Arts and Innovation Centre Bangor
Artistic Programme September – December 2018 1
Welcome to Pontio Opening hours Monday to Saturday 8.30am–11.00pm Sunday 12.00pm-8.00pm
Cegin Cafe Level 3 Monday-Friday 8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday & Sunday closed
Pontio will close on Monday 24 December 2018 and re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2019.
Gorad Restaurant Level 2 Monday 8.30am - 6.00pm Tuesday – Saturday 8.30am – last food orders 8pm Sunday 12.00pm – last food orders 6pm
Tickets Online www.pontio.co.uk 01248 38 28 28 Ticket enquiries: info@pontio.co.uk
Bar Ffynnon Level 0 Monday to Saturday 11am to 9.00pm (open until 11pm for evening performances) Sunday 12.00pm to 6.00pm
Information is correct at time of going to print Registered Charity Number: 1141565
Theatr Bryn Terfel Seating Plan
Register for the latest news on www.pontio.co.uk @PontioTweets PontioBangor pontio_bangor PontioBangor
If you would like a large print version or audio copy of the text of this programme, please contact us on 01248 38 28 28
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*Configurations for Theatr Bryn Terfel are flexible, please see website for the configuration for your chosen performance.
Box office hotline: 01248 38 28 28 Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 8.30pm Sunday 12.00pm - 6.00pm
Pontio at a glance September – December 2018 SEPTEMBER Thursday 13 Friday 14 Saturday 15 Friday 21 Saturday 22 Wednesday 26 Thursday 27 Friday 28 OCTOBER Thursday 4 Saturday 6 Tuesday 9 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Saturday 13 Saturday 13 Tuesday 16 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Saturday 20 Thursday 25 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Friday 26 Wednesday 31 NOVEMBER Thursday 1 Friday 2 Saturday 3 Tuesday 6 Wednesday 7 Thursday 8 Friday 9 Saturday 10 Tuesday 13 Wednesday 14 Friday 16 Saturday 17 Tuesday 20 Thursday 22 Friday 23 Saturday 24 Wednesday 28 DECEMBER Saturday 1 Sunday 2 Monday 3 Tuesday 4 Wednesday 5 Saturday 8 Sunday 9 Wednesday 12 Thursday 13 Friday 14 Tuesday 18 Wednesday 19 Thursday 20 Friday 21 Saturday 22 Friday 21 JANUARY Friday 11
Time 6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 8pm 11.30am & 2.30pm 7pm 8pm 8pm
Circa Tsuica: Now or Never Circa Tsuica: Now or Never Circa Tsuica: Now or Never Cabaret Pontio: Banda Bacana with Mouton Teulu Pontio Family: Flying Atoms Iolo Williams, a career The Comedy Club A Celebratory Concert
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6pm 10am - 4pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am & 2.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7pm 8pm 8pm 8pm Throughout the day
SYNTHESIS 2 Speed Meeting Pontio's Fun Palace This Incredible Life inTarsi The Submerged Cathedral Teulu Pontio Family: Yana and the Yeti In conversation with author John Boyne Theatr Bara Caws: Dwyn i Gof WNO: Rhondda Rips it Up! 山东大学民族乐团 Chinese Orchestra of Shandong University Rich Hall's Hoedown Gig Shwmae Su’mae Candelas, Fleur De Lys, Ffracas Public Service Broadcasting The Comedy Club Cabaret Pontio: Jamie Smith's MABON Invertigo Theatre Company: Derwen Creepy Caban
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7.30pm 1pm 11.30am & 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7pm 3pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 7pm
Allegri String Quartet Allegri String Quartet Teulu Pontio Family: The Flying Bedroom Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru: Nyrsys Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru: Nyrsys A Musical Bouquet Elinor Bennett (Harp) Cabaret Pontio: FRIGG (Finland) Geraint Jarman with Mellt Suddenly Last Summer Suddenly Last Summer balletLORENT: Rumpelstiltskin balletLORENT: Rumpelstiltskin (relaxed) Sieiloc (Shylock) The Comedy Club BBC NOW: Xian Zhang conducts Beethoven Alys Williams with BBC National Orchestra of Wales BLAS: Me, You and Lies
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7pm 7.30pm 12.45pm 10am, 12.45pm 10am, 12.45pm 2.30pm - 3.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am, 1.45pm 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm 11.30am, 2.30pm 8pm
Ballet Cymru: A Child’s Christmas, Poems and Tiger Eggs Bangor University Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Branwen Branwen Branwen WNO: Come and Sing... Carols The Ensemble of St Luke's Y Siop Fach Arswydus Y Siop Fach Arswydus Y Siop Fach Arswydus Llew a'r Crydd Llew a'r Crydd Llew a'r Crydd Llew a'r Crydd Llew a'r Crydd Cabaret Pontio: FARA with Plu
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7.30pm
WNO: A Night in Vienna
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Audience Feedback from the last few months... On Shakespeare’s Globe’s visit
“It was fantastic to see Theatr Bryn Terfel transformed last night to imitate the Globe. Great atmosphere and superb acting – such a memorable evening. Hope they come back soon!”
On Gwenno and R.Seiliog gig
“Thank you Gwenno and R.Seiliog for a fab night in a fantastic location”
On A Tiger’s Tale show and workshop for families
“This was brilliant. My son enjoyed every minute, and so did I”
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Celebrating, and talent, talent and more talent... Following a summer of bright sunshine we are pleased to publish our autumn programme which, we trust, will keep the temperature high - and like the summer weather encourage you to venture out. There will be concerts, plays, cabaret evenings, ’Evenings with’, gigs and family shows. These will include a special concert in September to celebrate local talent and the new look Gorad restaurant at Pontio. Guest artist will be Gruffydd Wyn Roberts (Britain's Got Talent), who will be singing with award winning Côr Ieuenctid Môn, with whom he has sung since he was a young boy. Joining them will be the successful Bangor University Côr Aelwyd JMJ (John Morris Jones) and Band Pres Llareggub. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru will be opening the tour of their new musical, Nyrsys, at Pontio, a piece celebrating the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service. Also, Theatr Bara Caws will be staging Dwyn i Gof, the final play of the late playwright Meic Povey. World music groups - Frigg from Finland, Banda Bacana, Mabon and Plu ICronfa Datblygu Pontio IPontio Development Fund
from Wales and Fara from Scotland - will get you dancing. Ten years since the film release of one of his best known novels, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, an evening with the prolific Irish author, John Boyne will be held, and the spellbinding Public Service Broadcasting will hold their only gig in the north here at Bangor. We'll have an opportunity to enjoy a concert marking the centenary of the death of the composer Debussy, as well as numerous concerts by the University's ensembles. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales will pay us a visit and performing with them this year will be the unique Alys Williams. Also, in the centenary year of women being given the right to vote, Welsh National Opera will bring us Rhondda Rips it Up, which tells the story of Rhondda born Margaret Haig Thomas who fought for women's rights.
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The shows and workshops of PontioFamily will reach a climax with Llew a'r Crydd, our first ever coproduction with Theatr Clwyd in December, which will provide a stage for two talented local actors. We will also be holding our very first 'Fun Palace', jointly with the Innovation and Catering departments at Pontio, when the doors of the Studio and the White Box will be wide open to welcome you - after all, every one of us is an artist and every one a scientist. From the kitchen to the theatre - things are hotting up... and the local and national talents are shining! Elen ap Robert Pontio Artistic Director
sinema cinema
Live screenings coming up at Pontio Cinema…
NTLIVE: The Madness of George III 20 November
NTLIVE: Julie 6 September ROHLIVE: Die Walküre 28 October
NTLIVE: King Lear 27 September ROHLIVE: La Bayadère 13 November
ROHLIVE: Mayerling 15 October
Please see monthly cinema brochure for details of other live screenings not yet announced and full cinema 4 listings, or contact the Box Office on 01248 38 28 28
ROHLIVE: The Nutcracker 3 December
NTLIVE: Antony & Cleopatra 6 December
Thursday 4 October 7.15pm Broadcast live from Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Cinema £15/£12.50 over 60s and students/ £10 under 18s Blanche McIntyre, 2018, 180m (one interval) The Winter’s Tale is Shakespeare’s great play of the irrational and inexplicable, illustrating how uncontrollable emotions can range across gender, country, class and age. Its universe is full of monsters, gods and natural disasters with a colossal sweep that takes audiences from the stifling atmosphere of the Sicilian court to the unbuttoned joy of a Bohemian festival.
Directed by Blanche McIntyre, this new production staged at the beautiful and iconic Globe Theatre in London stars Will Keen (The Crown, Wolf Hall) as Leontes, Priyanga Burford (W1A, Marcella) as Hermione and Annette Badland (EastEnders, Father Brown) as Old Shepherd. A reconstruction of an open-air Elizabethan playhouse on the bank of the River Thames, the Globe Theatre has become a significant part of the national and international 5
theatre landscape, celebrating Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world. Continuing its popular Globe On Screen series, The Winter’s Tale will be broadcast live to the cinema.
10% off for grou of 5 or more ps with promo cod e: NOW10 Limited ava ilability
Thursday 13 September 6.30pm Friday 14 September 6.30pm Saturday 15 September 6.30pm
Now or Never By Circa Tsuica, returning to Bangor, joined once more by Tryfan Jazz Band A Big Top! Friars Field, Coleg Menai, Ffriddoedd Road, Bangor
“Wild, lively and invigorating” Télérama
£15 / £12 concessions Under a star studded big top a vibrant band of international acrobats and musicians invite you to share in their circus spectacle, Now or Never. Join in the feast as acrobats and musicians mingle, make and share pancakes before launching into an
exhilarating fanfare of music and circus. And then watch as they fly, fling and swing across their beautiful tent on a trapeze, Cyr wheels, trick bicycles, trampolines and seesaws to the thundering sound of brass. Crazy, colourful and chaotic, Now or Never is
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an unmissable celebration in a big top in the grounds of Coleg Menai on Ffriddoedd Road in Bangor. An unforgettable experience and great for sharing with family and friends! Suitable for all the family from 5+, duration 105 minutes with no interval
13 September – 15 November
Mark Eaglen
An opportunity to meet the artist and discuss his most recent research project between 12-2pm on Saturday 10 November. No need to book - just call in.
Screen Breach Level 0 What is the role of the computer in our lives? What is our relationship with technology? Screen Breach presents a period of research into the connections between digital and physical space. Experimental works in sculpture and time based media seek to explore
the increasingly blurred boundary state of the screens divide. The showcase at Pontio will provide an opportunity for public interaction and reflection upon our place within these evolving landscapes. Mark Eaglen is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the connections
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between art, science, technology and nature. Realised through the kind support of the Arts Council of Wales and Pontio. Technical and digital consultancy provided by Andrew Price.
Friday 21 September 8pm Cabaret Pontio presents
Banda Bacana with Mouton
Theatr Bryn Terfel ÂŁ12/ÂŁ10 concessions Banda Bacana are a 9 piece band based in North Wales who have gained a reputation for getting people off their seats and onto the dance floor. Their groove based music has a wide range of influences including Latin, Jazz, Afro Beat, Funk and Caribbean, and their tunes have a distinctive driving beat interlaced with beautiful vocal and sax harmonies, percussive flare and weaving guitar and bass patterns.
Having been together for almost 15 years the Pontio gig will see the band celebrate the launch of their brand new and highly anticipated album 'Stop the Planet'. Consisting of 14 tracks of original material, the album ably demonstrates why they are regarded as one of the area's hottest dance combos.
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Mouton, who also hail from North Wales are a dynamic five-piece folk band, who play music to dance to from Brittany, Wales and Galicia to Venuzuela.
Enjoy our delicious new Cabaret sharing platter in the theatre served to you from Ffynnon bar
Saturday 22 September 11.30am & 2.30pm Dawns Powys Dance presents
Flying Atoms Studio £6.50/£22 family & friends ticket (4 people, at least one under 18)
Professors Gusto and Hitch work hard in the Laboratory of Curiosity answering questions: how do birds stay in the air? Where does the moon go in the daytime? Only one thing is certain –the universe is filled with wonder and not everything is as it seems.
A playful, interactive show featuring high-flying aerial dance, a magical soundtrack and stunning design.
FREE creative workshop with artist Nerys Jones follows each show
Ages 6 and over. English language event.
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Children's meals available at Gorad restaurant from £4.25
Wednesday 26 September 7pm
Iolo Williams, a career All proceeds from this event are being donated to the Sophie Williams Trust Level 5 Lecture Room (PL5), Pontio ÂŁ10/ÂŁ6 students and under 18s Iolo Williams tells the story of how he went from being a young naturalist growing up in mid-Wales to working for the RSPB and finally, to being a reluctant television presenter.
The army, grizzly bears and mountain gorillas all make an appearance as do a whole host of other characters. The talk will be through the medium of English
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Welcom e to the
ne w fresh look
Go rad Re st a u ra n t
O v e r t he s u m m e r m o n t hs G o ra d Re s t a u ra n t w i l l b e g i v e n a f r e s h l o o k . W h a t ’s m o r e f r o m A u g u s t * o n w a r d s w e ’ l l b e s e r v i n g a n e w m e n u f e a t u r i n g We l s h p r o d u c e .
We c an’t wait t o w elcome you!
* Re f u r b i s hm e n t w o r k w i l l t a ke p l a c e i n J u l y a n d e a r l y Au g u s t s o p l e a s e c h e c k P o n t i o ’s w e b s i t e f o r d e t a i l s o f G o r a d ’s o p e n i n g h o u r s .
To b o o k : b w y d a b a r @ p o n t i o . c o . u k / 0124 8 3 8 3 8 2 6 12
MUSIC
i n G o ra d
Join us for relaxed evenings of great food accompanied by live music. Th e s e e v e n t s a r e f r e e o f c h a r g e t o a l l those dining in Gorad, with performances l a s t i n g a p p ro x i m a t e l y a n ho u r.
F O L K I N G O RA D
Meinir Gwilym
Friday 28 September | 6.30pm
O P E R A I N G O RA D
Organ Prawang Rhodri Prys Jones Annette Bryn Parri F r i d a y 19 O c t o b e r | 7. 3 0 p m
J A Z Z I N G O RA D
Tacla F r i d a y 3 0 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 p m Book early to secure your table b w y d a b a r @ p o n t i o . c o . u k / 012 4 8 3 8 3 8 2 6 13
Friday 28 September 8pm In addition to the music feast in the Theatre, the folk singer Meinir Gwilym will be performing at Gorad restaurant before the concert. This is a free event. Book a table at the restaurant to ensure your place.
A Celebratory Concert Theatr Bryn Terfel £14/£12 concessions To celebrate the success of local talent and the new look Gorad restaurant, we will be holding a special concert at Theatr Bryn Terfel in the company of Côr Ieuenctid Môn, Gruffydd Wyn Roberts - a former member of the choir who reached the final round of Britain's Got Talent - Aelwyd JMJ at Bangor University and Band Pres Llareggub. Côr Ieuenctid Môn has now been performing for over twelve years. By now it has over 150 members and three choirs who enjoy singing under the musical direction of the choir, namely the Junior Choir, the Youth Choir and Coda. The choir has performed at some of Wales' principal venues and beyond, including London's Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Their highlights in recent years included celebrating their first decade, singing
with Bryn Terfel, winning the Côr Cymru Youth Choir Championship, and successes at the National Eisteddfod, including being crowned Choir of the Festival at the National Eisteddfod at Bodedern in 2017. Gruffydd Wyn Roberts was an ardent member of the choir and they look forward immensely to sharing the stage with Gruff again. Pontio is also very glad to give this opportunity to perform to a member of its front of house staff and is very proud of Gruff’s recent success. Following the success of Aelwyd JMJ at the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Builth Wells this year, they will be joining us to perform a selection of their programme. At the festival they were awarded three first prizes, three seconds and one third, the Aelwyd's greatest success to date.
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Band Pres Llareggub is the original concept of Owain Roberts who thought about the idea as he pined for home in faraway London. Based on the brass band traditions of the Snowdonia district, you will hear Band Pres Llareggub blowing, shouting, jumping and dancing their way to your ears by combining various genres to provide an energetic and memorable experience. By combining elements of Hip Hop, Drum'n'Bass and New Orleans Jazz with Welsh hymns and Dafydd Iwan's anthems, you will undoubtedly savour something new in their live performances!
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Thursday 4 October 6pm
SYNTHESIS 2 Speed Meeting Studio
Closing date for SYNTHESIS 2 application s: 28 January 2019
Free but need to register Pontio calling for scientists and artists! Following the success of the first SYNTHESIS project to encourage two pairs of different scientists and artists to collaborate in developing ideas which bridge the two worlds, we are looking for new projects. Joint applications are invited for the fund of ÂŁ2,000 per pair.
Come to a special meeting at Pontio Studio to receive more information about SYNTHESIS 2, how to submit an application, and perhaps meet a project partner. Scientist, Professor Deri Tomos, and Elen ap Robert, Pontio's Artistic Director, will give an introduction to the project, and successful contributors to the first SYNTHESIS project will offer an insight into their work. There will also be an opportunity to meet other artists and scientists and discuss ideas with them.
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Drinks and nibbles will be provided. What can happen in that space between molecules and marimba and quick silver? Contact Shari Llewelyn on s.llewelyn@bangor.ac.uk or 01248 382 179 to reserve a place or for further information
Saturday 6 October 10am-4pm
Pontio’s Fun Palace Level 2 Pontio Free and open to all throughout the day Culture for, by, with all Everyone an Artist, Everyone a Scientist Pontio is joining in the UK wide Fun Palaces campaign and hosting its very own ‘Fun Palace’ this year! Come and help us create our first ever Fun Palace which will offer all kinds of activities for all ages, exploring football and dance. Pontio Arts will work in collaboration with Pontio
Innovation and Catering, Bangor University and the community to host a creative and fun day for all, and it’s all for free! Keep an eye on our social media channels for developments as together, with your help, we work on creating our Fun Palace… To express an interest in taking part and for more information contact Shari Llewelyn on s.llewelyn@bangor.ac.uk
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Drama
Tuesday 9 October 3pm Canoe Theatre & Theatrau Sir Gâr presents
This Incredible Life Studio £12 10% discount for groups of 10 or more Mab (Sharon Morgan) has spent her life telling stories. Incredible stories. She was a jet-setting journalist, putting people’s lives into print. As a young boy, her nephew Robert, hung on her every word. He doesn’t listen anymore.
In a time when fake news has made it into the vernacular, and the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred, does truth really matter?
This Dementia Friendly production will be supported by workshops and activities. Contact canoe@canoetheatre.co.uk for more information.
Let Alan Harris’ latest comedy sweep you off your feet with live music, film and a story that will lift the spirits and warm your heart, MGM style.
Bilingual production with more English than Welsh and accessible for non-Welsh speakers.
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Circus
Wednesday 10 October 7.30pm Eia Company from Catalonia presents
inTarsi Theatr Bryn Terfel £14/£12 concessions After successfully touring all over Europe, Catalan company Eia bring their award winning acrobatic theatre piece inTarsi to the UK for the first time. Breath-taking acrobatic skills combined with wit, humour and slick choreography make this show a perfect mix for all the family. It’s four guys hanging out, teasing
and playing with each other, taunting and supporting each other on an ingenious set that constantly morphs into new landscapes. Sometimes they work together and sometimes against each other, but in the end they are connected by the strong bond that is their common humanity. Age guidance: 6+
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“From the beginning to the end, a gift of circus beauty and good vibes” Jordi Jané at RECOMANA.CAT
Music
Thursday 11 October 7.30pm
The Submerged Cathedral Claude Debussy in music, pictures and words Theatr Bryn Terfel £15/£13 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s Iwan Llewelyn-Jones piano Bethan Rhys Roberts presenter A special tribute to one of the twentieth century's charismatic composers, Claude Debussy, and an opportunity for audiences of every age and background to experience his unique musical vision.
Discovering Claude Debussy Pre-concert talk Studio, 6.30pm Free but ticketed Join the pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and Professor Chris Collins from Bangor University’s School of Music as they discuss Debussy’s life and work. Bilingual talk
Debussy's music is introduced in a theatrical context which combines visual and literary elements, asking who was this remarkable man and who and what were his main influences, ranging from the sublime to the every day. It was these that stimulated him to compose some of the most colourful and popular works of the
School Project As part of the Debussy celebrations, Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and artist Catrin Williams have visited Ysgol y Borth, Ysgol y Felinheli and Ysgol Llanfairpwll to work on a music and art project which will be displayed in Pontio’s public spaces over the next few months. 20
twentieth century, with titles such as 'Clair de lune', 'Fireworks', 'Goldfish' and the 'Underwater Cathedral'. The pianist Iwan LlewelynJones will be performing a cross-section of Debussy's solo works for the piano. Jointly, the broadcaster and television presenter, Bethan Rhys Roberts, will provide an insight into the musical content, with readings in French, Welsh and English, as well as articles from Debussy's own writings.
Saturday 13 October 11.30am & 2.30pm
Yana and the Yeti Co-Produced by Nordland Visual Theatre Studio
“Magical, beguiling, emotional and eyewideningly beautiful” Bristol 24/7
£6.50/£22 family & friends ticket (4 people, at least one under 18) Imagine being far, far from home and all alone, arriving in a remote snow-bound village, surrounded by dense forest and strange noises. This is how Yana’s story begins. She can’t understand a word anyone says and the other children tease her with tales of mythical mountain monsters. Then things start to get really hairy... Featuring exquisite music, Arctic landscapes and a cast of extraordinary puppets,
Yana and the Yeti is aimed at family audiences (5+). This is a dark, funny and poignant tale of a small child’s determination to be understood and her discovery that friends can come in the most unexpected shapes and sizes. This show was made in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle where Yetis still exist. No language, 5+ 21
FREE post-show puppet making workshop with Eleri Jones
Children's meals available at Gorad restaurant from £4.25
Saturday 13 October 8pm
In conversation with author John Boyne Theatr Bryn Terfel £15/£13 over 60s/£10 students and under 18s John Boyne, one of Ireland's finest contemporary writers joins us for an evening in conversation with Jon Gower. Author of ten novels for adults and five for younger readers, including The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas which was made into a hugely successful film ten years ago, and last year's The Heart's Invisible Furies, described by Simon Humphreys as ‘Savvy, witty and achingly sad, this is a novelist at the top of his game.’
John Boyne is well respected and admired by critics and readers alike. He will be talking to Jon Gower about his life and work, and about his latest book, A Ladder to the Sky, a novel about literary ambition and how easy it is to achieve the world if you are prepared to sacrifice your soul. There will be a post talk Q&A. Also, Palas Print will be selling the author’s publications and there will be a signing session near Ffynnon bar. Age guidance: 11+
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Ten years since its release, the film adaptation of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will be shown at Pontio Cinema, Sunday 14 October 2pm: £5 for all.
Drama
Tuesday 16 October 7.30pm Theatr Bara Caws presents
Dwyn i Gof by Meic Povey Studio £13/£11 concessions
Huw and Bet have been married for 40 years and their only child, Gareth, is about to marry Cerys. There are arrangements to be made. Huw insists on taking part, but with his mind slowly disintegrating secrets old and new could be disclosed. But is Huw quite as bad as he seems? How does Bet cope with her situation? Why is Gareth so obsessed with ‘the sins of the fathers’, and does Cerys see the father reflected in the son?
A thought-provoking take on this omnipresent topic combines humour and tragedy, in Dwyn i Gof (Bring to Mind) Meic Povey’s last play for Bara Caws. In Meic’s own words, “I wanted to write about this particular subject because: Of all the things that can kill us — and as that famous American, (sic) Anthony Hopkins, once said, ‘nobody gets out of this alive’ — personally, losing your mind is what frightens me most.” 16+ some strong language 23
“I defy anyone not to be swept away by this rulebreaking production. It’s bursting with irreverent joy.”
The Times
The Guardian
The Times The Stage
Come and Sing
Tuesday 16 October 7.30pm
16 October, 6.30pm
Welsh National Opera
Rhondda Rips It Up! Theatr Bryn Terfel
Join the ladies of the WNO Community Chorus in Ffynnon bar - come and sing rousing suffragette anthems! No singing experience required, just rebellious tendencies!
£18/£15 over 60s/£12 students and under 18s Director Caroline Clegg Conductor Nicola Rose My Ladies, Lords and Gentlemen! WNO cordially invites you to the rip-roaring, uproarious musical comedy Rhondda Rips It Up! This tongue in cheek entertainment has been created for your delectation by the illustrious Ms Elena Langer (composer and suffragette) and the inimitable Ms Emma Jenkins (librettist and suffragette). It is our great pleasure to take you on an unforgettable journey through the life and adventures of that
unsung heroine of the Welsh Suffrage movement, Margaret Haig Thomas, the Viscountess Rhondda. Suffragette, activist and entrepreneur, Lady Rhondda paved the way for the equal rights for women. As well as campaigning tirelessly for women’s suffrage, she became the lightning rod for women’s efforts during WW1, survived the sinking of the Lusitania and created the radical feminist magazine Time and Tide. Her indefatigable efforts and endeavours were finally rewarded when, in 1918, women over the age of thirty were enfranchised. 24
This thigh-slapping romp through the world of suffrage and song is told through the lens of musichall and fittingly sports an all-female cast and creative team. The audience will be guided through the story by our very own Emcee (Lesley Garrett) following the escapades of Lady Rhondda (Madeleine Shaw) and her brave battalion of suffragettes as they fearlessly take on Peers, politicians and post-boxes in their struggle for women’s rights.
Digital Installation and VR experience White Box & outside the Studio, Level 2 14 October 4-6.00pm 15 October 4-6.00pm 16 October 5.30pm-7.30pm & during the interval
WNO presents its latest digital installation, Rhondda Rebel, an immersive digital music experience which brings suffragette Margaret Haig Thomas to life by blending augmented reality with performance and music to create a stimulating new experience. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy Magic Butterfly, a VR experience featuring reimagined scenes from 25
Madam Butterfly and The Magic Flute, offering a unique theatrical environment using classical music, motion capture and technology.
Wednesday 17 October 7.30pm Chinese Orchestra of Shandong University
山东大学民族乐团 Theatr Bryn Terfel £10/£8 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s Confucius Institute at Bangor University are proud to present the Chinese Orchestra of Shandong University who will perform a dazzling programme of Chinese traditional music at Theatr Bryn Terfel. Consisting of teachers and students from the traditional instrumental music school at Shandong University, the orchestra is committed to the inheritance and the innovation of Chinese traditional music culture.
Composer Qu Xiang predominantly works with them and the music is mostly folk based and introduced on Xiao (a vertical bamboo flute), Dizi (the Chinese Bamboo flute), Erhu (the Chinese violin), Yangqin (Chinese Dulcimer), percussion instrument and Suona (horn).
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Chinese themed menu designed in 2018 by Bangor University Chinese Student and Scholar Association will be available at Gorad restaurant
Thursday 18 October 8pm
Rich Hall’s Hoedown Theatr Bryn Terfel £17 Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed new show begins its second leg of touring. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in the UK. Hall’s precision dismantling of the tenuous relationship between two countries is as freewheeling and deadly accurate as ever. His BBC Four documentaries, most recently Rich Hall’s Countrier Than You and Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match and BBC Radio 4 series Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown have seen him build a new legion of followers, as has appearances on Have I Got News For You and QI. But if you’ve only ever seen Hall on TV, you’ve short-changed
yourself.
“Blissfully Funny”
The Hoedown begins as a withering dissection of Trump’s America, but ends up being a celebration of Americana. There’s standup, improvised ballads, cracking good musicianship, and ultimately a hilarious, foot-stomping, sh*t-kicking good time to be had by all. Even if you don’t own a hoe. 14+ (parental guidance) likely to be some swearing and adult themes
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Guardian
Saturday 20 October 8pm Pontio and UMCB present
Gig Shwmae Su’mae Candelas, Fleur De Lys, Ffracas Theatr Bryn Terfel £12 until 5 October/£15 from 6 October As part of Shwmae Su’mae day which celebrates the Welsh language and aims to show that it belongs to us all, Pontio and Bangor University’s Welsh Student Union, UMCB present a special gig in Theatr Bryn Terfel. A tight five piece from North Wales who play alternative rock music with a hint of
blues, Candelas formed in the Summer of 2009 and are by now one of the most popular bands on the Welsh language music scene. Having recently released their long awaited third album, Wyt Ti’n Meiddio Dod i Chwarae? this is a great opportunity to see one of Wales’ most exciting bands bring the Theatre alive with their brand-new material.
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Joining Candelas on stage will be Indie/Rock/Pop band from Anglesey and Morfa Nefyn, Fleur De Lys and Ffracas from the Pwllheli area. With DJ Dic Ben Stand-up gig 16+
Relaxed screenings at Pontio Cinema Wednesday 24 October 2pm Film, Cake & Song Afternoon
In cooperation with WNO. Aimed at 60+ Pontio Cinema & Bar Ffynnon £4 Join us in Pontio's Cinema for an afternoon of entertainment and singing. The afternoon will begin with a special screening of a classic film chosen by members of
the local community, with live music entertainment in the break at 3pm by WNO vocal animateurs accompanied on the piano by Annette Bryn Parri. There’ll be the chance
to take part in a fun sing-along session whilst enjoying a cup of tea and some cake before returning to the cinema to enjoy the final half of the film. WNO Come & Sing event
Saturday Mornings at 11am: 8 September, 6 October, 10 November, 8 December Monthly Relaxed Cinema Screenings Aimed at families Pontio Cinema £5.50 for all Come and enjoy a recent family film favourite as we slightly adapt our cinema environment – so you’re free to come and go, sound levels
are turned down, the lights left on at a low level, there are no trailers, and you’re able to make noise and go and sit where you feel. 29
For information about the film which will be shown, go to www.pontio.co.uk or phone 01248 38 28 28
Bwyty Restaurant
Comedy Club Meal Deal Burger & Beer*
£10
*Or 175ml glass of house wine or soft drink Vegetarian burger available
Available on every Comedy Club event Bwyd a Diod
To book: 01248 383826 bwydabar@pontio.co.uk
Food & Drink
yer.indd 3
26/02/2018 16:21:22
Thursday 25 October 7pm
Public Service Broadcasting Theatr Bryn Terfel £20 SOLD OUT Contact the box office if you wish to add your name to the waiting list
Public Service Broadcasting are please to announce a 5-date run across Wales, where ‘Every Valley’ was recorded in early 2017. 30
Stand-up gig 14+
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Friday 26 October 8pm Cabaret Pontio presents
Jamie Smith’s MABON Theatr Bryn Terfel £14/£13 concessions Now consistently celebrated as one of the UK's outstanding Celtic roots acts, the 5-piece band of virtuoso musicians have built their standing through performing a show that is "exhilarating, just exhilarating – a band that perform with such enjoyment, excitement, style and wit – no histrionics, just a show of originality, energy and integrity." (Jun-
Lin Yeoh, Artistic Director, Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo) Jamie Smith’s Mabon explore the forms and styles of the Celtic traditions and work them anew; the music is self-styled, singular and toe-tappingly good – an irresistible blend of world music and Celtic roots, filled with energy, joy and passion. Combining traditional
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instruments with a modern rhythm section, the band performs outstanding original compositions both instrumental and vocal - mostly written and composed by their dynamic accordionist Jamie.
Enjoy our delicious new Cabaret sharing platter in the theatre served to you from Ffynnon bar
Drama
Friday 26 October 8pm Invertigo Theatre Company
Derwen by Tim Crouch Studio £12/£10 concessions A man loses his daughter to a car. It’s like he’s in a play - but he doesn’t know the words or the moves. The man who was driving the car is a stage hypnotist. Since the accident, his act’s a disaster, he’s lost the power of suggestion. Tonight, for the first time, these two people meet when the Father volunteers for the Hypnotist’s act.
Two actors. One plays the Hypnotist every time (Steffan Donnelly), and the other, the Father, is a different actor each night - who knows nothing about the play. It contains a dazzling balance of gripping story, rich theatricality and shocking humour. A chance to see this award-winning play by one of Britain’s
ICronfa Datblygu Pontio IPontio Development Fund
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prominent theatremakers, Tim Crouch, in a Welsh adaptation by Invertigo Theatre Company (Y Tŵr, My Body Welsh) An Invertigo and Pontio co-production Age guidance: 14+
Wednesday 31 October 10:30am-11.30am (Welsh performance) 12pm-1pm (English performance) 1:30pm-2.30pm (Welsh performance) 3pm-4pm (English performance)
teulu
Creepy Caban
Performance and Spooky Crafts
family
Caban, Pontio Landscape, Level 2 ÂŁ5 for all Have you ever thought how ghosts keep their costumes so clean for Halloween? Come and listen to the story in a performance in the Caban, our outdoors public art installation, and to take part in a craft workshop for the whole family.
Wear your Halloween fancy dress and bring a coat to keep warm. This is an event for the whole family and parents will also need to order a ticket and stay with their children. Hour long event Age guideline: 4-7 years
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Children's meals available at Gorad restaurant from ÂŁ4.25
Thursday 1 November 7.30pm Friday 2 November 1pm
Allegri String Quartet in association with The Radcliffe Trust Studio 1 November: £14/£12 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s 2 November: £12/£8 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s
Programme 1 November Haydn - String Quartet in E flat, Opus 33 No. 2 'The Joke' Debussy - String Quartet in G minor, Opus 10 Dvorak - String Quartet No. 12 in F minor, 'American' Programme 2 November Haydn - String Quartet in C major, Opus 54 No. 2 Mendelssohn - String Quartet in F Minor, opus 80
The Allegri String Quartet, in its 65th year, is Britain's oldest chamber group. Founded in 1953 by Eli Goren and William Pleeth it has played a key role in the British musical scene, working with composers such as Benjamin Britten, Michael Tippett, Elizabeth Maconchy, John Woolrich, Peter Fribbins, Anthony Payne, James MacMillan, Matthew Taylor and most recently Alec Roth, resulting in new commissions and recordings. 35
Regular invitations to concert societies and leading concert halls stand alongside newer relationships such as with the Southbank Sinfonia and their festival in Anghiari, Italy and ACE tours based in Cambridge.
teulu family
Saturday 3 November 11.30am & 2.30pm Little Light Dance and Digital Theatre
The Flying Bedroom based on the children’s book by Heather Dyer Studio £6.50/£22 family and friends ticket (4 people, at least one under 18)
“Elinor’s bedroom looks ordinary but it isn’t. When Elinor is asleep, her bedroom can fly.” Join Elinor and her bedroom on an adventure to far off lands, under the sea and outer space. Discover new friends, battling pirates and hapless astronauts. A creative and inspiring journey where Elinor discovers her own selfconfidence and creativity.
Little Light and awardwinning author Heather Dyer join forces to present this classic adventure tale through dance theatre, projection and immersive sensory experiences. Age guidance: 3-7 Bilingual show
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This month's workshop format will be a little different... There will be a choice of two FREE workshops following the show: a dance or digital workshop. Limited availability so you will need to book tickets for the workshops as well as the show.
Tuesday 6 November 7.30pm (preview evening) Wednesday 7 November 7.30pm
Theatr Bryn Terfel Preview evening: £13/£11 over 60s /£7 students and under 18s
£14/£12 over 60s /£8 students and under 18s By Bethan Marlow Songs by Rhys Taylor and Bethan Marlow Original idea by Sara Lloyd and Bethan Marlow As this year sees the NHS turn 70, we take a look behind the scenes of a busy cancer ward in a hospital in Wales today, with script and songs created from interviews with ‘real’ nurses. This new play shines a light on nurses’ experiences – the challenges they face in their day-to-day work and the mischief, sisterhood
and sense of vocation that sustains them. A heartfelt depiction of the life and work of these real-life heroes who care for us and our loved ones within a healthcare system that’s under perpetual strain. Director: Sara Lloyd Nyrsys is presented in association with Pontio. Age guidance: 11+ This is a Welsh language production. English language access available through the Sibrwd app. Details: theatr.cymru 37
Pre-show talk for Welsh learners Tuesday 6 November, 6.30pm Cemlyn Jones Room, Level 2 Free but ticketed Post-show talk Tuesday 6 November Theatr Bryn Terfel
Thursday 8 November 7.30pm
A Musical Bouquet Elinor Bennett (Harp) Studio £15/£8 students and under 18s Starting with the Baroque period, this concert will encompass music for the harp over a period of three centuries delivered by the Welsh harpist Elinor Bennett. The famous Bourée by J.S Bach (1685-1750) and the Sonata for harpsichord by Domenico Scarlatti (16851757) were transcribed by the French harpist, Henriette Renié, at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Their contemporary, John Parry (1710-1782), wrote the four Lesson for the Harp or Harpsichord in 1761. The romantic period is represented by John Thomas, Pencerdd Gwalia, and some of his famous arrangements of Welsh Airs. The French composer, Albert Roussel, was wounded in the Great War and wrote his Impromptu for the harp in Brittany where he was recuperating from
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his wounds. It was at the outbreak of the Second World War that Hindemith composed his Sonata for the harp - when he was fleeing from Nazi Germany to the United States. The remainder of the music belongs to Wales - from folk songs and penillion singing to compositions by Grace Williams, William Mathias and John Metcalf.
Friday 9 November 8pm
FRIGG (Finland)
“One of the most vibrant and exciting instrumental bands anywhere on the planet” Bruce MacGregor, BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk
Fizzing Finnish Fiddle Septet hot fiddles from cool Scandinavia Frigg’s Finnish Fiddle Tunes Workshop
Theatr Bryn Terfel £16/£15 concessions £20 for the concert and fiddle workshop A leading act on the Nordic music scene, Frigg has dazzled Rainforest World Music Festival, WOMADelaide, Celtic Connections, The Scots Fiddle Festival, Fiddles On Fire, Cambridge Folk Festival, Orkney Folk Festival & many more. There’s an enthusiastic appreciation of their fiddle-founded Nordgrass sound - a mix of
Nordic folk and bluegrass. Possibly the most exciting, uplifting, gut-wrenching & hip-twitching band in the Northern Hemisphere. Don’t miss this swirling blizzard of jigs, reels, polskas & bluegrass inventions. Scandomusic as good as it gets! New album Frost on Fiddles www.frigg.fi
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Friday 9 November, 5.30-6.30pm Studio £10 or £20 for the concert and workshop For all string players. Band members offer a stirring string experience of Scandinavian tunes - jigs, reels, polkas, schottisches, waltzes - taught by ear but with the offer of scores for future reference. For next generation players, intermediate & established players. Classical, traditional, jazz and folk players all welcome!
Gig
Saturday 10 November 8pm
Geraint Jarman with Mellt Theatr Bryn Terfel £12.50 beforehand/£15 on the day There is no-one who can match Geraint Jarman’s immense and continuing effect and influence on Welsh language music over the past half a century. In 2018 Jarman released his latest album, the reggae influenced Cariad Cwantwm (his seventeenth!) exactly forty years since he created 1978’s classic era-defining Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers). If Cool Cymru has a starting point then it is to be found within the grooves of this record.
“Geraint Jarman shows us why he's a legend of a scene he helped create. He remains a jerky, wiry performer, with an excellent band mixing over-driven rock guitars, reggae and tuneful punk snarl. When he equates Ethiopia and Cymru, you don't need to speak his language to know how he feels” The Independent (Festival No6 Review 2014)
Onstage the live Geraint Jarman experience is a blistering, exuberant mix of the classic old and the searching new in a setlist that spans the decades and gives us rock, new wave, reggae, dub, pop and country rock. Stand-up gig with limited seating 16+ 40
Student Drama
Tuesday 13 November 7.30pm Wednesday 14 November 7.30pm Bangor English Drama Society, Bangor University presents
Suddenly Last Summer Theatr Bryn Terfel £8/£6 concessions £25 Family Ticket What really happened in Europe last summer? Catharine Holly is the sole witness to her cousin’s gruesome death. She must now retell the events to a certain Doctor Sugar lest her aunt successfully condemns her to lobotomy. But will anyone believe her story before it’s too late?
Bangor English Drama Society presents Tennessee Williams’ one act play Suddenly Last Summer, a story about aristocracy, image, sexuality and loss. This new production creates vibrancy and breathes new life into this classic but underused piece.
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Dance
Friday 16 November 7pm Saturday 17 November 3pm (relaxed performance*) balletLORENT presents
Rumpelstiltskin Theatr Bryn Terfel £15.50/£13.50 over 60s/£10.50 students and under 18 £45 family and friends ticket (4 people, at least one under 18) balletLORENT 's awardwinning team who brought you Snow White are back with an original adaptation of this beloved tale Rumpelstiltskin, directed by Liv Lorent and retold by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Rumpelstiltskin is the story of the outsider shunned for being different. He is the original super mutant, and fairytale X-man.
'...the spirit of his mother was with him always...her love for him was so strong that the boy learned to turn ordinary things into gold.' A story of love, obsession, grief and reconciliation in a show made as much for adults as it is for children. 10 young children aged 4 to 9 as well as 5 from the older generation from the local area will be performing as part of the production. Age guidance: 7+ *see website for more details
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During the interval and after the show Karolina Konior, a recent Fine Art graduate from Coleg Menai, presents new work for Pontio’s White Wall space providing a creative documentation of the community engagement work surrounding balletLORENT’s visit to Bangor.
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Drama
Tuesday 20 November 7.30pm
"Best touring production in Welsh" Wales theatre awards 2018
Sieiloc (Shylock) Studio ÂŁ12/ÂŁ10 concessions Written and Directed by Gareth Armstrong Associate Director Rhian Morgan Performed by Rhodri Miles Is Shylock, the Jewish moneylender from The Merchant of Venice a villain or victim? Gareth Armstrong's award winning solo play confronts these Jewish stereotypes through the eyes of his only friend - and the only other
Jewish man in the whole of Shakespeare - Tubal. Promoted to centre stage from his minor role in The Merchant of Venice, he proves to be a born comic storyteller. Celebrating the richness of Shakespeare's language this dazzling, moving, often hilarious play is a fascinating exploration of Shylock and his people. Welsh language production
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Saturday 24 November £10 INFERNO UNSEEN + Live electronic score ROLLO SMALLCOMBE
Friday 23 November £8 The Films of MAYA DEREN + Live music accompaniment by ADWAITH
Full programme details out soon
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CINEMA@ MEAL DEAL
Bwyty
Every Wednesday
Restaurant
Ad Sinema
*Excluding certain performances see online for details
£10
CINEMA TICKET
Child main course + soft drink + popcorn
£15
CINEMA TICKET
Freshly baked 12” pizza + drink* (*either a glass of house
:
k To Boo
wine, bottle of beer or a soft drink)
Purchase online at www.pontio.co.uk Call or visit our box office 01248 382828 47
pontio.co.uk
Friday 23 November 7.30pm BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Xian Zhang conducts Beethoven Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor University £15/£13.50 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s £20/£15 Family Tickets Beethoven Symphony No. 1 Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 BBC National Orchestra of Wales Clarinet Robert Plane Conductor Xian Zhang
BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Principal Guest Conductor Xian Zhang return to Bangor with the next in their pan-Wales concert series focussing on the symphonic works of the iconic Ludvig van Beethoven. Following 2017’s breathtaking Beethoven programme at the PrichardJones Hall, this visit sees 48
Jam in the bar Join Dr Jazz and Ensemble Cymru for something a little “extra” following the concert at 9.30pm in Ffynnon bar Pontio. Free event. the pairing of Beethoven’s fledgling first symphony with the iconic fifth, unmistakable from the outset. Alongside these is a gem of the woodwind repertoire, Weber’s Clarinet Concerto, performed by BBC NOW’s own Principal Clarinet, Robert Plane.
Saturday 24 November 8pm
Alys Williams with BBC National Orchestra of Wales Theatr Bryn Terfel £16/£14 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s £20/£15 Family Tickets BBC National Orchestra of Wales perform with acclaimed singer-songwriter Alys Williams, in a special collaboration for audiences in Bangor. A unique chance to hear this breath-taking singersongwriter perform songs from her repertoire as you’ve never heard them before, re-imagined for voice and orchestra.
Showcasing well-known tunes like the Ryan & Ronnie classic Pan Fo’r Nos yn Hir, alongside songs penned by Alys herself, including Blodau Papur and a new version of Gweld y Byd Mewn Lliw in an atmospheric new arrangement for Alys and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
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Alys Williams: “Singing with a full orchestra is such an inspiring and uplifting experience...I can’t wait!” Support act to be announced soon.
BLAS is Pontio’s youth participation programme and gives children and young people a ‘taste’ (BLAS in Welsh) for the arts. Weekly workshops are held in the Studio: Mondays Year 3 and 4 - 5-6pm Year 5 and 6 - 6:15-7:15pm Year 7, 8 and 9 - 7:30-8:30pm Wednesdays Year 10 – 13 - 7:30-8:30pm
To book a place on the weekly workshops, please contact the Box Office on 01248 38 28 28, or for more information please contact our Arts Development Co-ordinator Mared Elliw Huws on m.huws@bangor.ac.uk or 01248 382 141.
Here’s a taste of our latest work Yng Ngolau’r Lleuad
The Upside-Down World
A panel of experts, Dr J. Elwyn Hughes, Betsan Llwyd, Carys Gwilym and Siôn Trystan discussed Caradog Prichard’s Un Nos Ola Leuad for A Level students studying the novel and the stage play. Two actors from Bangor University’s Welsh Drama Society performed extracts from the play and the students had the opportunity to question the panel.
BLAS’ two younger groups, Class Year 3 and 4 and Year 5 and 6 teamed up to create their own devised show. They worked very hard playing with ideas and different characters and came up with a story that turned your world ‘Upside-down’.
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In addition to the workshops BLAS works in the community and with schools.
Wednesday 28 November 7pm Pontio’s BLAS presents
Me, You and Lies Theatr Bryn Terfel £6/£3 students and under 18s Tickets go on sale in October. The year 7, 8 and 9 class join forces again with the year 10 – 13 class to create a devised
Exploring Girls’ Confidence - An Arts Research Project with Ysgol Llandygai By using music, dance and drama we explored the issues raised in a study in Science Journal, 27 January 2017. With 3 very experienced practitioners we spent 10 weeks at Ysgol Llandygai working with the children in Year 1 and 2 and documented the process on film to see if there was an issue and, if so, can the arts help tackle these ‘issues’.
performance. Like our BLAS, Pontio Facebook page to see how the show develops over the next few months.
Our Voices Students from Ysgol Friars received training in dementia awareness and verbatim playwriting before embarking on a 5 week residency at Glyn Menai Care Home, Fairways. During their time there they had conversations with the residents and spent time getting to know them. These conversations were recorded and the students wrote and performed the verbatim play Our Voices at Pontio. BLAS also held numerous workshops in schools and at Pontio as part of our outreach programme.
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Dance
Saturday 1 December 7pm Ballet Cymru Presents
A Child’s Christmas, Poems and Tiger Eggs Theatr Bryn Terfel £13/£11 concessions A brand new ballet by award-winning Welsh Dance company Ballet Cymru, narrated by Cerys Matthews. Ballet Cymru presents a timeless interpretation of the Dylan Thomas classic A Child’s Christmas In Wales with music by Mason Neely and Wales’ own icon Cerys Matthews. Step into the imagination of a genius and follow us on a journey through snow, cats and melancholy. Featuring choreography by Creative Wales Award winner
Darius James and Amy Doughty, and evocative, eloquent costumes, Ballet Cymru bring to life this timeless story using the company’s unique blend of classical technique and storytelling. A Child’s Christmas, Poems and Tiger Eggs is a coproduction between Ballet Cymru and The Riverfront Theatre. Explosive Dance. Physical Theatre. Classical Ballet. Age guidance: 8+ 52
Ballet Cymru Masterclass Theatr Bryn Terfel Saturday 1 December, 3-5pm A masterclass and pas de deux workshop with the professional dancers of Ballet Cymru. Free but booking required and only open to those with a ticket to ‘A Child’s Christmas, Poems and Tiger Eggs’. To book call the box office on 01248 38 28 28 or visit us. Intermediate/ advanced ballet level.
Sunday 2 December 7.30pm
Bangor University Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor University £12/£10 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s Chris Collins conductor Richard Craig (flute) Gary O’Shea (piano) Mared Emlyn Porthor (Whistling Sands) Reinecke Flute Concerto in D major Beethoven Choral Fantasy Brahms Symphony No. 1 Join Bangor University Symphony Orchestra for a concert of tuneful and evocative music, including
the magical symphonic poem Porthor by Welsh composer Mared Emlyn, inspired by the famous beach on the Llŷn Peninsula with its ‘whistling’ sands. Leading flautist Richard Craig performs Reinecke’s melodious Flute Concerto, and the orchestra is joined by pianist Gary O’Shea and the University Chorus for Beethoven’s unique Choral Fantasy. 53
The concert concludes with Brahms’s magisterial First Symphony, performed in the critical edition of Bangor University’s former Head of Music, Robert Pascall (1944-2018).
Pantomime
Monday 3 December 12.45pm Tuesday 4 December 10am, 12.45pm Wednesday 5 December 10am, 12.45pm Cwmni Mega presents the pantomime
Branwen Theatr Bryn Terfel £10 adults/£8 under 18s
Contact the Box Office for group and school bookings 01248 38 28 28
By Huw Garmon Branwen Ferch Llŷr is the most well-known tale from the Mabinogi. It is probably the characters that stir the imagination – the giant, Bendigeidfran, his beautiful sister Branwen, and the evil half-brother Efnisien. But the geography of the tale also stirs the imagination – Bendigeidfran sitting on Harlech rock staring out across the sea, Matholwch, the king of Ireland sailing across the Celtic Sea searching for a wife, the
court at Aberffraw holding the wedding reception, the Welsh campaign in Ireland and of course Branwen’s grave on the banks of the Alaw river on Anglesey. We will see the giant Bendigeidfran walking across the sea from Wales to Ireland and then lying across a river so as to create a bridge over which his army cross. The violence against Matholwch’s horses by Efnisien as well as the unfair treatment of Branwen when a prisoner is frightening.
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By bringing this tale alive in the imagination of the audience, it is hoped that they will identify with elements of the story which is an important part of their cultural heritage. We also hope that the audience’s interest and curiosity will be awakened so that they make further enquiries and discover the ancient Welsh culture for themselves.
Pontio Gift voucher The perfect gift for any occasion With a wide range of events being held at Pontio, from drama and contemporary circus to world music, gigs, ballet, panto, film and much more – why not consider a gift voucher for £10, £20 or £50
You can order gift vouchers from our website pontio.co.uk, by calling the Box Office on 01248 38 28 28 or visiting in person. We’re sure you’ll find something to suit everyone.
Pontio and WNO team present
Come and Sing… Carols Saturday 8 December 2.30 - 3.30pm, Bar Ffynnon As part of Bangor’s Christmas celebrations in a fun and informal setting. With Jenny Pearson Opera singer and vocal animateur
Annette Bryn Parri Repetiteur / Piano Mince pies and seasonal drinks will be available to purchase. 55
Sunday 9 December 3pm
The Ensemble of St Luke’s Studio £12/£10 over 60s/£5 students and under 18s Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s smaller ensemble, The Ensemble of St Luke’s makes a return visit, with a programme covering highlights of the string quartet repertoire through the centuries. There will be something for everyone, from the seasoned concertgoer to first-time listeners, who may never have heard the warm sound of a live string quartet. Music by Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak and The Beatles, as well as some festive surprises will be on offer,
all persuasively presented by the ensemble’s cellist, Gethyn Jones. Please come along and have fun! The Ensemble of St Luke's began its life in 1992, when a group of friends, all members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, decided to perform a number of chamber concerts to fundraise for various charities. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and performs regularly in music clubs & festivals throughout Wales and the North of England. 56
On the day of the concert, players from the Ensemble of St Luke’s will visit the Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon to meet and play for residents, families and staff.
Delicious Festive food available at Gorad restaurant
Wednesday 12 December 7.30pm Thursday 13 December 7.30pm Friday 14 December 7.30pm Ysgol Tryfan present
Y Siop Fach Arswydus Theatr Bryn Terfel ÂŁ10/ÂŁ7.50 concessions For the residents of Skid Row, life is full of dreams but, in reality, it is one without a future. But there is hope on the horizon for Seymour, a flower shop assistant, when he discovers a new mysterious plant which has unexpected potential. Will his newly found fame and fortune win him the
affection of Audrey, his remote girlfriend? Will he be able to break free and be happy ... whatever the consequences?
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Tuesday 18 December 11.30am, 1.45pm Wednesday 19 December 10am (relaxed performance*), 11.30am, 1.45pm Thursday 20 December 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm Friday 21 December 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm Saturday 22 December 11.30am (relaxed performance*), 2.30pm
Llew a’r Crydd Studio Performances during the week: £6/£20 family ticket Saturday performances: £6.50/£22 family ticket Contact the Box Office for group and school bookings 01248 38 28 28
Two brothers travel around the world collecting stories to stop them from getting lost. One night, unable to sleep, they tell a story about a boy, Llew, a mean old cobbler, a magic elf, and a princess who just wants to dance… Join us on a magical adventure, with storytelling, live music and odd, and we mean odd, looking puppets...
A Pontio and Theatr Clwyd co-production Cast: Siôn Emyr and Siôn Eifion Written and directed by Emyr John Designed by Heledd Rees A Welsh language production Suitable for ages 4 to 7 years *see website for more details
The show’s set designer and artist Heledd Rees will hold FREE creative workshops following each performance on the Saturday. 58
Friday 21 December 8pm
FARA with Plu Theatr Bryn Terfel £14/£13 concessions Following their debut release Cross the Line in 2016, Orcadian folk Quartet FARA return to Bangor as part of their UK tour to coincide with the October 2018 release of their second album. Comprised entirely of self-penned songs and instrumental tracks, FARA will celebrate the community which inspired them to become musicians - an album rooted in the spirit of the Orkney Isles and its people, it combines the unique Orkney fiddle tradition with contemporary and original songs and tunes.
With the mission of creating something entirely new and collaborative, the four members of FARA have cowritten many of the melodies on the album, blending all four distinctively different musical voices together. The songs incorporate words by Orcadian poets: George McKay Brown, Edwin Muir and Christina Costie. Orcadian imagery runs through these songs, alongside new melodies brimming with the islands’ tradition whilst also pointing in new directions.
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Formed of sibling trio Elan, Marged and Gwilym Rhys from Caernarfon, North Wales in the Summer of 2012, Plu (meaning 'feathers' in Welsh) play alternative Welsh language pop-folk, with close 3 part harmonies a backbone to their varied set.
Enjoy our delicious new Cabaret sharing platter in the theatre served to you from Ffynnon bar
Friday 11 January 7.30pm WNO Orchestra
A Night in Vienna Theatr Bryn Terfel £17/£16 over 60's /£5 students and under 18s Including a glass of Prosecco: £19.50/£18.50 over 60s/£7.50 students*
* ID will be required
Following an extremely well received concert in 2018, WNO Orchestra returns to their Bangor Residency in January with another popular New Year concert. This year we present a programme with not just our talented orchestra but also the extra dimension of song to truly uncork the spirit of Vienna in the concert hall. Directed as usual by our
Leader and Concertmaster David Adams, the concert opens with the irrepressible energy of Weber’s Oberon Overture. We then feature David as soloist in extraordinarily elegant and virtuosic works by Fritz Kreisler. In line with time honoured tradition, the Orchestra then takes you through a delightful selection of ever-popular 60
Viennese waltzes, polkas and song which are known and loved the world over. Strauss’s Laughing Song, Csárdás, Lehar’s Vilja, the evergreen Blue Danube and stirring Radetsky March are sure to make this a Very Happy New Year from WNO to you!
Be an important part of our team Meet a diverse range of people Learn, develop and apply new skills
Gain recognition for the skills you develop and earn Bangor Employability Award XP points
Interested? volunteers@pontio.co.uk 01248 382666
“It’s a great venue and a great way to keep in touch with a huge variety of the arts as well as improving my Welsh” Wendy, Volunteer
"I love volunteering as a way to meet new people" Michael, Volunteer 61
General information Group Bookings We cater for groups and schools and can occasionally offer great discounts. Please contact our Box Office for more information on 01248 38 28 28. All bookings are subject to our standard terms and conditions. Please visit our website for more information https://www. pontio.co.uk/Online/term Postal Charges No booking fee will be charged when you buy tickets, but a ÂŁ1 mailing charge is applied if you request tickets by post. Tickets by post can only be requested until 10 days before the event to ensure they reach you on time. After this, all pre-bought tickets can be collected from the box office or printed at home.
Families Where a family ticket price is denoted, the offer is available to a group of four. A minimum of one member of the group must be under 18. Concessions Wherever concessions are denoted for Pontio events, the following categories are included in that definition, unless otherwise stated: students and those over 60. Children and young people include anyone under the age of 18. Children under 2 years of age go free. Hynt Access Scheme Art and culture is for everyone. If you have an impairment or a specific access requirement, often enjoying a visit to a theatre or an arts centre can be more complicated than just booking tickets and choosing what to wear.
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Hynt is a national scheme that works with theatres and arts centres across Wales to make things clear and consistent. Pontio is a part of the Hynt scheme as we believe it offers our customers the very best practice in fair ticketing policy and accessibility. Hynt is a Membership Card Hynt is a resource Hynt cardholders are entitled to a ticket free of charge for a personal assistant or carer at Pontio and all the theatres and arts centres participating in the scheme. Visit hynt.co.uk or www.hynt. cymru to find a range of information and guidance about the scheme.