Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival

The biggest outdoor theatre event in Wales opens THIS MONTH! and Cardiff

Times readers have a final chance to bag free tickets: read on to find out how…

Now in its fortieth year, the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival holds a special place in memory for many: “I first saw a production at the Festival when I was a student at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama back in the nineties,” says actor and director Greg Ashton. Three decades later, he’s taking the reins at the same Festival he loved as a student, directing both the cult classic musical The Addams Family and the fun “Super Sheep” family shows. “It’s a huge honour to direct for the Festival now,” he adds. “To be asked back for their 40th anniversary in particular is mindblowing!”

“It’s a privilege to be back at the Festival for another year, with a fabulous show and a wonderful cast,” agrees Simon West, returning this year to direct Calendar Girls after wowing crowds with the hit comedy Blackadder Goes Forth in 2022.

Also returning are the famously high-octane young performers of Go Productions: “We’re delighted to be back at Sophia Gardens for our ninth fabulous Festival family show,” enthuses Go’s Emma-Jayne Parker. “We can’t wait for everyone across Cardiff to join the revolt with Matilda Jr!”

Finally, A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings the Festival to its triumphant conclusion in late July. “Shakespeare’s masterpiece strikes bells as current today as when the play was written,” notes director Paul Clements. “If you’ve ever been in love, fulfilled, disappointed, enchanted - this is an evening for you.”

For you, indeed, and for everyone: with comedy, musicals, drama, music and more, the Festival offers something for all, whether you are a long-time theatre enthusiast or simply looking for a vibrant evening out: explore the full programme at www.cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk.

And YOU could go for free! Festival organisers Everyman Theatre have partnered with the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Sophia Gardens to offer readers the chance to win an unforgettable evening, with a meal for two and a pair of tickets to any Festival performance!

Simply answer this question by 20th June for your chance to win:

What sort of mythical creature is Queen Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

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.

CARDIFF: 02920508770

MOBILE/TEXT: 07939479561

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Chief Inspector at Welsh Area British Boxing Board of Control

by Ralph Oates

Did you ever box be it amateur or professional?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Yes! as mentioned boxed as an amateur not good enough to go professional.

Ralph Oates

Which stance did you box, southpaw or orthodox?

Kevin Fulthorpe

I had two different stances orthodox and horizontal.

Ralph Oates

Have any members of your family ever boxed?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Centre Kevin left Lee Selby and right Andrew Selby

In this month’s boxing column I have interviewed Kevin Fulthorpe who is the Chief Inspector at the Welsh Area British Boxing Board of Control. I am sure readers will find his views on the sport interesting.

Ralph Oates

In which part of Wales were you born?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Ely Cardiff.

Ralph Oates

Where did you go to school?

Kevin Fulthorpe

I Went to St Francis infant and junior school then Mostyn High School.

Ralph Oates

What first drew you to boxing?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Growing up in Ely my dad felt that both me and my brother Brian should look after ourselves and took us to Victoria Park ABC with Ernie Davies an amazing coach. It’s where I first met Pat Thomas and his brother Carl. Three times a week Dad would take us from Ely to the club in Canton. A small attic above a garage next to the pub the Duke of Clar-ence, the shower which was a cold water tap over an old colander. Later my brother worked with Dennis Avoth who persuaded him to come along to the Highfields ABC. I used to train at the gym for fitness in Jackrow Square then later in Petherbridge Rd with my brother. Then Dennis asked if I wanted to box, I thought, why not! I Trained there for a few years, had a few contests with a not too impressive record. Had a break and went back and trained with Raymond (Rocky) Thorogood as my coach. A real character and a great coach really looked after his boxers and a lifelong friend.

Ralph Oates

My brother Brian boxed and was much better than me and represented Wales at light heavy. He boxed some great boxers of the time, Leroy Harriot and one of the Pearse brothers. His son Brian Jnr boxed as a lad and my nephew Joe won the Welsh Novice Championship.

Ralph Oates

When did you become the Chief Inspector of the Welsh Area British Boxing Board of Control?

Kevin Fulthorpe

I started as an Inspector late 80s then became Chief Inspector. Time has gone so quickly; I think about 2005.

Ralph Oates

Which is your favourite weight division?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Don’t have one, a boxer whatever weight will bring something to the game. A boxer which ever weight deserves the re-spect for getting in there.

Ralph Oates

Who is your favourite old-time boxer?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Gene Tunney who reigned as world heavyweight champion.

Ralph Oates

Who is your favourite modern boxer?

Kevin Fulthorpe

In my job as Chief Inspector, and the training courses I run, I have met so many and every time I meet them they are my favourite. Recently met Josh Warrington who is a very nice lad but overall, I think Lee Selby would be up there. Old time boxers Jim Driscoll and Jack Petersen.

Ralph Oates

Who do you feel is the best boxer to have emerged from Wales?

Kevin Fulthorpe

We have so many, and all in their own right hold a place to be the best. Jim Driscoll, Jimmy Wilde, Freddie Welsh, How-ard Winstone, Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli, Lee Selby, Barry Jones, Joe Cordina. Steve Robinson, but going to have to go with Jim Driscoll.

Ralph Oates

Who do you think has the potential to become the next world title holder from Wales?

Kevin Fulthorpe

In the past championship fights were held over 15 rounds but reduced to 12. Do you feel there is any disadvantage in 12 rounds?

Ralph Oates

In the past championship fights were held over 15 rounds but reduced to 12. Do you feel there is any disadvantage in 12 rounds?

Kevin Fulthorpe

No most defiantly not it’s an extra three round where a boxer has the potential to get hurt. As the contest goes on the further, they dehydrate, increasing the potential for harm.

Ralph Oates

Do you feel that boxing would be better if it had just one world boxing authority rather than four-WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO.

Kevin Fulthorpe

Well! Probably better if we had one body but with four authorities’ people have the potential to become a champion in each and then unify. Unification creates more excitement. Can’t see it ever changing they all have a vested interest in their own authorities.

Ralph Oates

Do you feel that the rounds in women’s boxing should be increased to three minutes or is it prudent to keep it at two-minute rounds.

Kevin Fulthorpe

Keep it at two-minute rounds.

Ralph Oates

Which is the most exciting contest that you have witnessed to date?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Gary Buckland v Gavin Rees which took place on the 17

May 2014.

Ralph Oates

When some fan’s talk about various boxing contest’s they often refer to them as fights. How do you feel about that description?

Kevin Fulthorpe

When I started as an inspector in the late 80s Dia Corp was the Area secretary. I remember being told off by Dia when I called it a fight. He said a fight happens in a pub car park when two drunks have an argument. Two highly fit boxers come together it’s a contest not a fight.

Ralph Oates

Can you name three of your favourite boxing films?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Cinderella man starring Russell Crowe who played the part of world heavyweight champion James J. Braddock and Rocky with Sylvester Stallone, also Raging Bull which had Robert De Niro play the part of Jake LaMotta the world middleweight champion, that is up there with them.

Ralph Oates

When away from boxing what hobby do you participate in?

Kevin Fulthorpe

I enjoy keeping fit and getting people fit, been doing it now for forty years and still getting a buzz. Military and Civvies. Currently Working part time at David Lloyd and Sport Wales.

Ralph Oates

Are you involved in any other sports?

Kevin Fulthorpe

When I stopped boxing, I took up running then eventually Triathlon. I was a much better triathlete than a boxer. Did manage to get into the Welsh squad and picked once for Wales but whilst out training got hit by a lorry and had multi-ple fractures. Tough fight but I got back. Recently Strength and Conditioning Coach at St Peter’s RFC, a great Cardiff club and one of the lead First Aid Trainers with the Football Association of Wales. Ran for Cardiff AAC, Cardiff Triathletes, British Army Sports Honours - cross country.

Ralph Oates

Do you hold any other roles in boxing?

Kevin Fulthorpe

Yes, part of the training team running courses for BBB of C Licensed Trainers and Seconds. Running a specialist First Aid Sports Injuries Course, Principles of Fitness and Diet and Nutrition Rules and Regulation. We have been running these courses since 2009 and had some very reputable boxers on them. Recently Josh Warrington, Lee Selby. Enzo Maccarinelli and in the past Ricky Hatton, Chris Eubank, Ricky Burns, Frank Bruno to name but a few.

Cardiff Times, thanks Kevin for taking the time to take part in the interview.