The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival

is bigger and better for its 40th year!

Wales’ largest outdoor theatrical event returns to Sophia Gardens for its Ruby Jubilee this summer – and Cardiff Times readers have the chance to win a glorious evening out at the Festival!

Spanning six weeks from 22 June to 29 July, this year’s programme offers something for everyone, including comedy, musicals, Shakespeare, choirs, family shows and movie nights. And with ticket sales already breaking Festival records, now is a great time to start planning your visit.

The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival has a proud reputation for barnstorming performances and an unbeatable atmosphere, and has established its place in the hearts of Cardiff theatre-goers, attracting over 14,000 visitors to the Festival site every summer. The pop-up theatre features a 400-seat stand with all seats numbered and undercover, so audiences can enjoy outstanding outdoor entertainment while staying dry, whatever the weather! The Festival courtyard also boasts a fully licensed bar, which opens an hour prior to each performance: the perfect start to an unforgettable summer night.

This year’s Festival opens with cult hit musical The Addams Family. Directed by Gregory Ashton, it promises to be a dazzling spectacle full of ghoulish giggles and freaky fun. Acclaimed festival regular Simon H West returns to direct Calendar Girls, a warm-hearted adaptation of the beloved British comedy film about courage and friendship. Meanwhile, families will love the Matilda Jr. musical, igniting the stage with Go Theatre’s trademark high-energy style.

One of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies closes the festival in late July: A Midsummer Night’s

Dream is brought vividly to life by the imagination of director Paul Clements, guaranteeing a fresh and unforgettable experience. And with music, stand-up comedy, movie nights and much more besides, the full programme is packed with shows to suit all tastes, so it’s no surprise that tickets are selling at an unprecedented speed. Discover the full list of what’s on offer at www. cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk

This year, festival organisers Everyman Theatre Cardiff have partnered with the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Sophia Gardens to offer Cardiff Times readers the chance to win an evening to remember, with a meal for two and a pair of tickets to any Festival performance of your choice! There are three chances to win between now and the start of the Festival, starting with this issue.

Simply answer this question by 30 April for your chance to win:

What is the name of Gomez’s daughter in The Addams Family?

Send your answer to festivalcompetitions@everymantheatre.co.uk. The lucky winner will be contacted by email within 7 days of the closing date. Full T&Cs at www.cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk.

With more than 35 different traders under one roof it is easy to while away an entire afternoon at this welcoming destination - you can even enjoy a coffee at the onsite coffee shop.

Here at The Pumping Station you will find so many wonderful examples of clothing, jewellery, antiques, furniture and home furnishings from the Victorian era right through to modern day, there really is something here for everyone.