Closed Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

4-10pm. Info 0300 3003121.

(Until Sun 24) Star Gazing Evening National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7pm, free. Info 01792 463980. With Swansea Astronomical Society.

SATURDAY 23 JANUARY

Amazing Astronomy Day National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square,

Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free.

Info 01291 626370.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Food Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. On tomorrow also.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Rotherham United Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Gymnastics: School Welsh Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127.

Jewellery: Pewter Casting Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay.

12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Hour-long sessions in an inflatable planetarium, if you can imagine such a thing.

On tomorrow also.

Talk: Britannia Sky National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

2pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Andrew Lound talks about how Britain has played a vital role in spaceflight history.

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Fencing: Welsh Youth Epee / Sabre Welsh Institute Of

Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm.

Info 07530 226532.

Food Fair National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149.

Gymnastics: Trampoline Grades Welsh Institute Of

Sport, Cardiff. 9am-6pm.

Info 0300 3003127.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Fife Flyers

Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

Regional Indian Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Squash: Senior Welsh National Closed Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

10am-5.30pm. Info 0300 3003121. (Finishes today)

Star Dome National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

St Fagans Wedding Showcase National History Museum, St Fagans. 11.30am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

The Aberystwyth Wedding Show 2015 Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Free. Info 01970 623232. Hosted by Calon Wedding Planning.

MONDAY 25 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054.

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 28) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am. Info 01792 463980.

Pick n’ Mix Allsorts Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2039 7933.

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Thurs 28) Games Wales South Meetup 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Natural Sciences Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. ‘Reading the rocks: the remarkable maps of William Smith’ by John Mather.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Skill Builder: Hot Wok Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £80.

Info 01443 222716.

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY

Engineering Exposed Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10.15am-2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

(Finishes today) Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Skill Builder: Curries Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £80.

Info 01443 222716.

Taith Iaith National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. Monthly session for Welsh learners.

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY

Blacksmith In Residence Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650.

Lost & Found The Abacus,

Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info www. theabacusroom.wordpress. com. “An open event where the aim is to create a flexible space for people to share their interests and skills, whether that be research, art, play or trade in a welcoming environment, free from the restraints of institutional learning,” say The Abacus.

Weber Grill Academy Winter Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

5-9pm, £100. Info 01443 222716.

SATURDAY 30 JANUARY

An Evening With Britain’s First Astronaut National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

6.30pm, £3-£7.50. Info 01792 463980. That being Helen Sharman, who popped into space in 1991 and will talk about various aspects of it.

Big Garden Birdwatch National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also.

Dark Skies Evening With An Astronomer Dark Skies

Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £20. Info 01874 749092.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Food Haven Foxy’s Deli, Penarth. 7-10pm, £35/£60 for two tickets. Info info@ realfrankfood.com. Vegan popup restaurant presented by Romy of Real Frank Food.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

7.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

7.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

7.15pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

National Storytelling Week: Fireside Stories National History Museum, St Fagans.

Free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 31 Jan) Snowdrop Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. On tomorrow also.

So You Want To Be An Archaeologist? National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. An event for budding archaeologists of all ages to learn about different opportunities to get involved in archaeology and conservation.

Table Tennis: Senior Team Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754.

On tomorrow also.

Thai Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716.

Vertigo Pro Wrestling: Perfect Storm 1 Masonic Hall, Cardiff. 6pm, £10 adv/£5 kids/£15 ringside. Info 07721 900665. Featuring Eddie

Dennis vs Lou King Sharp, Ian Williams vs Panda Cub, Dave Mastiff, Mike Bird, Dick Morgan, Aaron Echo and more TBC. Wales Theatre Awards Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. Info 029 2064 6900. Celebrating excellence in theatre, opera and dance.

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY

Big Garden Birdwatch National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Cardiff Geek Party Gwdihw, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info 029

2039 7933. Monthly gaming night focusing on retro consoles.

Destination Space Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Fencing: Tournament Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-5pm. Info 07530 226532.

live music Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Edinburgh Capitals Ice Arena, Cardiff

Bay. 6pm, £6-£15. Info 029 2038 2001.

I Spy… Nature Big Garden Birdwatch National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Find out which birds you are likely to see during winter and make a bird feeder to encourage them into your garden.

Masterclass Special: Seafood Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

9.30am-4.30pm, £195. Info 01443 222716.

National Storytelling Week: Fireside Stories National History Museum, St Fagans.

Free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Snowdrop Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149.

Table Tennis: Senior Team Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754.

live TUESDAY 1

Acoustic Tuesday South

Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers.

Capital City Jazz Orchestra Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.76-£6.75.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Chamber Tuesdays Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6-8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Come and hear RWCMD chamber ensembles showcasing their work for free.

Christmas Celebration Concert Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£5 aisle seats. Info www. meningitisnow.org. Annual charity concert offering traditional Christmas carols and festive musical entertainment.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Every Tuesday.

Marion’s Festive Songs Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

1-3pm, £6. Info 01633 868239.

The East Pointers Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Folk band from Canada’s Prince Edward Island.

The Memphis Six Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

The Story So Far Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2078 1458.

The Vaccines + Palma Violets + The Big Moon Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £25 adv. Info 029 2022 4488. “Fantastic, The Vaccines are my very favourite band!” said no-one ever. “They’ve got a few songs I quite like, what the heck I’ll get a ticket,” said thousands of people.

The Wytches + Traams + Black Honey Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Moderately noisy/experimental indie rock, not bad.

WEDNESDAY 2

Alex Haines, Alex Munk & Nick Jurd Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Jazz guitar trio.

Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” In Aberystwyth on Fri 4, as a one-off.

Blackhawk Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands. plus.com. South Wales Big

Band Society gig.

Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Circe’s Diner + Bear & The Woods + The Fireside Family + Rob Reece Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. A

Folk In The Owl’s Nest night.

Garth Mountain Boys Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk

Club showcase night.

Jackson Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £16.50£20.50. Info 01792 475715. M Jackson tribute show, headed by someone who is just called Ben. No surname.

Nevsky Perspective The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. #Notjustjazz Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. New weekly night (here every Wednesday), titled on account of its music policy.

Olivia Gomez + Ben Pinnow The Riverfront, Newport.

1pm, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757. First Wednesday classical recital.

Open Mic Market Street

Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday.

Royal Northern Sinfonia St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£39.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Featuring crack classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglic.

The Alan Barnes Octet: A Jazz Christmas Carol Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £14. Info 07802 912789.

Theatre Of Hate + Spizzenergi Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7pm, £17. Info 029 2023 2199. Spizzenergi... bloody hell. As Alex Ferguson might say.

The Cabeytu Brothers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv.

Info 029 2048 3344. These guys are from Argentina and “sing, dance and play 15 different instruments in their fantastic show packed with rock, pop, country, Celtic and rock’n’roll music”. Hope whoever’s doing the sound for this gig is getting paid double, sounds like a pain in the arse.

The Zombies The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 07590 471888. Has there ever

been a football chant that uses Time Of The Season

by The Zombies as its basis?

Feel like it’s there waiting to be grabbed, but maybe lacks a bit of popular appeal.

Tom Auton + Charles Hendrie + Jewels NosDa,

Cardiff. 8.30pm, pay by

donation. Info 029 2037 8866. Live broadcast session presented by U&I Radio.

Yak + Swedish Death Candy Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2023 2199.

THURSDAY 3

Alt-J + The Horrors + Ghostpoet Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £29 adv. Info 029 2022 4488. Smoothly modish indie band embark on their first arena tour, with creditable support acts.

Andy Lewis Duo The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Band Open Mic Night The

Radyr Court, Danescourt, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2056 7961.

Birdcage + Crystal Balloon + Moonlight Drive Clwb Ifor

Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Cardiff Carols Cardiff Arms Park. 6.30-7.30pm, £4/£2 under-12s. Info www.cardiffcarols.com. Large community carol event in the rugby stadium, also featuring readings and a talk.

Don Broco + Coasts + Arcane Roots + Symmetry Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 0117 9259273.

Estrons + Homes + Wasters

The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. EP launch gig for Estrons. Said EP has garnered a clutch of plaudits in this very issue.

Finley Quaye Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £12-£15.

Info 01970 623232. Answering

the question, “what would Bob Marley have been like if he’d been 8 Ace from Viz?” since 1996, it’s Finley.

Forever Cult + The Moon Birds The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £5. Info 07969 671379. Headliners play noisy rock of some description and are in Newport tomorrow.

Hackensack Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2038 7026. Cardiff Jazz Society gig. Pricing system is essentially on a charitable basis, ie if you pay a tenner you’re goving an extra fiver to the group’s upkeep, if that makes sense.

Ian Michael Thomas Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Musical theatre faves.

Jazz Jam Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Presented

by Dan Messore.

Jimjam Open Mic Session

The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band is The James Clode Band.

Kodaline Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union.

7pm, £18.50 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Sold out. Go on, sing me one of their songs. Can’t, can you. *Moss Lime + Whitebelt + Roundheels Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Synthy indie punky bands presented by The Joy Collective.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm.

Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s a guest on.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £130 weekend/£150 weekend

gold/£10 today only. Info www. planetrock.com/rockstock.

Previewed in November’s issue, this is the preamble (open to Gold ticket holders only) to the main Planet Rockstock weekender from Fri 4-Sun 6. Today features Toseland, Colour Of Noise and The Wild Lies. (Until Sun 6) Pretty Vicious + Frontiers + The Vestals Riverside

Suite, Newport Centre.

7.30pm, £8. Info 01633 656757. Featuring 12 bouts in total, including Cardiff’s Craig Kennedy v Benki Mwakalebela and Cwmbran’s Jamie Arthur v Andy Harris.

Silent Screams The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 07590 471888. This band are

from Coventry and have over 100,000 fans on Facebook.

Let’s hope they don’t all try and get into the venue at once!

Soul Legends Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715. They’re not actually soul legends themselves, they just sing songs by people who are, or were.

The Bootleg Beatles St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £28.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Bootlegging is not only illegal but also immoral and it appals me that this band tacitly endorse it via their name.

The Marks Cartel Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883.

Uumar + Breichiau Hir + Ben Maggs Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029

2039 7933. Presented by Juxtaposed and Xpress Radio.

FRIDAY 4

5ive Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Boyband of a late-90s vintage, currently trading as a three-piece. Hey, Neil Young never changed his name to Neil Old either.

Acapela Soul Club Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Live soul bands TBC. Amser Jazz Time Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Every Friday until Dec 11.

Ange Hardy & The Barefoot Band + Tom Fitton West

End Club, Barry. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 07561 143114.

A Night At The Movies St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£22. Info 029 2087 8444.

With the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

Armonyte The Duke, Neath.

8pm, free. Info 01639 643892.

Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Bandaoke Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 9pm, free. Info 01970 623232.

Bella Collins & Gareth Evans The Cornwall, Grangetown, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2030 3947.

Bowie Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. That reminds

me, I need to listen to his new thing I guess.

Brain Freeze Ebbw Vale Institute. £20 adv (two days). Info 01495 708022.

Metal and hard rock festival. Today features The Graveltones, Henry’s Funeral Shoe, 4Brothers and The Mojo Sinners. On tomorrow also.

Bronwen Lewis Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Performing an eclectic mix of dance styles.

Built For Comfort Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Caro Emerald Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, from £25 adv. Info 029 2022 4488.

ChapterLive Chapter

Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

Presented by Jealous Lovers Club, with acts TBC. Also on Fri 18.

Christmas With The Royal Welsh College Brass Band St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444.

Chris Quinn Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. Info info@blossomsgallery.co.uk.

Accomplished and indeed acclaimed acoustic guitarist working in the blues/folk/ bluegrass kinda area. Quinn will also host an 80-minute blues guitar workshop before the concert.

CubAfrobeat – Adriano & Carolina Adewale Cardiff University Concert Hall.

7-8.45pm, £8/£6/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. A performance exploring sounds translated into movement, rhythms expressed through the body and musical pieces based on themes from traditional Brazilian music.

Forever Cult + Birdcage + Falling Under Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £4. Info 01633 221477.

Handel’s Messiah Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £25/£12.50 under-30s. Info 029 2039 1391. Performed

by Cantemus, Elin Manahan Thomas and Réjouissance in front of an audience of rapt bargain-loving 29-year-olds.

Harri Davies Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

Iron Eye The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

John Mills, Kate Price & Jonathan Perry St Fagans Village Hall, Cardiff. Info 029 2023 2970. A Pentreffest Noz

folk night.

Jordan Marks Blackweir Tavern, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2034 1405.

Leslie Howard Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £1-£14. Info 01239 621200.

Piano recital presented by the Peter Gould Music Trust.

Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month.

Luna Rossa The Gate, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £17.50/£15 adv. Info 029 2048 3344. Piano/guitar/ vocal duo, also in the band Panic Room.

Milk + Suns Of Thunder + The Kinky Wizzards + Soap

The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Headline band are bluesy hard rock feat. members of Howl, who recently disbanded.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com.

A Valley Folk Club night.

Pearl Jam UK + A Tribute To Eddie Vedder Sin City,

Swansea. 7.30pm, £12 adv.

Info 01792 468892. Tribute

acts. Seems a bit odd havng both these acts on one bill.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £130 weekend/£150 weekend gold/£35

today only. Info www.planetrock.com/rockstock. Today features main stage sets from FM, The Dead Daisies, Dan Pattlansky, John Coghlan’s Quo and Inglorious. The second stage running order is TBC but will feature these over three days: Buffalo Summer, Cairo Son, Cherry White, City Of Thieves, Curran, Dirty Thrills, Fire Red Empress, Fireroad, Ghost Community, Nonpoint, Quartz, Redline, Sumo Cyco, The Fallen State, The Mojo Sinners and We Are The Catalyst. (Until Sun 6) Ria Jones Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18/£16.

Info 01792 475715.

Rocket Joe Joe And The Oldtime Bangers + Alun Elliot Williams The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

S.E.X. Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Sounds Of Motown Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Shola Kaye sings the hits while you guzzle one of three Christmas menus.

Street Cardinals Kiwis,

Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Plastercines Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £3. Info 01443 491424.

Whiskey Lies + Local Enemy + Hang 11 The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 8.30pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com.

Yws Gwynnedd + Y Cledrau + Y Galw Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

SATURDAY 5

182 + Offspin + Who Saves the Hero? Sin City, Swansea.

7pm, £7 adv. Info 01792 468892. Tributes to Blink 182 and (The) Offspring.

360 Degrees Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01633 263670.

Akala Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 8pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. UK rapper who was splashed over our Upfront section last month.

Brain Freeze Ebbw Vale Institute. £20 adv (two days). Info 01495 708022.

Today features longstanding US stoner rock mainstays The Atomic Bitchwax, RavenEye fFeaturing Oli Brown), Dead Shed Jokers, The Heavy Flames, Lifer and Tradish.

Cakehole Presley + The Moonbirds The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 07590 471888. Newsoundwales

present a gig that’s part Christmas bash, part tribute show for Mark Humphries (Cakehole Presley member and Cardiff busker of note), who died recently.

Cancer Research Wales Charity Album Launch Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2022 8221.

Cardiff University Chamber Choir All Saints Church, Swansea. 7-8.45pm, £5/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Carnifex + Within The Ruins + Fallujah + The Last Ten Seconds Of Life CF10, Cardiff University Students Union. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Death metal/deathcore.

Christmas With Elvis Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £12. Info 01873 850805. With Keith Davies.

Commander Boom + The Attix + Anger The BUZZ 69

live music Dragonffli, Pontypool. 8.45pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com.

Donnie Joe’s American Swing Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Fat Barry’s Soul Band Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £11. Info 0300 3656677.

Good Vibrations Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Beach Boys tribute band sing for your supper.

Grey Skulls The Patriot,

Crumlin. 7pm, free. Info

01495 247178.

John Nicholas The Pick &

Shovel, Pontypridd. 9pm, free. Info 01443 404632.

Jumpin’ Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

A 12-piece soul band whose songs are all about how girls won’t give them a chance, just because they don’t have big muscles or a motorbike. Also here on Sat 30 Jan. Junior Conservatoire Junior Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

5pm, £7/£3. Info 029 2039 1391.

Kizzy Crawford Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Performing with a full band.

Lacertilia + Pizzatramp + Radioactive Bones + Akb’al Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk. Psych, punk and metal.

Lock & Key + Create To Inspire Hobo’s, Bridgend.

7.30pm, free. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

London Calling + Greazy Ratz The Moon Club,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv.

Info info@thefullmooncar-

diff.com. Headline band are a Clash tribute act.

Luna Rossa The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £14. Info 01792 473276. New project from acoustic folk types AnneMarie Helder and Jonathan Edwards.

Manushka The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Markham Band Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £8/£7. Info 01495 227206.

Mumford & Sons + Jack Garratt Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £37.50/£25.

Info 029 2022 4488. “This next song is dedicated to Annabel and her friends, who are going on holiday to India” – Mumford & Sons, live in Cardiff, 2008. “Mumford & Sons are great, I enjoyed this gig” – some of you who know who you are, 2008.

Mutya Buena Mary’s, Cardiff. £4 after 7pm. Info michaeljasinski@outlook.com. It’s Mutya from the Sugababes, look alive! She might just be doing a live PA, or sitting at the bar chatting, but whatever happens isn’t my fault. Mary’s is a new gay/drag bar on St Mary Street which opens on Thurs 3 Dec, by the way.

Newtown Silver Band Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01686 614555.

Philomusica Of Aberystwyth Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £2-£9.50. Info 01970 623232.

Performing an Elgar cello concerto.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £130 weekend/£150 weekend gold/£50 today only. Info www. planetrock.com/rockstock.

live review PAUL WELLER

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Sun 22 Nov words NEIL COLLINS photos SIMON AYRE

Today features main stage sets from Rival Sons, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Heavens Basement and Gun Metal Gray. Day tickets sold out. (Until Sun 6) Salvation Army Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £5. Info 01495 355800.

Shân Cothi All Saints

Church, Penarth. 7pm, £10£20. Info 029 2070 3170.

Welsh soprano, who we interviewed in the Sept issue of Buzz, with the penultimate date of her Welsh tour.

She’s also in Aberaeron on Sun 20.

Showaddywaddy Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19/£17. Info 01792 475715.

Tattsyrup + Ben Huws The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

The Marks Cartel + The Riff + Local Enemy + Sean Penhale The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 07969 671379. First birthday show for this venue.

The Pollen Count Kiwis,

Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Promise Of Christmas St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3 + 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2087 8444. With Cambrensis Choir & Orchestra, the St David’s Praise Choir and the Promise Of Christmas Youth Choir.

The V.U. The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm. Info 029 2021 2509. This appears to be a Velvet Underground tribute band from Cardiff, performing songs “as near to the originals as is humanly possible”. Lots of VU songs have several, very different ‘originals’, don’t they.

Sounds fun though.

TiTS Up + The Frights + Deadly Light Shade

Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 07818 056599.

Headliners “deliver a raw, female-driven punk surf rock sound with a little twisted country for good measure”.

I kind of don’t want to listen to this because I’m concerned it won’t deliver on that description. (After typing that I listened to the one song they had online and it was good. Just FYI.)

Ultimate Floyd Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 07512 237983. Pink Floyd tribute band.

Undercover Hippy + Alex Valentine The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £10/£9 adv. Info 01497 821762. Is he pretending to be a hippy as a cover for something else, like that copper who was back in the news the other day, or is he an actual hippy who dresses as (e.g.) a businessman in a suit and tie? We need to be told.

Winter Death Fest 2015 The

New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 387925. Alldayer featuring these bands: Warlord UK, Kataleptic, Sodomized Cadaver, Daemona, Laid Wasted, Democratus, Extinction and Vile Inscription.

Yws Gwynedd + Ysgol Sul + Adwaith + Jaffro The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £8/£7 adv. Info 01267 231012.

SUNDAY 6

A Fanfare Of Strumpets

Sunflower&I, Cardiff Bay. 5.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2048 4211. Four-woman a capella quartet play teatime

set.

Andy Lewis The Pontygwindy, Caerphilly. 2pm, free. Info 029 2088 4321. Live music every Sunday (allowing for Christmas/NYE etc getting in the way).

Blake Gwyn Hall, Neath.

6pm, £19. Info 0300 3656677.

I’ve got a copy of Blake’s new Christmas album here. I’m not going to listen to it, but I’m also not going to give it to anyone else. Just thought I’d let you know.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. Sang around the Christmas tree in the foyer.

(Until Tue 8) City Voices Cardiff St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 4pm, £5-£20. Info 029 2087 8444. Choral performance in aid of Ty Hapus.

Dan James The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Hay Community Choir Christmas Concert The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01497 821762.

Jazz Jam Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm. Info 029 2039 7933.

Hosted by Cardiff University Jazz Society.

Johnny Deathshadow + Lupen Tooth The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm. Info 01495 213300. Presented by Savage Monster. Headliners are German and call themselves ‘death rock’ but are not the early 80s kind of death rock that I like.

Kataleptic + Sodomized Cadaver + Dread Bolt + Kryophere + Agrona + Democratus Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7pm, £5 adv. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Keith James Browns Hotel,

Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688. Performing the songs of John Martyn and Nick Drake.

Locus Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. Live workin-progress musical collaboration between Angharad Van Rijswijk and Richard James, who will be doing this here for four months. It’s also on Sun 13 and Sun 20 this month.

Lunchtime Concert National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

With students from the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama.

Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. 5pm, £130 weekend/£150 weekend gold/£35 today only. Info www.planetrock.com/rockstock. Today features main stage sets from The Darkness, Fozzy, Danko Jones, Crobot and Scorpion Child. (Finishes today) Sean McGowan + Gecko + Owen Hackett Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Headliner has reputedly toured with the likes of Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Rifles, Beans On Toast and Frank Turner. Thanks for letting me know!

Sylvia Strand & Andy Mulligan Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2.30-4.30pm, free.

Info 01656 815995. Jazzy Christmas numbers.

The Overtones Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £38.50/£21.50. Info 01792 475715.

MONDAY 7

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026. Every

With a back catalogue as vast as Paul Weller’s, it’s impossible to please everyone. Yet he gives it a gallant go tonight, with selections from multiple eras of his 40-year career. It’s surprising that some of his biggest hits are ignored though: That’s Entertainment, Eton Rifles, Shout To The Top and Wild Wood to name a few.

Hence, it’s a curveball when he opens with new album tracks I’m Where I Should Be and Long Time. A double-header of Jam songs gets everybody back onside (Boy About Town and Ghosts), but it’s not until a blistering version of White Sky that Weller really hits his stride.

The energy levels are sustained throughout a boisterous trio of Come On / Let’s Go, The Attic and From The Floorboards Up; however, the momentum is lost when an excess of mellow songs follow. Regardless, some of Weller’s best songwriting is conveyed when he’s behind the piano as exemplified by Saturn’s Pattern, Going My Way and Above The Clouds.

The ‘Modfather’ keeps chatter to a minimum and there’s no targets of his infamous venom as he tries to cram in as many tunes as possible. Extended versions of Into Tomorrow and Porcelain Gods contradict this approach, but it’s unfair to quibble when nearly 30 songs are performed. Plus, they demonstrate what fine musicians are onstage as two drummers deliver solos whilst Weller and Steve Cradock shred their fretboards.

Despite the beers flowing on a ‘school night’, the audience remains largely subdued, and one of the biggest cheers is reserved for a song not actually written by Weller. Local boy Andy Fairweather Low appears as a special guest, and his 1969 number one single (If Paradise Is) Half As Nice is raucously received by the Cardiff crowd. A third encore is then milked for all it’s worth, with traditional set-closer Town Called Malice stealing the show.

The most intriguing thing about Weller is his chameleon-like approach to music in an age when the charts are dominated by the bland and transient. Never prepared to rest on his laurels, Weller broke up The Jam at the height of their success to “sell classical music to the masses” with The Style Council. With that band he once wrote a hit called My Ever Changing Moods (performed mid-set), which is a reflection on his volatile temper.

It could also depict a man who’s never satisfied with his art and is constantly seeking both inspiration and perfection.

Yet in a setlist encapsulating rock, soul, reggae and new wave, there’s one song title that captures the essence of Weller more than any other – The Changingman.

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR 2016: SLIPKNOT (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Tue 8 Feb) ALL TIME LOW + GOOD CHARLOTTE (Motorpoint Arena, Thurs 10 Feb) BOB MOULD (The Globe, Cardiff, Thurs 10 Feb) PAUL CARRACK (St David's Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 10 Feb) THE BUZZCOCKS (Tramshed, Cardiff, Sun 13 Feb) THERAPY? (The Globe, Cardiff, Sat 19 Feb) MONEY BUZZ 70

live music Monday.

Cardiff University Contemporary Music Group Cardiff University Concert Hall.

6.15-9.30pm, £5/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Tue 8) Eric Hodges Competition Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, £8/£6.

Info 029 2039 1391.

Glamorgan Federation Of Women’s Institutes Carol Festival Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13.50. Info 01792 475715.

Grown Up Music The Full

Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Jam session presented by Pi & Hash.

Hazel O’Connor Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £22 adv.

Info 0871 4720400. Acoustic set, film and Q&A, all tied in to the 35th anniversary of her Breaking Glass album.

Siobhan McCrudden + Kirk Morgan + Albatross Archive Porter’s, Cardiff. 9-11pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Weekly nights (Christmas and New Year notwithstanding) presented by U&I Radio.

The Rifles The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Embarking on a spe-

cial acoustic tour for some reason. The attendant tour poster is absolutely minging and spells Tunbridge Wells wrong.

Tommy Harris Quartet

Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360. Live jazz acts here every Monday.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.

TUESDAY 8

Belshazzar’s Feast Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm. Info 01646 651725.

Black Ocean The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07730 432166. Presented by Dammit.

Christmas Snowsongs Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Dave Griffiths Little Big Band Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Huw Warren Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts + Threatmantics + My Name Is Ian Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. NYC folk fella returns to Cardiff with his umpteenth new backing band.

Messiah St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£35. Info 029 2087 8444. Handel, as performed by BBC NOW & Chorus Of Wales. *Project Instrumental Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-8.45pm, £8/£6/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Live electronics meets modern classical, perforkming works

by Arvo Pärt, Robert Fokkens and Shostakovich. This sounds really good. *Status Quo + The Wilko Johnson Band Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £45.

Info 029 2022 4488. Legit thinking of going to this. Only partly for Wilko Johnson.

The Usk Valley Blue Blowers

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 9

CCVG Music Service Christmas Showcase St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2087 8444.

Chepstow Community Big Band Swingopation Christmas Show Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South

Wales Big Band Society gig.

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! + Trash Boat + Boston Manor The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 07590 471888. Parisian rock band,

often found in lazily assembled ‘worst band names’ lists alongside We Butter The Bread With Butter and various goregrind combos, headline.

Christmas Carol Concert

Ararat Baptist Church, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £5 adv. Info info@gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event.

Christmas Coffee Morning Concert The Met, Abertillery.

11am, £4. Info 01495 355800.

Euan Burton Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

Georgia Paterson Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. A #Notjustjazz night.

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.

St Fagans Christmas Songsheet National History Museum, St Fagans. 6 + 7.30pm, £5.50. Info 029 2057 3500. Carol singing in the chapel conducted by Alun Guy with organist Leighton SaultJones. (Until Fri 11) The Charlatans Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £25 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Sold out sorry.

The Mavron Quartet The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £7/£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Christmas concert.

Winter Opera Gala Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Xavier Le Maistre Harp Masterclass Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 10am, free. Info 029 2039 1391.

THURSDAY 10

Ben Thomas Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Christmas At The Mamsion House Mansion House,

Richmond Road, Cardiff.

7-9pm, £10 adv. Info info@ gthc.org.uk. Songs from opera and musical theatre.

A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event.

CLIC / Sargent Christmas Concert St David’s Hall,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9-£14. Info 029 2087 8444.

Continents + Forevermore + When We Were Wolves Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2022 4488. South Wales metalcore band play the Motorpoint’s new mini-venue as part of a UK tour.

From The Jam Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273.

Hark! A Shark! + Brightr + Led By Lions + Blackjack Zero The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £3. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Hot Barbecue The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509. Jazz.

It’s Christmas Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 6pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Brass bands and other live entertainment.

Jimjam Open Mic Session

The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band is The Smokestack Lightnin’.

Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Unsigned local acts. Also on Thurs 14 Jan. Pardone Madame The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Paul Nicholas & Phil Jones The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm. Info 01495 763752. This month’s edition of the Open Hearth Acoustic night, on the second Thursday of every month.

Richard & Adam Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 01639 763214.

Robin & Bina Williamson

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2030 4400. Songs, stories and music from the large musical-and-folklore arsenal of this married couple.

Roy Orbison & Friends Christmas Special Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01633 868239.

Steamy Windows Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Tina Turner tribute.

St Fagans Christmas Songsheet National History Museum, St Fagans. 6 + 7.30pm, £5.50. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Fri 11) The Harry Browns Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club Christmas party night.

The Mouse Outfit Clwb Ifor

Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

British hip-hop sorts.

Beery Swines Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £3. Info 01633 221477. Country, Americana type fare. Also a benefit for Newport Food Bank.

Al Lewis + Lewis & Leigh + The Gentle Good + Jodie Marie St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, £14/£12 adv. Info francis.cardiff@ ntlworld.com. See Music.

Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com.

Valley Folk Club night.

Royal Welsh College

The Men Of Gwent, a rootsy country-rock band headed by the Chicago-based but Newport-raised Jon Langford, have a gig in Newport Le Pub on Sat 12 Dec. They have a new album to showcase, but will doubtless make time for some cheerful repartee between songs all the same.

Amser Jazz Time Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391.

Annual Carol Concert Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire.

7.30pm. Info 01646 651725.

Ben Huws Blackweir Tavern, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2034 1405.

Black Moon Larking G39, Cardiff. 6pm. Info 029 2047 3633. A night of experimental sound, music, noise and live art, featuring Top Nice DJs , Longmeg, Serena Korda & The Jug Choir, Phil-Wilson Perkin and Samantha Taylor, Tim Bromage and Helen Sharp.

Buffalo Summer + Beyond The Break + Marshland Massacre + Static Fires The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Catrin Finch Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7.50 adv/kids free. Info 029 2089 0862.

Christmas Carols With Barry Brass Band Victoria Park, Cadoxton, Barry. 6-8pm.

Info 01446 700111.

Christmas With Gershwin & Ellington Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £10-£12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Performed by BBC NOW and conducted by Thomas Søndergård.

Ciders And Carols Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. Info 01443 491424.

City Sirens Norwegian

Tim Cronin Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Treorchy Male Voice Choir Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £13-£16. Info 029 2070 0721.

Whiskey River Dempseys, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£7 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. A Cardiff Folk Club gig.

Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. All-female a capella group.

FRIDAY 11

Plu + Platform 1

ACAB Old Cross Inn, Llanrumney, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2065 0021.

Acoustic Oasis The Cornwall, Grangetown, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2030 3947.

Ags Connolly + 2 String Slim + Chi Lameo & The

7pm, £6/£4 adv. Info mail@ givemefuel.co.uk.

Mydy Rabycad Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £6-£12. Info 01834 869323. Electroswing band from Prague.

Old Strafford The Ivy Bush,

Climbing Trees Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £18 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415.

Bluesy acoustic guy and member of Del Amitri.

Dansette Café Jazz, Cardiff.

9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026.

Blues.

Pontardawe Inn. 8.30pm, free. Info 01792 864949. A Gigs Y Gwach night.

Florence Black + Forever Vendetta + Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters + Beautiful Strangers + Psycho Kiss Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

Chamber Orchestra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Performing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio Parts 1, 2 & 3.

Scott Alexander Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 1pm, £6.

Info 01633 868239.

Skalet The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07590 471888. Cardiff group who

are like a ska band, but smaller.

St Fagans Christmas Songsheet National History Museum, St Fagans. 6 + 7.30pm, £5.50. Info 029 2057 3500. (Finishes today) Swinging 60s To The Sizzling 70s Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. A game of two halves – 60s female vocalists and 70s disco sirens – and, of course, five courses of food.

The Happy Creatures Kiwis,

Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Jazz Boys Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Sixteen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£22.50.

Info 029 2087 8444.

The Spokes Band + Leighton & Kate The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Redwick Village Hall, nr Magor.

7.30pm. Info 07561 240728.

White Fright The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

SATURDAY 12

Abergavenny Borough Band Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01873 850805.

Aberystwyth Choral Society: Messiah Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £2-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Antonio Forcione St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £15/£14.

Info 01446 799100. Guitarist.

Ben Huws The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042.

Bloodwise Christmas Concert Royal Welsh College

Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7pm, £12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Blood cancer charity Choral benefit.

Cardiff & Vale Music Service The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£6.

Info 029 2048 3344. Carols.

Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £14/£12.

Info 01639 843163. See Music.

Côr Meibion Llanelli Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £12.

Info 0845 2263510.

Dub War + The Dirty Youth The Scene Club, Swansea.

7pm, £12 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Euros Childs + Oh Peas!

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Idiosyncratic Welsh indie, likely to involve keyboard playing of some kind, from not one but both artists on this bill.

Grace Hartrey NosDa, Cardiff. 8.30pm. Info 029 2037 8866.

Grass Snakes The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01792 473276. Bluegrass.

Jon Langford’s Men Of Gwent Le Pub, Newport. 8pm.

Info 01633 221477. Newportraised ex-Mekons member with his countryish project, which has an album out this month.

Juice The Heath, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2039 4207. A RUFF Ceilidh night, also featuring caller Dave Parsons.

Laurence Cottle All Star Band Jazzland, Swansea.

8.30-11pm, £22. Info 07802 912789. Band of no less than

17 members pay tribute to Jaco Pastorius. Have you heard of Jaco Pastorius? SO HAVE I! Leighton Jones & Kate Gibson The Pick & Shovel,

Pontypridd. 9pm, free. Info 01443 404632.

Lonesome Stampede The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £7. Info 01497 821762.

Love Spuds Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8.30pm. Info 029 2022 8221.

Micky’s Annual Xmas Jam The Garage, Swansea. 8pm, £15/£12.50 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Miss May & The Magic + Chris Kelly The Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Musichoir Scotland Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0300 3656677.

Not Since The Accident The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Headlining the Punk Rock Bowling Christmas party.

Only Men Aloud St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30am, £26. Info 029 2087 8444.

Phil Campbell’s All Starr Band + Celtic Pride + The Mojo Sinners Theatr Soar,

Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01685 722176.

Scouting For Girls Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £22.50 adv. Info 029 2078 1458.

Sigiriya+ The Groundnuts & Independents Mozarts,

Swansea. 7pm, £4/£3 adv.

Info 01792 649984. Hobos Christmas party gig with heavy stoner and skatey punk action.

Soul Lotta Funk Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

(Clwb Ifor Bach, Mon 20 Feb) MACKA B (The Globe, Sat 26 Feb) TURIN BRAKES (Pontardawe Arts Centre, Sun 27 Feb) RICHARD HAWLEY (Cardiff University, Mon 28 Feb) SHANE FILAN (St David's Hall, Wed 9 Mar) THE WONDER STUFF (Tramshed, Sat 12 Mar) THE STRANGLERS + THE ALARM (Cardiff University, Fri 18 Mar) CROSSFAITH (Cardiff University, Sat 19 Mar) REEF BUZZ 71

live music Soul Sensation Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. With Nat Augustin doing various soul hits. There is tons of stuff here this month. Christmas, innit.

Stereophonics Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £39.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

On tomorrow also but both sold out I believe. Heck, we even said so last month when ya boys were on the cover.

Thank You For The Music Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

7.30pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07512 237983. Abba tribute band.

The Admiral Inspire Choir Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

The Andy Lewis Band

Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free.

Info 029 2039 8965.

The Don Fox Scandal Band

The Full Moon, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Eggmen Duo The Pontygwindy, Caerphilly. 9pm, free. Info 029 2088 4321.

The Last Of Us Hobo’s,

Bridgend. 7pm. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Benefit show for the RNLI. The Special Brew Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6.

Info 029 2025 0731. Local Bad Manners/2-Tone tribute band.

Tim Cronin The Admiral Napier, Canton, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2030 3945.

Whitfest Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2023 9253.

Six bands play presumably short sets to toast the 30th birthday of Adam Whitmore, who books gigs as Fizzi Events. We’re No Heroes, Homes, Hundred Seventy Split, The Echo & The Always, Dominic Griffin and John Mouse are the participants.

Will Wilde New Panteg Rugby Club, New Inn, Pontypool.

7.30pm, £10/£8 members. Info 01633 483238. A Borough Blues Club gig.

UB40 Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Zion Road Gwdihw, Cardiff.

9pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039

7933. Reggae covers band playing as part of the Fat City night.

SUNDAY 13

Bandicoot + The Scrotes + Apathy + Migs Buff The Lemon Factory, Swansea.

7pm, £3 adv. Info 07969 671379.

Baublewrap Collective’s Christmas Jamboree Dempseys, Cardiff. 4pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Baublewrap are really called Bubblewwrap, it’s a sort of Christmassy pun. That aside, they’ll be serving up live sets from Little Arrow, Quiet Marauder, My Name Is Ian, The Gentle Good, Ivan Moult and Barefoot Dance Of The Sea. BBC Wales: Carols For Christmas St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £5. Info 029 2087 8444.

Chapter Four Jazz Quartet

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar.

Christmas With The Stars City Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £26/£25. Info 029 2063 6464.

Presented by the Wales Millennium Centre, in aid of Welsh Hearts and starring Paul Potts, with a younger supporting cast.

Diamond Head + Revival

The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm, £7 adv. Info 01495 247178.

NWOBHM champs.

Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House,

Llandrindod Wells. 4pm.

Info 07477 627267. Also on Sun 20.

Halfpenny Folk Club Xmas Party The Greyhound Inn,

Oldwalls, Gower, Swansea.

8.30pm. Info 01792 850803.

Heavy Quartet The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Hot Club Swing Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 6-9pm, £5/£3 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Featuring a jam session from 6-7.15pm and a set

by Django Dragons from 7.45-9.

John Adams The Pontygwindy, Caerphilly. 2pm, free. Info 029 2088 4321.

Locus Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Music For Inner Peace Concert Norwegian Church

Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 4.30pm, free. Info 029 2087 7959. A journey into the mystic beauty, power and vastness of Sri Chinmoy’s musical compostitions, apparently.

Quen Kwong + Loom The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Headliners are an indie band from LA who appear to feature Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit in their lineup.

I don’t know if he’s in the touring band and frankly I don’t think you should be basing your decision to go, or not, on that factor.

Stereophonics Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £39.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

The Wonderful World Of Christmas Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£6.

Info 029 2030 4400. Songs

from the Affinity Female Voice Choir.

MONDAY 14

Ash + Asylums + The Amorettes Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union.

7.30pm, £17 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Downpatrick rockers (the only reason I know Downpatrick exists is because of Ash) visit Cardiff for the first time in a few years.

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Ceredigion School Orchestras Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Info 01970 623232.

Dominic Norcross Quartet

Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360.

Gareth Malone St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25-£99.

Info 029 2087 8444. Televisual choirmaster. The £99 ticket gets you a meet, a greet and a good seat.

Jaws + Nai Harvest Clwb

Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

The Collective Big Band Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Tom Auton + Emi McDade + Lydia Kate Howells

Porter’s, Cardiff. 9-11pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Presented by U&I Radio.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 15

Ashley John Long Trio Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Astroid Boys + Mind Control + Manga + The Northaze Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. EOY show

by Cardiff rock/grime/whatever crossover act Astroid Boys. That’s Manga the Roll Deep MC, in case you were wondering.

AYDMS Christmas Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £6. Info 01495 355800. Trad festive tunes, musical theatre songs etc. On tomorrow also.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo.

co.uk.

John Paul Gard & Bella Collins Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £7. Info 01874 611622. Brecon Jazz Club night.

Songbook Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029

2039 7933. Monthly night presented by Folk In The Owl’s Nest. Also on Tue 19 Jan.

The Preservation Rhythm Kings Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Will And The People The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv.

Info 07590 471888.

Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi: Sioe Nadolig 2015 Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 10am, £5.

Info 01239 621200. Music and song from infant school kids.

On tomorrow also.

WEDNESDAY 16

AYDMS Christmas Concert The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £6.

Info 01495 355800.

Blind River Scare Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Blues Brothers Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Tribute act hailing from Birmingham.

Christmas Bandaoke Special Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Belt out some Christmas classics while trying not to be unnerved that David Coverdale from Whitesnake is less than 100 yards away from you.

Def Leppard + Whitesnake + Black Star Riders Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

6.45pm, £45. Info 029 2022 4488. Totally sold out, even if you’re willing to “go (again) on [your] own” (Here I Go Again is a popular hard rock song from the 1980s).

Dutch Uncles The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. See Music. *Hark + Spider Kitten + Estuary Blacks Clwb

Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Hark and EB are in Swansea tomorrow.

Into The Ark + Hana + Alex Stacey Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Newport

pop-rock duo headline.

Joe Northwood Trio Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Liberty Big Band Christmas Show Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8.

Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South

Wales Big Band Society gig.

Mock Thee Knot & Dale Williams Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9. Info 01656 815995. MTK do classic rock hits in an Anglo-Celtic style, whatever that may mean. #Notjustjazz 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.

Rapsquillion Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant

Folk Club Christmas party night – there’s another one on Wed 23.

Red Tongued Dogs Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883.

Good grief, what an awful band name that is.

Simon Allen with The Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £14. Info 07802 912789.

Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi: Sioe Nadolig 2015 Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 10am, £5.

Info 01239 621200.

THURSDAY 17

Afternoon In Paris The Dingle Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £8/£7. Info 01834 869323. A Spanjazz night.

Café Manouche Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.

Info 01656 815995. Jazz Club night.

Caramel + Birdcage + Parcs + Sous Les Paves Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039

7933. Presented by All My Friends. Some experts are predicting the headliners will change their name to Carolmel for the evening, while others reckon the politically correct war on Christmas will scupper this idea.

Carols At The Museum National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Carols By Candlelight

Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2087 7959.

With Cor Canna.

Christmas Celebrations St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £15-£35. Info 029 2087 8444.

Elvis Legacy Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. With Mark Summers as Elvis.

Hark + Suns Of Thunder + Estuary Blacks The Garage, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Idle Hands + Vicious Cycle + Pizzatramp + Failed State Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £6. Info mail@givemefuel. co.uk.

Jimjam Open Mic Session

The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest

band is RiffRaff.

Kristopher Roe + Gaz Brookfield Sin City,

info@porterscardiff.com.

Houdini Dax + Steed + Homes Clwb Ifor Bach,

the singer from American poppunk band The Ataris, does an Andrew Cole-style name switcheroo.

Lee Jones Trio Café Jazz,

Mamma Mia Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Abba tribute. On tomorrow also.

Manalishi Café Jazz,

Swansea. 7.30pm, £12 adv.

Info 01792 468892. Kris Roe,

Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Red Room Therapy + New Revival + Chroma

Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

7pm, £5. Info 01685 384111.

Sweet Potato Stringband Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Talon Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £20.

Info 01873 850805. Eagles tribute band. On tomorrow also.

The 4th Kind The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

The Bellagio Boys Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 355800.

Swing and big band sounds.

The Shimmer Band Clwb

Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Welsh Chamber Orchestra Theatr Hafren, Newtown.

7.45pm, £14/£12. Info 01686 614555.

FRIDAY 18

Acapela Unsigned Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Andy Lewis Duo The Cornwall, Grangetown, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947.

BBC NOW: Christmas Celebrations Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50-£18.

Info 01792 475715.

Beatles For Sale Paget Rooms, Penarth. 8.30pm, £13.50. Info 029 2070 0721.

Black Angus + Children Of The Gravy Hobo’s,

Bridgend. 8pm, £5 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Tribute to AC/DC (good name) and Black Sabbath.

ChapterLive Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400.

Christmas Open Mic Special The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762.

Cider & Carols The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344.

Climbing Trees + The Minerals + Matthew Frederick Globetrotters Bar, Pontypridd. 7pm, £7/£5 adv.

Info 01443 407744. Headliners are on the last date of their Welsh tour here. Also features a DJ sets after the bands from Bennetton.

Fireroad + RkOS The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 8.30pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. Headliners are playing an unplugged set.

George Whitfield Rhys

Pritchard Hall, Llandovery.

7.30pm, £5. Info 01550 750232. Festive folk dancing and music session.

Green Haze Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £7 adv.

Info 01792 468892. Green Day tribute band.

Helena May Harrison Trio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info

Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Mike Dennis The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Planet 70s Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £11 adv.

Info 01495 708022. Decadeappropriate tribute band.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers + Thoby Davis The Yard, Cardiff. Free.

Info 029 2022 7577.

Secret Affair + Future Sailors The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Late-70s mod

revival band headline. They play here quite often.

Simon Spillett With The Martin Fisher Trio The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 8.30pm. Info 01495 763752. Monthly jazz night.

Surplus Yule Party The Roath Park, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info 029 2031 1049. Live bands and DJs combined in what Matt from Surplus calls “a grebodelic mix of folk, punk, techno, rock’n’roll and dubbed-out festival choons”.

Sound like your thing?

Talon Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £20.

Info 01873 850805.

The Happenings Kiwis,

Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Sick Livers + The Lash + Not Since The Accident Le Pub, Newport.

8pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 221477. Local garage, punk and rock’n’roll bands light up Winterval. This sold out very quickly but you can see The Sick Livers in Cardiff tomorrow.

Triaxis + Endeavour + Insuna Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7pm, £5 adv. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Ushti Baba Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01239 615952. A Christmas party gig of gypsy jungle and turbo folkstep, wouldn’t ya just know it.

SATURDAY 19

A Band Apart + Two Piece Sweet The Yard, Cardiff. Free.

Info 029 2022 7577.

Alex Hutchins & John Paul Gard The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Aubrey Parsons Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 864500.

Ben Huws The Pick &

Shovel, Pontypridd. 9pm, free. Info 01443 404632.

Brutality Will Prevail + Outrage CC + Interrogation Undertone, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Earlyish gig before a jungle night here, with a rare Cardiff show by downtuned valleys hardcore lads BWP plus mates.

Captain Accident & The Disasters + Junior Bill + Durkah Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2037 3144. Fundraising gig for this venue. Durkah were one of its flagship bands around

(Tramshed, Sat 25 Mar) THE CAT EMPIRE (Tramshed, Sun 3 Apr) 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER (Motorpoint Arena, Fri 15 Apr) THE BLUETONES (Tramshed, Tue 19 Apr) JOHN COOPER CLARKE (Tramshed, Sat 23 Apr) LETHAL BIZZLE (Tramshed, Sat 30 Apr) UB40 (Motorpoint Arena, Wed 4 May) BUSTED (Motorpoint Arena, Tue 24 May) X MUSIC FESTIVAL (Bute BUZZ 72

live music Info 029 2023 2199.

The Stoned Roses The Garage, Swansea. 9pm, £7 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Tribute band.

SUNDAY 20

Aubrey Parsons Atlantic Hotel, Porthcawl. 7pm, free.

Info 01656 785011.

Aughisky The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Christmas By Candlelight

Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Performed by the Chamber Orchestra of Wales introduced and conducted

by Welsh television personality Alwyn Humphreys.

Christmas Crooners Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01874 611622.

Dodgy The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House,

Llandrindod Wells. 4pm.

Info 07477 627267.

ONLY MEN ALOUD St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 12 Dec Tickets: £26. Info: 029 2078 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Only Men Aloud continue to go from strength to strength following their revamp two years ago, and their Christmas tour is once again stopping at St. David’s Hall this December. Directed by Tim Rhys-Evans, the line-up features tenors Wyn Davies, David Fortey, Ben Smith and David Mahoney, and baritones Craig Yates and Niall Allen. Their fifth album, {Only Men Aloud On The Road}, was released in November, and includes classics such as {Ticket To Ride}, {You’re The Voice} and {I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For}, in their own unique style. Their live show promises to be a combination of traditional Christmas songs and rock/pop classics.

the turn of the millennium, when it was all pop-punk and fields. They have come out of deep retirement for this show.

Christmas Ceilidh The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 7pm, £6/£5. Info 01497 821762.

Divine Chaos + Sodomized Cadaver + Helldown Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea.

7pm, £5. Info 07981 684142.

Metal. Headline band feature members of Vader.

Dodgy The Tabernacle,

Talgarth. 7.30pm, £3 adv.

Info info@thetabernacle. co.uk. A Creation Acoustic Sessions night.

Dunvant Male Choir St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

7pm, £10. Info 01792 468321.

Annual Christmas concert.

Forever Vendetta + Zed Motel + Ink’d The Duke, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643892.

Handel’s Messiah Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £15 adv.

Info 01792 475715. Featuring the Gower Chorale and the Festival Orchestra Of Wales.

Jools Holland & His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £41.50. Info 029 2022 4488. It’s kind of weird how Jools ritually comes to Cardiff to play this venue on the last Saturday

before Christmas, every year.

Like how lots of people go for a drink in their old local with schoolfriends. They don’t even think about why they’re doing it at this point.

Kamikaze Millionaires The

Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm, free. Info 01495 247178.

Kookamunga Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029

2039 7933. Playing as part of the Mise En Bouche night.

Little Notes Christmas Concert The Gate, Cardiff.

11am, £7/£5. Info 029 2048 3344. Songs for kids of five and under.

Lucie Jones All Grown Up Christmas Special Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Actress of some sort, born in Cardiff, sings songs with the help of some people from the Louise Ryan Vocal School.

Mamma Mia Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391.

My Pet Shark The Full

Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Queens Of The Clone Age The Lemon Factory, Swansea.

8pm, £6 adv. Info 07969 671379. Queens Of The Stone

Age tribute. First one I’ve encountered, too.

Robyn Lyn & The Three Tenors Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £27.50. Info 01239 841387.

Christmas concert. Not featuring those Three Tenors.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Seann Miley Moore Mary’s, Cardiff. £5 after 8pm. Info michael-jasinski@outlook. com. X Factor contestant from this year.

The 4th Kind Kiwis, Cardiff.

10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Big Christmas Fantasia Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7.30pm. Info 0845 2263510.

Hosted by the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers.

Sold out apparently.

The Chepstow Singing Club Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

The Oasis Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

The Oppressed The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2031 1049. Presented by Grassroots.

The Rezillos + The Sick Livers Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

House Of Hosts + Zed Motel + The Caspians The Lemon Factory, Swansea.

7pm, free. Info 07969 671379.

Locus Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Naomi Rae Duo The Pontygwindy, Caerphilly. 2pm, free. Info 029 2088 4321.

Railroad Bill + Gaudy Orde + Junior Bill Clwb

Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Salvation Army Christmas Concert Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 6pm, £5. Info 01792 475715.

Shân Cothi Holy Trinity

Church, Aberaeron. 7pm, £10-£20. Info 01545 570433.

Sonia Hammond + The Castalia String Quartet + Tim Edwards The

Tabernacle, Talgarth.

2.30pm. Info info@thetabernacle.co.uk.

Stars In Their Eyes Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5. Info 01633 221477. Long running charity night of one-shot covers bands made up of local, noncovers bands.

Sundae Sessions Gwdihw, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029

2039 7933. With sets by Anthony Lee Wickham, Nia Ann, Pik-C and more.

Tenors Of Rock Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273.

The Happenings The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

The Village Quire: The Holly Bears The Crown The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm. Info 01497 821762. Folky storytelling.

Welcome To Christmas 2015 Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8/£7.

Info 01873 850805.

MONDAY 21

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Attic Folk Sessions 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3.

Info 029 2022 8883.

Bad Manners The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. In Swansea

tomorrow.

Blues & Jazz Club December Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £8. Info 0845

2263510.

Jordan Marks The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

The Gents Noah’s Yard,

Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Christmas party jazz night.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

What’s New Pussycat?

Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Glen Leon is Tom Jones. After the five-course meal you can relax Tom style with ‘the four Cs’ – champagne, caviar, cognac and crisps.

TUESDAY 22

Bad Manners The Garage, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20 adv.

Info 01792 475147. Q. Why

does this gig cost £5 more than the Cardiff one the previous day? A. Because of the free market.

Bay Church Carol Service Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Geko Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2199. Don’t know this guy at all but he seems to be a young rapper from Manchester, and this gig is sold out weeks in advance.

Gwd Jams Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £3/free for performers. Info 029 2039 7933.

Monthly open jam session.

The Best Of Welsh Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. An all-Welsh tribute set by Aubrey Parsons.

The Complete Stone Roses

Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Tribute band.

The Gentle Good + No Thee No Ess + Martin Callingham + Steepways

The Lansdowne, Cardiff.

7-11pm. Info 029 2022

1312. Also featuring DJ sets from Richard James, who has organised this in his In Chapters guise, and Accu.

The Wessex New Orleans Band Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Tim Cronin The Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

WEDNESDAY 23

Christmas By Candlelight Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7.30pm. Info 01792 475715.

Featuring the Chamber Orchestra Of Wales, soprano Roz Evans and the Chamber Orchestra Of Wales Chorale.

Llantrisant Folk Club Christmas Party Night Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members.

Info 01443 226892. #Notjustjazz Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Tarsiers Gwdihw, Cardiff.

8pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933.

Presented by Crosswire.

The Judas Cradle + Pizzatramp Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07981 684142. With two more bands TBC.

THURSDAY 24

Aubrey Parsons Bar 44, Cowbridge. 2pm, free. Info 01446 776488.

Rock Factor Duo Kiwis,

Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029

2039 8965.

SATURDAY 26

Chris Kelly The Hollybush, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 5042.

Philo Beddoe The Patriot,

Crumlin. 7pm, free. Info

01495 247178.

Third Party The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Who’s Next Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff.

7.20pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2025 0731. Who tribute band.

Z3 Top The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, free. Info 01495 213300. ZZ Top tribute band.

SUNDAY 27

The Worried Men The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, free.

Info 01495 213300.

MONDAY 28

6 Songs 10 Feet Tall,

Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Singersongwriter showcase.

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Also on

Mon 25 Jan.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 29

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo.

co.uk.

Pick N’ Mix Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £3. Info

029 2039 7933. With Cwtch, Beth Jones and more.

Zervas & Pepper The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 07590 471888.

WEDNESDAY 30

Bryony Seir + Larah Jay + The Bakestones The

New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8.30-10.30pm, £3.

Info 01685 387925. Live broadcast from U&I Radio, who used to do monthly gigs here under the name Big Scott Radio.

Lonnie Donegan Jr The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 01633 656757.

“Skiffle is also very much back in vogue with the younger generation, so a show to suit all ages.” Yeah, every time I get the bus these days it’s full of ruffneck youts rhythmically scraping metal washboards. #Notjustjazz 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.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Free drink for performers. Last Wednesday of every month.

THURSDAY 31

A Night At The Oscars Hamptons, Penarth. 8pm, £85.

Park, Cardiff, Fri 3 + Sat 4 June) ROD STEWART (Cardiff City Stadium, Fri 11 June) RIHANNA (Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Tue 16 June) BARRY MANILOW (Motorpoint Arena, Sun 20 June)

BUZZ 73

live music Info 029 2070 5391. Samantha Link sings some songs in the middle of party games and some kind of tenuous sounding award ceremony.

Celtic Pride The Patriot,

Crumlin. 7pm, £7 adv. Info 01495 247178.

Chapter New Year’s Eve 2015 Chapter Arts Centre,

Cardiff. 7pm-2am, £25 adv.

Info 029 2030 4400. The Vinyl Vendettas present live sets from Keith TOTP, The Blood Arm, Face + Heel and Jemma Roper, as well as a DJ set from themselves. Please take into account the free glass of prosecco when pondering this event’s VFM factor.

Chris Kelly The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Chris Summerill Duo Old Cross Inn, Llanrumney, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2065 0021.

It’s The End Of The Year And You Know It The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm12am, free. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. With live acts TBC, and a buffet. Book your place in advance please.

Salut The Depot, Cardiff.

8pm-2am, £15. Info 07989 970664. Soul cover band from London headline a night of street food and glitter.

*The John Lewis Trio Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £22.50 adv.

Info 01495 355800. South Wales rockabilly revivalists with a special NYE set. This is almost certainly the best thing going on in Ebbw Vale tonight.

Ultimate Rock N Roll New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7pm, £18. Info 01495 243252.

FRIDAY 1 JANUARY

Glas The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, free. Info 01495 213300.

SATURDAY 2 JANUARY

Ancestors + Clear The Auditorium + Remember The Fallen + Illicit Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Cradles The Moon Club,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. The opening party (with plenty more bands TBC) of 2016’s Free For All month in this venue.

There’s a gig every night (not all booked yet) which you can just waltz on in to, no pay no nowt.

Lilygreen & The Love Machine Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Pentreffest Jingle Ball St Fagans Village Hall, Cardiff.

Info 029 2023 2970. A

Pentreffest Noz folk night.

The Pop Tarts The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

SUNDAY 3 JANUARY

Sundae Sessions Gwdihw, Cardiff. 4-8pm, free. Info 029

2039 7933.

MONDAY 4 JANUARY

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Original Live Music Presented by U&I Radio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Names of acts to come in due course I’m sure. Not from me, BUZZ 74

admittedly.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 5 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo. co.uk.

Moonshine Boulevard

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. #Notjustjazz Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Ofer Landsburg Quartet Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Open Mic Market Street

Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

THURSDAY 7 JANUARY

Death By Disco + Clear The Auditorium + Remember The Fallen Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2022 8883.

Jimjam Open Mic Session

The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band is Now & Then.

Lonely Hearts Rugby Clwb

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Tendons + Maddie Jones + Harri Davis + Aled Rheon Ben Arfur Bone

The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. EP launch for Tendons.

FRIDAY 8 JANUARY

Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Chris Kelly The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Maddie Jones Band The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Misled Truth The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Caspiens + The Royals + Raise The Alarm Le Pub, Newport. £3. Info 01633 221477. First heat of a BOTB type competition to record an EP in Newport studio One Louder (no relation to my monthly column in this issue, which you’ve probably never actually read).

The Pitmen Poets Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 01495 227206. Folk-rock from the north-east of England, featuring a Lindisfarne fella.

In Ammanford on Tue 12; Porthcawl on Wed 13; Brecon on Thurs 14.

SATURDAY 9 JANUARY Jacob’s Heep Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029

2039 7933. Playing as part of the Fat City night.

Lacertilia + Grifter +

Baron Greenback + Suns Of Thunder + Baron + Pilgrim + Mind Factory

The Full Moon, Cardiff.

Free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Heavy rock bands presented

by Red Sun. Llyr Williams Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16-£20. Info 029 2039 1391.

Rock Factor The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Showaddywaddy Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239.

Superchango Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Prince’s Trust Cymru Concert The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 07590 471888. Featuring various

performers who’ve taken part in talent shows or ‘music is a competition’ type gigs. Hosted by Wyburn & Wayne of Cardiff Times.

Tommy & The Trouble The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY

Hot Club Swing Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 6-9pm, £5/£3 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Featuring a jam session from 6-7.15pm and a set

by Django Dragons from 7.45-9.

Lunchtime Concert National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

With students from the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama.

Tankus The Henge Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029

2039 7933.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £7.50-£39.50.

Info 029 2087 8444.

MONDAY 11 JANUARY

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Original Live Music Presented by U&I Radio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 12 JANUARY

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo. co.uk.

Dave Smith Quartet

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Hannes Reipler / Chris Cheek Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. The first jazz night in this venue for 2016.

RWCMD Symphony Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444.

The Pitmen Poets Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £17.50. Info 0845 2263510.

WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY

Burum Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Welsh jazz/folk. I dig ‘em.

Godbomber + Pizzatramp

The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Jim Mullen Organ Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. #Notjustjazz 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.

Sproatly Smith + David Ian Roberts + Zac White

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2030 4400. Folk acts, Presented by The Wyrd Wonder.

The Pitmen Poets Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £17.50. Info 01656 815995.

The Sam Kelly Trio Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A

Llantrisant Folk Club night.

THURSDAY 14 JANUARY

Francoise-Green Duo Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

Piano duo performing works

by Mozart, Schoenberg, Schubert plus new compositions.

Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Open Night The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm. Info 01495 763752. This month’s edition of the Open Hearth Acoustic night.

Paul Jones & Dave Kelly Pontardawe Arts Centre.

6-10pm. Info 01792 863722.

Blues Band members.

Revolution Solution The

Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

The African Children’s Choir St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2087 8444.

The ELO Experience Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Info 01873 850805. Tribute band.

The Pitmen Poets Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.45pm, £17.50. Info 01874 611622.

Tibet + Love Bazaar + Wetpainttt The Moon Club,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Turnover + Claws + Teen Brains + Bicycle Thieves

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Presented by Jealous Lovers Club and Fuelled By Spite.

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY

Atomic Blondie + The Bowie Experience Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 8pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510.

Tribute bands.

Captain Cat & The Sailors

The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe.

8pm. Info huwpudner@ ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

Heil Zilla + Happyfuntimegameband + Blue Collar Decade + The DMT Experiment The Moon

Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Can’t believe you called your band ‘The DMT Experiment’.

Mad 4 Brit The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Madchester

indie tribute band.

Supreme Queen Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19/£17. Info 01792 475715.

Queen tribute band.

The Spokes Duo The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Thingumijigs St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7.30pm, £8.50/£2.50. Info 01446 799100. Winter ceilidh.

Voodoo Room Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £14. Info 01633 868239.

Two-pronged tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Cream.

Welsh National Opera: New Year In Vienna Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Viennesethemed evening featuring works by Mozart and Strauss.

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY

Amy Wadge + Luke Jackson Acapela, Pentyrch,

Cardiff. 8pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Canute The Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Cat’s Claw The Heath,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2039 4207. A RUFF Ceilidh night, also featuring caller Mic Spenceley.

The Big What!? Band Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

The Smyths The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Smiths trib-

ute band.

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY

James Clode Band + Pete Driscoll The Moon Club,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Tendons + David Grubb Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info

029 2039 7933. Folk types.

MONDAY 18 JANUARY

Alien Ant Farm + The Dirty Youth The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £17.50 adv.

Info 07730 432166. “Please note Inme will not be playing this date unfortunately,” say the venue. You don’t know me at all, do you.

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Blues & Jazz Club January Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £8.

Info 0845 2263510.

Cancer Bats Hobo’s,

Bridgend. 7.30pm, £13/£11.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com. Hardcore-tinged metallish band from Toronto.

Original Live Music Presented by U&I Radio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY Big Scott Presents The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. With acts TBC. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo.

co.uk.

Jack Perry-Cockings Trio Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Mavron Quartet St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444.

Phil Wall’s Jazz Cardinals

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Songbook Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029

2039 7933.

The Drink + The Echo & The Always + Beach Fatigue Clwb Ifor Bach,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Presented

by Jealous Lovers Club.

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY

Aeddan Williams + Kizzy Crawford Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029

2039 7933.

Daryl Sherman & Her Band Jazzland, Swansea.

8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Local Enemy + Rainbow Maniac + Dellavega The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. #Notjustjazz 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.

Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama Students Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

The Corrs + The Shires Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £29.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

The Manatees + Corrie Jask Ellis + Digital Criminals The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Presented by Pi & Hash.

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY Baby Queens The Moon

Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Presented by Rockpie.

Fabio Lepore/Pausa Caffe Jazz Quintet Café Jazz,

Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Kayla Painter + Accu Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Live electronic stuff from Bristol-based musician who is also a lecturer at the Uni Of South Wales.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

The Magic Of Motown Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£27.50.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Voces8 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Celebrating the power of voices in harmony from classical to jazz to pop.

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY

Andy Lewis Duo The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

BBC NOW: Mozart Requiem St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £5-£35. Info 029 2087 8444.

Daniel Knox Clwb Ifor

Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2199. Live ska and reggae.

Mixalydia + Soap The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info info@

live music thefullmooncardiff.com.

Roddy Radiation & The Skabilly Rebels The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Sinead & Mike Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2022 8221.

Sous Les Paves + 5th Spear + Parcs The Moon

Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

SATURDAY 23 JANUARY

Clay Statues + Not Since The Accident + Attercopus + Jugganote + Mook + Beggar + Gung Ho The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Dai Faulkner & The Copper Thieves The Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Jeramiah Ferrari + Captain Accident Clwb Ifor

Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2199.

Johnny Cash Roadshow St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50/£17.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

Martyn Joseph Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01982 552555.

Miss May & The Magic Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Paradox The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

The Allnighters The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Northern soul

band.

Worbey & Farrell Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Concert pianist duo with that most dreaded of weapons, a sense of humour.

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY

Angela Hewitt Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, £14-£18. Info 029 2039 1391. Esteemed concert pianist.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £20 adv/£5 under-12s. Info 029 2087 8444.

Jason Derulo Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £29.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

MONDAY 25 JANUARY

Atrium Live Music Night

Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

Original Live Music Presented by U&I Radio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Santes Dwynwen Opera Delights Giovanni’s, Park

Place, Cardiff. 7pm, £28 adv. Info info@gthc.org.uk.

A three-course meal plus Welsh singing luminaries.

A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event.

Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY

Aiden + Ashestoangels + Never Found The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £15 adv.

Info 07730 432166. Farewell tour from American mall screamo band whose appeal has presumably become more selective of late.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders

Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon.

6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s.

Info sambabrecon@yahoo. co.uk.

Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Jazz Jam Session Jazzland, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 07802 912789.

John Wheeler Clwb Ifor

Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2199. Bloke from Hayseed Dixie.

Leslie Howard Cardiff University Concert Hall.

7-8.45pm, £8/£6/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Piano recital.

Oysters 3 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£14 adv. Info 029 2087 8444.

Oysterband spinoff. A Roots Unearthed gig.

The Libertines Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £35.

Info 029 2022 4488. See Music.

The Temperance Movement + The Sheepdogs Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2078 1458.

Trio Anima St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444. French abnd English music from WWI and the 18th century.

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY

Alexander Armstrong St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £35/£25. Info 029 2087 8444.

See Upfront.

Andrew McCormack Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

BBC NOW: Dutilleux – Impressions Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. In what would have been French composer Henri Dutilleux’s centenary year, a look at the lasting legacy of his music and the composers he inspired and influenced. #Notjustjazz 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.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866.

Simon Spillett with The Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10.

Info 07802 912789.

WaLL + Grey Mondeo The

Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY

Beyond The Barricade St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20. Info 029 2087 8444.

Black Stone Cherry + Shinedown + Halestorm Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £31.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Dubbed the Carnival Of Madness Tour, this trio of American hard rockers can expect to be whooped up by an audience of men in Police brand jeans.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Quiet Marauder + My Name Is Ian + Ivan Moult

The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Presented by Bubblewrap

Records, who you may recall from previous listings this issue as changing their name to Baublewrap Records.

The Globe Ensemble Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

8pm, £3-£12. Info 01970 623232. Music Club recital.

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY

Bloc Party + Drenge + Rat Boy + Bugzy Malone Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £26.60 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. This is 2016’s NME tour. They used to go great guns to keep the ticket price down as I recall, but, er, not any more.

Coldplace Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 8pm, £14. Info 01633 868239.

Cut Capers + Disco Panther The Moon Club,

Independents + Nozzle The Garage, Swansea. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Melodic punk rockers from the late 90s headline.

Thought they were very much broken up but I guess not.

Elvis: The Legend Lives On Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01495 227206.

Graffe Quartet Cardiff University Concert Hall.

7-9pm, £8/£6/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Performing string quartet works by Pavel Haas.

Junior Bill + Milk + Hipicat + The Johnstown Flood + Fur The Moon

Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Jumpin’ Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm.

Seeming to have abandoned their previous Rush-inspired sound, Coheed & Cambria's latest record indicates a new pop-rocky direction for the group. They'll be stopping off at Cardiff University’s Great Hall on Sun 31 Jan, with support from influential posthardcore outfit Glassjaw.

Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Elvis: The Legend Lives On Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01495 227206. Starring the awardwinning Gordon Davis. On tomorrow also.

Graffiti The Yard, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Jive At Five Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Komodo The Full Moon,

Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com.

A Valley Folk Club night.

Organ Recital National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Ross Leadbeater’s Great British Songbook Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 029 2039 1391.

Welsh musical director presents a programme of West End faves. Nicholas Parsons is the host.

The Cellar Bards Cellar

Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3.

Info 07818 056599.

Think Floyd Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £21. Info 01792 475715.

U2-2 The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute band.

SATURDAY 30 JANUARY

ACAB + Tim Cronin The Yard, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Atomic Blondie + UK Ramones The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute bands.

Consumed + The Lagan + The Bungle Cult + The Groundnuts &

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Oh, What A Night! Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01495 355800.

Hits through the decades.

The Majestic Cellar Bar,

Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10 adv.

Info 07818 056599. Live roots reggae.

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY

Coheed & Cambria + Glassjaw Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union.

7pm, £27.50 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. This is a certain type of crunchy American rock fan’s dream double bill.

Not mine, I’ll grant you, but someone’s.

Engraved Disillusion The Lemon Factory, Swansea.

7pm, £5 adv. Info 07969 671379.

Fairport Convention St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £21/£20. Info 029 2087 8444.

Featherjaw The Moon Club,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Closing this venue’s month of free gigs, and giving you cause to wonder if you’d prefer your jaw to be made of glass or made of feathers.

Hip Route + Brwmys The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Lindi Ortega The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Canadian-born, Nashvillebased country singer whose voice “has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton’s, Johnny Cash’s, and Emmylou Harris’.” I suspect that’s laying it on a bit thick but she might be decent.

stage TUESDAY 1

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. difficult|stage and The Other Room present an alternative to traditional Christmas offerings. No shows on Sunday.

(Until Sat 19) Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 1 + 6.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01239 621200. Martyn Geraint with a kids’ show based on a Welsh nursery rhyme. It’s in Blackwood tomorrow, Swansea on Fri 4, Neath on Mon 14, Newtown on Tue 15, Brecon on Wed 16, Ystradgynlais on Thurs 17 and Pontyberem on Fri 18.

Plus some longer stints in Pwllheli and Caernarfon, which I understand are somewhere near the North Pole.

Father Christmas Needs A Wee! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 11am, 2pm + 5pm, £12.50/£10.50 kids. Info 01792 475715. Kids’ production which combines the magic of Christmas with the inherent hilarity of urine. In Newtown on Sat 19.

Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757.

Panto. Doesn’t seem to have any celebs in. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jasper Carrott + Alistair McGowan St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444. What a dream team! I think they’re doing separate sets, although if they put their heads together there could be a dead-on impersonation of a Reliant Robin in the offing.

Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £19-£61. Info 029 2063 6464. Classic Broadway musical pops up for a week, with Michael Ball in the lead role. (Until Sun 6) Mark Thomas Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 01239 621200.

A new show about “carving a small space in the urban world where mischief and random chance can lurk.”

Unclear how much this topic weighs on the mind of the good folks of Cardigan (or Builth Wells, where he is tomorrow), but fair play.

Miracle On 34th Street New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13-£30. Info 029 2087 8889.

Musical version of the film.

(Until Sat 5) Saturday Night Forever Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £11/£9.

Info 01792 475715. One-man’s rollercoaster ride through Cardiff’s nightlife, in play form. On tomorrow also; in Aberystwyth on Fri 4 and Sat 5, Cardiff on Fri 11 and Sat 12.

Sean Lock Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £15. Info 01982 552555. Work in progress show which is sold out. In Pontardawe on Thurs 3 (also sold out) and Cardigan on Tue 19 Jan. Tea At 5 Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £5. Info 01633 263670. A new one-act play by a local writer, telling a family story of love, loss and cannabis cakes. (Until Thurs 3)

The Railway Children Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. 1 + 7.30pm. Info 01348 873237.

Presented by Fluellen.

Touch Blue Touch Yellow

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Winterlight present Tim Rhys’ play about the experience of living with autism. (Until Sat 5)

WEDNESDAY 2

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Jack & The Beanstalk

Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am, 1pm + 6pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. Panto, written and produced especially for Redhouse by PJC Productions. (Until Sat 5)

Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 10am, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757.

Sold out. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Josh Widdecombe Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

8pm, £16.50. Info 01970 623232.

Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £19-£61. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 6) Mark Thomas Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 01982 552555.

Miracle On 34th Street New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 5) Robinson Crusoe Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £15/£12. Info 01874 611622.

Presented by Rainbow Valley Productions. (Until Sun 6) Saturday Night Forever Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £11/£9.

Info 01792 475715.

Tea At 5 Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £5. Info 01633 263670. (Until Thurs 3) The Princess & The Pea Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 10.30am, £6. Info 01495 355800. Presented by Sherman Cymu and Theatr Iolo.

The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

Presented by the Richard Burton Theatre and directed

by Iqbal Khan. (Until Sat 12) Touch Blue Touch Yellow

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 5)

THURSDAY 3

Adam Kay The Gate, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2048 3344. The guy from

the ‘parody songs’ band Amateur Transplants.

You may know them for their song London Underground, which was about how the members of the group were moronic, unfunny, spoiled Tory shitbags. Anyway, he’ll be performing some “smutty Christmas songs” here, and is on Pontyclun on Fri 8 Jan, presumably not doing Christmas songs.

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Andy Robinson + Tom Wrigglesworth + Jim Tavare Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14. Info 0871

BUZZ 75

stage 4720400. The start of the Christmas party season here at this comedy cornerstone.

There are various two and three-course meal pricing options, but I’m not listing all of those because this isn’t a restaurant listings section.

(Until Sat 5) Anything Goes Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. Cole Porter

muical, presented by an Amateur Local Company.

(Until Sat 5) Bryn Hafren Comprehensive School Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Performing an eclectic mix of dance styles.

Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. Panto, starring Frank Vickery and Clare Hingott among others. After this run it’s in Treorchy until Christmas Eve. (Until Wed 16) Clear Cut M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Performance platform featuring dance, film, visual arts, music and theatre. Presented by SVJdance & M.A.D.E., this is its third showing here this year, I believe. Features performances from Dom Farelli, Hervé Girardin, Renn HubbuckMelly, Gareth Llewelyn Thomas, Rachel Helena Walsh and The Kinky Wizzards (who are also playing at the Moon Club this evening).

Four Seasons Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01633 868239.

Annual performance by Annette School Of Dance.

(Until Sat 5) House Of Scrooge Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

7pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Groundswell Dance Company with a dance interpretation of A Christmas Carol.

Jack & The Beanstalk

Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

9.30am, 1pm + 6pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 5)

Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757.

Sold out. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Josh Widdecombe Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £16.50. Info 01686 614555.

Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £19-£61.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 6) Melltith Y Brenin Lludd Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

10am + 1pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510. New show based on a Mabinogion tale. On tomorrow also; in Llanelli on Tue 8 and Wed 9, Neath on Thurs 10.

Miracle On 34th Street New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 5) Sean Lock Pontardawe Arts Centre. 8pm. Info 01792 863722. Sold out.

Snow White And The Seven

Dwarfs Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670. Family panto.

(Until Sat 5) Tarzan Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £9/£7.

Info 029 2070 0721. The Paget Rooms’ panto, which is described as “a magical jungle adventure to the land of Bongo Bongo”. Um... I probably wouldn’t have called it that. (Until Sun 6) Tea At 5 Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £5. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) The Silent Toy Soldier Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. Family show based on various classic Christmas characters. (Until Sat 5) The Snow Queen Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01239 621200. A Ballet Theatre UK production.

In Builth Wells tomorrow; Monmouth on Sat 5; Neath on Sun 13; Porthcawl on Sat 16 Jan. The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) Touch Blue Touch Yellow

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 5)

FRIDAY 4

Alaska Thunderfuck Mary’s, Cardiff. £25 adv VIP. Info michael-jasinski@ outlook.com. Alaska has fea-

tured on RuPaul’s Drag Race and is brought here by Holy Trannity, who plan to do similar nights in 2016. Not gonna lie, I don’t properly know what to expect from nights like this. I guess some walking around and a few acidic quips. The standard tickets for this seem to be sold out but for £25 you can get some meet and greet dealie.

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Andy Parsons Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 8pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. Sold out. May Andy continue to play venues that are exactly as big as the audience he commands, so we aren’t obliged to preview his shows and therefore have to think of something to say about him.

Andy Robinson + Tom Wrigglesworth + Jim Tavare Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £24. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 5) Anything Goes Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 5) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am, 12.30pm + 7pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. The evening show is a so-called relaxed performance. (Until Wed 16) Cinderella Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 6.30pm, £12. Info 01686 614555. Presented by Ballet Cymru.

Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 10am, 12.30 + 6.30pm, £8.25/£7.25. Info 01792 602060.

Drones Comedy Club

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 18.

Four Seasons Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01633 868239.

(Until Sat 5) George Rigston + The Death Hilarious + Charlie Webster + Jordan Brooks

Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com. Comedy night raising money for homeless charity Huggard.

Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. RWCMD’s take on Sondheim’s take on various Grimm tales. (Until Sat 12) Jack & The Beanstalk

Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

9.30am, 1pm + 6pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

(Until Sat 5)

STEWART LEE Grand Theatre, Swansea, Tue 12 Jan Tickets: £21.50. Info: 01792 475715 / www.swanseagrand.co.uk If you’re enough of a Stewart Lee enthusiast to have both seen him perform live and watched him on telly, then you may be familiar with the pattern. Approximately every other tour he does – including this one, subtitled {A Room With A Stew} – functions as a testing ground for his latest batch of material. The idea is that the bits which get the best response from the audience will end up in the next series of his BBC2 sketch’n’standup show, {Comedy Vehicle}. Of course, it’s not {quite} that linear a process, as there’s plenty of fun to be had from the crowd not getting jokes, or not laughing as much as Stew thinks they ought to. Which itself serves a springboard for more mordant delight.

BUZZ 76

John Gordillo + Karen Bayley + Freddy Quinne Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

Comedians, presented by Kill For A Seat.

Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

Presented by the RWCMD’s Richard Burton Company.

(Until Sat 12) Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £23-£63. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 6) Mary Bijou’s Christmas Bauble Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Taking place in the Dance House, local cabaret faves Mary Bijou will be serving up “a Christmas party not to be missed with circus, dance

and cabaret galore”. On tomorrow also.

Melltith Y Brenin Lludd Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

10am + 1pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510.

Miracle On 34th Street New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16-£33. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sat 5) Off The Street Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 01495 355800.

Annual showcase for Blaenau Gwent’s Senior and Youth Dance Companies.

Robinson Crusoe Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £15/£12. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sun 6) Saturday Night Forever Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Sean Lock Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 8pm, £15. Info 01646 695267.

Short Stories Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8. Info 01639 643462. Three one-act plays presented by Neath, Briton Ferry and Port Talbot Little Theatres. In aid of Harry’s Fund.

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 5) ‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

8pm, £11/£10 adv. Info 01495 227206. With standups TBC. Tarzan Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £9/£7. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sun 6) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£20. Info 029 2064 6900. Sherman’s nonpanto Christmas production, directed by Rachel O’Riordan.

Tonight and tomorrow are preview shows, thus slightly cheaper. (Until Thurs 31) The Silent Toy Soldier Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 5) The Snow Queen Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01982 552555.

The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) Touch Blue Touch Yellow

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 5)

SATURDAY 5

A Christmas Carol Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 6.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510.

Another of those plays about a play you all love, presented

by Three Half Pints who are going to have a series on Cbeebies soon. Hopefully keeping their alcohol-referencing name.

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Andy Robinson + Tom Wrigglesworth + Jim Tavare Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £25. Info 0871 4720400. (Finishes today) Anything Goes Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 16) Four Seasons Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01633 868239.

(Finishes today)

Jack & The Beanstalk

Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 1 + 5pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Finishes today) Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. Next show is on Thurs 9. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Journeys NoFit State, John

Street, Cardiff. 5pm. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Two-night physical theatre show directed by Paul Evans – “an exploration to the constant movement of people through life, in both physical and emotional terms,” say NoFit On tomorrow also.

Macbeth Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Until Sat 12) Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £23-£63.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 6) Mary Bijou’s Christmas Bauble Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464.

Miracle On 34th Street New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £13-£33. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Red Riding Hood Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. Info 01348 873237. Panto presented by the Clarbeston Road Players.

Robinson Crusoe Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 6pm, £15/£12. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sun 6) Rod Woodward Acapela,

Pentyrch, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17 adv/£15 early bird. Info 029 2089 0862. Young normcore comedian from this part of the world.

Sam Avery + John Ryan + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £30. Info 08700 111960. Jongleurs, too, has moved into the ‘office pissup price’ part of the year.

Saturday Night Forever Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Snow White The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £8.50/£6.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Presented

by Black RAT. Features arts and crafts workshops before the afternoon performance; also on Fri 11.

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Dolman Theatre, Newport. 1 + 7pm, £10/£8.

Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Tarzan Paget Rooms, Penarth. 2.30pm, £9/£7. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sun 6) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£20.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 1 + 4pm, £8.50/£7. Info 01792 602060.

Presented by Blunderbus.

The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. Beginning its epic run here after gallivating round the country. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Silent Toy Soldier Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3 + 7pm, £8.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) The Snow Queen Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 3pm, £12-£16. Info 01600 719401.

The Taming Of The Shrew

stage Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) Touch Blue Touch Yellow

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today)

SUNDAY 6

A Night At The Musicals Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

5.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Presented

by Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) Journeys NoFit State, John

Street, Cardiff. 5pm. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm.

Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.

Mack & Mabel Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £23-£63. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Queens Of Pop Mary’s, Cardiff. £3 after 7pm. Info michael-jasinski@outlook. com. Drag/cabaret brother duo from Manchester who apparently went viral in 2013 with an Atomic Kitten parody song. Talk about striking while the iron’s hot.

Robinson Crusoe Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 01874 611622.

(Finishes today) Santa’s Christmas Cracker Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

1pm, £8/£6 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. A festive, interactive, song-filled visit to Santa’s home.

Santa’s Stressful Day Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

3pm, £9/£5 schools. Info 029 2039 1391. Kids’ show featuring the Royal Welsh College Symphonic Brass & Percussion. (Until Tue 8) Send In The Clowns Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff.

6.30pm, free. Info 07830 381930. New play presented

by Kiln and Clocktower Community.

Tarzan Paget Rooms, Penarth. 2.30pm, £9/£7. Info 029 2070 0721. (Finishes today) The Noise Next Door + Robin Morgan + Phil Cooper + Elliot Blake + Sarah Breese + Josh Elton

Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv early bird. Info 029 2031 0312. Presented by Buffalo Comedy.

MONDAY 7

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Cyw Christmas Show Gwyn Hall, Neath. 11.30am, 1.45pm + 5.45pm, £5-£8. Info 0300 3656677. Welsh language kids’ show.

Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) Melltith Y Brenin Lludd Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 10am + 1pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510.

Santa’s Stressful Day Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 10am + 12pm, £9/£5 schools. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Tue 8)

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

TUESDAY 8

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 16) Grease Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £5-£8. Info 01239 621200. Musical presented by Dynamix Performing Arts School. On tomorrow also.

Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Until Sat 12)

Melltith Y Brenin Lludd Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 10am + 1pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510.

Santa’s Stressful Day Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 10am + 12pm, £9/£5 schools. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Sean Hughes Chapter

Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400.

Performing his Mumbo Jumbo set for a forthcoming DVD. Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Month-long family show based on the movie, which was based on the twisted fantasy world of a madman at Dreamworks.

(Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatr Soar,

Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £10/£8.

Info 01685 722176. (Until Thurs 10) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 7pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Morning show is sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12)

WEDNESDAY 9

Alice In Wonderland Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £7/£5. Info 01495 355800. Presented by BAPS. (Until Sat 12) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 16) Grease Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £5-£8. Info 01239 621200.

Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555. Also on tomorrow and Sat 12.

Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders Theatr

Hafren, Newtown. 1pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555.

(Until Sat 12) Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) In Your Own Time Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

8pm, £5.50/£3.50. Info 01792 475715. Acting course showcase.

Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757.

Next show is on Sat 12. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Luisa Omielan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £12.50.

Info 0871 4720400. One of 2016’s most popular shows, according to the Glee’s website. Oi mush! Tell us the lottery numbers then! Etc. Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 12)

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) The Nutcracker 2015 Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

7.30pm, £18.50/£17. Info 01633 868239. Vienna Festival Ballet performance.

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Sold out. I’ll level with you, quite a lot of these dates are sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12)

THURSDAY 10

A Child’s Christmas In Wales Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1pm, £4. Info 01792 463980. Performed by Fluellen Theatre Company with Delyth Jenkins on harp. Preceding a related evening performance.

A Christmas Carol

Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £7.50/£3.50 kids. Info 029 2087 7959. Annual one-man show performed by Dewi Savage and modelled on Dickens’ original readings.

Alice In Wonderland Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £7/£5. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 12) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) A Regular Little Houdini

Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 7.30pm, £10/£5.

Info 01633 673739. The return to Newport of Daniel Llewelyn-Williams’ play, set in the city and later to visit Edinburgh and the US. Christmas In Wales Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

7pm, £2-£6. Info 01792 463980.

Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 16) Elis James + Andrew Watts + Chris Purchase Queens Hall, Narberth. 7pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323.

Span Arts comedy night.

Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 1pm, £11/£9. Info

01686 614555.

Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555.

(Until Sat 12) Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Until Sat 12)

Melltith Y Brenin Lludd Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am + 1pm, £8. Info 0300 3656677.

Mike Wilmot + Johnny Awsum + Mike Bubbins + Kevin McCarthy Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £16. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 12) Primary Ballroom Competition Redhouse,

Merthyr Tydfil. 1-4pm, £1 to enter. Info 01685 384111.

Featuring competing pupils from three local primary schools.

Rob Beckett Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £14/£12.

Info 01600 772467. London comedian with a show titled Mouth Of The South.

Hopefully Jimmy Hart, who I would assume to have some kind of trademark on that title, will sue him.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £18-£52.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Growth Spurt Dwarfs Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 6.30pm, £6/£5.

Info 01495 243252. Panto, presented by the Rubber Chicken Players. (Until Sat 12) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

Sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) The Wind In The Willows St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444.

Kids’ theatre, performed by the Unknown Theatre Company. (Until Sat 12) Walnut-Tree House: A Christmas Ghost Story Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 01639 643462. On tomorrow also.

FRIDAY 11

Alice In Wonderland Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £7/£5. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 12) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Anamnesis 25.12 Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2063 1144.

Promenade theatre production inspired by community members’ real-life stories about Christmas. Directed by Bethan Morgan. On tomorrow also; in Cardigan on Thurs 17, Merthyr on Sat 19, Swansea on Mon 21 and Neath on Tue 22.

Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 10am + 1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995. Panto presented by Imagine Theatre. (Until Sun

3 Jan) Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Kids’ show presented by Tiddly Prom. On tomorrow also.

Charlie Smith + Carrie Munn M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free.

Info 029 2047 3373. Two standup comedians with a benefit gig for the Huggard Centre for the homeless.

Children Of The World Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1pm, £6.

Info 0845 2263510. Nativity play given an extra global spin.

Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £10 adv.

Info 01792 863722. Panto, presented by the Ovations Musical Theatre Company.

(Until Sun 20) Holly Walsh + Phil Nicol The Riverfront, Newport.

7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757. Monthly Comedy Shed standup night.

Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am + 7pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555. (Until Sat 12) Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 12) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. Panto. With Louie Spence, Kevin Johns, Zoe George and some people whose names I recognise even less. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Kane Brown + Rhodri Rhys + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £25. Info 08700 111960. On tomorrow also.

Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Until Sat 12)

Mike Wilmot + Johnny Awsum + Mike Bubbins + Kevin McCarthy Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £28. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 12) Minging Detectives Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

8pm, £10. Info 01970 623232.

Goofball, perhaps even screwball, puppet comedy from the Scottish Falsetto Sockpuppet Theatre.

Paul Sinha + Gary Delaney + Bethan Roberts + Phil Cooper + Abi Roberts Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 07512 237983. Comedy Cow night of standup. Sinha and Abi Roberts are in Pontyclun tomorrow.

Rock Into Christmas Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. Christmas show involving CentreStage Cymru and Sharon Fitzgerald Musical Theatre students.

Saturday Night Forever

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£12.

Info 029 2030 4400.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £8.50/£6.50.

Info 029 2048 3344.

Snow White & The Growth Spurt Dwarfs Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 6.30pm, £6/£5.

Info 01495 243252. (Until Sat 12) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7pm, £7. Info 01495 227206. Nearly three weeks of panto madness,

starring Owen Money. Cheap opening night price. (Until Wed 30) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Morning show is sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 12) The Wind In The Willows St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444.

(Until Sat 12) Walnut-Tree House: A Christmas Ghost Story Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 01639 643462.

SATURDAY 12

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889. See Upfront for an interview with Gareth Thomas, who plays the genie in this year’s panto.

How much it’ll be about said production I couldn’t yet tell you. I hope it’s not just a repeat of the interview we did for our Christmas issue last year. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Alice In Wonderland Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale.

1 + 5pm, £7/£5. Info 01495 355800. (Finishes today) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Anamnesis 25.12 Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2063 1144.

Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £10. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50.

Info 029 2087 8444.

Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 16) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722. (Until Sun 20) Clwb Comedy Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £5/£4 adv.

Info 01443 491424. With acts TBC. Also on Sat 9 Jan. Dances From The Nutcracker Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 2.30 + 6.30pm, £7.50/£5. Info 01600 719401.

Featuring young dancers from the Wye Valley Dance School.

Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 2pm, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555.

Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10.30am, £11/£9. Info 01686 614555.

(Finishes today) Into The Woods Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. Next show is on Wed 16. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Kane Brown + Rhodri Rhys + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £30. Info 08700 111960.

BUZZ 77

stage Macbeth Chapter Arts

Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Finishes today) Mike Wilmot + Johnny Awsum + Mike Bubbins + Kevin McCarthy Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £28.

Info 0871 4720400. (Finishes today) Paul Sinha + Abi Roberts + Steffan Evans + Tamar Broadbent The Function Room, Pontyclun. 7.15pm, £15 adv. Info 07790 864217.

The next Comedy Cow night here is on Fri 8 Jan. Saturday Night Forever

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£12.

Info 029 2030 4400.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 8pm, £12. Info 01792 863722. “PLEASE NOTE: This production is not in any way similar to the Jim Davidson version of Sinderella.” Haha.

Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Panto, presented

by Jermin Prouctions. (Until Sun 20) Snow White & The Growth Spurt Dwarfs Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 12.30 + 6.30pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252.

(Finishes today) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Taming Of The Shrew Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Finishes today) The Wind In The Willows St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3 + 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today)

SUNDAY 13

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £10.

Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Wed 16) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722. (Until Sun 20) Doing Gwd For Calais Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free (donations welcome).

Info 029 2039 7933. Variety

performances including drag and comedy from Mother Gay, poetry from Patrick Jones and musical entertainment from Ukulele Nights and Amo Rex. Donations will be used to send a convoy of volunteers and supplies to the ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun BUZZ 78

10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Snow Queen Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 0300 3656677.

MONDAY 14

Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Open

mic standup night hosted

by James Dunn. Also on Mon 11 Jan.

Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 9.30am + 12.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 20) Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am + 1pm, £9.

Info 0300 3656677.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Les Miserables Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, Barry. £12/£7. Info 01446 450280. Presented by pupils of said ysgol. (Until Thurs 17) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 1 + 5pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

Sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

TUESDAY 15

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1.30pm, £7.50. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Believe In The Magic Of Christmas Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £7. Info 0845 2263510. Featuring dancers

from the Rachael Smith School Of Dance. On tomorrow also.

Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 16) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 9.30am + 12.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 20) Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 10am, free.

Info 01686 614555.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Les Miserables Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, Barry. £12/£7. Info 01446 450280. (Until Thurs 17) Piste Off Comedy Club Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8221. On the third Tuesday of every month.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £14/£12. Info

0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 4.30pm, £6. Info 01495 227206. Golden Oldies price today. (Until Wed 30) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) Victoria George-Veale School Of Dance Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

WEDNESDAY 16

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1.30pm, £7.50. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Believe In The Magic Of Christmas Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £7. Info 0845 2263510.

Christmas Songbook

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Dirty Protest

present new work from Welsh playwrights and directors.

(Until Sat 19) Cinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Wed 16) Cinderella Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12/£10.

Info 01633 263670. Family production. (Until Sun 20) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 9.30am + 12.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722.

(Until Sun 20) Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10am + 1pm, £10/£9. Info 01874 611622.

DanceFit Showcase The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 029 2048 3344. Showcasing various dance and music styles performed by pupils from primary and secondary schools across Cardiff. On tomorrow also.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

1pm, £12/£8 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. Presented by Spontanious Productions (their spelling). Also on from Mon 28-Thurs 31.

Jack And The Beanstalk The Muni, Pontypridd.

7.15pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01443 490390. The Muni has reopened as a venue, and a community-run one to boot.

How good is that! Kind of softly-softly in terms of events at the moment, but it’s nearly Christmas so here’s a panto.

(Until Sat 19) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757.

Next show is on Sat 19. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Les Miserables Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, Barry. £12/£7. Info 01446 450280. (Until Thurs 17) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun

10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 9.45am + 12.30pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) *The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 7pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

Gruff Rhys, Tim Price and director Wils Wilson team up for a family-friendly theatre show in the cricket ground, based on Gruff’s Candylion LP. See Upfront. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Morning show is sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) Twas The Night Before Christmas Gwyn Hall, Neath.

7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Stage 8 Theatre School.

THURSDAY 17

Aladdin Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

Panto presented by Billboard Ensemble. Probably doesn’t have any high-profile retired rugby players. (Until Sun 20) Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889. Next

show is on Sat 19. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Anamnesis 25.12 Small World Theatre, Cardigan.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01239 615952.

Andrew Bird + Mark Olver + Andy Askins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £19. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 19) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1.30pm, £7.50. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sun 3 Jan) Bec Hill + Ignacio Lopez + Daniel Glyn The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 07730 432166.

A Comedy Sheep standup special.

Christmas Songbook

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 19) Cinderella Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12/£10.

Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 20) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722. (Until Sun 20) Dacw Mam Y Dwad The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.

10am + 1pm, £7. Info 01639 843163.

DanceFit Showcase The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 029 2048 3344.

Jack And The Beanstalk

Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk The Muni, Pontypridd.

7.15pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01443 490390. (Until Sat 19) Josh Widdecombe Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £16.50. Info 01874 611622.

Les Miserables Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, Barry. £12/£7. Info 01446 450280. (Finishes today) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £18-£52.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 12.30 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 9.45am + 7pm, £12-£16. Info 01495 227206.

(Until Wed 30) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.20am + 2pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Morning show is sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 7pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2Jan)

FRIDAY 18

A Christmas Carol Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £20. Info 029

THE WALES THEATRE AWARDS Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Sat 30 Jan Info: www.walestheatreawards.com Highlighting the best in Welsh theatre, opera, and dance, the Wales Theatre Awards is celebrating its second year as a crowd-funded event with another sparkling ceremony at Sherman Cymru at the end of January.

The awards recognise actors, dancers, producers, writers, singers, technicians and designers, and include specific categories for Welsh and English language productions. Nominees are selected from across Wales by the critics who’ve reviewed them throughout the year. Attached to the WTA is the Wales Critics Fund, an organisation that lends financial support to students and freelance reviewers, enabling them to review productions across the country. The shortlist will be announced at Aberystwyth Arts Centre in the New Year.

stage 2063 6464. Dickens goes opera, courtesy of WNO. Also on Sun 20.

Aladdin Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Until Sun 20) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 19) Andrew Bird + Mark Olver + Andy Askins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £25. Info 0871 4720400. (Until Sat 19) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 10am + 2pm, £7.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Christmas Songbook

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 19) Cinderella Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12/£10.

Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 20) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722. (Until Sun 20) Dacw Mam Yn Dwad Neuadd Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire. 10am + 1pm, £10/£8. Info 01269 871600.

Dan Atkinson + Ahir Shah + Frank Honeybone Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 815995.

Comedy Network night.

Drones Comedy Club

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400.

Jack And The Beanstalk The Muni, Pontypridd.

7.15pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01443 490390. (Until Sat 19) Rhodri Rhys + Slim + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £25. Info 08700 111960. On tomorrow also.

Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239.

Panto. (Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 9.45am + 6pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 9pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

Sold out. (Until Thurs 31) The Night Before Christmas Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. Presented by the Arts Centre Youth & Community Theatre. On tomorrow, Tue 22 and Wed 23.

The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £21/£19. Info 01686 614555.

SATURDAY 19

Aladdin Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Until Sun 20) Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Alix In Wundergarten The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv.

Info 029 2128 0189. (Finishes today) Anamnesis 25.12 Redhouse,

Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111.

Andrew Bird + Mark Olver + Andy Askins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £28.

Info 0871 4720400. Sold out.

(Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 2pm, £13/£7. Info 01600 719401.

Panto presented by Fame Factory.

Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Bluestocking Lounge: Bra Humbug Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £12.50.

Info 01792 475715. Burlesque show featuring Joe Black, The Vivid Angel, Terms Of Unnervement and more.

Christmas Songbook

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes

today) Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. (Until Thurs 24) Cinderella Dolman Theatre, Newport. 5pm, £12/£10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 20) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1 + 5pm, £10 adv.

Info 01792 863722. (Until Sun 20) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. Cardigan Theatre are handling this one. (Until Mon 28) Father Christmas Needs A Wee! Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 2pm, £8. Info 01686 614555.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk The Muni, Pontypridd.

7.15pm, £9/£7.50. Info 01443 490390. (Finishes today) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

12 + 4pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. Panto presented by the Torch Theatre Company. (Until Thurs 31) Let It Snow! Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 2pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800. Frozen singalong Rhodri Rhys + Slim + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £30. Info 08700 111960.

Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 4pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239.

(Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 20) Sleeping Beauty The Met, Abertillery. 2.30 + 6pm, £5.

Info 01495 355800. Presented by the Once Upon A Time Theatre Company.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £8.50-£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And

The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

Captioned. (Until Thurs 31) The Night Before Christmas Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232.

The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Selfish Giant Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £8. Info 01874 611622.

Participation musical preceded by a rehearsal workshop.

The Snow Maiden St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£36. Info 029 2087 8444. Ballet, performed

by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra Of Siberia. (Until Mon 21) The West End At Christmas The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.

2.30 + 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 01639 843163. Songs from the musicals.

SUNDAY 20

A Christmas Carol Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 4pm, £20. Info 029 2063 6464.

Aladdin Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01446 738622.

(Finishes today) Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. Next show is on Wed 23. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. (Until Thurs 24) Cinderella Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2pm, £12/£10. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Cinderella Pontardawe Arts Centre. 1pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 863722. (Finishes today) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £17/£14.

Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Nick Page + Dan Mitchell + Simon Emanuel + Drew Taylor + Rob Hughes + Tony Davidson + Liam Schewitz The Radyr Court, Danescourt, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2056 7961.

Stuffed bill of standup.

Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2 + 5.30pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sun 27) Selection Box: A Burlesque Christmas Party Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £12 adv.

Info 0871 4720400. Cardiff Cabaret Club present burlesque and comedy hosted

by Dis Charge and starring Velma Von Bon Bon, Betty Blue-Eyes, Foo Foo Labelle, Natalia Kalashnikov, Ceri Didi Curv’e & Honey Asaurus Holiday, Barry Island, Dixie Allure & Vixie Rouge and Arabella Sparkles. Go to www.

cardiffcabaretclub.com for tickets.

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Sleeping Beauty Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 1 + 5pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Snow Maiden St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£36. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Mon 21)

MONDAY 21

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Anamnesis 25.12 Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

7.15pm, £11/£9. Info 01792 475715.

Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. (Until Thurs 24) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Gustav Holst’s The Planets Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Famous 20thcentury classical work forms the basis for a psychedelic theatrical voyage through the solar system, presented by Hummadruz.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2 + 6pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Miracle On 34th Street Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 0845 2263510. Musical version of

the film, presented by The Performance Factory. (Until Thurs 24)

Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2 + 5.30pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sun 27) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 7pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. The morning show is a relaxed performance. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Snow Maiden St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 5.30pm, £8-£36. Info 029 2087 8444.

(Finishes today)

TUESDAY 22

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Anamnesis 25.12 Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £5-£10. Info 0300 3656677.

Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £15/£12.

Info 0800 0147111. (Until

Thurs 24) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £17/£14.

Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Miracle On 34th Street Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1 + 7pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Thurs 24) Phil Cooper Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 491424. An Armageddon Comedy night.

Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2 + 5.30pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Thurs 31) The Night Before Christmas Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232.

The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50£36. Info 029 2087 8444.

Ballet, again performed by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra Of Siberia. (Until Mon 28) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 23

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 10.30am + 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Until Thurs 24) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2 + 6pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Miracle On 34th Street Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1 + 7pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Thurs 24) Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2 + 5.30pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until

Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 7pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Night Before Christmas Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232.

The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50-£34.

Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Mon 28) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am, 1.30pm + 4pm, £8/£6.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

THURSDAY 24

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 11am + 3pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 10.30am + 2pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111.

(Finishes today) Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea.

1pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £17/£14.

Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Miracle On 34th Street Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 11am + 3pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 11am + 2pm, £12-£16. Info 01495 227206.

(Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 4pm, £7.50£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Thurs 31) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50-£34.

Info 029 2087 8444. Next show is on Sun 27. (Until mon 28) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. Next show is on Tue 29. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

SATURDAY 26

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2pm, £14£16.50. Info 01656 815995.

BUZZ 79

stage (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239.

(Until Sun 27) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2pm, £12-£16.

Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 5pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan)

SUNDAY 27

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Christmas Party Night Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £17. Info 0871 4720400. With comics TBC. Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2 + 7.30pm, £7.

Info 01239 621200. (Until Mon 28) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2 + 6pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Robinson Crusoe Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £15/£11. Info 01633 868239.

(Finishes today) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Nutcracker Gwyn Hall, Neath. 2pm, £15. Info 0300 3656677. A Royal Opera House ballet production.

The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£36. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Mon 28)

MONDAY 28

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £14-£16.50. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 1 + 3.30pm, £8/£6. Info 0845 2263510.

Presented by The Panto Company.

Cinderella Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £7. Info 01239 621200. (Finishes today) Dress Up For Christmas Queens Hall, Narberth. 2pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info 01834 869323. Pay what yopu can performance by Circo Rum Baba.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + BUZZ 80

7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s.

Info 01600 772467. (Until Thurs 31) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £17/£14.

Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Nutcracker St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50-£36. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today)

TUESDAY 29

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 5pm, £13£15. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Cinderella The Met, Abertillery. 2 + 7pm, £9/£7.

Info 01495 355800. Presented by the Blue Bear Arts Pantomime Society. On tomorrow also.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s.

Info 01600 772467. (Until Thurs 31) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2 + 6pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12£16. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 30) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50£36. Info 029 2087 8444.

It’s another ballet, and it’s from Siberia again. I typed ‘Soberia’ there, think I’ll be using that in future bouts of lad banter. (Until Sun 3 Jan) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £8.50-£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070. (Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

WEDNESDAY 30

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £13-£15. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sun 3 Jan)

Cinderella The Met, Abertillery. 2 + 7pm, £9/£7.

Info 01495 355800.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s.

Info 01600 772467. (Until Thurs 31) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 4pm, £17/£14.

Info 01646 695267. (Until Thurs 31) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2 + 5.30pm, £12-£16. Info 01495 227206.

(Finishes today) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £7.50-£36.

Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sun 3 Jan) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2 + pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Afternoon show is a relaxed performance. (Until Thurs 31) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am, 1.30pm + 4pm, £8/£6.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

THURSDAY 31

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. Next show is on Sat 2 Jan. (Until Sun 17 Jan) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2pm, £13£15. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea.

2pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

2 + 6pm, £12/£8 under-16s.

Info 01600 772467. (Finishes today) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3 Jan) Jack And The Beanstalk Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

2pm, £17/£14. Info 01646 695267. (Finishes today) Mark Olver + Mike Bubbins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £30. Info 0871 4720400. With one more standup TBC. Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10 Jan) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50-£34. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sun 3 Jan) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2 Jan) The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 4pm, £7.50£25. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Finishes today) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info

029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 2 Jan)

FRIDAY 1 JANUARY

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 9pm, £8.50£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070.

(Until Sat 2)

SATURDAY 2 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £13-£15. Info 01656 815995.

(Until Sun 3) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea.

2pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Until Sun 3) Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 5pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. Panto. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2 + 5.30pm, £7.50£36. Info 029 2087 8444.

(Until Sun 3) The Inflatable, Insatiable Candylion SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £8.50-£17.50. Info 029 2035 3070. (Finishes today) The Princess & The Pea Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

11am + 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2064 6900. (Finishes today)

SUNDAY 3 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

Next show is on Tue 5. (Until Sun 17) Beauty & The Beast Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1 + 5pm, £13-£15. Info 01656 815995.

(Finishes today) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea.

2pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Jack & The Beanstalk The Riverfront, Newport. 1.30 + 5pm, £6-£18. Info 01633 656757. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 5pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10) Swan Lake St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2pm, £7.50-£36. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 4 JANUARY

Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10)

TUESDAY 5 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

10am + 1pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10)

Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10)

WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

12.30 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10)

THURSDAY 7 JANUARY

Clwb Comedy Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £5/£4 adv.

Info 01443 491424.

Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Paul Thorne + Bryan Lacey Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 5pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7pm, £20-£56.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10) Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatr Soar,

Merthyr Tydfil. 2pm, £10/£8.

Info 01685 722176. (Until

From Wed 16-Sat 19 Dec, a panto production of Jack And The Beanstalk in Pontypridd.

Why is this especially noteworthy, you cry? Because it's at the town's famous Muni Arts Centre, which closed due to cuts last year and has reopened as a community-run venue. Hurrah!

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1.30 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10)

FRIDAY 8 JANUARY

Adam Kay The Function Room, Pontyclun. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 07790 864217.

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. Panto courtesy of the Wardens Dramatic Company. (Until Thurs 21) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sun 10) Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Until Sun 10) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 10) Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatr Soar,

Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £10/£8.

Info 01685 722176. (Until Sun 10)

SATURDAY 9 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

2.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21)

Sun 10)

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889. Next show is on Tue 12. (Until Sun 17) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1 + 4.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. Next show is on Wed 13. (Until Thurs 21) Jack And The Beanstalk Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1 + 5pm, £11.50-£25. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan Gwyn Hall, Neath.

1 + 5pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. (Finishes today) Shrek The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £20-£56.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatr

Soar, Merthyr Tydfil. 2pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 722176.

(Finishes today)

MONDAY 11 JANUARY

Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

TUESDAY 12 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 6pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889. The evening show is apparently a “relaxed performance”. Keep seeing this term this year, I assume it means that the cast perform in their underwear and scratch themselves.

(Until Sun 17) As You Like It Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. Presented by Newport Playgoers Society. (Until Sun 16)

stage Eddie Izzard The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £25.50. Info 01633 656757. Sold out.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £15.50-£50.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. This went down a treat here before, and now it’s back again, with Jason Donovan in the starring role once more. (Until Sat 16) *Stewart Lee Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 01792 475715.

Doing material that may or may not be on the next series of Comedy Vehicle.

WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) As You Like It Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 16) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21) Comedy Den Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Hosted by Charlie Smith.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £15.50-£50.50.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) The Rat Pack & Judy Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50/£20.50. Info 01792 475715. As in Judy Garland, who was an unlikely member of the Rat Pack at one point, apparently.

THURSDAY 14 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) As You Like It Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 16) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21) Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £15.50£50.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 16) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Panto, presented by the Friendship Theatre Group. (Until Sun 31) Some Guys Have All The Luck Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19. Info 01792 475715. A theatrical production celebrating the life of Rod Stewart.

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) As You Like It Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 16) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21) Dan Thomas + Alex Boardman Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Motorpoint Arena,

Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20-£45.

Info 029 2022 4488. Musical and David Hasselhoff vehicle.

See Upfront, quite possibly.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5 + 8.15pm, £15.50£55.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Until Sat 16) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31)

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £10.50£31. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 17) As You Like It Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

11am, 2.30pm + 7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21) Jethro Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£18.

Info 01792 475715.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £20.50£55.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

(Finishes today) Reduced Shakespeare Company Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17/£15. Info 029 2039 1391. All 37 plays in 97 minutes, they promise.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

2 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) The Snow Queen Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £16.50/£15.50. Info 01656 815995.

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY

Aladdin New Theatre, Cardiff. 1 + 5pm, £10.50-£31.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1 + 4.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. Next show is on Wed 20. (Until Thurs 21) Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY

Circus Of Horrors St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £18-£25. Info 029 2087 8444.

Remarkable quote in the publicity for this from Graham Norton: “You have to go and see this, one day something will go wrong and you will be able to say ‘I was there’.” Is he talking about... a death?

Let’s Dance Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01495 227206.

Dance from groups raising money for brain tumour research.

Piste Off Comedy Club Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8221.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. A double bill of short plays by Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Sean Lock Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £15. Info 01239 621200.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31)

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY

Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Until Thurs 21) Jack & The Beanstalk Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

Info 07512 237983.

Pantomime performed by Caerphilly Players Amateur Dramatics Society. (Until Sat 23) Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) The Phantom Of The Opera Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. Presented by Young Venture Players. (Until Sun 23)

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY

Beauty & The Beast Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10.50-£15. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) Jack & The Beanstalk Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

Info 07512 237983. (Until Sat 23) Medusa’s Trap The Abacus,

Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info www. theabacusroom.wordpress. com. Weeping Tudor Productions present the sole play by early 20th century composer Erik Satie – an absurdist comedy with dancing and a prepared piano. Sounds neat.

Mike Doyle Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £17/£15.

Info 01239 621200.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) The Phantom Of The Opera Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 23)

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY

Clwb Kaboom! A Right Winter Warmer Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510. Burlesque turns

from Betty Blue Eyes, Screaming Keating, Lilly Laudanum, DeeDee DeLa Rouge and Dawn.

Jack & The Beanstalk Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

Info 07512 237983. (Until Sat 23) Jonny Awsum + Clint Edwards + Andrew O’Neill Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Mrs Slocombe’s Cat Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.45pm, £10/£8. Info 01646 695267. One-man show in which Dave Ainsworth takes you through the history of the double entendre – which goes back far beyond Are You Being Served? or even Greek theatre, all the way to the Big Bang.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) The Phantom Of The Opera Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12. Info 01633

263670. (Until Sun 23)

SATURDAY 23 JANUARY

Jack & The Beanstalk Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

Info 07512 237983. (Finishes today) Jonny Awsum + Clint Edwards + Andrew O’Neill Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 6pm, £9. Info 01874 611622. Panto presented by Westenders. (Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

2 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) The Phantom Of The Opera Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today)

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY

Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 6pm, £9. Info 01874 611622.

(Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

1pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31)

MONDAY 25 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12-£25. Info 029 2087 8889. Rude NYC-set musical, previously in the Wales Millennium Centre, returns. (Until Sat 30) Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb)

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £45.

Info 029 2063 6464. Held in the Preseli Room, the price includes a canape reception and three-course meal. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £9. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31)

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Boxfull Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Regular variety show for new actors, writers, directors etc.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £45. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Joe Lycett + Michael J. Dolan + Matthew Crosby Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £11. Info 01792 475715.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr

Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £9. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31)

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Brenton Vs Brenton Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £1-£2.

Info 01639 643462. Comedy one-act play directed by Michael Dickerson.

Dick Whittington The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7pm.

Info 01639 843163. Panto by the Glantawe Theatre Company. (Until Sun 31) Dracula Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8.50.

Info 01873 850805. Presented by the Abergavenny Theatre Group. (Until Sat 30) Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £45. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Matt Forde Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £10. Info 0871 4720400. Performing his Get The Political Party Started set.

Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £9. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) Stephen K Amos Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

8pm, £17.50. Info 01792 475715. Standup. On tomorrow also.

The Odyssey Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 7pm, £12/£10.

Info 01600 719401. Homerian adventure presented by Splendid Productions.

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £16-£34. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Dick Whittington The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7pm.

Info 01639 843163. (Until Sun 31) Dracula Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8.50.

Info 01873 850805. (Until Sat 30) Esther Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12.

Info 0845 2263510. New drama based on an Old Testament story. On tomorrow also.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £55. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Jarlath Regan + Jarred Christmas + Dave Twentyman Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Peter Pan St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. Presented by Stage Door One Youth Theatre.

(Until Sun 31) Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £9. Info 01874 611622. (Until Sat 30) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845

2263510. (Until Sun 31) Stephen K Amos Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea.

8pm, £17.50. Info 01792 475715.

SATURDAY 30 JANUARY

Avenue Q New Theatre, Cardiff. 4 + 8pm, £14-£34.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Clare King School Of Dance Show Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. Info 07512 237983.

Dick Whittington The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 1.30 + 7pm. Info 01639 843163.

(Until Sun 31) Dracula Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8.50.

Info 01873 850805. (Finishes today) Ed Byrne St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £19.. Info 029 2087 8444. See Upfront. In Port Talbot tomorrow.

Esther Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12.

Info 0845 2263510.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12 + 7pm, £55. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Jarlath Regan + Jarred Christmas + Dave Twentyman Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Jojo Sutherland + Jim Smallman + Dane Baptiste Jongleurs, Cardiff.

7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960.

Peter Pan St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. (Until Sun 31) Play | Silence The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 6 Feb) Red Riding Hood Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 7pm, £9. Info 01874 611622.

(Finishes today) Saturday Night Live! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £16-£24.50. Info 01792 475715. Variety show.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

2 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 31) Two Jacks Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £6/£4.50. Info 01792 475715.

Fluellen present Ken Blakemore’s play about, uh, Swansea City’s average away support, or something. Yes, that’ll do.

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY

Dick Whittington The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.

1.30pm. Info 01639 843163.

(Finishes today) Ed Byrne Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £19 adv. Info 01639 763214.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12 + 7pm, £55. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Wed 3 Feb) Jim Davidson Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01600 772467.

“He speaks with a rare honesty,” according to the Daily Express.

Live Cabaret Market Street

Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. (Finishes today) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

1pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today)

BUZZ 81

competitions TWO SUNDAES AND HOT CHOCOLATES FROM SCIENCE CREAM

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, and now it’s educational! Kind of. Cardiff’s Science Cream offer an incredible range of interesting flavours, and make it fresh to order, freezing it with liquid nitrogen before your eyes. For your chance to win two ice cream sundaes and hot chocolates with melted homemade marshmallow, all you have to do is answer the following question: Q. What’s ice cream in Welsh?

TWO TICKETS TO ED BYRNE

Legendary Irish comic Ed Byrne is coming to Cardiff.

Known for his guest appearances on {Mock The Week} and grumpy guts comedy style, Ed Byrne is bringing his critically acclaimed show {Outside, Looking In} to Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on Sat 30 Jan. To win two tickets to see him, all you have to do is answer the following question: Q. At which comedian’s wedding was Ed Byrne best man?

COPY OF ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG’S A YEAR OF SONGS CD

Comedian, actor, voice of Danger Mouse, host of {Pointless}, and singer Alexander Armstrong has released his debut solo vocal CD, which has topped the classical charts. A classically-trained baritone, Armstrong has a remarkable voice and is a pleasure to listen to. For your chance to win a copy of his record, answer the following question: Q. Who is Alexander Armstrong's co-presenter on quiz show {Pointless}?

FAMILY OF FOUR TICKET TO ALADDIN

We’re offering four tickets to see {Aladdin}, billed as Wales’ biggest panto. Oh no we’re not! Oh yes we are!

Ahem. We definitely are. Featuring rugby legend Gareth Thomas, Linda Lusardi, Sam Kane and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, this is a show sure to get you in the festive spirit. For your chance to go on Tue 15 Dec at 7pm, answer the following question: Q. Ian ‘H’ Watkins will be playing Aladdin in the New Theatre pantomime this year, but which record-breaking pop group did he first make his name with? A) Boyzone B) Steps C) S Club 7

TWO TICKETS TO AVENUE Q

The winner of the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, {Avenue Q} is making its way to Cardiff. A coming-of-age story set in a world of puppets, this brilliantly funny musical is a show like no other. To win your chance to see it on Tue 26 Jan at the New Theatre, answer the following question: Q: {Avenue Q} was co-created by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. What is the name of the other blockbuster musical Robert Lopez co-created?

A) {The Book Of Hormones} B) {The Book Of Doormen} C) {The Book Of Mormon}

TWO TICKETS TO HARLEQUIN – NEW YEARS EVE – TIME MACHINE And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinking, racing around to come up behind you again. Oh well, the years may be passing but that’s just an excuse for a good party, and there are few better than Harlequin’s New Year’s Eve party at Tramshed in Cardiff. With a line-up of superb DJs, street theatre, a circus, food and a fancy dress theme (choose your favourite decade), this is sure to be one of the best nights out of the year.

For your chance to go, answer the following question: Q. What year did Marty McFly go back to in {Back To The Future 2}?

TWO TICKETS TO SHREK THE MUSICAL

Join Shrek and Donkey on the quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon in this criticallyacclaimed musical based on the award-winning DreamWorks animated series. Remarkably funny and filled with great songs, be sure not to miss out on one of the top Christmas shows. For your chance to win two tickets for the show on Fri 8 Jan at 7pm, answer the following question: Q. What is the name of the kingdom ruled by diminutive despot Lord Farquaad?

PMT

Cardiff’s branch of Professional Music Technology recently opened, and despite its unfortunate acronym they have a reputation for excellence. Located in the Wyndham Arcade and advertised as “so much more than the usual dusty old music shop”, PMT offers a wide range of instruments, recording and DJing equipment. To celebrate their opening, they’re offering a pair of top quality Marshall headphones, all you have to do to win is answer the following question: Q. When was Marshall founded?

Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Sun 1 Feb unless otherwise stated. T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE. BUZZ 82

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