Buzz Feb 2018 Online Edition

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2018

Terra Firma

National Dance Company Wales’ new tour

The Fine Art of Punk

RICHARD HERRING | SIX NATIONS | JOHN SELWAY | VALENTINE’S IDEAS ART | CULTURE | MUSIC | FILM | FOOD+DRINK | TRAVEL | SPORT | LIFESTYLE | LISTINGS

february 2018 46reviews

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publisher EMMA CLARK editor FEDOR TOT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK Buzz TV JAYDON MARTIN accounts TERESA CLARK social media CONNIE MATTHEWS design LEMONDOGCREATIVE.UK contributors KRISTIAN DANDO (CLUBS), KEIRON SELF (FILMS), YASMIN AKTAR, CHRIS ANDREWS, LISBETH BURICH, ALYS CLARK, JOHN-PAUL DAVIES, STUART FAGG, BEN GALLIVAN, CHRIS HAMILTON-PEACH, MAX HARVEY, CHRIS HAYES, JON HERRON, ELOUISE HOBBS, RHIANNON HOLLEY, ADAM JONES, JO LEE, JASON MACHLAB, CARL MARSH, LUCY MENON, FFIONA MILLS, LYNDA NASH, DAVID NOBAKHT, CHARLIE PIERCEY, RHONDA LEE REALI, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, WILL STEEN, JON SUTTON, ALEX SWIFT, MEGAN THOMAS, MARK TIMLIN, GRACE TODD, KATY WESTAWAY, BEN WOOLHEAD, JAKE YOUNG 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

Edits made in this section include the description of one interviewee as a “legendary punk rocker,” which I felt to be highly questionable. Copy left untouched included the Ultimate Guide To Valentine’s Day, which is unimprovable for anyone who has ever been horny or corny on one specific day of the year. Plus chats with Mark Thomas, Richard Herring and Jon Gower

30film

If I was Greta Gerwig, dubbed an “indie darling” in Keiron Self’s review of Lady Bird this month, I would wake up every day praying that The Muppets lampooned me by introducing a character called Greta Earwig

34food&drink

“Hearts full of youth, hearts full of truth / Six parts gin to one part vermouth,” sang Tom Lehrer many decades ago, and while this may not in itself entice you to ‘get into’ vermouth, this month’s cocktail columnist Alex Taylor makes a much better attempt at this

38previews

BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents PABLO PICASSO - MENTON POSTER cover TERRA-FIRMA

buzzmagwales

“From Auschwitz To The Cabaret Stages”

Buzz reviewers are of course free to express their own opinions, which makes it all the more satisfying when their reviews include a correct one, ie the same as me. The mugging off of the very dull new Hookworms album is an example of such a thing this month

Most of this section is wall-to-wall Cardiff and Swansea, which we are keen to avoid when possible (NB: sometimes, like in the barren month of February, it isn’t very possible), apart from the clubs section. Usually the most problematic page in this regard, this one visits Neath, Carmarthen and Narberth in its cosmopolitan quest

@Buzz_Magazine

BuzzMagUK

A brief guide to days of (mostly) outdoors physical activity you can try out across Wales, which makes this a ‘travel’ feature in the sense that you will have to travel to them, unless you live underneath a zip line or whatever

54sport

February’s customary Six Nations preview is joined by a look at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff’s latest night of darts. Hopefully this will also mark the last ever mention in Buzz of Phil Taylor, convicted sex offender who retired from the sport last month

55listings

Congratulations to the dance subgenre drum’n’bass for having, by my count, 20 nights in this month’s listings partly or wholly dedicated to it, or about as much as all other types of dance events combined.

Looks like this style of music could really take off in 2018!

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The red pill/blue pill scene from The Matrix, except the choice is two tickets to Richard Herring or two tickets to Stewart Lee. Richard Herring is the red pill, obviously

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Buzz Magazine

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BRIEFLY

WELSH LANGUAGE MUSIC DAY The third Welsh Language Music Day is fast approaching, and Wales is ready to showcase the best of its musical talent. Expect to see performances from The Voice star Alys Williams, grunge band Los Blancos and folk musician The Gentle Good, spanning across Clwb Ifor Bach and Castle Emporium. The Forte Project is also getting involved, with bilingual artist Jack Ellis performing across the Valleys region. BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens describes the event as “a day to help you discover music you'll love.”

PATTI SMITH AT FESTIVAL OF VOICE EARLY LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENTS Celebrating the power of the voice, Cardiff’s international arts festival is back with a bang.

Their initial announcement has seen the likes of punk queen Patti Smith, Gruff Rhys and Passenger join the lineup, with more to follow on Tue 6 Mar. A number of performing arts and theatre shows will also be joining them in the Wales Millennium Centre’s celebration of creative expression, so prepare to dance, sing and be inspired – this isn’t one to miss.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay and other venues around Cardiff Thurs 7-Sun 17 June. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk

LGBT HISTORY MONTH In honour of both Australia and up to 16 more Latin American nations now being able to enjoy same-sex marriage, this year’s LGBT History Month will focus on the topic of ‘Geography: Mapping The World’. Their 14th year of celebration will see a number of events happening across Wales, with the largest being Cardiff’s OUTing The Past Festival, hosted in the Senedd on Sat 10 Feb. The day-long festival will consist of both international and Wales-centric talks, with topics such as ‘Queer Boy From The Valleys’ to ‘From Auschwitz To The Cabaret Stages’, as well as showcasing the Welsh Icons & Allies exhibition. Spanning over the entire month, Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum will also be hosting the Ladies Of Llangollen exhibition. Telling the courageous love story of Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, the exhibition will be accompanied by a short play recreating their tale.

LGBT History Month, various locations, throughout February. Admission: free Info: 07960 493544 / lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/

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Rhian Edwards. Michael Süß suessmichael.de

Ladies of Llangollen

Various locations, Fri 9 Feb. Info: cymraeg.gov.wales/dyddmiwsigcymru/

SEREN POETRY FESTIVAL With the Cardiff Book Festival looking forward to its third year, it was high time the capital also had its own poetry festival – and now, thanks to Seren, it does. The Bridgend-based publisher started life as a poetry press, quickly establishing an impressive reputation whilst continuing to punch above its weight in terms of the acclaim afforded to its poets. Over the weekend of 16-18 Feb, the Cornerstone building will play host to the cream of Seren’s current crop. In addition to readings from Paul Henry and Damien Walford Davies, there's also a welcome buffet with Costa prize-winner Jonathan Edwards, a showcase for new talent, music from Little Rêd, and a Sunday lunch with Gillian Clarke.

Cornerstone, Cardiff, Fri 16-Sun 18 Feb Tickets: £5–£25 (£90 full festival pass) Info: rcadc.org/seren-poetry-2018

CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL It’s time to get your boots on – Crickhowell’s Walking Festival is back for its annual tour around Crickhowell and the Black Mountains.

Spanning over nine days, an impressive 95 walks are available to fitness freaks and casual strollers alike, with distances ranging from two miles to 20. In order to help you choose, you can check the festival’s grading guide to select the perfect walk for your stamina.

They may not sound enjoyable to the exercise-phobes out there, but don’t worry! If walking isn’t your forte there is still fun to be had at the various talks, quizzes and shows. Test your outdoor knowledge with the CWF quiz or dance your boots off at the end-of-festival concert, showcasing the talents of Welsh band The Semantics. Warm clothing and waterproofs are required, so layer up and get ready to explore the glorious Welsh countryside.

Various locations, Crickhowell, Sat 24 Feb-Sun 4 Mar. Tickets: £6.50-£12.50. Info: 01873 813666 / www.crickhowellfestival.com/

THE TIGER BAY STORY A COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Cardiff born-and-bred local historian Neil M.C. Sinclair has regaled readers with two previous books on that once-famed area of the capital built on the backs of the working-class and multi-ethnic community since razed down to the ground. Sinclair’s latest, The Tiger Bay Story – A Commemorative Edition, is a combination of both his The Tiger Bay Story (1993) and Endangered Tiger — A Community Under Threat (2003), and was launched to coincide with the recent Tiger Bay: The Musical. The second-generation Afro-Celt author said the new work – which combines brand new material with personal and family memories, interviews, historical research and nostalgic photographs – is important because “the growth of Cardiff was dependent on activities that took place near the seafront, any history that ignores this fact does an injustice to the contemporary history of Wales.” Readers who want to understand more about Cardiff’s unique, at times turbulent 20th century history should look no further than this informative update.

Price: £14.99. Info: www.wordcatcher.com

BRITANNIA A show filmed in Wales that is actually set in Wales.

Now that does make a change! Britannia was, to be strictly accurate, only partially filmed here in Wales, but does show what a beautiful place it is, with the opening episode showing such wonders as Nash Point near Marcoss and Rhossili Bay near Swansea. The show ticks all the boxes for fans of graphic violence, nudity, humour and outstanding acting – or, in a nutshell, Game Of Thrones fans. The storyline is based loosely around the Druids of Ynys Môn and the Roman conquest in 43AD over the Celts. It’s a psychedelic affair, prone to bouts of utter madness, yet it will no doubt keep you gripped until the final episode. Just prepare yourself for a breathtaking journey into TV at its finest.

Available now on Sky Atlantic on demand

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GLENN MAINWARING Buzz caught up with Glenn Mainwaring, one of the stars of Channel 4’s hit reality show SAS: Who Dares Wins, a Rhondda boy who endured a difficult time coming out in the Valleys but has since gone on to great success.

What inspired you to apply for Who Dares Wins?

I had various motives. Some very personal but really it was to challenge myself and put myself through the extreme conditions required to see if I could do it.

Was it partly inspired by the desire to upend stereotypes about gay men and masculinity?

Whilst at times, elements of society still consider gay men not as masculine as their ‘straight counterparts’, I hope my achievements on the show demonstrate that physical and mental strength can prevail [over stereotypes].

Is taking part in Who Dares Wins the hardest thing you’ve had to do in your life, or have there been bigger challenges?

It’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve done. It was torment in terms of physical exertion in hot conditions with unpleasant directing staff shouting down your neck! There was never a moment of relaxation, as we were constantly on alert for the next physical challenge or crazy request.

How did you get on with the other contestants in the series?

I was very nervous about meeting the other recruits and how or if they would accept me, but something really weird happened that I wasn’t prepared for and we created this amazing bond together. It’s as if when we took off our civilian clothes and put on our uniform, all ego went out the door and we were all the same regardless of differences in background, culture or sexuality.

What are you most proud of in regards to taking part in Who Dares Wins?

I kept patting myself on the back for every day I got through and feeling such a huge sense of pride that I got through another day. But there was one challenge BUZZ 6

that I’d been psyching myself up for and it’s a fall backwards from a high drop. I didn’t think I was capable of doing it but as I stood at the edge of the board and looked into the distance I felt as if I was falling away from any negative events and leaving that in the past. It was quite amazing.

You’ve mentioned before that you had a difficult time growing up gay in the Welsh Valleys. Do you think it’s changed for young people since then?

I really hope so. I know the struggles I had growing up in the Valleys were as a result of not many gay people being out and about in the valleys, or it not being seen in the media very much. Over the years it has been more public in the media and on the streets, which I think gives younger gay men encouragement to express themselves publicly and educates any individuals with conservative views.

Many LBGT in the media people have spoken of their sense of displacement growing up – especially those from smaller places such as the Rhondda valley.

Do you think the same holds true for you? Has that changed for you during your life?

It’s the individual that’s important – not allowing yourself to become displaced or sidelined in any way is as important as gentle persuasion and changing the attitude of those who try to sideline LGBT. I hope to have shown I was forward-thinking which prevented that happening to me. Some would question why I’ve even mentioned my sexuality – though being gay doesn’t define me, it is a big part of who I am and certainly something I’m not ashamed of, and so I’ve been honest throughout.

SAS: Who Dares Wins is out now on All4 Info: www.channel4.com

Sister Act Live Choir 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Overtones

Puccini Madama Butterfly 18.03.18

Jonathan Pie Back to the Studio 31.03.18

Ed Byrne Spoiler Alert

James & Ola Uncensored

Philharmonia Orchestra feat. Jakub HruĹĄa

The Circus of Horrors Voodoo

17.02.18

25.03.18

15.02.18 & 10.04.18

18.02.18

09.02.18

09.03.18

20.03.18

BOOK NOW STEREOPHONICS Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Tues 6 + Wed 7 Mar Tickets: £44.50 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk –

Pic: greenmanyz

SECRET SPACES: GOWER

The Cardiff Devils won the British Elite Ice Hockey Championship last year, and are in the midst of a so-far healthy defense of that title. Jon Sutton chats with star forward Matthew Myers.

You’ve come back to Cardiff after a glittering career at other clubs, what are some of your highlights, playing-wise?

I’ve been lucky enough to play for my country 80-plus times whilst also winning a lot of trophies. I’ve played on some great teams over the years.

The two standout wins would be with Nottingham, when we won the grand slam, and last season with Cardiff when we won three out of four trophies on offer, narrowly missing out on the fourth in overtime.

Which was your favourite location, outside of Wales?

My wife and I really enjoyed our time working, living and playing in Nottingham [for the Nottingham Panthers]. We made a lot of friends for life there and we still keep in contact and go back to the city when we get the chance.

Playing with Team GB, you must have had some opportunity to travel, can you tell us your favourite place to play?

Well I’ve been on many trips and they have all been great. We have such a brilliant group of guys in the GB set so it’s always fun. The place I would say stands out most for me most was Japan as it’s not a place you get to see all the time. Breakfast was weird though – curry and mackerel!

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You’re clearly at home in frosty conditions. Do you have a favourite spot in the world for winter adventures? Or do you prefer to escape to the sun?

I love the sun, but I also love the snow in countries that can cope with it. Having played hockey here for so long I’ve not had many winter adventures. The two that come to mind was the one year I played in the USA, where we had loads of snow, and the other winter fun was when I was about 15 and I went skiing in the French Alps. Thoroughly enjoyed skiing and look forward to doing more when hockey finally comes to an end.

If you could recommend one place in Wales to someone who has never visited before, what would you pick and why?

There are so many great places to go but the Gower is great, especially Worm’s Head is great. It’s located just off Rhossili beach and in the sun it’s gorgeous. My wife and I stayed at the Worm’s Head Hotel for a few nights exploring the area before then hitting up an Elton John concert at the Liberty Stadium. Cardiff is a wicked city and last summer I walked up Pen-y-fan. I’m not a great walker but the view from the top was unbelievable.

Info: www.cardiffdevils.com

ED BYRNE St David’s Hall, Cardiff Fri 9 Mar Tickets: £24 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk –

THE WOMBATS Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union Fri 16 Mar Tickets: £21 Info: 020 2078 1400 www.cardiffstudents.com –

PALOMA FAITH Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Sat 17 + Sun 18 Mar Tickets: £35 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk –

30 SECONDS TO MARS Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Fri 23 Mar Tickets: £32.50 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk –

ASTROID BOYS

Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union Fri 30 Mar Tickets: £12 Info: 029 2078 1400 www.cardiffstudents.com

liVE COMEDY EVERY WEEK! PIE FACE THURSDAYS FOODIE FRIDAYS STAND UP SATURDAYS

liVE MUSiC COMEDY TOUR SHOWS sun 4th feb

REginalD D. HUnTER (SOlD OUT)

wed 28th feb

sun 3rd jun

Thu 19th aPr

mon 26th mar

mon 11th jun

(SOlD OUT)

sun 6th maY

sun 7th OCt

HaYSEED DiXiE

THE MUSiC Of lED zEPPElin

MiKE DaWES

Thu 29th mar

SHaPPi KHORSanDi

DaliSO CHaPOnDa

sun 1st aPr

Thu 26th aPr

(SOlD OUT)

Thu 5th aPr

sun 29th aPr

21st / 22nd / 23rd feb

(EXTRa DaTE)

Thu 10th maY

Thu 15th feb

iain STiRling jOE lYCETT (SOlD OUT)

sun 18th mar

TOnY laW jOHn RObinS sun 8th aPr

gEORgE Egg

jOHn RObinS

Thu 12th aPr

wed 21st mar

sun 15th aPr

(SOlD OUT)

TOM STaDE

sun 25th mar

jESS RObinSOn

SiMOn EVanS WaHala COMEDY ClaSH

MO gilligan CRaig CaMPbEll iVO gRaHaM

THE YOUng’UnS jOHn WHEElER

MOTHERSHiP

wed 7th feb

sun 20th maY

(RUPaUl’S DRag RaCE)

bURlESQUE & CabaRET

TRiXiE MaTEll

sun 21st OCt

sun 4th mar

gaRY DElanEY

bEllY

SPECial EVEnTS

Thu 24th maY

liMMY

jOn MOSES

alYSSa EDWaRDS (RUPaUl’S DRag RaCE) mon 9th aPr

SHangEla

(RUPaUl’S DRag RaCE)

MERMAID QUAY • CARDIFF BAY • CF10 5BZ

THE gilDED MERKin sun 17th jun

THE lifE & RHYMES Of bEnjaMin zEPHaniaH

Pic: Rhys Cozens

TERRA FIRMA Ahead of their new tour, National Dance Company Wales director Paul Kaynes talks to John-Paul Davies about their ambitious year ahead.

National Dance Company Wales’ latest tour begins its 16 UK dates in Wales this month. Well, one version of it does. Interestingly, Terra Firma is made up of four thematically-linked pieces, three of which are performed each night.

The Director of National Dance Company Wales, Paul Kaynes, is excited by the prospect of a tour with real variety. “In each case the evening will include a brandnew work called Atalaÿ, and another called Tundra by the Spanish choreographers Mario Bermudez Gil and Marcos Morau respectively. The third work will alternate between Folk and The Green House, both created by our resident choreographer Caroline Finn. Each of the works is rooted in the idea of people’s own place, community or land – for instance, Tundra is set in a wintry landscape, evoking the wide-open spaces of Russia.”

Even within one night’s performance there is huge contrast. Tundra’s Russian folk-dance inspiration touches on themes of revolution in a bleak and futuristic setting. Atalaÿ is a watchtower, through which the audience are shown windows on different worlds, each bathing in a blissful Mediterranean sun. Continuing to burrow deep into the themes of community and place, Folk sees NDCWales explore the traditional fairytale, set somewhere between A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the world of the ‘upside down’ in Stranger Things.

An intriguing programme, then, that promises a combination of contrast and unity from three recipients of the Copenhagen Choreography Award – Caroline Finn, Marcos Morau and Mario Bermudez Gil. “Over the years we’ve attracted some of the biggest names in the contemporary dance world, and Marcos Morau certainly falls into this category with his hugely successful company La Veronal from Barcelona,” says Kaynes. “Why do they come? Because of the group of dancers we have and the ethos of the rehearsal room as well as our commitment to realising artists’ vision and design both at home and on tour, and because we tour – a lot. It means that a work created for us can be in our repertoire for three or even four years, and might be performed 50 or even 60 times. That’s rare in the dance world.”

Which begs the question: what next for the company as it goes from strength to strength?

“This year we will be doing three tours of Germany, Austria and Switzerland where they can’t get enough of us! In the autumn we’re co-producing a contemporary dance opera with Music Theatre Wales called Passion

by Pascal Dusapin. The summer will see us working with National Youth Arts Wales to train super talented dancers of the future, and throughout 2018 we will be working with older people in the Swansea area, as well as continuing with our Dance For Parkinson’s programme in Cardiff and Blackwood.”

“A work created for us can be in our repertoire for four years, and might be performed 60 times. That’s rare in the dance world.”

On this mid-scale tour of Welsh venues, the company has the “freedom to be daring in terms of set, lighting and space. One of the pieces includes an upside down tree; another, The Green House, is literally a vibrant green house interior. Our setting and spaces are evoked through lighting and music as much by physical sets.”

While each of the other pieces are concerned with a firm flooring and what can be created on it, The Green House shifts the ground from underneath and brings the outside world in. It’s omitted in at some shows, though, in favour of Folk. “The main driver for choosing an evening of dance is that the mix of works will engage our audiences,” says Kaynes. “That doesn’t mean they’re all the same (quite the opposite!) but that they hang together, either thematically or stylistically.”

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There’s many reasons to be proud of the arts companies that are born of our little nation but NDCWales seems to encompass them all on its own: local, national, international, residential, touring, nursing the aged and nurturing the young. Not only that, they give you four shows for the price of two. See it – twice.

Terra Firma, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 8 Feb; Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon, Mon 26 Feb; touring the UK until May Tickets: £15/£13. Info: www.ndcwales.co.uk

Pic: Rhys Cozens

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V-Day looming but unsure of how to treat your significant other? Lisbeth Burich is your saviour

Pic: Ian Munro Photography

VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY

Learn A New Skill BECOME A CHOCOLATIER FOR A DAY

SAY IT WITH CAKE

HAVE MY WILLOW HEART

Chocolate is an essential Valentine’s ingredient, and Abergavenny’s holy grail for cocoa addicts Black Mountain Gold now offers a chance to become master of the dark arts under the apprenticeship of chocolatier Jules James. What is more romantic than the craft of tempering melting chocolate and making heavenly truffles by hand? What’s more, the workshop is right on the doorstep to the magnificent Brecon Beacons – ideal for a post-chocolate binge ramble.

Chocolate Making And Tasting Workshop, £99. Black Mountain Gold, 59 Frogmore St, Abergavenny.

For the ultimate cutesy Valentine’s treat, book a special couples’ cupcake-decorating workshop with sugar craft artist Gareth Davis. From fondant to piping techniques, this workshop sees you fit for the Bake Off, and includes refreshments and chocolate dipped strawberries. Held at Pettigrew’s kitchen and classroom directly above their Victoria Park bakery.

Cupcake Decorating Workshop, Wed 14 Feb, 10am12pm or 7-9pm, £45 for two. Pettigrew Bakery, 595 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff.

Now here’s a literal take on Valentine’s, and one that will excite crafty lovebirds: learn how to weave a decorative willow heart under the guidance of Amanda Rayner, expert in all things willow. With the workshop set in the tranquil Monmouth countryside, guests could be tempted to stay on the farm for a night or two in the converted old hayloft.

Willow Heart Making Workshop, Sat 3 Feb, 10am1pm, £45. Humble By Nature, Penallt, Monmouth.

Info: 01873 855139 www.bmchocolate.com

Info: 07772 630332 www.letthemseecake.com

Info: 01600 714595 www.humblebynature.com

Boozy Valentine’s SWIRL AND SIP WELSH SUNSHINE

HOP TO IT

WHISKY ME AWAY

Llanerch have been making award-winning wines since 1986 under the Valentines pitch-perfect label Cariad (meaning sweetheart in Welsh). Inspect the vines on a self-guided tour before tasting the labours of their love in the elegant, glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the vineyard. Go the whole hog and pair your wine flight with a curated food menu, available Wednesday to Sunday 1.30-4 pm.

Taste Of Cariad, £7.50 pp, available daily. Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan

The number of craft breweries in Wales has multiplied in recent years, but have you ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors? Multi-award-winning microbrewery Tiny Rebel, which exploded on to the indie scene in 2012, opens its doors to visitors every Saturday. Get to grips with the ins-and-outs of brewing and finish in the shiny new bar with a beer of your choice, which will taste all the better for knowing the care that has gone its creation.

Tiny Rebel Tours, Saturdays 1.30 and 4pm, £15.

Tiny Rebel Brewing, Wern Industrial Estate, Newport.

The historic village of Penderyn, in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, is home to the renowned single malt whisky. Get an intimate look behind the scenes of whisky making, from malting to distillation and maturation, on an hour-long tour, then retreat to the Tasting Bar with a well-earned tipple or three.

Tours £8.50, available daily. Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre, Pontpren, Aberdare.

Info: 01443 222716 www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk

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Info: 01633 547378 www.tinyrebel.co.uk

Info: 01685 810650 www.penderyn.wales

Weekends For Two CURL UP IN A SHEPHERD’S HUT

BED DOWN PERSIAN-STYLE

FLOAT THEIR BOAT

Turn off your smartphones and cwtch in a shepherd’s hut, a wheeled wagon traditionally used to tend flocks of livestock. This specimen, in the craggy Glamorgan countryside, is miles away from its humble origins – still snug, but with all modern comforts such as a kitchen and the all-important woodburner to keep cosy in Welsh winter.

The Bugail Hut, Hide at St Donats, Vale Of Glamorgan. From £100 per night, sleeps 2

Of all places, Monmouthshire must be the last you’d expect to come upon a Persian-inspired tent.

‘Glamping’ has taken a firm hold on the Welsh countryside, and all the better for loved-up couples in search of adventure – this stylish abode sits amid 400 acres of unspoilt countryside and private nature trails. Take a walk up Grey Hill for breathtaking views of the Severn Valley.

The Cribbau at Penheim Glamping, Llanvair Discoed, Chepstow. From £92 per night, sleeps up to 4

Why settle for a seaside vacation when you could be on the sea? The floating eco-pod on the Neyland Yacht Marina in Pembrokeshire may be compact, but it has all your lazy weekend needs covered – a kitchenette for sizzling morning bacon and even a private patio to soak up the afternoon sun. Explore the pubs and cafes in the marina and nearby town, or stay in with a book or a film from the onboard library before allowing the rising and falling waves to send you to sleep.

Brunel Quay, Neyland, Milford Haven £75 per night, sleeps up to 4

Info: www.canopyandstars.co.uk

Info: www.canopyandstars.co.uk

Info: www.airbnb.com

Be My Vegan Valentine COCKTAIL HOUR

ESCAPE TO INDIA

Cardiff joint Milgi’s rainbow-coloured dishes are the perfect antidote to a winter’s day, and their backyard yurt offers an intimate space in which to sip lychee and basil mojitos. The tortilla stack, a show-stopping tower of blue corn tortillas, refried beans, spiced root vegetables and ubiquitous smashed avocado comes highly recommended.

Milgi, 213 City Road, Cardiff.

An enduring favourite with vegetarians and vegans in Cardiff, the vivid murals, bronze pots and trinkets adorning the walls of the Vegetarian Food Studio transport you to South India. Opt for a traditional thali accompanied by a vegan mango lassi, and if there’s any room left, browse the selection of sweet snacks with vegan options aplenty. If you would like to toast your Valentine with something stronger than a lassi, you can bring your own bottle at a friendly £1.50 charge per drinker.

Vegetarian Food Studio, 115-117 Penarth Rd, Cardiff.

Info: 029 2047 3150 / www.milgicardiff.com

Pic: Joseph Parry

Info: 029 2023 8222 www.vegetarianfoodstudio.com

POP THE PROSECCO This homely café is not only located smack bang in the glamorous Mumbles, its simple vibrant fare has also earned it a loyal brunch crowd. Whether of a vegan or gluten-free persuasion, The Kitchen Table caters to all, and on V-day you even get a complimentary glass of Prosecco when you order two courses or more.

The Kitchen Table, 626 Mumbles Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea Info: 01792 367616

Adventurous Valentine’s SKYDIVE OVER THE GOWER PENINSULA The link between fear, adrenaline and romantic attraction has been backed up time and again by science, and Swansea is where the ultimate thrill is to be had – a tandem parachute jump from a height of 12,000 feet. There are views of the Gower peninsula to be enjoyed on your way down, if the adrenalin pumping through your body allows it.

Tandem jump £230; availability is weather dependent.

Info: 01792 207035 www.skydiveswansea.co.uk

CONQUER THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLIFFS If you fancy a more hands-on experience with the natural environment, coasteering lets you explore the Pembrokeshire coast up-close and intrepidly.

A two-hour session has all the action packed in there, from cliff jumping to scramble climbing and adventure swimming. The price includes wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. Seal pups have been known to appear on these outings, so prepare yourselves for cuteness. £45 for two hours. Contact for availability.

Info: 01348 837337 www.celticquestcoasteering.com

BUZZ 13

Ian Dury 1978

THE FINE ART OF PUNK & N E W WAV E The grit and glory of punk comes to Cardiff, via a car showroom. Ben Woolhead finds out why.

Following in the footsteps of the bands and artists it celebrates, The Fine Art Of Punk & New Wave is all set to go on tour around the country next month. Not that the exhibition – a retrospective of the work of photographers Chalkie Davies and Denis O’Regan – will be calling in at anywhere as insalubrious as the sort of toilet venues that played host to the genres’ pioneers, however. No, it’ll be appearing at car showrooms – starting at Sinclair Volkswagen on East Tyndall Street on Tues 20 Feb. Some might venture that the choice of exhibition space – a spotlessly clean, glass-walled monument to conspicuous consumption – could hardly be less in the authentic spirit of punk. And yet you could also argue the opposite: that it shows a disregard for convention, and creates the art equivalent of a guerrilla gig.

The notion that punk was born in 1977 is highly questionable. Nevertheless, last year was widely held to mark itss 40th birthday, and The Fine Art Of Punk & New Wave, organised by Off Beat Lounge, aims to commemorate the occasion. Davies and O’Regan were both independently inspired by David Bowie’s seminal Ziggy Stardust tour. Subsequently, as photographers for the NME back when the publication was in its prime rather than a freebie advertorial, they shot some of the musical firmament’s brightest stars during an extraordinarily fertile period. Neither is any stranger to showcases of their work: O’Regan has published a book entitled Images of Punk, while Sully-born Davies exhibited at the National Museum Wales in 2015.

While the existence of VIP ‘Punk Plus’ tickets might get up the noses of some punk purists, those prepared to pay the extra filthy lucre will be able to enjoy a Q&A session with one of the two photographers, as well as a private viewing of the exhibition and the opportunity to redeem the ticket price against print purchases.

And let’s face it: whose wall wouldn’t be improved with a photo of Debbie Harry?

The Fine Art Of Punk & New Wave, Sinclair Volkswagen, Cardiff Tue 20 Feb. Tickets: £9.50/£29.50 VIP Info: www.offbeatlounge.co.uk/artofpunk The Boomtown Rats 1976

BUZZ 14

The Ramones 1977

The Damned

1976 _ Dave

Vanian & Br

ian James

Paul Simonon 1977

Debbie Harry 1977

BUZZ 15

MARK THOMAS One of Britain’s most prolific comedians has a new show about starting a comedy club in a Palestinian refugee camp. As Fedor Tot finds out, it’s not easy…

The Siege was on, that was packed. They thought, ‘this is our history, our story’.

When they put on Animal Farm, people got quite upset.”

In a sense, the show is about the very purpose of comedy. “[We wanted to] create a show about what it is to put on a standup show, which relies on spontaneity, freedom of speech and of expression, in a place where that’s frowned upon. I want people to be able to hear the voices of the two young men I’m working with, Faisal Abdualheja and Alaa Shehada. We can make a show that changes people’s perceptions of what it’s like living under military occupation” It doesn’t sound like an easy show to put together, not helped by Mark’s defiantly independent stance. “The way I do things, no one comes along and gives me grants or money. If I’m gonna bring two Palestinian kids over and have them working, then I must do that. Every part of that production, raising the money, talking to the people in Palestine, negotiating with them, getting the visas and fucking passports sorted out, I have to make sure it happens. I haven’t got an option of ‘I think I’ll phone in sick’.”

Inevitably, considering the political charge of Mark’s style, our attentions turn to the type of comic that’s filling up these tucked-away places, and whether the political edge that Mark Thomas’ generation brought to comedy in the 1980s, alongside Ben Elton and Alexei Sayle, has dissipated.

“What’s interesting is that there is an increasing amount of politics coming into standup but it’s about identity. That’s perfect for standup. It’s about the politics of racism, of sexuality, of gender. When you get more people, more women or say, more gay people performing, that’s really exciting, because actually that’s inherently political.”

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 21 Feb; Volcano Theatre, Swansea, Thurs 22 Feb. Tickets: £20/£15 NUS or unwaged.

Info: 029 2064 6900 / 01792 464790

Pic: Lesley Martin

Mark Thomas is perhaps too politically furious and polemical to earn much currency in the mainstream of standup comedy, but for a particular set of hardcore fans, his prolific writing and touring ensure his work is a font of smart standup. His latest, Showtime From The Frontline, is perhaps his most ambitious yet; he tells how he attempted to set up a comedy club in a refugee camp in Jenin, Palestine. How the hell did that come about?

“I’ve been wanting to set up a comedy club in Jenin for a while. I kinda have a history of working in Palestine and in 2009-2010 I walked along the length of the West Bank Wall. That’s when I met the Jenin Freedom Theatre, which is a theatre company in the refugee camp there.”

He was immediately bowled over by it. “I thought it was brilliant that there was a theatre in a refugee camp. It defies our expectations of what refugees are: they are more than just a paltry vision that we put upon them, the idea that a refugee is just kid with a begging bowl and Bob Geldof stood beside them. People have aspirations, they have creative impulses.

“Four years ago I was over there doing book readings in the West Bank. I went up to the people at Jenin Freedom Theatre and I was really lucky to arrive on the first day of rehearsals for this play, The Siege, about a siege in the Church Of The Nativity.

It was really thrilling to see the creative energy that went into telling a story about resistance and defying an occupation. That’s where it started. I just blurted out, ‘we should do a comedy workshop!’ I spent three years building up trust and ideas on what we could do, went over last year with a friend of mine, and we ran it for nearly a month. We put on two nights, which have now been replicated without us.”

Considering that standup is a tradition specific to Western culture, rooted in vaudeville and music hall, how did it translate with Palestinians? “People don’t go out much. They tend to stay at home or have friends round. There are arts centres in the West Bank, but the idea that you go out for an evening doesn’t really happen. The theatre is regarded as something that’s alright for kids. But when

BUZZ 16

National Dance Company Wales presents / Cwmni Dawns Cenedlaethol Cymru yn cyflwyno

“I went home elated” The Evening Standard

8 February / Chwefror 2018

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff / Theatr y Sherman, Caerdydd shermantheatre.co.uk 029 2064 6900

discover

DANCE

“A ridiculously amazing afternoon”

with National Dance Company Wales / gyda Chwmni Dawns Cenedlaethol Cymru

@NDCWales ndcwales.co.uk

- Discover Dance audience member / Aelod o’r Gynulleidfa Darganfod Dawns

9 February / Chwefror 2018 11am, 5pm Sherman Theatre, Cardiff / Theatr y Sherman, Caerdydd shermantheatre.co.uk 029 2064 6900

LOUDER IS NOT A LWAY S CLEARER Jonny Cotsen, the star of a new play about being deaf in a hearing world, talks to Fedor Tot Louder Is Not Always Clearer presents a unique challenge to theatrical audiences, asking us the question: what is it like to be deaf? For Jonny Cotsen, who was born deaf and whose parents were reluctant to stigmatise their son with a ‘disabled’ tag, the answer is a more complicated one than it might seem. He did not meet another deaf person until his 30s, and only when he became a teacher realised just how deaf he was.

“I was really embarrassed, because as a teacher you have to understand every single kid and what they say. Before I worked in the private sector, as a computer graphic designer. I didn’t give a shit about what people said. I could lipread them fine, but with kids it’s so hard to lipread them. And it was then that I realised I was deaf, really deaf, and I wanted to find out more about my identity.”

This self-realisation led to Jonny meeting other members of the deaf community, learning to sign and finding, at last, a sense of belonging. Despite this relatively recent turn in Jonny’s life, the origins of Louder Is Not Always Clearer go as far back as the performer’s university days in the early 90s, when he studied Fine Art in Coventry.

“I went to university and it was the first time I left home, and I started to be more involved with the hearing world. Prior to that, I was always very protected and my mum looked after me. Wherever I went, she helped me.

In school she made sure I had one-to-ones, had my brother helping me with a lot of things. I go to university, all of a sudden, poof! I’m independent. I have to try and connect things on my own. [That exhibition] was really about my identity and my way of connecting to the hearing world.”

Going from an art exhibition, a purely visual medium, to an audiovisual one like theatre, might sound like a challenge, but, says Jonny: “There’s not really much difference between what I did in the exhibition and my theatrical piece because a lot of the things I do in my theatrical piece are very visual. I do a lot of movement, we have a lot of things like projections, subtitles, dubbed sound. For me it has to be accessible to everyone, so therefore I made it very visual.”

Prior to doing an early rendition of this show last year for Experimentica at Chapter, Jonny was unsure whether the show would be relatable at all to either hearing or deaf audiences.

“Initially I didn’t really want this performance to be accessible to deaf people. Why? I think it may be a political thing. A lot of hearing theatres don’t make things available to deaf audiences, so I was kind of like, ‘I’m a deaf person, I want to make it more accessible to a hearing audience, I don’t care about the deaf audience’.

“The feedback I got from the deaf community meant that I had to re- or deconstruct everything. If I had decided to make a performance that’s accessible only to hearing audiences [the deaf community] would probably skin me alive!”

Isolation is a big theme in the play. How does Jonny handle this sense of distance in his life?

“Isolation, to me, is not a sad thing. It is a beautiful moment. People talking, the noise going everywhere, it’s getting dark, people getting drunk, I can cope with it. I kind of breath in.

I’m quite happy to have my moment to sit on my own and look on the phone, but a lot of people think I’m dumb, I can’t engage with the conversation and some think I’m muted.”

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, why should audiences see Louder is Not Always Clearer?

“I think they should come because it’s different; it would be explosive. I want to get people to come on my journey and I want people to leave the theatre think ‘oh my God, what have I just seen!’”

Louder is Not Always Clearer, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Tue 6-Sat 10 Feb; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Thurs 22 Feb; Newport and Milford Haven in April. Tickets: £13/£11 conc.

Info: 029 2030 4400 (Chapter) / 01792 602060 (Taliesin).

BUZZ 18

OH FRIG HE’S FUNNY Apparently much calmer and more sensible than a decade ago, Richard Herring talks to Max Harvey about his latest show, Oh Frig I’m 50!

Richard Herring is not as famous as perhaps he should be. He’s been working as a comedian for over 25 years, but after near-stardom as one half of Lee & Herring in the 1990s, he’s returned to the public eye thanks mainly to his superb Leicester Square podcasts, interviewing everyone from Russell Brand to Stephen Fry. And now he’s touring new standup material – hitting the road as he hits 50...

You did a show about being 40. Were you apprehensive about the big 5-0?

I was less worried than when I hit 40, but I still can’t quite believe it as 50 is properly old, you know? When I hit 40 I had a bit of a midlife crisis, but I’m married with a kid and another on the way, so I’m not upset about hitting 50, just incredulous about it. My grandmother said when she was 85 that she still felt 23 and I understand that. When I was a teenager, 50 seemed like old age, but I don’t feel old now as I spend my time acting like a child – and I’m more comfortable with that dichotomy than I was when I was only 40.

Can you tell me a little about the show? What’s changed since Oh Fuck I’m 40?

Well, for one thing, my wife sort of saved me. And my kids have given me a focus that I needed. The lifestyle I was leading was self-driven and egotistical. I’ve seen enough entertainers go off the rails or lose track of who they are, so I consider myself lucky to have my family to motivate me. I’ve got other people to think about now, so I haven’t had as much time to worry getting older, which is partly what the new show is about.

Essentially it’s about me ageing – coming to terms with changes and comparing it to being 40. At 50, you start to realise that you are part of a bigger picture. Having kids means you’re really just a link in the chain and even if you don’t have kids, BUZZ 20

you’re still just a passing blip in the universe. So the show’s about ego, but mainly about dealing with becoming, and feeling, increasingly decrepit.

What advice might you pass on to your kids?

I guess they have to make their own mistakes. I can see my daughter’s [who is 3] personality strongly already and though you can help your child not go too far down the wrong road, ultimately they will be who they’re going to be. And I wouldn’t have listened to a 50-year-old when I was 16 so I can’t expect my kids to.

Much of your resurgence came as a result of podcasting – is this how performance is evolving?

When I started, you had to work for ages to get an actual radio show. Now you can make a radio show from your house, pretty much for free, so there’s more opportunities. I think that’s exciting and will hopefully lead to interesting content as you don’t have people telling you what you can and can’t do, as with TV and radio now. When Chaplin got rich, he did it by charging everyone a few cents, but if a billion people give you 1p, you’re a millionaire.

What I like about the podcast is that the people who can afford to pay for it pay for it, and others get it for free. I think they feel some ownership and therefore are happier than they might normally be to cough up a bit for it. I like that it creates a little bit of happiness, while still supporting the work, so everyone wins.

Richard Herring: Oh Frig, I’m 50!

St. David’s Hall, Sat 24 Feb. Tickets: £19.50 Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

THE CINEMA AT TRAMSHED - CLARE ROAD, CARDIFF, CF11 6QP ENQUIRIES: CHARLEY@TRAMSHEDCARDIFF.COM - WWW.TRAMSHEDCARDIFF.COM

POSTER EXHIBITION

1

2

Big artists find themselves in a small place, writes Chris Hayes.

It’s not often giants like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol turn up in Cardiff, but nevertheless, here they are. An exhibition of posters designed by some of the 20th century’s greatest artists is currently at the Albany Gallery in Roath.

The gallery itself is almost hidden on a street dominated by shops and cafés, the entrance wedged between two shops.

One of the main things this exhibition seeks to highlight is an appreciation of artists’ posters as art in their own right, and, moreover, as an affordable entry point into art collecting. Many of the posters are for the artists’ own exhibitions, and normally designed by the artists themselves. Thus, each piece is a selfcontained bit of history, contextualising the background of an exhibition and giving an indication how the artist wanted their own art to be seen.

Posters offer a very different way of appreciating art, as the painting does not fill the whole frame, which one is typically used to. The juxtaposition of image and text is striking, and even sometimes jarring. Each poster, whether by Hockney, Chagall or Matisse, reflects the artist’s style. A poster by Picasso features details of the exhibition in a hand-scrawled text, while the text for a Chagall exhibition is as dreamlike as the artist’s own work. Despite the age of these posters (their survival is interesting in itself), there is something rather modern about them in their composition and arrangements, at times making it difficult to believe some of these posters are over 60 years old.

Considering the sums original artworks by these figures often sell for – regularly bothering the tops of 'Most expensive paintings ever’ list – the fact that some of these posters are available for a comparatively paltry £300 is quite astounding.

However, if you simply want to appreciate art by world-famous artists in a gallery right on your doorstep, this exhibition still offers plenty of appeal.

Albany Gallery, Cardiff, until Sat 10 Feb. Admission: free.

Info: 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery.com

BUZZ 22

1. Joan Miró - Untitled 2. Andy Warhol - Sammlung Karl Ströher 3. Marc Chagall - Le Ciel Bleu-Galerie Maeght

3

4

5

6 4. Pablo Picasso - Toros En Vallauris 5. David Hockney - The Boy Hidden in an Egg 6. Henri Matisse - Aix en Provence

La forza del destino Verdi Tosca Puccini Don Giovanni Mozart Chwefror 2 – 24 February 2018 Archebwch nawr ar yganolfan.org.uk Book now at wmc.org.uk

029 2063 6464 Mae croeso cynnes i chi gysylltu â mi yn Gymraeg

wno.org.uk/spring18 Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig | Registered Charity No 221538

JOHN S E L W AY Ahead of Jon Gower’s latest book release, Katy Westaway sat down with the author to discuss his celebration of visionary artist John Selway.

Jon Gower explores the extraordinarily ordinary life of this important Welsh artist in a new biography entitled Vigilant Imagination: Encounters With John Selway, written before John’s passing in 2017. Despite his artistic skill, Selway chose to stay under the radar, and this book aims to bring attention to his underrated talent.

“The book is saying ‘look, here is someone who is very talented and you should pay attention to him,'” Gower explains. As a widely successful artist in the 1960s, Selway sacrificed the chance for global recognition to return to his home town of Abertillery. “He isn’t as recognised as he should be. [Photographer] David Hurn thinks he is one of the most significant artists from Wales, yet most people won’t have heard of him.”

Selway’s decision to stay in Abertillery may have compromised his success, but Gower insists the choice wasn’t a waste of potential. “He didn’t give a damn about the work, working was the point. He was happiest in his studio, which was at the bottom of a garden so steep that you’d need to be a Nepalese Sherpa to climb up from it. Once the work was finished he didn’t care about it at all.

“In fact,” he recalls, “one of his most beautiful paintings is in a lock-up in Abergavenny, and he dragged it across a gravel floor into the snow. I was thinking, ‘this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen’ and yet he didn’t care about it.”

When asked whether the decision to stay in his home town kept him as down to earth as everyone remembered him to be, Gower agrees. “He’s a very ordinary bloke – he would go to the Pontlottyn pub in Abertillery every day. If someone asked him what he did he might answer ‘I’m a painter’, but he’d let them think that he probably painted houses rather than art.”

Selway’s eclectic portfolio made him stand out as an artist who could portray anything from literary works to current affairs in his distinct, abstract style. His BUZZ 24

art contained a significant focus on childhood, and he took heavy inspiration from Dylan Thomas. “Many of his paintings are based on Dylan Thomas poems because Dylan would go back to Fernhill. And so in the same way, Selway would go back to his happy childhood in Abertillery or Hereford.”

In a comparison to famous painter and poet William Blake, Gower recalls Selway’s ability to bring current affairs to life in his visual depictions. The artist’s vast intake of news allowed him to communicate the current issues in the world via abstract means, a talent recognised in the book. “It’s called Vigilant Imagination because he was vigilant to the world and used his imagination to interpret it.”

His extraordinary vigilance was perhaps the reasoning for the deeper meaning which often appeared in his works, and Gower theorises the meaning behind this representation. “His paintings are beautifully coloured, but there’s a shadow in all of his works. Maybe it’s something that died in him when he had the cancer, I don’t know. We’ve all got a little bit of glum in us, but maybe the glum, as he saw it, was a sort of shadow in his life.”

But despite this shadow, Selway’s works were beautifully created. “My favourite, Margaret Biography, isn’t currently on show anywhere,” Gower says. “It’s a love letter to his wife and it’s one of the most beautiful paintings I’ve ever seen.”

Jon Gower’s biography will be released alongside a BayArt exhibition celebrating John Selway’s art, planned prior to his death. And it needs to be noted that these works are not intended as a retrospective. “The book is about the man as he’s alive; it’s full of his spirit.”

BayArt, Cardiff Bay, until Fri 16 Feb. Admission: free.

Info: 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk

JOHNSELWAY SELWAY JOHN 20.1.18- -16.2.18 16.2.18 20.1.18

GRAV The Torch Theatre Company’s one-man show exploring the life of Welsh rugby icon Ray Gravell returns to Sherman Theatre this February before it heads to New York for an off-Broadway run in March.

“It’s one of those things you don’t quite believe until it actually happens,” says actor Gareth John Bale, who plays the title role.

Taking a quintessentially Welsh production to American audiences, who will be unfamiliar with Ray Gravell and his sport might seem a risky affair, but Bale puts his faith in the human drama of the play. Gravell had a troubled relationship with his father, and later in life he lost half of his leg to diabetes. “Americans won’t necessarily understand the rugby, but that doesn’t really matter. The drama in Grav’s life is what carries the story.”

Gravell died aged 56 in 2007 of complications contracted from his diabetes. “I think Grav would laugh and find it incredible that we are doing a play about him 10 years after he died,” Bale reflects.

The play, which first toured in 2015, is written by Owen Thomas and directed by Peter Doran. With Gareth Bale single-handledly acting out the 80-minute play against the backdrop of a decaying sports changing room, Bale’s performance and Owen’s carefully-balanced script are pushed to the fore.

Between the anecdotes and the rugby trivia, the play offers a poignant look into the private life of a lad from West Wales who enjoyed huge success professionally, but also had great difficulties to overcome.

After Grav’s first run, which included a gig at the Edinburgh Fringe, it scooped an Audience Award at the 2016 Welsh Theatre Awards. The play’s ability to draw audiences speaks volumes of Gravell’s legacy. “People have such affection for him, and they remember the man more than they remember the rugby player,” says Bale.

Now is your chance to catch the play before it goes Stateside. After its Cardiff opening, the play hits Gravell’s old stomping ground Llanelli on Mon 5 Mar, and there are two additional performances at the Torch Theatre itself in Milford Haven on Thurs 8 and Fri 9 Mar. LISBETH BURICH Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 22 + Fri 23 Feb. Tickets: £16/£14. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermantheatre.co.uk

WNO: SPRING SEASON – TRAGEDIES OF THE 18TH CENTURY For the coming spring season, the Welsh National Opera are transforming the stages of the Wales Millennium Centre into a beautiful reflection of 18th century Italy and Spain, afterwards doing the same across the UK until April. These three new productions all revolve around the themes of love, vengeance and tragedy.

David Pountney’s rendition of Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino will be the first to return, providing a symphony of recognisable melodies and fantastic opportunities for performers to showcase their outstanding abilities. Set in Seville, we follow the journey of Leonora and South American nobleman Don Alvaro’s plan to elope, against the wishes of her father. When Leonora’s father is unexpectedly killed by a stray bullet, the lovers spiral downwards, ultimately leading to the dénouement of one of Verdi’s most jaw-dropping operas.

Puccini’s Tosca will be joining the stage on Fri 9 Feb, with the revival of a love triangle between Floria Tosca, her lover Marlo Cavaradossi and the disgusting Chief Of Police, Scarpia, whose scheming leads the narrative to a shocking and unexpected twist. Drawing inspiration from the spectacular surroundings of Rome during the Napoleonic invasion, here Floria Tosca is alternatively played by Claire Rutter and Mary Elizabeth Williams.

The last addition to the season is Mozart’s Don Giovanni, set in Spain’s Golden Age. Here the subject matter is the legend of Don Juan’s seductive ways, filtered through the story of Don Giovanni, played by Gavan Ring. The opera follows his womanising, cruelty towards those around him and eventual demise; one of the highlights of this tragicomedy is the Catalogue aria, which consists of a list of all 2065 of his lovers, a piece typical of Mozart’s showboating. It places twice at the WMC, on Thurs 22 and Sat 24 Feb, whilst the others will receive three or more showings. YASMIN AKTAR Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Fri 2-Sat 24 Feb. Tickets: £10-£48. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk BUZZ 26

9 Chwefror/February 19.30

16-17 Chwefror/February 19.00+20.45

21 Chwefror/February 14.30

0845 226 3510 www.theatrausirgar.co.uk

tchaikovsky

7 Chwefror/February 19.30

EUGENE ONEGIN

CHRIS WOOD

SPRING TOUR FEB - APRIL 2018 MIDWALESOPERA.CO.UK

NEWTOWN - BANGOR ABERYSTWYTH NEWPORT - MOLD BRECON - LLANELLI MILFORD HAVEN HEREFORD

MWO in association with

BOWLING FOR SOUP Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick warns Buzz that he’s feeling a bit fragile as he picks up from his home in Denton, Texas. “My wife and I had a little bit of a party last night,” he says, “so I apologise if I seem a little tired.” But although he may be feeling a little worse for wear, Jaret doesn’t let it show. In fact, when asked about his band’s upcoming UK tour, he even sounds outright excited.

“It’s gonna be awesome. Our stage setup is crazy, it’s the biggest, craziest thing we’ve ever done. It’s also the 15th anniversary of Drunk Enough To Dance, so we’ll be playing that in its entirety, as well as some various other fun things.”

Drunk Enough To Dance features some of Bowling For Soup’s most well-known hits, including Emily and Girl All The Bad Guys Want. But does Jaret ever get tired of playing the same songs?

“When I go to a show I want to hear all the hits, and I think most other people are the same. I’m sympathetic to that, so the new stuff doesn’t really get a lot of attention. I understand that people are paying money; they want to hear High School Never Ends and 1985 and Girl All The Bad Guys Want, so that’s what we play.”

SAXON British heavy metal legends Saxon are soon to embark on their latest UK tour, with 2018 looking to be a busy year for the heavy metal veterans. With a new album Thunderbolt also due out this month, frontman Biff Byford had just enough time for a brief chat.

The first order of the day is to ask what can fans expect of Thunderbolt? “It’s pretty much the same direction as our last album Battering Ram – a heavy album with lots of melody on there. It’s uniquely Saxon.”

Whilst Saxon never achieved the commercial peaks of contemporaries like Motörhead or Iron Maiden, they have managed a similarly admirable longevity. The main ingredients are simple, according to Biff: “Great songs and the fact that we’re considered to be a good live band. We are constantly touring, keeping the name alive and releasing great albums.”

It’s not all that common that Saxon come down to Wales, with fans often having to travel to Bristol for a taste, aside from the recent exception of the Steelhouse Festival near Ebbw Vale, notably a recent highlight for Biff.

With a song dedicated to Lemmy on Thunderbolt, and us talking just a few days after guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke’s passing, we refer to the ‘tutoring’ Saxon received from Motörhead – Saxon’s first major tour was as their support. “We had some great times on the bus with them. They taught us how to drink Jack Daniels and live life to the full. It was a bit crazy…” although he wisely decides against divulging specifics.

The kind of heavy metal that Biff and his generation practiced originated not from London-centric, culturally-gentrified areas but from more peripheral, working-class towns. Why did metal resonate here more than elsewhere? “Early metal bands came from industrial areas like Birmingham and it just swept around the world. Some of it came from London, the working-class areas at least, but not from the university areas. Most of us were self-taught, it just seemed to be that way really.” That kind of working-class can-do attitude still runs through Saxon’s music, ready to visit its thunder on Welsh audiences once more. CHRIS ANDREWS Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union Fri 23 Feb. Tickets: £28.50.

Info: 029 2078 1400 / www.cardiffstudents.com BUZZ 28

The upcoming tour – titled the Get Happy Tour – sees Bowling For Soup play nine separate dates across the UK, including Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

“The Cardiff venue we’re playing is actually the biggest on the whole tour,” says Jaret, “so I’m holding high hopes that everyone there brings their full-on rockready performance.”

But for all Jaret’s excitement for the tour, by the end of February it will have come to an end. So what are the band’s plans for the rest of the year?

“We’ve got a lot of ideas, and we’re always listening to what the fans want. Some want us to do covers, some want the second half of our greatest hits, and some want a whole new album. So, we’re not sure which of those we’re going to do, but we’re definitely going to do something!” LIAM TURNER Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Fri 16 Feb. Tickets: from £25.

Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

L3

l o l f a

l o u n g e

WHAT’S ON/AR FYND February / Chwefror – March / Mawrth 2018

hola carakdeoifvefr We’ve had a m

celebrate the flavours of latin America

CHRIS WOOD 06.02.18 – 8pm

Plus

2for1 Cocktails All day Every day!

NIGHTMUSIC / HWYRGERDD – THE HERMES EXPERIMENT 13.02.18 – 8pm

8 Mill Lane, Cardiff, CF10 1FL cardiff@iguanas.co.uk 02920 226 373

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RICHARD HERRING 24.02.18 – 8pm Oh Frig, I’m 50!

IGUANAS.CO.UK

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what we do: Gorgeous hand stretched pizza with a range of delicious toppings including one

by Steven Terry, of ‘The Hardwick’, with £1to Ty Hafan for each of these sold.

Pizza Peroni Pipes Prosecco & Plonk

CARA DILLON & SAM LAKEMAN 06.03.18 – 8pm

There’s a selection of small dishes for starters or sides and some great desserts including a nutella pizza!

We also have gluten free bases available along with GF lager and vegan cheese. how we do things: We took ourselves off to ‘The School of Artisan Food’, to learn how to make great stone baked pizza properly.

The Italian stone bottomed oven runs at up to 500c to lock in the all the delicious flavours of your toppings and ensure a crisp base.

Our ethos is to keep things simple, fresh and flavoursome so we work with some great local/welsh suppliers to achieve this, see our menu for details. when we do things:

CAPITAL CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA 28.03.18 – 8pm

with special guest / gyda’r gwestai arbennig Gareth Lockrane

Fridays and Saturdays 6pm-10pm, more nights to follow

Call 02920371929 to book a table or order a takeaway Christmas party bookings now being taken for Tuesday-Saturday throughout December see www.bravacardiff.co.uk for the menu Brava – 71 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9HS

JAMES ‘FLEX’ LEWIS Fedor Tot speaks to Llanelli-born bodybuilder James ‘Flex’ Lewis, who recently equalled Arnold Schwarzenegger’s record of six Mr. Olympia titles, about his success and future plans.

What does sort of mentality does it take to be a bodybuilder?

This is a psychologist’s dream. I have a lot of friends from various types of sports, from fighting to rugby to football. Every one of them trains at the beginning of the season, so that their physical fitness peak is before a season. A bodybuilder starts off at a higher body fat, and then the closer you get to a show and the better you look, the worse you feel. Psychologically, you’re always playing that battle. There’s only one mirror I will look at ever – though obviously I brush my teeth and so on in my bathroom mirror – and that’s the one at the gym. I know that I’m going to look better or worse in that mirror, as opposed to looking in one mirror at home, then looking at my physique in another on the same day, maybe 10 minutes apart – because of the lighting and stuff like that, it creates mind games.

Then there’s the mindset of training as a warrior. I segregated myself from a regular gym and created a gym in Boca Raton, Florida, where I live. There are no trainers or members, it’s just me vs me in a 10,000 square foot building. I don’t have distractions, so if I fail it’s on me.

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You began bodybuilding when you were in the gym after a rugby injury. Have you ever wondered how differently your career might have gone if you’d kept playing rugby?

Funnily enough, I went down to see the boys in Cardiff play when I was home last, and I definitely had a lot of flashbacks. It’s fun to have the camaraderie that you have in a rugby team because you’re going into a game and you have that team bond. I have a lot of dear friends within the bodybuilding world that I stand against on stage, but it’s not a team. I was scouted to go off to England and play rugby up there, and I played for the college rugby team and we won the British championship.

A lot of the guys that I played with are at the tail end of their career or have retired, but the guys who are still playing remind me that I’m living a better life than them in the sun, so I don’t know [laughs]. I know what I’ve had to do to get to this point, pushing my body to the limits, but I also know that these guys who play rugby, they batter themselves too. I do miss it, but I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for what I’ve got right now.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of your big idols. Do you see yourself following in his footsteps?

I’d say no at the moment. Arnold is a very unique person. What that guy does with everything he’s ever touched is absolutely remarkable. He said he was going to be a bodybuilder and he was written off. He went to the US, couldn’t speak English, taught himself English and then became the greatest bodybuilder ever. Then he said he was going to become an actor – with his accent, they said he was never going to be one. Then he decided to become the Governor Of California. He embodies the American dream.

I believe in the American dream – a lot of people will say that it’s dead but I for sure feel like I’m living it. I’ve put my whole heart into it, and I never give up during the good and the bad times.

There’s obviously more bad than good, with Trump at the moment, but again it’s the mindset that I have, it really is. You only get out of it what you put into it.

Info: www.flexlewis.net

A Collection - of Medicinal Remedies Penyroyal Cardiff, 22 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PT. 029 21 321441 Insta: @pennyroyal_cdf / twitter: @pennyroyal_cdf / facebook: /pennyroyalCDF enquiries@pennyroyalcardiff.co.uk

by Keiron Self

I, TONYA ****

Dir: Craig Gillespie (15, 120 mins) A superbly visual, funny, moving and thrilling retelling of champion ice skater Tonya Harding’s life. Told by three very unreliable narrators, I, Tonya does a cinematic triple axel. Margot Robbie stars as Tonya Harding, a ‘white trash’ ice skater pushed by a ruthless mother from hell (an Oscar-worthy Alison Janney) towards Olympic glory. She may not be the cookie-cutter American Homecoming Queen, but she’s talented. Her abusive ex-husband Jeff (a never-better Sebastian Stan) tries to control and manipulate her but she ends up too strongwilled, though ultimately he plays a part in her downfall. Harding allegedly had someone kneecap her arch rival Nancy Kerrigan – the events here are murkily motivated, the incompetence of their execution incredibly blackly comic. Robbie successfully creates a very human Harding; not what the Olympic committee wanted to represent the USA, but brimming with grit. The film holds up a mirror to snobbery, class and the ‘acceptable’ lifestyle of a winner with aplomb. Director Gillespie propels the film at a breakneck pace, mixing direct to camera interviews from the main participants and flitting back and forth in time with ease. It’s bravura film-making, worthy of Olympic gold.

Opens Feb 23

BLACK PANTHER ****

Dir: Ryan Coogler (12A, 105 mins) The first African superhero to get a film of his own, Marvel breaks new ground with its latest blockbuster.

Introduced in Captain America: Civil War, Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa returns home to become King of Wakanda, the mysterious, secretive and technologically advanced African state. His new throne is challenged by Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger and Andy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaue. To prevent war breaking out and to fight for his nation he enlists the help of Martin Freeman’s CIA agent and the Dora Milaje, the Wakandan female fighting force, whose members include Lupita Nyong’o and The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira. There’s the usual blend of CGI histrionics with added swagger as T’Challa suits up as the clawed badass, often battling another besuited foe. After recent Marvel superhero offerings, this seems more earnest than the hilarity of Thor Ragnarok, Guardians 2 and Spiderman: Homecoming – maybe no bad thing. Opens Feb 12

DARK RIVER ****

JOURNEY’S END ****

Dir: Saul Dibb (12A, 107 mins) RC Sherriff’s play about the hours of the First World War premiered in 1928 with a young Laurence Olivier in the cast. This fifth film version, however, escapes stuffy stage confines with a still-claustrophobic but universal and deeply human tale of adversity in the face of overwhelming odds, helped by uniformly strong performances. Asa Butterfield is Raleigh, young and impulsive, believing war will be an adventure; he volunteers with his sister’s fiancé Stanhope, played by Sam Claflin, a commando coming apart at the seams. This is not the man he knew in peacetime, Stanhope drinks and is hardened by war, only tempered by the sage gentleness of Paul Bettany’s Osbourne. Stanhope’s troops in the trenches have been given a suicide mission – hold the line in face of terrible bombardment – the sheer futility of it all effortlessly captured. Relying on the acting rather than spectacle to increase the harrowing awfulness of war, this adaptation allows us time with the main characters, from Toby Jones’ makeshift chef Mason to Stephen Graham’s ever-hungry Trotter and Tom Sturridge’s cowardly Hibbert. Richly drawn and nerve shredding this captures the horror and stupidity of war, a timely lesson still not learned. Opens Feb 2

Dir: Clio Barnard (15, 98 mins) The latest film from writer/director Clio Barnard, who brought us the excellent The Selfish Giant, is another foray into well-observed British misery. Ruth Wilson stars as Alice, returning home to the farm she grew up on with her brother Joe, played by Adam Stanley.

Abused by her father (Sean Bean), she left the farm, only to return after his death to seek out the tenancy she believes to be rightfully hers. But the demons remain and with the farm facing ruin, matters take a dark turn. Wilson is superb as ever, conveying the loss of her childhood, raw determination and willingness to build bridges with her brother with deft, believable skill. Barnard is a great observer of human nature, allowing the actors to excel while placing them amidst an evocatively-captured landscape as unforgiving as the abuse suffered by all. Not exactly feelgood but another brilliantly captured corner of character-led life from Barnard. Opens Feb 23

JOURNEYMAN ***

Dir: Paddy Considine (15, 92 mins) Paddy Considine returns to the director’s chair in this boxing drama which, although well-acted, seems rather shallow in comparison to the towering Tyrannosaur, his last outing at the helm. Considine also plays the lead here, ageing boxer Matty Burton, defending his title one last time, but this time with brain-damaging results.

The film follows the effect this injury has on him, his family, and his old boxing friends. The later part of the film with his wife, played by Jodie Whittaker, struggling to cope with his loss of memory, physical movement and mood swings is heart-breaking, but when she leaves due to his erratic behaviour and his missing boxing buddies turn up elements take a familiar and less compelling turn. Considine is very good but the story feels slight and often indulgent, the drama slightly unconvincing as he struggles to recover, not blaming the pugilism that put him in his condition. Solidly performed but the punches don’t fully land. Opens Feb 16

ALSO RELEASED FEBRUARY 2018: DEN OF THIEVES (15) Gerard Butler is a tough cop out to foil some robbers, but is he as bad as the baddies? Who cares? Slick and soulless shooty action. LIES WE TELL (15) Well-intentioned but deeply flawed drama about an Asian woman trying to escape her fate with the help of trusty Gabriel Byrne. Some terrible dialogue. ROMAN J ISRAEL ESQ. (12A) Denzel Washington showboats as a driven, idealistic defence lawyer caught up in a case that he cannot fix. Colin Farrell is the baddie lawyer. FIFTY SHADES FREED (18) Hopefully the final crack of the whip in the sex dungeon of Christian Grey as Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson blindfold and abuse each in a soft porn way as a now-married couple. THE 15:17 TO PARIS (12A) Clint Eastwood directs this retelling of BUZZ 32

LADY BIRD ****

Dir: Greta Gerwig (15, 94 mins) Indie darling Greta Gerwig, superb in films like Mistress America, Frances Ha and 20th Century Women, goes behind the camera to write and direct this brilliantly observed coming-of-age story. Saoirse Ronan plays Christine, who wants to be known as Lady Bird, a girl about to go away to college and desperate to go to New York, despite her parents (Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts, both excellent) being unable to afford it. She is headstrong, opinionated and deeply naive. Ronan captures all that teenage angst with believably frustrating ease; she tries to get in with cliques, falls for the wrong boy twice and has a lot of maturing to do. Her relationship with her mother is at the heart of the film however: she and Metcalf spark winningly off each other, their relationship fractious but warm. Gerwig’s script is the reason why it all works, however. It’s well observed, painfully real and under her direction the actors truly sing. The dialogue isn’t trite, there is a lot of heartbreak in the cracks, but also its winningly funny and coarse. A comingof-age film may well be well-worn territory, but Gerwig’s film feels joyous and new.

Opens Feb 16

PHANTOM THREAD ****

Dir: Paul Thomas Anderson (15, 140 mins) Allegedly Daniel Day-Lewis’ last film following his declaration to retire from acting, this idiosyncratic and absorbing film is his second collaboration with writer/ director Paul Thomas Anderson. Their previous pairing was the excellent There Will Be Blood, and Phantom Thread is another examination of male obsession, although Day-Lewis’ character is vastly different here.

He is hypnotically watchable as ever as Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned dressmaker who lives for his work, caring little for anyone else unless it suits him.

His sister, played by Lesley Manville, is the only woman he truly communicates with, until he meets Vicky Krieps’ Alma, who becomes his muse, for a time at least.

Their relationship is complex and uncomfortable with Anderson managing to surprise as the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. It will not be to all tastes but its portrayal of a claustrophobic relationship is unsettling and lingers long in the memory. Opens Feb 2

THE MERCY ****

THE SHAPE OF WATER ****

Dir: Guillermo Del Toro (15, 123 mins) Guillermo Del Toro, fantasy director extraordinaire, returns with his best work since Pan’s Labyrinth, with this Cold War-era fishy love story. Sally Hawkins plays a mute worker at a secretive government facility who makes contact with a new arrival, an amphibians creature heavily based on The Creature From The Black Lagoon, a Del Toro favourite. Embodied by Doug Jones, a frequent creature collaborator with Del Toro, he is winningly portrayed as both creature and believable love interest for Hawkins’ eccentric cleaner. Her new aquatic friend is however, being poorly treated

by Michael Shannon’s government agent, with a vivisection on the cards. Hawkins hatches a plan to break her creature out with the help of neighbour Richard Jenkins, fellow worker Octavia Spencer and scientist-with-a-secret Michael Stuhlbarg. Even if they can get him out, how can you keep an amphibian alive out of the water? This is glorious fantasy, rooted in a Cold War reality as Russia and the USA compete over scientific innovation in the shadow of the space race. Hawkins makes her attraction to the creature believable and moving, whilst Shannon has never been scarier. Told with deftness and with some jaw-dropping moments, The Shape Of Water is a glorious adult fantasy. Opens Feb 14

Dir: James Marsh (12A, 101 mins) Colin Firth excels in this heartbreaking true story of yachtsman Donald Crowhurst and his ill-fated attempt to win the 1968 Golden Globe race. A novice yachtsman and amateur inventor, Crowhurst decides to enter the yacht race, a one-man navigation of the globe in search of adventure, to gain money and to make his family proud. He is ill-equipped, however, ultimately setting out on the water too late and riddled with doubt in a yacht not fit for purpose. He strays from the race and ends up dealing with loneliness at sea, with the added pressure of trying to come home a winner, the underdog who succeeded. Firth brilliantly conveys Crowhurst’s gradual breakdown, Rachel Weisz makes something far more of the loyal wife role, creating a tender believable relationship in the midst of a media frenzy stirred by David Thewlis’ publicist.

Moving and gripping, it’s some of Firth’s finest work.

Opens Feb 9

WINCHESTER ***

Dir: Michael and Peter Speirig (12A, 99 mins) The eccentric heiress of the Winchester firearms company believed she was haunted by the souls of those who had been killed by the Winchester repeating rifle. To that end, her seven-storey house in San Francisco was constantly under construction with rooms, staircases that went nowhere and dead ends created around the clock, as she believed her house was a prison for these troubled spirits. This intriguing premise forms the basis for Winchester, with Helen Mirren playing the heiress Sarah Winchester. Is she the owner of the world’s most haunted house, or is she merely delusional? Jason Clarke’s doctor assesses her, finding a woman riddled with guilt regarding her bloodsoaked fortune, with doors nailed shut to keep the ghosts in amongst walls that run with blood. Spooky in a 12A way, but nevertheless sporadically effective and given extra depth by its factual roots, Winchester is a solid scarer. Opens Feb 2

the terrorist attack foiled by some plucky commuters in Paris, who bizarrely play themselves in this tense nailbiter. FATHER FIGURES (15) Owen Wilson and Ed Helms play unlikely brothers looking for their real father in this so-so comedy with gross-out bits. BIRTH OF THE DRAGON (15) Bruce Lee-based martial arts action, dealing with the alleged epic fight between Lee and another kung fu master in 60s San Francisco. One inch punch, anyone? LOVELESS (15) Gloomy feelbad Russian drama as a warring couple have to work together to find their missing son. Not upbeat. FINDING YOUR FEET (15) Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie star in this comedy dram about a snobby middle-aged woman who discovers her husband is having an affair and goes to live with her bohemian sister. The cast elevate the material.

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Pic: Huw John Pic: Kelly Sillaste / Getty Images / WWF

WWF’S EASY STEPS FOR EATING SUSTAINABLY It’s important to remember the relationship between food and our future.

The food we eat is responsible for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions; this will increase if we don’t make changes to our diet and ensure we eat more sustainably.

It is possible to eat healthily and sustainably, and to consider the products we buy and their packaging, whilst still enjoying nutritious, affordable food. It’s also important to to minimise the amount of waste we create.

Earth Hour, taking place on Sat 24 Mar at 8.30pm, is a global movement which brings millions together to call for greater action on climate change. Each year people worldwide switch off their lights and organise events – at home or in their community – to show they care about the future of our planet.

This Earth Hour, we are encouraging people to consider the impact of their diet and make a promise to eat more sustainably.

WWF’s Livewell easy steps for eating and shopping: Eat more plant-based foods Vegetables, beans and nuts can be full of flavour too!

A colourful meal is a healthy meal A colourful plate adds variety, nutrition and a more natural, flavourful, exciting meal.

Shop smart, waste less Bring reusable bags when shopping, and choose loose products where possible. This also helps us to take home only what we need. The average UK household wastes approximately 30% of food it BUZZ 34

PENNYROYAL CARDIFF Tucked away in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, the Pennyroyal describes itself as “serving poison in the form of remedy”. Containing over 30 agaves and rums, the cocktail bar’s cosy decor is reminiscent of an old-fashioned apothecary, lined with bottles and exposed brick. The mixologists’ menu – dubbed a pharmacopoeia, or “a list of medicinal drugs and directions for their use” – hosts a creative list of cocktails.

Anyone looking for a drinking experience with a twist should head down to this revolutionary cocktail bar to enjoy the cosy atmosphere and unique combinations.

High Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2132 1441 / www.pennyroyalcardiff.co.uk

buys – like taking £100 out of the bank and instantly binning £30. Get creative with leftovers so your pennies and food provisions stretch even further.

Moderate your meat – red and white The most popular meat in the UK today is chicken, but eating less of it does not mean going without protein, which is contained in many plant sources.

Know what you’re eating Logos to look out for when shopping include Fairtrade (protecting farmers and workers in developing countries), Freedom Food (animal welfare), MSC and ASC (seafood), and RSPO (palm oil).

Treat ultra-processed foods as treats They often contain high levels of sugar, fat and salt, and tend to be far more resource-intensive to produce.

Why not attend a food and community-oriented local event on Sat 24 Mar? In Cardiff, Chapter Arts Centre will be supporting Earth Hour and Milgi will be hosting a candlelit dinner focused on plantbased foods. Join in their festivities or encourage your favourite restaurant to hold a candlelit dinner during Earth Hour. www.wwf.org.uk/earthhourwales

FABULOUS VEGAN POP UP FESTIVAL Taking place at one of Cardiff’s hippest events spaces, Sue Thomas hosts the Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Pop Up, showcasing the best of the vegan market. Whether you want to munch down on a selection of vegan pizzas and hotdogs or spice things up a bit with Babita’s Spice Deli, this mini fest has it all. A selection of chocolate stalls and bakeries are available for those with a sweeter tooth, and they have even provided a number of skincare, makeup and health brands for those who want to be cruelty-free and look good doing it, too.

Depot, Cardiff, Sat 4 Feb. Admission: £1. Info: 029 2034 1199 / www.depotcardiff.com

Milgi

OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS WITH A HIT OF SPICE When Christmas has been and gone but steely skies and soggy feet persist, a helping of zingy goodness is just the thing to banish those February blues. Lisbeth Burich counts down the restaurants that will transport you to far hotter places.

CHAI STREET

With three venues across Cardiff and a fourth opening in Roath, this Indian joint is racing through the capital faster than a tuk-tuk dodging Mumbai traffic. From the people behind celebrated fine dining restaurant Mint And Mustard, Chai Street is an altogether more casual affair – think breakfast bar tables, fairy lights, and walls covered with vintage Bollywood posters. An authentic Indian ‘thali’ provides a wellbalanced meal served in compartmentalised metal trays – try a lamb thali with dal, pickle, soothing raita, poppadums, fluffy rice and moreish naan bread.

15 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2039 9399 / www.chaistreet.com

JALAN MALAYSIA

Nestled between Asian mini-markets and greasy takeaways on student-central Woodville Road sits pristine Jalan Malaysia with its white-washed walls and minimalist interior. A fitting décor for a restaurant that essentially does one dish: nasi lemak, a coconut rice dish served with peanuts, egg, anchovies, cucumber and a main of your choice, turmeric chicken or tofu for a meat-free alternative.

This nutritious and flavour-packed meal is typically eaten at breakfast in its native Malaysia, but is served lunch- and dinner-time in its Cardiffian incarnation.

101 Woodville Road, Cardiff. Info: 029 2023 5616 / www.jalanmalaysia.co.uk

DUTCHY’S JAMAICAN JERK SHACK

Behind its unassuming exterior, Dutchy’s has all the colour, flavour and good vibes a seasonally affected Welshie could ask for. Often described as a hidden Newport gem, this is where you can tuck into fiery goat curry or a rack of ribs to the rhythms of reggae and ska. The cocktails are exquisite and very good value for money, too, which can only aid your mood’s upward climb.

15 North Street, Newport. Info: 01633 215048 / www.dutchys.co.uk

GARUDA

This family-run restaurant has been a go-to for authentic Indonesian cuisine for almost two decades now. The restaurant has only ever closed once, after owner Ani suffered a stroke, but was back on its feet just two months later. Guests have raved about the seafood here. Try an aromatic tauco udang – king prawns bathed in a spicy tomato sauce with ginger, lemon grass, lime leaf, and a yellow bean sauce.

18 St Helen’s Rd, Swansea. Info: 01792 653388 / www.garudarestaurant.co.uk

BANGKOK CAFÉ

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Thai restaurant, and if the bold interior – complete with fluorescent leather banquettes, bowls and cutlery – hasn’t already drawn your attention to this, the proof is in the menu. With a wide range of stir fries and curries characterised by fresh herbs and authentic flavours, Bangkok Café sends your taste buds direct to the bustling street kitchens of the Thai capital. A starter of thinly sliced beef dressed with chili, lime, coriander and fish sauce will make a decent warmup to your meal, in more ways than one.

207 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff. Info: 029 2034 0455 / www.bangkokcafe.co.uk

STUFFED JACKETS Words Ffiona Mills

Combining typical jacket potato toppings with the potato itself only heightens the consoling pleasure of this classic mid-week meal.

INGREDIENTS • 2 medium/large potatoes • 75g cheddar, grated • 100g smoked bacon, chopped • 1 tomato, finely chopped • 1-2 tsp of mustard powder • 2tbsp of milk • Salt and pepper

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 375°F/ gas mark 5. Prick the skin of the potatoes all over with a fork. If possible, place a metal skewer through the middle.

2. Place the potatoes in the oven to cook for 1¼-1½ hours, until they are crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.

3. In a small frying pan, heat a little butter or oil. Fry the bacon until the fat begins to crisp (about 3 minutes), then add the tomato and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Take off heat to cool.

4. In a jug, whisk together the milk and the mustard powder.

5. When the potatoes are done, cut in half and leave to cool on a baking tray. Place the bacon, tomato, and about 2/3 of the grated cheddar in a large mixing bowl and combine.

6. Using a spoon, scoop out as much of the potato flesh as possible – careful not to tear the skins. Place the flesh in the bowl along with the filling ingredients.

7. Mix the potato into the filling ingredients, pouring in the milk and mustard whilst doing so. Season the mixture. If it seems a little dry, add a bit more milk; it should have the texture of creamy mashed potato.

8. Using a teaspoon, carefully spoon the mixture into the jacket skins, packing it down as you go. Top the stuffed skins with the remaining cheddar.

9. Place the potatoes back in the oven for a further 20-30 minutes. The potatoes are ready when the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.

www.thethinkingwomanscrumpet.com @ffionamills BUZZ 35

I

Words: Elouise Hobbs

t may be February, and that may mean you’ve already stopped going to the gym after your New Year’s resolutions, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t eat healthily. Elouise Hobbs rounds up some great events you can get to if you want to keep up with eating well.

Viva La Vegan Festival at Cardiff City Hall, Sat 24 Feb Returning for the second time after their first successful event last year, this year’s Viva La Vegan festival will include nearly 100 stalls, plus outdoor food trucks, talks and cooking demos. The movement, which started in 1994, believes that every step towards being vegan is a positive one and the festival was born out of a need to inform, educate and live a vegan life. Last year, the event was a massive hit, attracting large crowds and the best producers of vegan food. It is the perfect opportunity to try something new and learn something in the process.

Admission: £3. Info: www.viva.org.uk

Cardiff Tasting Tours beginning at Cardiff Castle, every Friday If you are looking for a new food experience, this is a great chance to taste some local food from independent retailers. The citycentre tour will take you around the city centre, stopping off at all the best producers, passing through Cardiff’s parks, historic buildings and landmarks on the way. The tasting tour includes samples of continental meats, cheeses, cockles, laverbread and Welsh beverages – all Welsh favourites from local businesses and creators.

Admission: £40/£17.50 kids. Info: www. lovingwelshfood.uk

BUZZ 36

Cool Beans Vegan Cookery Class, Swansea, monthly Experts in vegan cookery and food produce in South Wales, Cool Beans offer both simple and complex lessons to suit all abilities. Rachel Jamison, the owner of Cool Beans and a nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, leads classes, helping visitors build their knowledge of healthy and wholesome recipes. Throughout the lessons, Rachel is on hand to offer advice and tips to help everyone quickly progress and produce great nutritionally balanced meals.

Admission: varies. Info: 07929 203653 / www.coolbeans-wales.co.uk

Sushi School at Yo! Sushi, St. Davids, Cardiff Well known across the country for their amazing sushi and bargain Mondays, Yo! Sushi also run sessions that let you create the healthy Japanese dishes at home. In the lessons, you will be able to first learn about all the ingredients and will be shown by one of their specially trained chefs how to judge the freshness of the fish and to cut and prepare a dish. After a quick demonstration, you will try it out for yourself. In the lesson, you may prepare anything from avocado maki to vegetable yasai roll – and the best thing is, after learning step by step how to make the dish, you get to take it away to enjoy at home.

Admission: £30/£50 for two.

Info: 029 2060 2174 / www.yosushi.com

Pic: Alex Holyoake

Pic: David Shamma

FEB FOODIE FOCUS

VERMOUTH

For decades, gin’s best friend vermouth has been woefully misunderstood, perched on backbars withering away beneath the oxidative warmth of 60-watt bulbs, waiting to drown in cheap lemonade. However, treated with love, and an understanding of its shelf life and refrigerative needs, this delicate, nuanced botanical wine is a champion for the responsible drinker.

Like most people, my social life is exercised mainly in a bar setting, but – top secret – I’m a terrible drinker. I love spirits, but too much easily leads to a horrible tomorrow. In vermouth, I’ve found my low-ABV saviour. A longer-lasting wine with the complexity of gin: how is this not a national favourite already?

Dry vermouth is king of the martini. Too often used in teaspoon measures or wastefully neglected after coating ice, balance it by using equal parts with gin to lower the ABV and draw hidden flavours from the plethora of wonderful gin available these days.

For years, sweet white vermouth was usually found in cuisine. But a good white vermouth, mixed 2:3 with quality tonic, has an elegant brightness that will challenge our nationwide craving for a good G&T. Sweet red vermouth, the cocktail champion, is usually found in a Manhattan or negroni, but (criminally) very rarely utilised outside of the mainstream classics. The Americano is the sparkling older brother to the negroni – with soda substituted for gin, it’s great on both a cold winter night and steamy Mediterranean evenings.

2018 is the year of fortified wine. Expect to find many bartenders experimenting with new drinks and championing forgotten classics.

Alex Taylor is head barman at Pennyroyal, High Street, Cardiff Info: 029 2132 1441 www.pennyroyalcardiff.co.uk

CAFÉ BRAVA

71 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2023 5666 / www.bravacardiff.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere **** For 19 years plus, Café Brava has been the cool brunch café, where yummy mummies and the media crowd love to hang out. Its extensive brunch menu is a piece of literary work to be admired and looked upon with jealousy from many a café. Their mainstay is a dedication to locally sourced ingredients and a variety of offerings to suit even the most difficult vegan.

Having successfully mastered the breakfast/brunch equation, dynamic duo Lee and Andrew have brought in stonebaked pizzas on Fridays and Saturdays between six and 10pm. The selection is a choice of expected favourites: ‘the classic one’ – mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves on a crispy base – which we had; and ‘the hot one’ – nduja sausage, fresh chillies and sriracha. I chickened out of that option and went for ‘the fishy one’ – tuna, anchovies, capers and spinach.

(There’s also a ‘charity one’, created by Stephen Terry of The Hardwick, and comprising slow-cooked Moroccan lamb, deep-fried chickpeas, preserved lemon, coriander, mint, yoghurt, and pomegranate; £1 from each pizza sold goes to Ty Hafan children’s hospital.)

A good side order selection included portobello mushroom fries with aioli (I don’t even like mushrooms but these were fantastic); gorgeous stonebaked sweet potato wedges; and a salad of rocket, parmesan and sundried tomatoes. There are some great wines and craft beers, the latter all supplied by Pipes Brewery a street away; a much-ordered sweet pizza smothered in Nutella, wrong but so right in so many ways; and ice cream from Conti’s award-winning range of frozen delights. The suppliers list is impressive and entirely sourced from across Wales; the combination of pizza, craft beer and a relaxed cosy restaurant works on every level.

Equally as important is the craft paper tablecloth, complete with crayons to doodle your way through dinner. After several games of hangman, noughts and crosses and badly drawn cat’s backsides (mine were much better the person opposite) we finished a lovely and fun evening, and left thoroughly crispy, not stuffed. I thought it was funny! AUGUSTA AMES

LE PUBLIC SPACE

14 High St, Newport. 01633 221477 / www.lepublicspace.co.uk Food *** Atmosphere ***** For the hungry gig-goers of Newport, one essential ingredient has been missing when visiting the city’s best music venue of the past few years: food! The welcome addition of a food menu to Le Public Space, settling well into its new home, means that Newport’s hardcore music fans don’t have to venture outside and brave the wilderness of Newport city centre on a Friday night for some grub.

Most surprising is that the food is actually genuinely good, and I don’t mean that in a patronising way – most down-and-dirty music venues aren’t known for also serving high-quality food. The menu, all vegetarian and vegan, is simple and quite cheap – most items are between £5-£8, but it is filling and tasty. The bean burgers we opted for on our visit were excellent, devoid of the desert-dryness that imbues most vegan burgers, and the sides (chips and salad) were all fresh and serviceable.

Of course, the venue has a great array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids with which to satisfy your thirst, and that will remain the primary reason people visit, not to mention that the new building has much of the same grimy character as the old one (this doesn’t affect the food, it has to be mentioned!). If you’re looking for a ‘proper’ sit-down meal, this probably isn’t recommended, but if you’re looking for something filling, fast and good, it will satisfy your needs.

FEDOR TOT

FISH AT 85

Pontcanna Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 5666 / www.fishat85.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere **** This former fish restaurant/mongers, trading as Fish At 85 since 2011, has been gutted of its centrepiece fish counter, prep room and various fishmongery items and been turned into a more appealing place to eat. Having recently been taken over by infamous restauranteur Toni Venditto, also of Topo Gigio and Da Venditto, Fish At 85 has been given the Italian touch, Toni bringing his years of experience to this eatery in the middle of Pontcanna.

On the evening we went the place was busy with happy, chatty diners. The cold interior that was is now a far more cosy affair, with additional seating, nauticallythemed décor and neutral wood panelling. The specials board changes daily depending on what’s available, while the main menu is updated monthly. The four diners in our group this evening picked options from both.

For starters: calamari, prawns in a butter and garlic sauce, and mussels in a tomato and garlic sauce. For mains: sea bass with avocado and red pepper salsa, sea bream with Mediterranean vegetables, seared salmon and lemon sole. These are each served with potatoes of choice and greens, all presented in dinky enamelled pie dishes. The portions were generous, the flavours perfect. For desserts, we shared between us a blueberry tart and bakewell with sorbet, accompanied by a suitably dry bottle of house sauvignon.

Toni has plans to redevelop Fish At 85, adding a bar downstairs, extra seating and an open kitchen. Once the refit has been completed, there will also be additional choices brought onto the menu to include meat and poultry. ANTONIA LEVAY

BUZZ 37

Pic: Elisabet Davids

art

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Weds 24 Feb-Sat 26 May Music For The Gift is James Richards’ contribution to Cymru Yn Fenis/ Wales In Venice, commissioned by the Venice Biennale in 2017, which is now making its UK debut in Chapter Arts Centre. Most artists claim art has to be experienced to be truly appreciated, and it doesn’t seem like Richards’ offering is going to be an exception. One piece, Migratory Motor Complex, appears to be a kind of sound exhibit designed to shift a sonic space around the viewer, a “poetic audio-collage” created in conjunction with students from the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama.

The result, translated from gallery-speak, seems to be a panning arrangement of various sound-effects and vocalrecordings designed to direct and mess with your perception in an artsy way: paracetamol is advised.

What Weakens The Flesh Is The Flesh Itself is another feature, focused on Albrecht Becker –a photographer imprisoned by the Nazis for homosexuality, who revealed in his private work an obsession with body modification. Melding an archive of self-portraits with medical footage and material is an attempt to show an artist’s body as an artistic work in itself.

Admission: free. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org (JM) BUZZ 38

National Museum Wales, Cardiff Sat 3 Feb-Sun 11 Mar The first piece of commissioned work by Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson is showcased this month in the National Museum. The Sky In A Room will consist of 1959 Italo-pop hit Il Cielo In Una Stanza being performed, by a number of organists, five hours a day for five weeks on a 1774 organ. From its launch on Sat 3 Feb, the series of organists will perform for a total of 175 hours.

Known for his unique performance-based works, Kjartansson draws inspiration from the history of music, film and literature, and has centred this particular exhibition around Gino Paoli’s song Il Cielo In Una Stanza – The Sky In A Room in English.

Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn’s 18th century organ, housed in the National Museum and still in working condition, is an important piece of history in itself, with WilliamsWynn considered one of Wales’ most esteemed arts patrons produced by Wales.

Kjartansson has placed a great emphasis on the theme of space in this latest piece, describing his exhibition as “an ode to the transformation of space in that grand blue organ room.” The room in question is the museum’s 18th century art gallery – but it will not take on its usual form in the performance. The large collection of paintings that usually covers the walls is to be removed, as a means of isolating the performers and the organ. This transformation will emphasise the importance of space, and the juxtaposition between the 1950s pop song and Williams-Wynn’s 1774 organ makes for an interesting combination of both historical and modern artforms.

The Sky In A Room has gained support from Artes Mundi, an organisation which supports groundbreaking contemporary artists, and which has commissioned The Sky In A Room in conjunction with National Museum Wales. As is typical of his artistic creations, Kjartansson aims to offer a unique and emotional experience to his audience via a mix of multiple creative mediums.

Admission: free. Info: 0300 1112333 / museum.wales/cardiff KATY WESTAWAY

Quetiapine

Pic: Jamie Woodley

JAMES RICHARDS: MUSIC FOR THE GIFT

RAGNAR KJARTANSSON: THE SKY IN A ROOM

CERYS KNIGHTON: DRAWING BIPOLARITY

Insole Court, Cardiff Until Fri 16 Feb Cerys Knighton hopes to raise awareness of mental health via an artistic representation of her struggles with bipolar disorder. Depicting her experience through the medium of dot work, the style – thousands of dots and lines layered to make an image – is painstaking, but for the 23-year-old this practice has become a therapeutic means to express herself.

The exhibition draws inspiration from works by Edgar Allan Poe and Lewis Carroll in her exploration of the literary depictions of mental health, with the ultimate goal of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. In her words: “It must be so hard to imagine what it’s like to lose your own sense of reality. For me, visually depicting experiences hopes to bridge that gap, to make it easier for me to explain, and more accessible for others to understand.”

Sixteen of her best works are displayed, in the hopes that we can begin to recognise the struggles those with mental health issues face. With support from mental health organisation Making Minds, Knighton’s detailed pointillism creates a delicate combination of 19th century depictions and up-to-date experiences from her own journey.

Admission: free. Info: 029 2116 7920 / www.insolecourt.org (KW)

THESE WATERS HAVE STORIES TO TELL

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Until Sun 11 Mar The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet’s surface. From commercial shipping to leisure activities, humans are innately connected with the precious oceanic water; every wave encodes a mysterious but compelling story.

Welsh art fans finally have the chance to delve into and reflect on these hidden stories. Curator Celina Jeffery is hosting an exhibition featuring six international artists who will share their personal relationship and experience with the ocean.

Rapid urban development has sacrificed many natural oceanside habitats and caused overfishing and contamination to global waters. Artists Shiraz Bayjoo, Julia Davis and Sylvia Safdie incorporate three different colonised coastlines – Tasmania, Cyprus, and Mauritius – into their artwork to raise awareness of ocean degradation. Besides this, oceanic and marine lives are often seen as blissful environments; Jaanika Peerna, Alexander Duncan and trio Christian Sardet And The Macronauts encourage us to understand how we can complement and work with the oceans in harmony. Their beauty should neither be ruined nor be taken for granted.

Admission: free. Info: 01792 516900 / www.glynnviviangallery.org (JL)

TIM WARREN: I HAVE A PLACE IN MIND

Elysium Gallery, Swansea Until Sat 17 Feb The Elysium Gallery is hosting a trip down memory lane with Tim Warren’s artistic depictions of the connection between location and memory. Awarded a Beep painting prize in 2016, his works contain significant use of colour and texture, with the aim of being open to visual interpretation. In this series he explores the emotional response created through viewing remembered places, and has produced a number of various paintbased landscapes to achieve this.

Inspired by the colours of the Penarth beaches of Warren’s childhood, these memories are portrayed through artistic representations. Using paint, he has produced textured illustrations, each brush stroke symbolising remembered experiences and the places associated with them. But rather than recreating specific landscapes, he has chosen to use generic scenes. This choice was made with the intention of displaying works of art that can be accessible to people of all walks of life, due to the connection between place and memory being a relatable concept. Warren wishes to spark an emotional response through the pieces and portray an atmosphere he describes as “a slightly altered reality”.

Admission: free. Info: 07980 925449 / www.elysiumgallery.com (KW)

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stage

STEWART LEE

Grand Theatre, Swansea Fri 9 Feb For all of you that get a kick from the painstakingly self-analytical comedy stylings of Stewart Lee (and those that don’t but should), he’s deep into an 18-month tour of Content Provider, his first full-length show since 2012’s award-winning Carpet Remnant World. The unconventional writer, performer and, since the BBC’s axing of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle in 2016, “ex-TV comic”, is giving voice to his frustration with the fact that both Brexit and Trump have derailed the original purpose behind Content Provider.

Should Lee open an issue of Buzz this month, he may find himself yelling at the clouds, as Richard Herring, his old comedic partner from the classic 90s TV show Fist Of Fun, will have a full page all to himself (the duo, still friends, enjoy making jibes at the other’s expense onstage). Not that that diminishes Lee’s act. With a range of controversia, funny topics and unapologetic wit, he is unlike any other comedian, commenting on everyone and everything, using repetition, shaggy-dog stories, meta-gags, endless selfreflections and that inimitable smug, lefty-elitist liberal persona he so dearly loves to put across onstage. Bound to provide some content at least.

Tickets: £23.50. Info: 01792 475715 / www.swansea.gov.uk/stewartlee (YA) BUZZ 40

A NUMBER

The Other Room, Porters, Cardiff Tue 13 Feb-Sat 3 Mar Kicking off The Other Room’s spring 2018 programme, A Number is a choice introduction to the chosen theme of this season: Lovesick. It’s the first season for new artistic director Dan Jones, who was appointed to the position in June last year; this self-styled ‘theatre in a pub’ (the homely Porters bar, specifically) has been one of the most innovative, and critically praised, developments in recent Welsh theatre.

Big shoes to fill, in other words, but Jones is set to make his mark with this triptych on the meaning of modern love.

The Welsh premiere of Caryl Churchill’s 2002 play A Number examines the familial love of a father, Bernard, and his son Michael. Unequivocal love is juxtaposed with the timeless issue of men making meaningful and honest connections with each other, with a secondary theme of cloning – Churchill envisages a time where it is possible to clone human DNA, and Bernard makes an illicit attempt to make another Michael. The two-hander, directed by Ed Madden, should prove a great vehicle for Stevie Raine and Brendan Charleson. Notably, A Number is an intentionally malleable play, with Churchill providing no stage directions and the bare minimum of detail.

This examination of love, from its science and psychology to its romance and devotion, continues to go under the microscope and onto the stage in Lovesick’s second and third offerings. Dan Jones makes his Other Room directorial debut with All But Gone, a brand new work by Matthew Trevannion; this reflection on “a life that was never lived”, triggered by a teen’s attempted burglary of a pensioner, runs from Tue 27 Mar until Sat 14 Apr. Finishing the season is Lucy Pebble’s The Effect, from Tue 24 Apr to Sat 12 May. By which time The Other Room audience may think they know all there is to know about love. But if the ambition of this season is anything to go by, the plays on offer will explore hidden chambers of the heart long after the curtain has closed.

Tickets: pay by donation (Tue 13 + Wed 14 Feb – preview nights); £12/£10 after.

Info: 0333 6663366 / www.otherroomtheatre.com JOHN-PAUL DAVIES

LIZ CLARKE: CANNONBALLISTA

Peak, Crickhowell, Sat 3 Feb; Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 8 Mar Anyone who thinks a superhero can’t go about the daily business of grappling with female empowerment, grief and coping mechanisms in a pair of high heels and a sparkly, coordinated costume has clearly never seen Betty Bruiser in action.

Movement specialist, live performer, and all-round society-dissecting powerhouse, Liz Clarke’s superhero alter ego Betty has finally got her own show, Cannonballista. Betty, unlike most superhuman characters, doesn’t leave us feeling suitably inadequate after being witnessing her presence.

Instead, she’s riddled with her own issues and flaws, acting as a reminder that ordinary people do extraordinary things, and vice versa.

Cannonballista deals with the ways in which we choose to deal with the world around us, hacking into our psychological systems, showing us that everyone has the potential to be their own saviour. Prior to the shows, Clarke invites eight or so ordinary women, some with lived experience of mental health issues, to engage in workshops with Clarke, unleashing their creativity through their bodies and invited to perform in the live show.

Admission: £15/£13. Info: 01873 811579 / 029 2064 6900 (MT)

REGINALD D. HUNTER

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay Sun 4 Feb Oh well. Unless you’re tight with someone special and can get your ass on the guestlist, you’re out of luck because Some People Vs. Reginald D. Hunter - Preview is sold out. The title is a play on the award-winning TV drama on OJ Simpson, and this is the Georgia-born comedian’s second year of the tour. For this Cardiff gig, Hunter will be road-testing material for 60 minutes, but a sampling is better than none at all.

He isn’t your traditional stand-up comic delivering a joke a minute. The plainspeaking 48-year-old’s laid-back style is more like a hip, thoughtful professor presenting a dissertation on hot topics.

Hunter, who’s lived in the UK for 20 years, says he doesn’t court controversy and wants to engage audience’s minds, but that’s not to say he doesn’t get up people’s noses. The posters for his 2006 Writers’ Guild Award-Winning show Pride And Prejudice... And Niggas were banned from the Tube, while certain persons at his 2013 performance at the annual awards ceremony for the Professional Footballers’ Association supposedly were highly offended at his use of the N-word. Make up your own mind on the regular panellist from Have I Got News For You, who doesn’t feel any topic is off limits.

Tickets: £15. Info: 0871 4720400 / www.glee.co.uk (RLR)

TRAINSPOTTING LIVE

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Tue 13 + Wed 14 Feb; Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Fri 16 + Sat 17 Feb; Tramshed, Cardiff, Tue 27 Feb-Sat 3 Mar Regardless of whether you’ve read the novel, seen the film, or never seen it at all, this is a new way to see Trainspotting. Touring from London, the Edinburgh-based production will perform in three Welsh venues in February and early March, transforming the theatre into a truly immersive experience. Rather than watching the action unfold before you, the audience becomes part of it– the notorious toilet scene very much included.

It’s not easy viewing. Set in 1980s Edinburgh, Trainspotting encompasses a world of drugs, sex, alcohol and violence, amongst other ‘gritty’ subjects.

It’s got the shock factor, and it’s not surprising that the production officially sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe in both 2015 and 2016.

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s not often that such a raw, organic piece of theatre comes to light. And the beauty of Trainspotting is that it’s not beautiful at all. If you are over 18 (age restrictions apply) and enjoy getting your teeth into something sobering, then you’re not going to want to miss this cult classic.

Tickets: £10-£25. Info: 01970 623232 / 0845 2263510 / 029 2023 5555 (AC)

DUBLIN CAROL 1 – 17 Feb 2018

By Conor McPherson Director Matthew Xia From the writer of The Weir

SHERMANTHEATRE.CO.UK #DublinCarol 029 2064 6900 Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 3YE

Sherman Cymru Productions Ltd | Registered Charity Number 1118364 Image & Design burningred

clubs

TINCHY STRYDER

Tap House 72, Carmarthen Fri 9 Feb Tinchy Stryder, he of the ‘Star In The Hood’ lifestyle brand craze which peaked some time around 2010, was one of the grime originals, and lined up alongside Wiley and Dizzee Rascal as part of the first incarnation of Roll Deep. In an interesting historical curio, he also teamed up with the Chuckle Brothers in the 2014 charity single To Me, To You (Bruv).

While there’s no cast-iron guarantee that Tinchy will have Barry and Paul in tow for this, what you can expect is hits, and plenty of them. For better or worse, Tinchy was part of the wave of rappers from the grime scene who, eager to break break free from the underground, courted the Top 40 with big, polished hits like his own N-Dubz collaboration Number 1. While he’s not got the same critical cache as the likes of Wiley and Skepta, he certainly does have a back catalogue you can whistle along to.

So whether you want a big helping of nostalgia for 2009, a more innocent age where the notion of Donald Trump as President was confined to an obscure episode of The Simpsons and ‘Brexit’ was just a name floated in an Aldi focus group for its new Weetabix rival (perhaps) – or you’re just eager to see the boy Tinchy’s new direction, this one’s for you.

Tickets: £10. Info: 07522 267919 (KD) BUZZ 42

SKREAM

Solo @ The Arch, Neath Sat 10 Feb When you take a look at what 31-year-old Oliver Jones, the Croydon native known to legions of ravers as Skream, has achieved since breaking through in 2005, it really does make you sit and take stock. He was there behind the counter at his hometown’s Big Apple records. He was an ever-present at the FWD>> clubnight, in Plastic People, while his own early, skeletal and moody productions would, along with the likes of Benga, Loefah and DMZ, help define the genre’s early days.

As the sound moved into arenas and main stages of festivals, so did Jones – notably with his ‘dubstep supergroup’ Magnetic Man, a trio also featuring Benga and Artwork. But as the basslines got more ridiculous and dubstep found itself wrapped up in the creeping tentacles of EDM, Jones found himself at a creative dead end. At which point he discovered that he had a lot more fun making and playing 4/4 music – house, techno, and everything in between – and thus begun an unexpected second act to Skream’s career.

Since about 2013, save for an ultra-rare dubstep set, Jones has jettisoned the sound that brought him to international notoriety, much to the chagrin of more than a few basement-dwelling YouTube commenters who still seem utterly incandescent with rage that he wanted to try something a bit different. Known as much as being one of the hardest-touring players in the game (as well as his penchant for partying), getting Skream out west to Neath represents quite the coup for promoters Solo. He’s usually found at massive events like Cocoon or Elrow, headlining cavernous spaces like Motion in Bristol, so getting him off to head off the beaten track of the established club circuit is certainly commendable.

For what it’s worth, promoters Solo might be worth keeping an eye on in 2018 – they’ve quietly gone about getting some fairly big tech-house hitters over the past year or so, by themselves and in conjunction with Cardiff crew Memorex, notably the none-more-stompy stylings of Dense & Pika.

Tickets: £21. Info: 07791 923214 KRISTIAN DANDO

TOTAL SCIENCE / DIGITAL

Paranoize & Function:al @ Undertone, Cardiff Sat 10 Feb Undertone’s dark, oppressive environs go hand in hand with heavy drum’n’bass – and if anyone knows their way around the genre, it’s Spinback and Q-Project, the duo known as Total Science [pictured]. The pair met on an estate in Oxford in the 1980s, and have been mashing beats since the dawn of rave. Over time, they’ve run the gamut of pretty much everything d’n’b – from dark, jungle and hardcore-indebted gear to languid deepness via their Funky Technicians side project. They’ve been regular visitors to Cardiff throughout their career, and they’re always given a warm welcome by the city.

Joining the duo will be Ipswich’s own Digital, whose productions first got stamped to wax way back in 1992, plus host and good vibes merchant Blackeye.

MCs can be something of a polarising phenomenon – a bad one can bring the vibes of a party down quicker faster than you can say “Beefy and Taz”. Praise be then, that Blackeye MC is considered one of the best out there.

Joining this already-heavyweight proposition are local spinners Ransom, Lubi J and Character, who’ll be heating up proceedings nicely. Early forecasts point to an inevitable sweatbox.

Admission: £10. Info: 029 2022 8883 (KD)

VERB T & PITCH 92

The Queens Hall, Narberth Fri 23 Feb This New Year’s Day, as the Buzz Clubs page sprawled corpulently on its new DFS sofa, it reached for another leftover vol-au-vent from the previous night’s festivities and contemplated a few resolutions for 2018. One of them was to start throwing a light on some of the events going on outside South Wales’s cities and some of the other nooks and crannies on our patch. Serendipitously, we received a missive about this event – UK hip-hop stalwarts Verb T [pictured] & Pitch 92 hitting the Pembrokeshire town of Narberth.

Narberth really punches above its bijou dimensions when it comes to arts and culture, and the Queens Hall is at the epicentre of it all. Verb T is a veteran of UK hip-hop, spitting socially aware bars for the Low Life label since 2002.

Pitch 92, a relative whippersnapper, has a soulful and smooth catalogue of productions. The pair teamed up on last October’s well-received Good Evening album, and are just one of the incredibly varied selection lined up over the first quarter of 2018 by Pembrokeshire charity Span Arts. Narberth is pretty well connected by bus and train to Tenby and Haverfordwest, but if you’re from further afield it strikes us as something you might even want to schedule a night or two away for...

Tickets: £12-£14. Info: 01834 861212 (KD)

YOUANDEWAN / THE GHOST

Delete @ Jacob’s Market, Cardiff Sat 24 Feb With 2017’s festivities barely a hazy memory, Delete’s merry band of house aficionados head back to Jacob’s Market for a final winter party before heading outdoors to their summer residence of the Gwdihw car park for the warmer months, and it’s a customarily strong line-up they’ve assembled. Youandewan [pictured], or Scotland-born Ewan Smith to his nearest and dearest, came to prominence via pleasingly scuffed house on labels like Aus, Secretsundaze and Hypercolour. However, 2016 saw a recently-decamped-to-Berlin Smith put out an introspective, home-listeninggeared affair called No Right Time, which was met with much critical approval.

Last year he launched his own label, Brane Recordings, hinting at a higher BPM dancefloor-focused sound. Expect this to sit somewhere between the two.

Joining him are fellow Berlin-based expats The Ghost, two crate-diggers who founded the city’s first mobile record shop in a Volkswagen van, dropping off scorching rare records at selected locations around the German capital, as well as playing at and promoting parties themselves. Expect all three to be delving deep into their collections and bringing some serious heat.

Tickets: £12/£10 early bird. Info: 029 2039 0939 (KD)

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live

DON BROCO

Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union Sat 10 Feb Don Broco will be bringing their funk-infused rock to Cardiff Students Union this month, promoting their ambitious new album Technology. “We were one of the first bands ever to play in the Tramshed. Before that, I remember selling out Clwb Ifor Bach a couple of times,” frontman Rob Damiani tells me over the phone. There’s an eagerness apparent when he adds, “This will be our biggest gig in Cardiff yet, so we are really looking forward to it.”

Who could blame him? The SU is just small enough to capture a sense of intimacy while providing enough of a spectacular quality to give a setting to the bands powerful style of performance. After releasing their debut album, {Priorities}, in 2012, Don Broco went on to prove their staying power in the British rock scene.

Their second LP Automatic reached number six in the UK album charts, and since then the’ve headlined the Kerrang! Tour and toured with acts from You Me At Six to Bring Me The Horizon. This month’s tour will prove the next important step in their journey, as they play to ever bigger audiences.

Technology combines huge and punishing guitars with 80s-style synth parts. “We are keeping it really fun and really live sounding, as meaty and heavy as possible,” says Rob when asked about this new musical direction. From the energised T-Shirt Song and the hilariously enjoyable Come Out To LA, to the scathingly political Stay Ignorant, you can expect Don Broco to blast through a decent amount of new material at this show. As the frontman explains: “The new songs have been our best received work ever. You can only really know what people make of your new song by performing them live.”

Moreover, early-era singles Actors and Hold On tend to prove a lynchpin in Don Broco set lists, and will almost definitely receive an equally warm reception tonight. Catch them in Cardiff Student Union, before they’re stadium-sized.

Tickets: £20. Info: 029 2078 1458 ALEX SWIFT

Pic: Simon Rainier

CHRISTINE TOBIN

Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff Tue 6 Feb Poetry and music make compelling bedfellows. Irish-born, New York-based jazz vocalist and composer Christine Tobin has dedicated the last five years of her career setting music to the poems of Pulitzer Prize-winning Paul Muldoon.

The pair’s collaborative history began with a piece at the 2011 Kilkenny Arts Festival, and has most recently yielded 2016’s Pelt album: a dreamlike musical tribute to Muldoon’s celebrated poetry.

Blending boundaries between melody and verse has become a passion project for Tobin, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed – before her sessions with Muldoon, her spellbinding settings of poems by WB Yeats earned her a British Composer Award. Tobin’s sound references blues, folk, jazz and Americana, and her husky, slow-burn delivery turns thoughts to Leonard Cohen. In fact, her 2014 offering A Thousand Kisses Deep is entirely in homage to him.

However, her only Welsh show will focus on the stylistically varied Pelt. Promises Promises and breakup-themed After Me are languid and mournful, but don’t settle in too comfortably, as full-blast rocker Zoological Positivism Blues is sure to shock your system into full alert.

Tickets: £12/£10. Info: 029 2039 1391 (LB) BUZZ 44

MANU DELAGO & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY

Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Tue 21 Feb; Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff Wells, Wed 22 Feb Fri 23 Feb The job of professional Hang player may Legendary ballad singer and guitarist Martin Carthy and his two-times at first sound like an odd thing to have Mercury nominee daughter Eliza on your CV, but thus far it’s worked out perform material from their first joint pretty well for Manu Delago. Although album, 2014’s Moral Of The Elephant.

I have no frame of reference other Martin has more than 40 albums under than watching Delago himself (back in Dempseys in 2015), I can safely say that his belt, and his settings of traditional songs with guitar have influenced the he’s really rather good at it – gaining likes of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. him an invite to tour with Björk for Carthy junior is no newcomer to the the past few years. If you’re looking scene herself, having been credited to surprise anyone with your weird instrument playing, Björk is going to be with revitalising folk music for a new generation. Steeped in the genre top of almost anybody’s list. since childhood, Eliza was born into The Hang itself is a relatively recent something a family dynasty – she addition to the percussion family. previously released an album with her Dreamt up by a couple of Swiss in the mother Norma Waterson, of seminal early 2000s, it has already gone out of 1960s folk band The Watersons. A habit production so that the inventors can for collaboration runs in the family, instead concentrate on its successor, Eliza having already made musical ties the Gubal. With that in mind, it seems that Manu Delago is one of a rare breed with Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright and Patrick Wolf. given his abilities on the instrument which depending on how it is played can So it is only natural that father and daughter should join forces, and the mimic sounds as disparate as the harp pair makes an organic duo. Expect pure and the steel drums. folk with a healthy dose of storytelling, What Delago adds to the sound of of which Queen Caraboo is an inspiring the Hang is a mixture of electronic example. The highlight, though, is beats and occasional soft vocals. The Happiness – a sadly beautiful ballad acoustics and aesthetics of St John’s written by Nick Drake’s mother Molly.

Church, along with the presence of a chamber orchestra, should only improve Tickets: £16/£15 NUS and under-18s.

Info: 01239 621200 (Cardigan) / upon that fine 2015 set.

Tickets: £12. Info: 029 2049 9185 (BG) 01982 552555 (Builth Wells) (LB)

PAUL WELLER

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Wed 21 Feb The Modfather returns to Cardiff this month as part of his A Kind Revolution tour. Paul Weller has made the capital a regular stop on his tours for decades and over that time his shows have always struck a good balance between his treasured oldies and new material.

Luckily for fans, the new material is great, and has been for some time.

Weller seemed to hit a purple patch around a decade ago, and five albums later is still crafting beauty and interest.

A Kind Revolution is Weller’s call to arms – well, a call to open your arms might be more apt. Songs about emblems of change (The Cranes Are Back) share space with meditations on social issues such as Satellite Kid, about the plight of young immigrants in the UK. Happily, Weller feels there is as much power in an old-fashioned rock stomp as an incisive lyric, and album opener Woo Sé Mama is becoming a big live favourite.

Not only has his songwriting stayed strong, but Weller’s voice and playing is as good as ever. If anything, age seems to have given his guttural bellow a warmer tone and his keys work is now as good as his guitar playing. A great time to catch a musician with a message, and the chops to back it up.

Tickets: £42.50, Info: 029 2022 4488 (JPD)

Perfect Gift Ideas for Christmas

John Owen Jones + Beau Dermott

14/12/2017

The Quireboys +Hand of Dimes

20/01/2018

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Aberdare Coliseum

Perfect Gift Ideas15/02/2018 for Christmas

Bars and Melody

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

John Owen Jones + Beau Dermott

14/12/2017

The Quireboys +Hand of Dimes

The Globe, Cardiff 20/01/2018

Fickle Friends

Belle &andSebastian + Bars Julian Baker Melody

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

26/02/2018

Aberdare Coliseum

08/03/2018

15/02/2018 Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

Into TheFriends Ark Fickle

10/03/2018 26/02/2018 Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Skid BelleRow & Sebastian +Toseland

15/03/2018 08/03/2018

IntoStranglers The Ark The +Therapy?

10/03/2018 16/03/2018

Skid RowBoys Astroid

15/03/2018 30/03/2018

The Stranglers +Therapy?

Don Mclean

16/03/2018

Astroid Boys

30/03/2018

Don Mclean

06/05/2018

Machine Head

14/05/2018

Marti Pellow The Voice of Wet Wet Wet

The Globe, Cardiff 17/05/2018

+ Julian Baker

+Toseland

Machine Head Marti Pellow The Voice of Wet Wet Wet Nick Heyward Of Haircut 100

The Globe, Cardiff

Y Plas, CardiffCentre, University SU Wales Millenium Cardiff

Blackwood Institute TramshedMiners’ Cardiff

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

06/05/2018

Tramshed Cardiff

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff

14/05/2018

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

17/05/2018

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff

Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

Y Plas, Cardiff University SU

21/06/2018

Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

Tickets available from:

21/06/2018 Nick Heyward The Globe, Cardiff ticketmaster.co.uk Of Haircut 100 orchardentertainment.co.uk Tickets available from:

ticketmaster.co.uk orchardentertainment.co.uk

reviews albums BARDO POND **** Volume 8 (Fire) Astral travellers Bardo Pond return with their latest batch of introspective songs wrapped in a gauze of fuzz and echo. It feels like business as usual upon hearing the one-two punch of dirgey openers Kailash and Flayed Wish, but sticking with Volume 8 reveals oysters amid the grit. Power Children is especially nice, acoustic guitars strummed in what sounds like a canyon wash over a bed of paisley chirrups and tweets leaving the listener (Mazzy) starstruck. AJ

DJANGO DJANGO *** Marble Skies (Because Music) Following the critical slaying of their second long player, Django Django return with a half-decent offering, which improves significantly if you start at the lounge synth Blancmange wobble of Champagne – skipping the Devo-esque titular opener and the inexplicably shoddy r’n’b of Surface to Air. Cherrypick further beyond fizzy single Tic Tac Toe, and you’ve got the dayglo 808 adventure of Real Gone and Sundials, its piano, cornet and jazzy chorus evoking the innocence of a primetime 70s kids’ TV theme. CS

DREAM WIFE **** Dream Wife (Lucky Number) Since starting out as a “fake girl band” formed for an art school project, Dream Wife have become the real deal. Recalling Kathleen Hanna’s playful post-Bikini Kill outfit Le Tigre and the classic headrush Cheap Trickery of Mary Timony’s Ex Hex, their self-titled debut is feisty and ebullient, a glitterbomb of youthful exuberance and energy, a meeting point of pop nous and pithy political sloganeering, a treasure trove of sparkling singles. If you’re looking for the perfect antidote to the January blues, then this album is it. BW

FRANZ FERDINAND **** Always Ascending (Domino) This is the first non-collaborative album since 2013 from Scotland’s music royalty and their fifth to date. A changed line-up with two new members and a much-touted new sound, but still classic Franz with ramped up synths, Sparks influences and shades of Lou Reed and Talking Heads. The grooving title track should lift them to the top of the charts with Alex Kapranos’ Bowie-esque baritone; Lazy Boy’s lazy lyrics and the album’s closing snoozefest mar an otherwise very good LP. RLR

GO-KART MOZART *** Mozart’s Mini Mart (Cherry Red) The story of Go-Kart Mozart’s Lawrence Hayward stretches back nearly 40 years, when he released his first single as Felt, and includes plenty of (self-)mythology. The sleevenotes for this, his fourth album as GKM, even include a brief list of media to help you find out more about him.

Possibly, some context may be needed to grok this 17-song chunter of intentionally cheap-sounding synthpop, often juxtaposing maddeningly jaunty music with crushingly bleak lyrics. Alternatively, you might quickly understand why he’s some people’s idea of a n*tional tr*asure. NG

HAILU MERGIA **** Lala Belu (Awesome Tapes From Africa) Sure as eggs is generally eggs, anything Awesome Tapes release is worth your eartime. This time it’s Ethiopian jazz dude Hailu Mergia, veteran pianist and accordionist, and part-time taxi driver, whose first new stuff in 15 years follows some recent well-bundled AFTA reissues. Drums and double bass hold it down like a snazzy bar band, while Mergia wanders up and down the keys octopus style. And on the title track, the sole vocal: lolloping, joyous and sung up to heaven. Pure sunshine. WS

HIGH RISE ***** II (Black Editions) This Tokyo band’s 1986 album is an obscurity in the wider world, but utterly formative and vital amidst a sprawling rock underground that rams together psychedelia, punk and noise.

High Rise’s three members were determined to push guitar-bass-drums to uncharted limits, and succeeded during a brutal half-hour of feedback, solos, chaotic drums and tantalisingly faraway vocals. This reissue by new US label Black Editions restores II’s original sleeve and, remixed/ remastered by band member Asahito Nanjo, sounds quite immense. NG

HOOKWORMS ** Microshift (Domino) Unlike Hookworms’ first two albums, both developed by playing live, Microshift has been honed and crafted in the studio. The krautrock/psych guitar fuzz of their live sound that dominated the first two albums has been dialled right down; there are songs, there are synths, samples and layers but it feels too controlled and contrived. If I'd never heard LCD Soundsystem and didn’t love Clinic this may have grabbed me but for this listener, it’s a no. GT

JOHN MOUSE ***** Replica Figures (Keep Me In Your Heart) Replica Figures suffers from a welcome obsession with memory. After the gut-churning narrative of opener End Of Mankind, John Mouse’s latest is in turns touching, hilarious and heart-breaking. As

with memories, the sweeter (Sue) flies by, while the heavier (The Boxer) seem to linger a little too long.

This only completes the concept perfectly. Finisher Gladiator Contender is an illustration of how memory links the pointless to the poignant, the loss of loved ones set alongside Saturday night TV. JPD

LEMURIA *** Recreational Hate (Big Scary Monsters) This digital version of this record has no doubt been played to death by Lemuria’s legion of fans thanks to their quirk of releasing ‘secret’ LPs. Recreational Hate, their fourth full-length, was put on sale back in August of last year in a playful take on a crowdfunder. The recipients have essentially been sold a throwback to college radio of the 1990s – all very tuneful but far from deserving of repeating listening. Not quite robbed, certainly knowingly undersold. BG

THE LOVELY EGGS **** This Is Eggland (Egg) The hardest working DIYers in the country have lovingly crafted something that's more than worth listening to. Anyone who’s encountered the Lovely Eggs duo before will have an idea of what’s to come: crashing drums, raucous guitars and a journey into the surreal world that their lyrics often conjure. This record is louder and heavier than previous releases, and is brimmed with anthems for us, the disillusioned masses. This should be administered on the NHS as an antidote to these fucked-up times. GT

NICK J.D. HODGSON *** Tell Your Friends (Prediction) Breaking away from the Kaiser Chiefs’ signature indie rock style to create a dreamier sound, Nick J.D. Hodgson’s harmoniously layered vocals are reminiscent of a hazy summer day. Tell Your Friends sees Hodgson tune into his feelings in an honest collection of feel-good tracks and melancholy love songs, combining Beatles-eque harmonies with a 70s vibe. While the variation in tone is minimal, his sombre yet uplifting mix of songs makes for an impressively nostalgic solo debut. KW

NIGHTMARES ON WAX **** Shape The Future (Warp) Nightmares On Wax, along with LFO, helped launch Warp Records nearly three decades ago, with their electronic bleeps and techno beats.

Since those days of sweaty warehouse raves, the sound of NOW has evolved magnificently to encompass dub, hip-hop and soul, via stoned instrumental grooves. Shape The Future, their mighty fine new album, includes a track titled Citizen Kane: a soulful gospel/blues hybrid which could possibly be the best song that Nightmares On Wax have ever released. DN

SIMPLE MINDS ***** Walk Between Worlds (BMG) Revisiting the anthem-driven spirit of their heyday, with Walk Between Worlds the seasoned Glaswegian art-rockers resurrect a stadium sound that cemented their status as new wave pin-ups. Slick production values lace Jim Kerr’s crooning vocals on standouts Magic and Sense Of Discovery, the latter recalling their giddy mid-80s peak, whilst elsewhere sublime string arrangements are merged with electronica on an album that subtly fuses nostalgia with the new.

Catch the band at Cyfarthfa Park later this year alongside the Pretenders. CHP

THE SPOOK SCHOOL **** Could It Be Different? (Alcopop!)

There’s something comfortable about the latest offering from the Scottish four-piece.

Tracks feel familiar – perhaps it’s their 70s pop and punk influences. Whether the song is about painful adolescence (High School), surviving an abusive relationship (Still Alive) or accepting yourself (The Body), the Spooks sing from experience – and this makes the album more than just lyrics about life, love and insecurities paired with jolly tunes. Could It Be Different could have been maudlin but why be sad when you can be hopeful? LN

SUNWATCHERS ***** II (Trouble In Mind) What an original title for a sandblasted free-rocking psychedelic noise unit’s second album, he hooted in the vain hope that people might have read all the reviews on the page. Brooklyn’s Sunwatchers don’t especially resemble High Rise, but are comparably shaggy, amp-worshipping and inspired. Big servings of cosmic jazz lurk among punkily boisterous throwdowns, sax slaloming through wah pedals barrel-rolling into yobbo drums. This album absolutely rips and they’ve also pledged to donate any profits from it to righteous American leftist orgs, so cough up comrades. NG

SUSANNA *** Go Dig My Grave (Sonata) There’s a cover of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day here that doesn’t quite make you think fondly of 1997’s all-star Children In Need version, but isn’t far off.

Happily it’s about the only duff choice Norwegian folk musician Susanna Wallumrød makes on GDMG, a collection of mostly covers, of mostly US and UK traditionals and standards. It has the austere bleakness of Laura Cannell or the Unthanks, sometimes histrionic, but sometimes devastating, as in the terrific, walls-closing-in take of Joy Division’s Wilderness. Party! WS

GAMES REVIEWS NEX MACHINA ****

Housemarque, PS4 and PC Housemarque have made some solid twin-stick shooters in recent memory such as Dead Nation and Alienation. With Nex Machina, however, they have excelled themselves.

Fast-paced, brimming with neon colour and accompanied with a pumping techno soundtrack, NM is as unforgiving as it is addictive. In single player or co-op, you blast your way through hordes of enemies, rescuing humans as you move through this stylised digital world. A twist on old classics such as Robotron and Smash TV but with a modern mindset, Nex Machina is a future classic. And very, VERY hard. BR

BUZZ 46

PAPERS, PLEASE ****

Lucas Pope, PC Indie developer Lucas Pope’s dystopian border control puzzle thriller is a lot more fun than it sounds. You play a border force officer responsible for checking who’s allowed into your Eastern Bloc-style nation. Essentially, you have to choose who to allow in and who to refuse entry to, stamping their passports in a delightfully cathartic way. The game has a rather steep learning curve that can feel a bit much at times, but it’s ultimately an innovative exploration of morality. LOB

THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT **** A Deeper Cut (Earache) After the departure of two founding members, and singer Phil Campbell’s slow slip back into drug abuse, this is bit of a make-or-break third album. Not that it shows. The Temperance Movement sound relaxed, confident and honest.

What more could you ask for: great vocals, great riffs, great songs? It’s all here, complete with 70s rock references that never sound dated or unimaginative. If the album dips a little in the slower second half, it’s only in comparison to its brilliant openers. JPD

been a certain pivot back to trancier sounds, mind, so the mountain has – blasphemously – come to Mohammed. NG

THE SHACKS ***** Audrey / Fly Fishing (Big Crown) WARNING: If diabetic, you may go into shock from Shacks frontwoman Shannon Wise’s breathy, Jackie O vocals and the overall cuteness of this slightly shorter, more relaxed version with its lowered staccato drumming. Otherwise, OD on the retro, keyboard-laden dreampop and Max Shrager’s guitar work. The B-side’s early-60s girl group vibe is more fun still. Scrumptious! RLR

TURIN BRAKES **** Invisible Storm (Cooking Vinyl)

SPACE CAPTAIN *****

Turin Brakes have made subtle reinvention their trademark since their early millennium heyday. What hasn’t changed is their solid songwriting and brilliant vocal performances. But Invisible Storm is at its best when the songs are given some room to breathe. Wait and Life Forms are hook-laden, complete with handclaps and do-do-do loops from the hit folder that saw them contribute to Take That’s Circus album. Album closers Smoke and Mirrors and Don’t Know Much are where the real beauty lies. JPD

Hours / Cells (Extended) (Tru Thoughts)

WILD BEASTS **** Last Night All My Dreams Came True (Domino) As their career draws to a close, Wild Beasts create the perfect sendoff with this rhythmic, synth-heavy record. This eclectic mix combines Hayden Thorpe’s sensual falsetto with the gruff baritone of Tom Fleming and layers them over soft electronic melodies, bringing the best of the beasts together. While the four-piece may be putting their instruments down for good, their unique take on the indie genre will transcend their lifespan with this ethereal compilation. KW

THE WOMBATS ***** Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life (Kobalt) The Liverpudlians who can make even the most depressing subjects upbeat are back with their fourth album offering hook-laden, jangly guitardriven, sometimes psych-drenched pop with witty, never-boring stories involving mental health, longing and fighting, among other things. More polished than previously, they’re out of the gate with two strong singles. There’s no filler here, just melodic and danceable tunes like White Eyes with these lyrics: “It’s hard to keep my chin up when my guts are lying on the floor.” RLR

singles GLASS MOUNTAIN *** Wow & Flutter (Hide & Seek) The followup to the Bradford four piece’s debut album feels quite similar, with weary melancholic refrains and spacious arrangements that carry the emotional peaks and troughs of Sigur Rós or Morrissey. Yet for all their capacity, these songs aren’t particularly memorable and perhaps signify the necessity for the group to further develop their sound into something more original. CPI

SASHA *** Singularity (Last Night On Earth) They used to – blasphemously – call Sasha ‘son of God’ back in the 90s, when his techy prog-trance epics were a fresh sound on the rave scene. Much stylistic water has gone under the bridge since then, but the 10-minute Singularity suggests that he’s ignored most of it. There’s

These progressive Brooklynites fuse r’n’b, psychrock, jazz, soul, hip-hop and electro and have a gem in the voice of Maralisa Simmons-Cook.

Hours sees folksy guitar and spacey grooves compliment no-nonsense lyrics on parting; Cells’ nostalgic lyrics are married to a surprisingly Prince-like guitar jam and more! RLR

SUPERORGANISM ** Everybody Wants To Be Famous (Domino) Superorganism’s debut created a freight train of hype thanks to its catchy hook and the band’s anonymity at the time of release. Remove the catchy hook and announce the band as a bunch of waifs and strays living together in a house in East London, and the wheels of said freight train promptly fall off. BG

demos PERFECT BODY facebook.com/perfectbodyband The four men and one woman of Perfect Body describe themselves as “fresh-faced”, which on a grouchier day I might think jolly self-regarding of them, yet it’s damn true. Seriously, the more young (early 20s) Cardiff(ish) bands making good music the better! They trade in jangly, keyboard-powered, beatific, beatniky shoegaze fodder, with Getting Cold, the feedbackier of the two PB songs online, my personal favourite, though Round The Bend is no slouch either. NG

PRIVATE WORLD facebook.com/privateworldband Private World, also Cardiffians, are even newer than Perfect Body – in fact, I saw their debut gig just after Christmas and felt it to be on a postpunk-into-early-90s-baggy tip. They liken House Aflame, the track they’ve sent me, to Roxy Music, which is rather different than my first impressions but does somewhat hold up thanks to shuffling quasi-disco rhythms and gleaming synths. Good stuff. In a very un-Bryan Ferry-esque move, they can be found this Valentine’s Day playing in The Moon. NG

NOAH BOUCHARD noahbouchard.bandcamp.com Noah is a personable-looking – fresh-faced, you might even say – rapper from Cardiff, currently living in London. He’s done an album, Artificial Intelligence, which he calls “a concept album based on the many faces and interpretations of freedom.” This encapsulates, for example, getting noshed off by a stripper then shagging someone else’s girlfriend on the trap-styled Crucifix.

Conversely, XX is a measured anti-patriarchy broadside, and elsewhere Bouchard comes from a philosophical angle as a sheaf of producers cook up variable but often diverting beats. NG

WE'VE BEEN WATCHING...

BLACK MIRROR - SEASON 4 Netflix

The unnerving, melancholic and oft-times outright disturbing show that taps into the zeitgeist of our unrecognized fears with modern technology is back with its fourth season. The Twilight Zone-inspired Black Mirror continues to unwrap and explore topics and tools of the modern world to their bleak and evocative ends. While not every episode is executed well, the show continues to get more creative and driven with its use of genre and tone.

Season four brims with this ambition and it’s all the better for it. ****JY

HARD SUN

BBC (available on BBC iPlayer)

The first five minutes might make you ask: “Is this really BBC?” There’s so much blood and alarmingly graphic violence in this crime/sci-fi series that it might put some viewers off. But once the writers get over playing to the gore-is-more zeitgeist, Hard Sun begins to have a real impact. The overarching apocalypse plot gives rise to some believable stories that make for excellent detective work from leads Hicks and Renko. But it is the trust issues in their professional relationship and the believable team and family around them that casts a light on the nature of our being as the sun sets on humanity. ****JPD

MCMAFIA

BBC One (available on iPlayer)

The Mafia represented on TV and in films is one of gangsters and guns, but much of the criminal activity in the world now is committed with hard drives rather than handguns. Journalist Misha Glenny wrote about modern global crime in 2008 and the BBC has created an eight-part drama, McMafia, inspired by Glenny’s true stories. James Norton, star of the BBC’s epic adaptation of War & Peace, leads as a Russian/British banker whose uncle’s violent murder draws him into a murky criminal underworld involving deceit and violence in this disturbing but engaging drama. ****MH

NEXT OF KIN

BBC One (available on BBC iPlayer)

Whilst this is fairly standard fare for mainstream TV, with a couple of known faces in Archie Panjabi and Jack Davenport, the viewer shouldn’t be put off too soon. Next of Kin’s treatment is solid and its performances true – in the opening episode at least – but there is a story to tell by episode two and that story will, as viewers will guess in the very first scene, take us East... and into the realms of the hard-to-believe. Reactions so far have been mixed: episode one aired to praise, before episode two took a battering due to the convoluted plot. An insult that may have been forgiven had it not opened to such purpose and realism. ***JS

GREAT BRITISH RAILWAY JOURNEYS SERIES 9 BBC Two (available on BBC iPlayer)

It’s hard to imagine that a programme about travelling the length and breadth of the country with a former politician could span nine series and spawn multiple spinoffs, but the latest series of Great British Railway Journeys proves that the programme still has life in it. Michael Portillo continues to shine (and not just with his blazers) with his genuine enthusiasm for British history and the heritage of the locomotive positively beaming through, making even an Arriva Trains Wales trip look delightful! The series has ended, but is still on iPlayer. ****CH

BUZZ 47

music news EXTRA

Cardiff Council has underlined its commitment to preserving, and developing, the Welsh capital’s musical culture and infrastructure by declaring it the first ‘Music City’ in the UK. Meaning what, exactly? Well, it’s basically a cute name for a strategy, operational as of now and drawn up with the aid of Sound Diplomacy, an agency who’ve launched similar projects in Berlin, London and Barcelona – and it sure put them on the map! They will, it seems, seek to advance the idea of music scenes as part of a city’s ecosystem, in a cultural and financial sense, and assess what impact things like property regulations and licence policies might have For rock of the hard and/or classic variety, look towards Ebbw Vale this July as the grassroots-successful Steelhouse Festival returns with perhaps its most prestigious lineup to date. The latest headliner to be announced for the two-day bash on the side of a mountain is Glenn Hughes, whose soaring pipes have notably seen him front Deep Purple during the proto-metallers’ mid-70s period – and he’ll be rounding off Sat 28 July with an allPurp set, following bands including Dan Reed Network and King King. Sun 29 will be headlined by the arena-filling Black Star Riders, with The Wildhearts and The Quireboys among the undercard

A few bands have bit the dust since we last spoke. Hark, a Swansea metal outfit who formed in 2010 and whose second album Machinations was well received last year, announced their split at the end of November – stating that they depart on good terms, with a wish to preserve that status. It’s a similar story with Samoans, a Cardiff group whose proggy take on indie began a decade ago and also yielded two LPs; “the last couple of years have been challenging to say the least,” they’ve said, with a final hometown gig planned for Sat 12 May. And The Heavy Quartet, a band who’ve been peddling their “rebellious punk jazz shite” (their words) since the 1980s, are calling time save for a possible live finale at some point this year A new DJ workshop for women and non-binary people is launching in Cardiff this month. Helmed by Jessie Belters [pictured], who plays techno and techno-adjacent sounds at her Doppler night among other places, it’s at the Blue Honey Night Cafe and is immediately followed by Women, Wax & Digital Tracks, a DJ night with a similar premise.

The first workshop, on Thurs 8 Feb, is fully booked, but it’s set to take place on the first Thursday of every month from March. South Wales’ club scene has been, even by the wider standards of these things, embarrassingly and consistently male-dominated, so any degree of pushback is valuable

ONES TO WATCH...

PROFESSOR & THE MADMAN

Let’s start 2018 off by giving a big hand to Paul Gray, one of the true veterans of UK punk and long-term Cardiff resident. He was there at the big bang as bassist for Eddie And The Hot Rods; in 1980, he joined The Damned in the same role, leaving three years later but maintaining an on-off tenure with the group. Gray’s even done time with hard rockers UFO... and, perhaps more nobly if less showbizly, been gainfully employed by the Musicians’ Union and Community Music Wales.

But what has he been up to lately? Well, he rejoined The Damned on a permanent basis in late 2017, having spent much of the previous few years fighting, beating and recovering from cancer. He’s also recorded an album with a new band, Professor & The Madman, based half in the UK and half in Los Angeles. Founder members Alfie Agnew and Sean Elliott – both formerly of D.I., a second-wave Orange County hardcore band – initially enlisted Damned drummer Rat Scabies for some home recordings before Scabies contacted Gray and coaxed him in. The result is the first proper Professor & The Madman release, Disintegrate Me, out this month.

The nine-song album is varied, if within clear parameters. Moments of rollicking punk betraying the members’ backgrounds (Nightmare; the fine Machines) are outweighed, just about, by post-Beatles lysergic psych-pop (The Mirror; Space Walrus – that’s Space Walrus) and rake-thin powerpop (Faces; Useless). It manages to both convey a century-plus of experience and youthful exuberance, a neat trick which will hopefully be replicated with live UK shows in the near future. facebook.com/professorandthemadman

BUZZ 48

one louder

IT’S time for One Louder’s annual February cassette reviews compendium, which tackles tapes released in the last four months or so and does not pause to muse on the perceived redundancy of the format, or the ‘retromania’ prevalent among the cursed group ‘millennials’, or where you can listen to these online.

(They’re all a Google away, pretty much.) Let’s go!

Kitten Youth are a two-man spinoff of south Walian heavy rockers Spider Kitten, whose discography covers substantial sonic ground; their inspirations are wider still, though, and some of them are honoured in the eight-song Kitten Against The Pricks. As per the title, you may hear the spirit of Nick Cave in both his Birthday Party and Bad Seeds eras – likewise no-budget US hardcore, schlocky psych/garage and, albeit through lyrical references, vintage country and blues.

Night Thoughts are another local duo, this time featuring Chain Of Flowers and (former) Mars To Stay personnel. Their debut demo is flagrantly gloomy, as you might expect if you know the bands mentioned, but stands on its own feet via five songs of drum machine-powered postpunk/coldwave on a heavy early-80s tip.

Nottingham’s Slumb Party have the ingredients for you to hear a lot more about them in 2018 – in my view, at least, which will doubtless condemn them to obscurity. The sound explored on their late-2017 tour tape feels both elegant and invigorating, though: the soulful side of postpunk (think Orange Juice or Scritti Politti) venturing towards the punkier, perhaps even Minutemen-esque side of the tracks. There’s even a creditable cover of Young Marble Giants’ nuclear-wintry classic Final Day. A fellow from London calling himself Metal Rothko sent me a couple of tapes, ostensibly for another reviews column; I felt bad about them not quite making the cut, but better for giving them space here instead. Metal Rothko’s ‘thing’ is instrumental, feedbacky solo guitar pieces which feel simplistic at first, but develop hypnotic qualities in which I hear echoes of Earth, Roy Montgomery and Black Boned Angel. Only three quid a tape, too!

Live At Constellation, a cassette by bearded American guitar wrangler Bill Orcutt, is as they say ‘sold out at source’, source being the endlessly strange Chocolate Monk label. You can however find a 13-minute iPhone recording from the gig in question online, in which Bill disassembles the standard Old Man River in his supremely freaked Beefheart-cubed style. If its atonal cloggery doesn’t drive you nuts, then seek out this dude’s solo catalogue post-haste.

Finally, some sweet French rave vibes from Binary Digit, whose Acid Drop EP recently emerged on Opal Tapes. Pulling acid house, IDM and electro into its orbit, these lush synth melodies and pistoning drum machines could – maybe would – have graced the Rephlex label in its golden era of ‘braindance’.

A curveball, kinda, for the generally more abrasive Opal Tapes, but a very welcome one for anyone still holding a torch for Cylob or Kozmik Kommando.

Interesting local gigs in February include FRAUDS, JOHN and TWISTED ANKLE (The Moon, Cardiff, Sat 3); SLOWEST LIFT, SETH COOKE and DEAF PICTURES (Spit & Sawdust, Sun 4); EL MORGAN & THE DIVERS (Mozart’s, Swansea, Thurs 8); DRAB MAJESTY (Moon, Wed 14); DEATH PEDALS (Le Public Space, Newport, Thurs 15); FARCE, RUNT and ASID (Cathays Community Centre, Mon 19); DTUB and IAN WATSON (Gwdihw, Wed 21), ITALIA 90, DISJOY and PERIL (Gwdihw, Thurs 22); BIG LAD, KONG LIVES and BLOOD MEDALS (Moon, Sat 24) and DR. SARDONICUS’ MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM PSYCHEDELIC FESTIVAL (Cellar Bar, Cardigan, Sat 24). NOEL GARDNER

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books THE BLACK CAULDRON William Heinesen, trans. by G.W. Jones (Dedalus Books)

BOOK OF THE MONTH

William Heinesen was a 20th century author, painter and poet from the Faroe Islands, and is perhaps the most well-respected literary figure to come out of the small Atlantic archipelago. This might sound like an achievement akin to being the best basketballer in Wales, until one actually reads his books. Often difficult to track down in English translations, Dedalus Books ought to be commended for keeping the flame alive of one of the 20th century’s most interesting authors.

The Black Cauldron tells the story of one small community in the Faroes during British occupation in World War II, ravaged by U-boat raids, profiteering businessmen getting fat from the high price of fish, and creeping religious hysteria. What initially appears to be a satire-inflected realist novel, akin to fellow Scandinavian August Strindberg’s The Red Room, quickly devolves into something much darker and more sinister. Tonally, it commands the line between mysticism and realism; hysteria and restraint; sharp critique and warm embrace. It certainly captures the edgeof-the-world feel of the Faroe Islands, as well as the pointed sense of lingering paranoia and isolation that World War II must have bought to the islands.

Though Heinesen occasionally overstretches his hand – this is a difficult-toread novel at times, with too many differing POVs; the author even switches from character to character within the same chapter, confusing perspectives further – but what remains is a work of frightfully still-relevant and lurid modernism, ripe for reinterpretation in today’s age of communal outrage and mass political psychosis. Excellent. FEDOR TOT Price: £9.99. Info: http://www.dedalusbooks.com DARK TERRITORY

Jerry Hunter, trans: Patrick K. Ford (Y Lolfa)

An emotive novel set during the 16th century, Dark Territory follows the story of its protagonist, Rhisiart Dafydd, a Roundhead who supports Oliver Cromwell’s model army. He embarks on an epic journey to seek out a group of Welsh Calvinists who have settled on the shores of North America. The story features a mix of influential characters who all play their part in emphasising themes of religion, war and love and the struggles of the time.

Originally written in Welsh and translated into English

by Patrick K. Ford, this is a well-researched story. Due to the way it is split the narrative could have been enhanced by delving deeper into the historical fiction involved in parts of the book, whilst featuring less characters in other cases. However, the passionate characterisation succeeded in providing a compelling read. (RH) Price: £9.99. Info: www.ylolfa.com

SWEET DAYS OF DISCIPLINE

Fleur Jaeggy, Trans: Tim Parks (And Other Stories)

Sometimes less really is more and Sweet Days Of Discipline exemplifies this: in 101 pages, the story is narrated extremely well. A girl recalls her time at boarding school in the Appenzell in Switzerland and the crush she develops on a fellow pupil. With repetitions that reflect the mundane life of the narrator, her feelings of being trapped and references to the landscape which appears more inhibiting than liberating, Jaeggy creates a claustrophobic setting. As with all good books, Jaeggy has the gift of allowing the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps of things left unsaid in the text. If you haven’t got much time but want something well-written with the darkness and obsession that only teenage girls seem to possess – but without the whingey teen-angst – then definitely give this book a whirl. (LM) Price: £8.99. Info: www.andotherstories.org

THE CHALK MAN

C.J. Tudor (Michael Joseph The small market town of Alderbury, near Bournemouth, seems like a peaceful place to grow up to Eddie and his adolescent gang back in 1986. But all is not as idyllic underneath as it appears. Villainy lurks around every corner in this tremendous debut from C.J.Tudor. Violence against people and property, rape, murder, and worst of all for the gang, a loss of innocence, culminating in one terrible discovery that changes their lives, the lives of their families, and the whole town forever. It all starts with an innocent game that the kids play, drawing chalk men on the pavements to send secret messages to each other, until they seem to take on sinister lives of their own. Tudor certainly paints a dark portrait of the hidden world behind a respectable facade. (MT) Price: £12.99. Info: www.penguin.co.uk BUZZ 50

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@mabjones

Excitingly, the start of February sees the first ever Meeting Of Women Storytellers In Wales. Chwedl is a free event which takes place at Medina, on Market Street in Aberystwyth. Get yourself there on Sat 3 Feb at 2pm, and feel free to email fionastory3@gmail.com if you have any queries.

On Sat 10, then, it’s Swansea and the Dylan Thomas Centre you need to head over to. Poet Helen May Williams will be running a writing workshop entitled Retelling Myths In Different Voices. Sounds groovy! Tickets cost £10, concessions £7 and Swansea Passport-to-Leisure holders £4. Please book in advance via the DT Centre website.

Seren Books will be organising Cardiff’s first poetry festival, then, on the weekend of Fri 16-Sun 18.

An early bird festival pass is £90, and for this you get three days packed with poetic goodness, and which includes such luminaries as Gwyneth Lewis, Gillian Clarke, Phillip Gross, and Robert Minhinnick, as well as more modern faves such as Jonathan Edwards and Rhian Edwards (who aren’t related – I don’t think!). So, check out the organiser’s website, pronto, and snap up a pass while you can.

On Thurs 22, Submarine author Joe Dunthorne will be reading from his new book, The Adulterants, at Cardiff Central Library’s regular Open Space event on the third floor. This event begins at 5.45pm, but the area seats 35 max so you are highly encouraged to book tickets in advance. Go to www.openspacecardifflibrary.eventbrite.com quick as you can!

The Roland Mathias Poetry Evening, finally, takes place on Fri 23 at 7pm. Your venue: the Muse, in Brecon. Your host: Jonathan Edwards, poet extraordinaire. Featuring: John Freeman, last year’s award winner. This should be an awesome night!

This event, I think, is free, but do double check on that. I’m sure the poets won’t mind if you fling some coin at them, or at least buy their excellent books if you attend.

And that, my friends, is that! For this month at least. Enjoy yourselves, and see you again in the next issue.

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS Staring at the shopping aisle wondering if you can come up with something more original than a box of chocolates and some flowers?

Lisbeth Burich has some suggestions for you (or you could go for chocolates anyway).

Slate Heart £4 – www.museum.wales

Chocolate Tree 60% Winter Spice Hot Chocolate £5.95 – www.choctree. co.uk

Tapestry Blanket £16 – www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

4GB/8GB/16GB USB Mixtape £15.99 - www.etsy.com

Myddfai Glân Gift Set £9.99 – www.myddfai.com

Cwtch The Cook Apron £16 – www.ilovesthediff.com

The Love Poems of Rumi £7.23 – www.amazon.co.uk

Anna Karenina (Vintage Classics Russian Series) £9 – www.amazon.co.uk

I Love You. I Know £15.45 – www.etsy.com BUZZ 51

sport

WHO’S GOING TO TAKE THE CROWN? Wales come into this year’s Six Nations Championship with little to no hope, but don’t let that put you off. Fans will still flock from all over the country, Cardiff will still be buzzing and the Principality Stadium is guaranteed to be electric, says Stuart Fagg.

After a generally disappointing set of autumn internationals, the Welsh squad, who will be without captain Sam Warburton, will be looking for inspiration as they take on the five other nations which make up the annual tournament.

As ever, it’s a difficult one to call this year. England and Ireland are particularly strong again, with the former handing out an emphatic thrashing to the Wallabies and briskly seeing off Argentina and Samoa.

Ireland too had an impressive autumn, hammering the Springboks 38-3.

But the big talking point is the rise of the current Scotland side, who were denied by a match-saving tackle on Lions full-back Stuart Hogg in the dying minutes against New Zealand as Scotland pushed for a historic victory over the All Blacks. Gregor Townsend’s side then dusted themselves off and went on to trounce Australia just weeks after.

Wales did the Northern Hemisphere proud with victory over the Springboks too, but did so with less conviction than their closer-to-home rivals.

France come into the competition with little confidence also, having lost to New Zealand and South Africa before only mustering a draw against Japan. Italy, who are always a potential banana skin when in Rome, lost to both Argentina and South Africa and managed just one victory over Fiji.

It’s England who currently hold the title, but they will have to travel to Murrayfield this year and they can expect fierce competition once more. For Wales, there will be three home games to enjoy.

The tournament kicks off for Warren Gatland’s side on Sat 3 Feb as they host Scotland at the Principality. You’d expect we will discover a lot about this Wales side’s chances after that game. Should they be victorious, they might just rediscover their mojo. Should they lose to a potentially destructive Scotland side, you fear the worst for the rest of the tournament.

Later on in the tournament, Cardiff plays host to our friends from Italy on Sun 11 Mar before the French are in town the following weekend for ‘Super Saturday’ on 17 Mar. A full fixture list is below.

Wales are two flankers down in Warburton and Dan Lydiate, who have both been ruled out for the season. It was a surprise when Gatland opted to include Taulupe Faletau in his Six Nations squad, but Wales will be happy to have that option should the No. 8 recover quickly.

George North has recovered from a knee injury to take a place, but the 39-man squad is a little larger than usual – as Wales will be expecting to lose a few through injury.

Jonathan Davies remains out.

As for favourites England, they are going to be without Nathan Hughes, and would have welcomed the return of Billy Vunipola after a long-term knee problem were it not for an additional elbow fracture. Elliot Daly and the evercontroversial Manu Tuilagu look set to miss the entire tournament, too. Scotland should have Stuart Hogg fully fit and ready for the opener, alongside former captain and scrum-half Greg Laidlaw.

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip is out, but Ireland have fared just fine since his last appearance against Wales in 2017. France, with all their problems, will be without last Six Nations top scorer Camille Lopez and powerhouse centre Wesley Fofana.

It’s a genuinely finger-licking prospect of a tournament. So many questions are about to be answered: can England continue to steamroll into 2018, having lost just one game since Eddie Jones’ appointment? Can Wales find their feet and use home advantage to rejuvenate their fans? Is it finally Scotland’s year? Can Ireland win the title back from England? Who is going to be burdened with the wooden spoon? Enjoy the buzz of Cardiff during the Six Nations. Win or lose, the Welsh will be out in numbers and when they are, it’s a sight to behold!

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

WALES V SCOTLAND Sat 3 Feb, 14.15 Principality Stadium, Cardiff

IRELAND V ITALY Sat 10 Feb, 14.15 Aviva Stadium, Dublin

FRANCE V ITALY Fri 23 Feb, 20.00 Orange Velodrome, Marseille

IRELAND V SCOTLAND Sat 10 March, 14.15 Aviva Stadium, Dublin

ITALY V SCOTLAND Sat 17 March, 12.30 Stadio Olimpico, Rome

FRANCE V IRELAND Sat 3 Feb, 16.45 Stade de France, Paris

ENGLAND V WALES Sat 10 Feb, 16.45 Twickenham, London

IRELAND V WALES Sat 24 Feb, 14.15 Aviva Stadium, Dublin

FRANCE V ENGLAND Sat 10 March, 16.45 Stade de France, Paris

ENGLAND V IRELAND Sat 17 March, 14.45 Twickenham, London

ITALY V ENGLAND Sun 4 Feb, 15.00 StadioOlimpico, Rome

SCOTLAND V FRANCE Sun 11 Feb, 15.00 Murrayfield, Edinburgh

SCOTLAND V ENGLAND Sat 24 Feb, 16.45 Murrayfield, Edinburgh

WALES V ITALY Sun 11 March, 15.00 Principality Stadium, Cardiff

WALES V FRANCE Sat 17 March, 17.00 Principality Stadium, Cardiff

BUZZ 52

THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR

PAUL WELLER

PALOMA FAITH

THE ELVIS WORLD TOUR

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW

JASON MANFORD

19 FEBRUARY

17 & 18 MARCH

BILL BAILEY 1 JUNE

21 FEBRUARY

18 MAY

24 NOVEMBER

JOE BONAMASSA 9 MARCH

20 MAY

1 DECEMBER 2018

motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 029 2022 4488

Pic: PDC

sport

UNIBET PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS Ten of the world's top darts players will return to Motorpoint Arena Cardiff for the 2018 Unibet Premier League on Thursday 8 Feb. Cardiff has become a firm favourite with darts fans since the Premier League first visited the Arena in 2007 – it’s now a popular night out in its own right.

This year's event will be the second night of the 2018 season, after which another 13 weeks will lead up to Finals Night at the O2 in London, taking in nights in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and for the first time; Germany.

New faces on the circuit this year include Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney, Mensur Suljovic´ and Gerwyn Price who will all make their debut in the Unibet Premier League following the confirmation of the field for the roadshow event.

Cross capped an incredible debut year as a professional by winning the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace just a few weeks ago. It was a fairytale ending to his first year in professional darts, which saw him working as an electrician only last year. World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney joins Champions League Of Darts winner Mensur Suljovic´ and the 2017 UK Open finalist (and former Neath and Cross Keys hooker) Gerwyn Price will add a Welshman to the fray.

Michael van Gerwen will be bidding to win his fourth Premier League title as the defending champion when the 2018 season begins at Dublin’s 3Arena. Van Gerwen and Cross are joined as automatic selections from the world’s top four ranked players by the 2017 Premier League finalist Peter Wright, and two-time champion, Scotsman Gary Anderson.

Former champion Raymond van Barneveld joins Gurney, Suljovic´ and Price amongst the six Wildcard selections, alongside 2012 runner-up Simon Whitlock and former World Youth Champion Michael Smith, who both return to the Premier League field this year.

Following his retirement after the World Championships last month, 16-times World Champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor is not in the mix, opening up a void which no doubt one of the debuting stars will look to take advantage of. OWEN SCOURFIELD Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Thurs 8 Feb. Tickets: from £23.

Info: 029 2022 4488 / motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

CORAL WELSH OPEN SNOOKER A friend of mine once described snooker as being akin to heroin, in that it makes you feel really languid and relaxed, but it’s also intensely moreish – many an afternoon has been whiled away watching the snooker play out on the TV. Granted, the security around the Motorpoint Arena will likely make sure that heroin does not find itself in common usage around the forthcoming Welsh Open, but snooker addicts can still get a fix.

Going into the current Welsh Open, it’s hard to pick a particular favourite, especially as the draw has yet to be made at time of writing. The winner of the 2017 edition, Stuart Bingham, is serving a six-month suspension for betting on snooker matches, including those which he was a part of. The ever-entertaining and erratic Ronnie O’Sullivan seems increasingly to regard the sport with bored disdain, like a chef numbed to the taste of good food through spending too much time obsessing over the stove (or even, to keep the analogy running, like a junkie returning for another fix only because their body tells them to).

O’Sullivan has spoken of likely missing the World Championships at the end of April this year, although a rather drab second-round finish at the Welsh Open last year may give him some impetus to actually have a go this year. Perhaps John Higgins can use the opportunity to take back a championship for which he holds the highest amount of wins, jointly with O’Sullivan, providing the Scotsman with a chance to draw ahead. With that said, the recent winner of the Masters Championship, Northern Irishman Mark Allen, is surely the leader of the pack, going into the Welsh Open hoping to continue building momentum for the World Championships.

With 124 players set to battle it out in the Motorpoint Arena, now hosting this event for the third time since it moved there from Newport in 2015, the Welsh Open is sure to be a great opiate for fans of the baize. FEDOR TOT Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Fri 26 Feb-Sun 4 Mar Tickets: from £8 Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

BUZZ 54

The first Filco store opened in 1946 by Philip and Eleanor Jones in Wine Street in Llantwit Major. Rationing and coupon books were still an everyday fact of life. Entertainment consisted of the radio and people actually reading and talking to each other. A different world indeed from today’s convenience of freezer to microwave to the table in minutes.

The grocer was a grocer in the true sense and the housewife was the cook. The grocer was also an important part of the community. The same is true of the local butcher who would be the hub of any town and village. At Filco we understand the values that are close to our customers and strive to provide a better service and now have an instore butchery department where you can ask for your favourite cuts, or if you are not sure be advised by our very own instore butcher.

high quality frozen food from the Cook range. Plus many more products all sourced by us for you.

We have recently launched our Delicatessen in our Cowbridge store, offering you a selection of the finest produce all locally sourced. Our meat comes from generations of local farmers and we pride ourselves on nurturing relationships with our suppliers to bring you the best.

Come instore and take a look for yourself.

We also pride ourselves on providing Market leading promotions on Alcohol and Grocery products.

Filco Supermarkets is a Member of NISA which enables us to offer you the lowest possible prices and the best possible quality.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK You will then get notifications on Events, Promotions and New products that will be coming to your nearest store

We stock the famous oak smoked garlic from The garlic farm on the Isle of Wight, Torgelly Farm mutton, artisan cheeses, salt march lamb from Weobley castle, Llanrhidian Gower, Usk Vale turkeys, Herefordshire beef, good food herb range, Evans pies est 1926, fresh fruit and vegtables and recently added

www.filco.co.uk 01446 792286

/Filcosupermarkets www.cookfood.net Now Available in-store

Our Stores Taibach

Llantwit major

NorthCornelly

Sarn

Cowbridge

Caerau

Talbot Green

Bryntirion

Maesteg

Afan Forest Trail. Pic: Mal Schulstad

travel

GET AN ADRENALIN RUSH IN WALES

Here are some truly thrilling ways to quench your thirst for endorphins, a full-body workout or simply a face full of water... right here in Wales.

ZIP WORLD

SNOWDONIA

Boasting the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest in the world, zipping through caverns or the stunning Welsh vistas is more than enough to satisfy any thrill seekers. The experience offers a place to eat, downtime between zips to take in the views as well as smaller ziplines for experience. This builds up your confidence for the Big Zipper, on which you will be prepared to reach speeds exceeding 100mph as you fly across quarry lake.

The highest peak in Wales does not sell itself short. The ascent of Snowdonia features numerous creeks and awe-inspiring views as you journey to the summit, where the ‘leap of faith’ – two rocks with a small yet intimidating gap between them – awaits you. Those craving thrills can opt to leap across. A journey like no other available in Wales, feeling as close to nature as you can get, witnessing the majesty of this edifice.

Locations in Bethesda, Betws-y-Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst. £75-£85 per person. Info: 01248 601444 / www.zipworld.co.uk

CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER On the hunt for (indoor) exhilaration and challenges? Cardiff International White Water hosts numerous ways to satisfy your desires, including rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, wall climbs, air trails and gorge walking. Whether it be for family, friends, a stag/hen or colleagues, this is an ideal way to spice up a weekend or try something new to fulfil that new year’s resolution.

Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay. Prices vary. Info: 029 2082 9970 / www.ciww.com

PORTHCAWL SURF SCHOOL Nothing quite compares to taking charge of a wave and having it crash back into you. So why not master these waves atop a surfboard? Whether it’s a one-off lesson – they cater to stag and hen weekends – or the blossoming of a new-found hobby, Porthcawl Surf School can boast courses pitched at multiple levels of surfing ability, including ones specifically for women and children.

Rest Bay Car Park, Porthcawl. Price: £30 beginners.

Info: 07583 348013 / www.porthcawlsurf.co.uk

Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd. Free.

Info: 01690 710426 / www.visitsnowdonia.info

MOUNTAIN BIKE AFAN FOREST TRAIL Fancy travelling, battling against nature and traversing the landscapes? Why not take upon a mountain bike trail in Afan Forest? Suited more towards experienced riders (other trails are available for alternatives) as the forest is no mere casual feat, the trail will challenge, hone your skills and test your endurance. Putting you through your paces until sweat is smeared across your brow and adrenaline courses through your body, the thrill of the forest is yours.

Afan Forest Park, near Cynonville. Free.

Info: 01639 850564 / www.mbwales.com/agents/afan-forest-park

A BAY TO REMEMBER WILDLIFE BOAT TRIP A connection with, and close-range observing of, wildlife can be an experience to increase the heartbeat, and Wales is not short of fascinating creatures to behold.

Wildlife boat trips around Cardigan Bay sport the most wonderful and aww-inspiring animal sightseeing around, featuring varieties of seabirds, dolphins and grey seals.

Budding animal enthusiasts and explorers should leap at this opportunity, as there is nothing quite so magical as being close to animals in their natural habitat.

Cardigan Bay, South Wales. Price: £25-£50 adults/£12-25 kids.

Info: 01239 623558 / www.baytoremember.co.uk

BUZZ 56

SUMMER FESTIVAL POP-UPS

DROP IN, SAY HI AND BE CREATIVE!

ART WORKSHOPS LIVE PERFORMANCES

ART INSTALLATIONS FOR MORE INFO ON WHICH FESTIVALS WE’RE HEADING TO VISIT

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sport

SPORT PODCAST Determined to keep a hold of your New Year's fitness resolutions? Collaborating with Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Buzz Sports Podcast has the answers.

Every New Year we set about making resolutions, usually related to our physical health and normally involving going on a diet, joining a gym, losing weight and drinking less. But are we doing it the right way? And if not, what’s the best way to do it? Collaborating with Cardiff Metropolitan University, Buzz has the answers!

Download our sports podcast to hear former Team GB snowboarder Giorgia Rescigno talking to a panel of experts about the best ways to make a New Year’s fitness resolution work. Below are some excerpts:

DAI WATTS (Strength and conditioning coach with Cardiff Met RFC) “When you talk about diet, it’s almost like an industry, something that needs to be perpetuated. If somebody came to me and asked me what you need to know to get a healthy diet, you could put everything down on a sheet of A4 and pretty much nail everything – yet there are diet magazines which you can purchase monthly.

I wonder what they’re talking about, because once you’ve got an idea of what is a healthy diet and a good level of exercise and so on, you’re not going to go too far wrong. It’s almost built for you to fail, to bounce back and come and have another go, instead of settling into a healthy lifestyle.”

DR KATY THIRLAWAY (Health psychologist and Deputy Dean at Cardiff Met School Of Sport) “I think New Year’s resolutions are very dangerous things if they set people up to fail, because it’s not a good time of year to start thinking about doing new things. I question the sense in trying to start something new and challenging in a month that is possibly one of the most depressing of the year. I’d be thinking about maybe when the clocks go back and there’s more light. It might be a more positive and more motivational time of year to start thinking about making some changes...”

RACHEL LORD (Lecturer in Cardiovascular Physiology) “The appropriate representation of professional sportswomen in the media is really important, acting as role models for females who are trying to get into physical activity. Female sport is less represented in terms of media coverage, but I think that move forward will really help people find figures that they can look up to, particularly those who are in primary and secondary school, who are trying to work hard at their sport and don’t necessarily see very many positive role models.”

Download at: https://soundcloud.com/buzzmagzine

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Did you know that we have a weekly newsletter that we email out every Friday? It’s filled with all the exciting things we do at Buzz throughout the week, a list of seven things for you to do over the weekend and week ahead, plus exclusive competitions.

Sign up here: eepurl.com/bby02v BUZZ TV - PETER HOOK INTERVIEW

BUZZ 58

listings

Inclusion in Buzz listings is free. Send via email (listings@buzzmag.co.uk) or post (220c Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY) by the 17th of the previous month. Buzz takes no responsibility for material sent or any errors made after this date.

recommended *–u – repeated

EUGENE ONEGIN

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, Sat 24 Feb; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wed 28 Feb; dates across Wales until Wed 4 Apr Tickets: £18-£20. Info: www.midwalesopera.co.uk Mid Wales Opera were founded in 1989, and are now an established – and decorated, in the award sense – company, bringing operatic productions to parts of the country which appreciate both a virtuoso vocal and cut-and-thrust theatre, but are rarely visited by comparative behemoth Welsh National Opera. In this respect, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin is an ideal fit for their approach and resources.

Says Mid Wales Opera’s music director Jonathan Lyness: “The key thing about Onegin is its understatement – not like some shiny gold wrist-watch, but more like a quiet piece of beautifully executed craftsmanship.” Taking Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 novel of the same name as its blueprint, Tchaikovsky gave the plot a more theatrical bent and composed music to complement the scenes, which track pivotal moments of Eugene Onegin’s life but are infamously less reliant on an actual plot than most operas.

Eugene, a classic anti-hero whose relationships are defined and scuppered by his innate juvenility, will be played here by George Von Bergen. Tatyana, the love interest strung along by his emotional flipflopping, is portrayed by Elzabeth Karani, soprano to Von Bergen’s baritone. Both these performers are well established (Von Bergen played Eugene as far back as 2006), but Mid Wales Opera make a point of assembling a cast combining these known quantities with newer faces.

The score will be performed by Ensemble Cymru, and following the two February dates listed above, Eugene Onegin will tour to seven more towns – two in north Wales, and one in Hereford, the final Welsh date being at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre on Wed 4 Apr.

CONTENTS pg 56 pg 58 pg 60 pg 67 pg 74

art clubs events live stage BUZZ 59

* – recommended

art

art ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre First Contact Work produced by members of the Arts Centre’s Black & White Photography classes and users of the open access darkroom facility. (Until Sat 3 Mar) RPS International Photography Exhibition 160 Work demonstrating photographic skill and technique, alongside images exploring ideas and narratives rich in meaning and message. (Until Sat 10 Mar) Nova 2017 Biennial arts prize open to submission for all Welsh visual artists aged 35 and under, aiming to support and promote excellence in emerging Welsh art. (Until Sun 1 Apr) We’re Here Because We’re Here Show detailing Jeremy Deller’s one-off memorial of this name, which took place on 1 July 2016 and featured 1,400 volunteers in WWI uniform; it commemorated the Battle Of The Somme, which took place 100 years prior. (Until Sun 15 Apr) ALBANY GALLERY 74b Albany Road, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free.

029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery.com Vintage Artists’ Posters Original exhibition posters pro-

duced by some of the 20th century’s greatest artists designed in collaboration with renowned Parisian ateliers such as the Mourlet Frères Studio. (Until Sat 10 Feb) Mike Carter, Dai David, Karl Davies & Paul Weston New work by four popular gallery artists influenced by the Welsh landscape and local scenes.

(From Thurs 15 Feb until Sat 10 Mar) ANDREW LAMONT GALLERY (THEATR BRYCHEINIOG) Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Fiona Harper ‘The Taff Trail Trajectory’ Paintings of two Welsh valleys depicting their industrial history, likewise Harper’s fascination with the Taff Trail’s beauty. (Until Sun 25 Feb) ARCADECARDIFF Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Dinah Vagina Solo exhibition of recent work around the theme of femicide in the UK, illustrating the facts surrounding the deaths of 230 women in 2012. (From Wed 7 Feb until Sat 3 Mar) ART CENTRAL Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 9.15am-5pm. Free. 01873 852690 / www.

artshopandgallery.co.uk Holocaust Memorial Exhibition Annual exhibition at this gallery, for 2018 featuring international documentary photographer and teacher Michal Iwanowski and new graduate artist, illustrator Tharien King. (Until Sat 24 Feb)

THE ART SHOP & CHAPEL 8 Cross Street, Abergavenny.

Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free.

01446 709805.

Kumar Saraff ‘Too Far For You To See’ Paintings, watercolours, etchings and lino prints by Royal Academy Schools-trained artist. (From Sat 24 Feb until Sat 7 Apr) 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 Changing exhibition featuring new and varied work from all thge artists currently represented by the gallery. This is a continuation of a show which opened before Christmas, the gallery having closed until late January (Until Sat 3 March) BARKER GALLERY / TORFAEN GALLERY Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.

Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm.

01495 752036.

Winter 50/50 Fundraising Art Sale Show Sale of donated art works, exhibited

PETE FOWLER: TOTEMIC Peak Studio, The Old School, Crickhowell, Wed 21 Feb-Thurs 29 March. Admission: free but by appointment.

Info: 01873 811579 / www.artsalivewales.org.uk Pete Fowler, whose take on pop-art psychedelia has found its way onto record sleeves, records themselves, art galleries, TV ads and airport décor during the last two decades-plus, first linked up with Peak during last year’s Green Man festival. The art he created in their pop-up workshop was followed up later in 2017 with a stay in the region’s Black Mountains, where his imagination worked with the landscape, flora and fauna to create site-specific art including four sculptures of “mythical beasts”.

Additional prints and paintings will be shown in Peak’s studio, and sold online. There’s also a charity art auction in Abergavenny’s Angel Hotel on Fri 2 Mar, including several Fowler pieces, and an open day with family workshops in the studio on Sat 17 Mar.

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in Cafe Celf, to raise funds for the museum. (Throughout February) BAY ART 54 B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk John Selway Oil paintings, watercolours and digital drawings, inspired by (among other things) the story of Peter Pan, the Holocaust, Dylan Thomas’s poetry and Jean Genet. (Until Fri 16 Feb) BIG PIT NATIONAL COAL MUSEUM Blaenafon, Torfaen. Daily 9.30am-5pm. Free. 0300 1112333 / bigpit@ museumwales.ac.uk Walter Waygood ‘Family Of Blaenafon’ A series of photographs by Waygood documenting the landscape, home life, society, work, religion and youth in Blaenafon from the 1970s onwards. (Throughout February) BOUNDARY ART 3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www.boundaryart.com Motumu Oyama ‘Atomic 26’ Tokyo-born artist and graphic designer who creates sculptural objects and utensils in iron (atomic number 26 in the periodic table). (Until Fri 2 Feb) Utopia Exhibition focusing on Asian art, with artists including Ping-Gang Cheng, Jin-Rong Qian, Gang Cao and, following on from the previous exhibition, Motomu Oyama. (From Sat 10 Feb until Sat 24 Mar) CARDIFF SINCLAIR VOLKSWAGEN SHOWROOM East Tyndall Street, Cardiff.

6.30-9pm. £9.50/£29.50 VIP. www.offbeatlounge.co.uk/ artofpunk The Fine Art Of Punk & New Wave See Upfront for more on this one-evening-only photo exhibition, focusing on the late-70s work of rock photographers Chalkie Davies and Denis O’Regan. If you have a VIP ticket this starts at 6.30pm, which gets you an hour of private viewing and a Q&A before the doors open at 7.30 for the plebs. I for one can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate 40 years of people saying punk is dead.

(Tue 20 Feb only) CARDIFF STORY The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff. Daily 10am-4pm.

Free. 029 2034 6214 / cardiff story@cardiff.gov.uk Bute Park Explore the history of Bute Park and find out stories of the past. (Until Sun 25 Feb) Charles Byrd Selected works by this local artist. (Until Sun 18 Mar) 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

Minyoung Choi Art In The Bar exhibition of paintings that depict dreamlike sequences and pleasurable objects in landscapes that take on fresh symbolism. (Until Sun 4 Mar) James Richards ‘Music For The Gift’ UK premiere of an exhibition commissioned for the Venice Biennale in 2017, these installations incorporate sculpture, sound art and curatorial work (in the sense of using work by other artists). (From Sat 17 Feb until Sat 26 May) CRAFT IN THE BAY The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk A Sense Of Place: North Wales Potters Work by Beverley Bell Hughes, Terry Bell Hughes, Richard Daniels, David Frith, Margaret Frith, Ruth Gibson, Annie Greenwood, Richard Heeley, Wendy Lawrence, Phil Mumford, Jenny Murray, Pea Restall and Louise Schrempft.

(Until Sun 4 Mar) Jill Riley ‘Millennium Surfaces’ Textile artist Riley exhibits her exquisite collection of woven hangings to launch our Maker in Focus showcase for 2018.

(Until Sun 4 Mar) CYFARTHFA CASTLE MUSEUM Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Rd, Merthyr Tydfil. 01685 727371 / museum@ merthyr.gov.uk 100 Years Ago – Merthyr Tydfil And The Great War Exhibition highlighting Merthyr Tydfil’s involvement in WWI, through films, artwork, objects and more all created and donated by the local community. (From Wed 14 Feb until Sun 15 July) ELYSIUM GALLERY 16 College Street, Swansea.

Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.elysiumgallery.com Tim Warren ‘I Have A Place In Mind’ See Art for more on this, a show of new landscapes from a previous BEEP Prize nominee and current member of the Elysium gallery collective. (Until Sat 17 Feb) Richard Williams ‘Come Get It While It’s Cold’ This gallery’s first artist in residence for 2018, Williams’ paintings explore themes of morality and our understanding of it; likewise, humanity’s disconnection from and exploitation of the ecosystem, relating to depletion of insect populations in Europe. He’ll be painting in the gallery until Thurs 22 Mar, after which they’ll be exhibited as standard. (From Sat 24 Feb until Sat 7 Apr) FFOTOGALLERY Turner House, Plymouth Road, Penarth. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2070 8870 / turnerhouse@ ffotogallery.org Dawn Woolley ‘Consumed’ Woolley is a Cardiff-based visual artist who uses photography, video, installation and

u – repeated

performance. This exhibition offers a contemporary take on traditional still life painting, while commenting on 21st century consumerism. (Until Sat 3 Feb) FOUNTAIN FINE ART Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Winter Group Exhibition Mixed and changing exhibition of new work from the gallery artists that continues through the winter months. (Until Sat 31 Mar) G39 Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org Holly Davey ‘The Conversation’ Exhibition whose focal point is an A4 folder, displayed under glass at the gallery’s entrance. The loose collection of objects explores our relationship with archive and how our lives can be interpreted through these markers. (Until Sat 3 Feb) Lydia Meehan ‘A Template For Application’ This exhibition’s central object is a utilarian structure designed to meet, talk and drink tea at (Meeham also made the teacups here for this purpose). It muddles the boundaries between artwork, work, leisure and labour to question how we value ourselves and other people. (Until Sat 3 Feb) Y GALERI, CAERFFILI Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygalericaerffili. co.uk Open Art Exhibition Featuring over 100 affordable wall-hung and freestanding artworks from amateur and professional artists. (Until Sat 10 Feb) Glass Exhibition Featuring pieces ranging from contemporary panels, mirrors and bowls to freestanding sculptural work. Also on display is a mixed exhibition depicting seascapes, landscapes and townscapes from six invited artists. (From Mon 13 Feb until Sat 10 Mar) THE GATE Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm.

Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@thegate.org.uk Fftogallery Presents...

A celebration of the work produced by Ffotogallery’s students over the past 18 months.

(Until Tue 13 Feb) GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY Alexandra Rd, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free.

01792 516900 / www. swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian These Waters Have Stories To Tell Work by Julia Davis, Alexander Duncan, Shiraz Bayjoo, Jaanika Peerna, Sylvia Safdie, Christian Sardet and the Macronauts, each piece a

art reflection of their respective experience and relationship with oceanic waters. (Until Sun 11 Mar) GRAND PAVILION The Esplanade, Porthcawl.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Seaside Sketchers Work by three art groups from Porthcawl and Kenfig Hill.

(Until Sun 4 Mar) IAP FINE ART 15 Church Street, Monmouth. Thurs + Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm or by appointment. Free.

01600 772005 / www. iapfineart.com Small Works Selected smaller paintings, drawings and prints by Chris Gollon, Maggi Hambling, Peter Howson; prints by Hockney, Matisse, Picasso and Sutherland; stone sculptures by Mel Fraser; fine jewellery by Paul Hatton. (Until Sat 3 Feb) 21st Century Figurative This seems to be essentially a carry-on from the above exhibition, but without the biggest names. (From Sat 3 until Sat 24 Feb) KING STREET GALLERY 33 King Street, Carmarthen.

Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk New Year Show New artworks including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photographs, textiles and jewellery pieces. (Until Wed 7 Mar) THE LAST GALLERY Dyrfal Rd, Llangadog.

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

01550 777933 / thelastgallerywales.blogspot.com Julie Ann Sheridan Spinoff exhibition of sorts by Sheridan, consisting of work submitted for her show at Oriel Yr Ardd (also running this month) but which didn’t make the final selection. (Until Sat 31 Mar) LLANTARNAM GRANGE ARTS CENTRE St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk John Selway ‘A Dream Of Mystic Terror’ A series of illstrations created last year for a new edition of The Great God Pan, by Arthur Machen and originally published in 1894.

(From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 17 Mar) Mary Jones ‘Women’s Talk’ A seriers of ceramic pieces based on conversations with women who Jones has only met briefly, knows well or in some cases has known a lifetime. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 17 Mar) Vinegar & Brown Paper Craft showcase for the artistic pseudonym of Andy Poplar, who works with etched glass. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 17 Mar) EllyMental Gent Jewellery showcase featuring found ephemera such as 1950s books and Victorian newspapers, multi-layered with metal and coated with resin .

(From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 17 Mar) Sonja Beer Botanical paintings inspired, at root, by a wildflower book the artist was given as a schoolgirl in Switzerland. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 17 Mar) M.A.D.E. GALLERY 41 Lochaber St, Cardiff.

Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. Free.

029 2047 3373.

DJM Saunders ‘Unruly Refuge’ Fifty years of paintings and drawings by a Cardiff artist, all previously unseen.

(From Thurs 15 Feb until Sat 10 Mar) MARTIN TINNEY GALLERY 18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@artwales. com Oliver Gaiger & Meirion Ginsberg New work from both Gaiger, a landscapeinspired painter who lives in the Cambrian Mountains, and Ginsberg, a painter in his early 30s inspired by Bacon and Norman Rockwell. (Until Sat 24 Feb) Kate Milsom & Mary Mabbutt Two English painters given what I think is their first exhibition each at this gallery. Milsom, who lives in mid-Wales, works in mixed media; Mabbutt (not to be confused with former Spurs defender Gary Mabbutt) creates paintings inspired by everyday surroundings. (From Wed 28 Feb until Sat 24 Mar) MISSION GALLERY Gloucester Place, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free.

01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Jin Eui Kim Maker In Focus show, rather drily described as “exploration with tonal effects and spatial illusions by using gradient in tone, width of bands and interval between bands”. (Until Sun 11 Feb) Matt Collier Work in the [...] space from a recent Swansea UWTSD graduate who working predominately with audio field recordings and found sound objects. (Until Sun 11 Feb) Justine Allison 'Shifting Lines' Ceramic touring exhibition, forming part of Mission's Language Of Clay series. (Until Sun 4 Mar) Paul Wearing Maker In Focus show in which Wearing “engages with the relationship between nature and culture through the glazed surface and form of coil-built vessels”.

(From Sat 17 Feb until Sun 18 Mar) Rob Jones Work in the [...] space highlighting the SOLAS Project, a light odyssey that contemplates the relationship between nature and technology and poses questions around the place of photography in the 21st century. (From Sat 17 Feb until Sun 18 Mar) NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff

Swaps: Photographs From The David Hurn Collection The first exhibition in a new photography-focused gallery here in the Museum features some highlights from the career of esteemed Welsh documentary snapper Hurn.

See Upfront for more. (Until Sun 11 Mar) Who Decides?

Long-term exhibition from the collections of the Museum and the Derek Williams Trust, curated by service users from The Wallich homelessness charity. This detail seeks to highlight issues around curation and the narrow demographic of those usually involved in it. (Until Sun 2 Sept) Ragnar Kjartansson ‘The Sky In A Room’ See Art for more on this performance-based exhibition, in which organists perform a 1950s Italian pop hit on an 18th-century organ. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sun 11 Mar) NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea.

Daily 10am-5pm. Free.

01792 638950 / museum.wales/swansea Dark Clouds Over The Woollen Industry An exhibition exploring the desperation of the Welsh Woollen Mills for contracts to keep the mills open during the First World War. (Until Sun 4 Mar) Generation Games Play your way through the history of home computer games consoles, following developments in the technology, the programming industry and entertainment in the home. (Until Sun 18 Mar) 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 New Year Mixed Show Works of new and existing artists available to buy. (Until mid-February) ORIEL CANFAS Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Aron Evans Paintings. (From Mon 5 Feb until TBC) ORIEL CRIC Beaufort Street, Crickhowell. Mon-Sat 10am5pm, Sun 10am-1pm. Free.

01873 813669.

New Year Exhibition Exhibiting artists include Pauline Paterson, Rhian Symes, Gaby Bird, Paul Burgess, Jeremy Thomas, Philip Hughes, Gill Bramley, Mary Cousins, Louise Collis, Mary Watkins, Sally Mills, Yvette Brown, Fiona Clai Brown, Mandy Nash, Lee Wright, David England and Kathryn Willis. (Until Tue 6 Mar) ORIEL DAVIES The Park, Newtown, Powys.

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm.

Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Anthony Shapland ‘A Sound Not Meant To Be Heard’ New works exploring how we understand sound and silence, speech and communication, via film, photography, sound, objects and text . (From Sat 10 Feb until Wed 11 Apr) Freya Dooley ‘Speakable Things’ Commissioned as part of the Litmus development programme, Cartiff-based Dooley combines literary and pop culture references to create fragmented monologues, soundtracks and auto/biographical semi-fictions. (From Sat 10 Feb until Wed 11 Apr)

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

01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk WWI – A Village At War The Llangwm Local History Society began researching local, national and international aspects of WWI in 2013, and this exhibition reflects much of the information gleaned about those who fought and their families who remained at home. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 3 Mar) ORIEL MWLDAN Bath House Rd, Cardigan.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free.

01239 621200 / helena@ mwldan.co.uk Ellie Young ‘Changing Faces’ Portraits which aspire to show what people look like in a particular moment, when caught in movement or a fleeting expression of thought or feeling. (Until Sun 4 Mar) ORIEL MYRDDIN Church Lane, Carmarthen.

01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Roger Cecil + 4 Contemporary Painters Collaborative exhibition between Gallery/Ten, the estate of Roger Cecil and this gallery, celebrating both contemporary painting in Wales and Cecil’s important contribution to the medium.

The four contemporary painters are Helen Booth, Laura Edmunds, Catrin Llwyd Evans and Sarah Poland. (Until Sat 17 Mar) ORIEL Q The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqnarberth.com Mark Haddon 'Cithaeron' Free-standing sculptural shapes with shadows and painted friezes, based on the imaginary location of the title.

(Until Sat 3 March) ORIEL YR ARDD National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Middleton Hall, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. Daily 10am-6pm. £10.50/£8.75 concessions/£4.95 under17s/free under-5s. 01558 667149 / botanicgarden. wales Julie Ann Sheridan

‘Symbiosis’ Large, siteresponsive paintings exploring lichen. (Until Tue 20 Mar) PEAK (FORMERLY ARTS ALIVE WALES) The Old School, Brecon Road, Crickhowell. Free.

01873 811579 / www. artsalivewales.org.uk Pete Fowler ‘Totemic: Beasts Of The Black Mountains’ Paintings, prints and site-specific sculpture by popular psychedelic pop artist from Wales, who was stationed in a Black Mountains for a period of research before creating these artworks. (From Wed 21 Feb until Thurs 29 Mar) PENARTH PIER PAVILION The Esplanade, Penarth.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

029 2071 2100 / info@ penarthpavilion.co.uk Suzie Larke 'In The Mind's Eye' Photographer who says of her practise, “My project is an attempt to visualise depression and anxiety through conceptual photography ... inspired by personal experience, creating imagery as a means of translating feelings that are difficult to put into words.” (Until Fri 23 Mar) PONTYPRIDD MUSEUM Bridge Street, Pontypridd.

Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Free. 01443 490748 / www. pontypriddmuseum.cymru 1918 Representation Of The People Act Exhibition Celebrating 100 years since women were granted the right to vote (caveats about which classes of women, and so forth, apply as ever). (Until Fri 30 Mar) REDHOUSE Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Merthyr Tydfil 1955-1975: Memories Of Popular Music Photographs charting the history of pop in Merthyr over two decades. (Until Sat 24 Feb) STABLE YARD GALLERY (INSOLE COURT) Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Daily 10am-5pm.

Free. 029 2116 7920 / www. insolecourt.org Cerys Knighton ‘Drawing Bipolarity’ See Art for more on this exhibition by a south Walian artist who lives with bipolar disorder and makes intricate, pointillist drawings in ink. (Until Fri 16 Feb) SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE Singleton St, Swansea. MonSat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Jeff Phillips 'Welsh Heroes & Campaigns Of WWI' Details TBC. (From Tue 6 until Fri 16 Feb) Eifion Sven Myer Details TBC. (From Tue 13 until Fri 23 Feb) Sentinel Photography 'Not Here' Details TBC. Yeah, sorry

about this. (From Tue 20 Feb until Fri 2 Mar) TENBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids.

01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk The VC Gallery Art by military veterans and the community. (From Sat 3 Feb until Sat 3 Mar) THEATR HAFREN Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / thehafren.co.uk Hywel Phillips Landscape photographs capturing the light and abstract forms of his mid-Wales surroundings, accentuated by the knowledge that one may often be the only person on a mountain at the time of the shot. (until Thurs 15 Feb) TOWER GALLERY 49 High Street, Crickhowell.

Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Swansea Print Workshop Mixed work from workshop members. (Until Sat 3 Mar) TOWER GALLERY Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire.

Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc.co.uk Maggie Tweed ‘Out Of The Blue’ Using paint, inks, printing, collage and sketchbooks, Tweed presents work Inspired by the rugged landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. (Until Sat 31 Mar) Frans Beerens Photography and textile art from the current artist in residence at this gallery. Beerens has developed the technique of the material photographic image, where traditional weaving techniques and analogue photography are combined with modern digital techniques. (From Wed 14 Feb until Wed 7 Mar) William Stott ‘Le Passeur (The Ferryman)’ Stott, a leading figure among a group of late19th century British artists influenced by French naturalism, has his best-known work shown here, alongside works from Amgueddfa Cymru, chosen to explore rural life. (From Sat 24 Feb until Sun 2 Sept) VICTORIA FEARN GALLERY 6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm (9.30am-8pm during December), Sun 10am3pm. Free. 029 2052 0884.

Elizabeth Westcott Monmouthshire-based contemporary painter who uses a variety of mixed media, including acrylic paint, solvent-based inks, and gold leaf. (Until sat 24 Feb) WORKERS GALLERY 99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm or by appointment. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail.

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clubs com Sit & Spoon 2018 Exhibition, led by resident artist Chris Williams, showcasing handmade wooden chairs and chair making, plus a number of handmade spoons and chairs by new guest makers working nationally and internationally.. (Until Sat 17 Mar)

clubs THE ARCH 11 Commercial Street, Neath. 07791 923214 / jack. thearchneath@gmail.com Sat 10 Solo 9pm-4am, £21 adv. With a headline set from Skream (hence the high ticket price) plus Solo residents.

THE ATTIC 5-6 Castle Bailey St, Swansea. facebook.com/ theatticswansea Fri 9 Noise Makers 21 9.30pm-3am, £10/£5 before 10.30. Drum’n’bass from Benny Page, Low2 b2b Mowgli with MCs Chew and Haze, Grown, Wozzi and Teaze. Plus hip-hop from The Hungry Monk, J-Roudh, Theorem, Crkajak, Steezleez, MOB Man, Trippy Picture and Magilik.

Sat 3 Mar Gun Fingers 10pm-3am. Bassline and drum’n’bass from some folks who are also in The Vault in Swansea this month.

BAR COCOA Broad Street, Barry. facebook.com/cocoabarry Thursdays Reggae Nights DJs Gadget and The Candyman (Love & Harmony Sounds) play lovers rock, classic and new reggae jams weekly. Fridays Old School Fridays 10pm-3.30am, £3.

With DJ James Bourne. Fri 2 Regal Nights 10pm-3.30am, £5 before 10.30. With Artful Dodger, James Bourne, Piddy, Jigga and Gummi. Sat 17 10pm-3.30am, £4 before 10.30.

With special guest Toff, or Toffington Q. Toffeepoisoner to give her her full name, from off the reality TV. THE BIG TOP / 10 FEET TALL 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo. co.uk Thursdays Rock hits from DJ Andy Rhys Lewis.

Fridays + Saturdays Resident DJs playing soul and funk. Fri 2 Hey Mary 10.30pm, £5. Cardiff’s top gay/queer/drag/etc night.

Hosted by Lucy Fur with Sissy Boy Tears DJs dropping the tunes. Normally on the first Friday of every month. Fri 9 Rhetorik 10pm, free. A free party whose general nature I am not certain of, but does invite you to be “colourful, wavy, whatever, lots of glitter”.

Fri 23 That Good Night 10.30pm. Acid house and weird leftfield dance, on here once a month. DJs include It’s Dando and Mikki Wings of Dogruff. Saturdays Under BUZZ 62

A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk and neo-soul.

BLIND TIGER 49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek session. Fridays Koncept & Friends 11pm, £3-£5. House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights. Saturdays Re:work 11pm, £5.

Underground and cutting edge club music promised. Sat 10 Fixate 10.30pm-4.30am, House and techno from Keefy, Liam O’Connor, Dan Waite b2b Owen Kilby and Madame Twisted.

BLISTERS 63-65 Hanbury Rd, Bargoed.

01443 821500 / blistersbargoed@outlook.com Thurs 1 Mar Ultrabeat 10pm-4am, £22/£18 adv. Big stomping happy hardcore lineup for valley madheads!

Ultrabeat is joined by Hixxy, Mark EG and Martin Dibble.

BLUE HONEY NIGHT CAFE Quay Street, Cardiff. 07512 247712 / facebook.com/ bluehoneynightcafe Thurs 8 Women, Wax & Digital Tracks Hosted by Jessie from techno promoters Doppler and featuring a lineup TBC. BUFFALO 11 Windsor Place, Cardiff.

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff.com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, from £2. R’n’b/ hip-hop night which left this venue last year in seemingly high dudgeon, in favour of Clwb Ifor Bach, and has now come back again. Tue 13 Sri-Skanka 10pm-3am, £4 adv. Charity club night with all ticket profits going towards mental health work in Sri Lanka. House, techno, funky, jungle and drum’n’bass is on the musical menu. Thurs 1 Get Funky 10pm-3am, £10 adv. Funk, disco and house with O’Flynn, Eben Rees and Bryn Salter. Thurs 8 Ethos 10pm-4am, £6-£12.

Drum'n'bass from Foreign Concept, Klax, DC Conan, KALO, Cesco Biz, Pi-Singer and host Siege. Thurs 15 Haws 10pm-3am, £5-£10.

Rhythm Section’s Bradley Zero returns to Cardiff for an eclectic headline set.

Viewpoints and other Haws residents also feature. Thurs 22 Stickylemons 9.30pm3.30am, £8-£12. Local jungle etc promoters have been going 10 years apparently! Fair play.

Shadow Demon Coalition, Mr Traumatik, D-Minus & Frenzee, Shabba, Slimteng, Skamma and Jaydee all feature. Fri 9 MC Funsta & Stickylemons Present Bar Rage 10.30pm-3.30am, £6 adv/£4 early bird. Jungle and hip-hop, I think, with MC Funsta, Hoodfellaz v Telford Never Sleeps, Kendrick b2b DJ Pabz, the Gemini Twins with

MC Vizable and DJ Kallista.

Fri 16 Breathe 10pm-4am, £4 adv. Techno from Viciöus Créatures (associated with Glasgow’s Sub Club, which is a good pedigree), Tom Ware and Bitdef. Saturdays The Shake Up 10pm-4am, £3.

Pop, chart, house, r’n’b funk and soul from residents over two floors. Plus, when you order a drink from the bar you roll a dice and, if you roll a double, it’s half price. My commiserations to this venue’s bar staff for having to put up with this.

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only. 029 2078 1458 / www. cardiffstudents.com Wednesdays YOLO 9pm2am, £4/£3 adv/free before 11. New midweek club night promising both your favourite tunes and great offers. Good name, really on trend. Thurs 8 Refugee Rhythms 8pm3am, £5/free for refugees or asylym seekers. World music, food and dance are promised at this night in aid of refugeefocused funding projects in Cardiff. The bill: The Alsaher Brothers, Barron Fitzpatrick, Eben Rees, Flo Pugh and Ben Cowper (sax and DJ), Harry Fitzpatrick and Canopy. Fri 9 Treatment 10pm-4am, £20 adv. Featuring Camelphat, Sonny Fodera, Eli Brown and more TBC. CamelPhat are also playing a Treatment night in Swansea this evening, confusingly (which is to say, it confused me). Fri 16 My Nu Leng & M8s 9pm-4am, £18 adv. Major bass music lads plus a whack of support DJs/acts: Mike Skinner, Royal T b2b Champion, Kings of the Rollers (Serum b2b Bladerunner b2b Voltage), Fine Art b2b Notion and Bedlam Family DJs. Fri 2 Mar Hannah Wants 9pm4am, £22 adv. Brummie bass gal returns to Cardiff Uni with a probably big, but currently TBC, supporting cast.

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

CLUB ICE Broadway, Pontypridd.

07771 920726 / www. clubiceponty.com Sat 24 Cellar Door 9pm4am, £10 adv. Cardiff house and techno faves trek out to Ponty, with Undercover DJs doing the honours as usual. Saturdays Gravity 10.30pm-3am, £7/£5 before 11. House, techno and dance every week on the club’s new Void soundsystem. Sat 3 Core Collision UV Paint & Foam Spectacular 8pm3am, £5 adv. With DJ Fallon, Blocaldini, Ray Raw, Andy Demize, Lozzie, Webbe, Gee & Atom, Xsiv DJ and DJ Hyde, plus hosts Energy, Venom and Andy Demize.

CLUB OXYGEN 1 Northampton Lane, Swansea. 0844 8849171 / www.globaloxygen.co.uk Fridays Dance Anthems 11pm-6am, free. House and commercial music all night

from Big Al, Nicky G, 3 Bird, Jordan Steins, LJ Isaac and Tom Chizzy. Saturdays 11.30pm-5am, £5/free before 1. House, house & bass (what is this?), progressive and big room tunes.

CLWB IFOR BACH Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Mon 5 Soul Jam 11pm4am, £4-£6. Funk, soul and disco night. Wed 7 Dazed Disco 11pm, £3-£5. A groovy, funky disco nights says the venue listings. Wed 14 Crush 11pm. An alternative Valentine’s disco. Thurs 1 Brooklyn Zoo 10.30pm4am, £4-£6. Current and classic hip-hop alike. Thurs 8 Carnival 11pm, £3-£5.

Bashment, dancehall and reggae. Thurs 15 Propaganda 11pm, £3-£5. Big national indie disco brand. Fridays (bottom) Seventy Times 7 11pm-3am, £3-£5. New weekly clubnight offering alt-rock and pop-punk by the looks of things. It’s (still!) named after a Brand New song if that’s any indicator. Fri 2 Disco Motel 11pm, £3-£5. Disco and classic pop club night. Fri 9 Lycra 11pm-4am. Eighties disco and pop. Fri 16 Wubwub 11pm-5am, £13 adv. Cardiff’s, 1,000,000th new drum’n’bass promotion of the last 12 months, although these guys are ex-Catapult Records so they’ve paid their dues. DJ Marky is their dependable headliner, with Casey Jones, Ransom, Sundance, Dabz and host MC XL also along.

Fri 23 Baseline 11pm. With a headline set from Flava D. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter’s proper disco.

COURTYARD 48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”. Fridays Spotlight Sessions / The Kickstart 5pm, £3/free before 9.

Urban and club anthems and drinks deals. Part of the NPCLUBHOP price deal which also includes entry to Blind Tiger, Meze Lounge and Lambaba. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sundays Good Time Social Club 8pm, free. DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights.

CREATURE SOUND Ken Bu Kan, 1 Bethesda Street, Swansea. 01792 301178 / www. creaturesound.com Sat 10 Labyrinth – Valentine’s Masked Ball 7-11pm, £3/free adv. DJ Gwilym Games plays Bowie, 80s classics and Labyrinth tunes, which I assume means the Bowie-starring 80s movie.

Get free guestlist by joining on the Facebook event page. Fri 23 Tribe Of Swan 8pm-4am, £10/£5 before 12. Psytrance wibble’n’bosh, the Goa way. In

order of performance: Chris B, Golobnaize, Tryptonaut, SiZeY and headliner Neutron.

THE DUKE Old Market Street, Neath.

01639 643892.

Sat 24 Hedone 8pm-2am, £10. Local house heads with a residents night.

EDDIES 4 Quay Street, Haverfordwest. 01437

u – repeated

dance across two floors.

Formerly known as The Fest. Saturdays Rumour 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed.

Formerly known as Vanity.

THE GLOBE 125 Albany Rd, Cardiff.

07590 471888 / www. globecardiffmusic.com Fri 23 Black Parade 9pm, £4 adv. A full night of 00s emo

Freebass, a Welsh rave collective active in the 90s, make a lowkey return on Sat 24 Feb when they play at the cheap‘n’cheerful Saturday Social night, in Cardiff’s Mackintosh Sports Club.

779595 / www.eddies.co Fri 16 Housewerk 9.30pm4.30am. They’ll be playing house music, and “they” in this case is ADR, The Dog, Tomcept and Housewerk residents..

FICTION & VINYL The City Gates, Little Wind Street, Swansea. 01792 828777 / www.fictionclub. co.uk/swansea Mondays Quids In 10.45pm-2.30am, £3.50/£2 before 11. Chart, cheese, r’n’b, dance and house.

Wednesdays Underground 11pm-3.30am, £3.50/£2 before 1. House, chart, r’n’b and cheese across two rooms.

Fridays 11pm-3am, £5/£3 adv. Drinks offers and, uh, music I guess. Saturdays Agenda 10.30pm-3am, £3.50/£2 before 1. Fiction: house, r’n’b, EDM. Vinyl: pop and party.

FLUIDITY FREERUN ACADEMY Unit G, Pengam Road, Cardiff. 07747 888931 / www.fluidityfreerunacademy. co.uk Fri 9 Canopy 10pm-4am, £15 adv. Drum’n’bass in a big gym, just the thing I need how nice. Sub Zero, Benny Page, Heist the Run Tingz Cru and hosts Redders, Da Fuchaman and Shaddy MC DopeAmmo are on the bill.

FUEL 5 Womanby Street, Cardiff.

07970 063107 / facebook. com/fuelcardiff 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.

GLAM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mondays Bed 10pm-3am, £2/free before 11. A mashup of chart, r’n’b, cheese and

anthems, as in My Chem, Jimmy Eat World etc.

GWDIHW Guildford Crescent, Cardiff.

029 2039 7933 / www. gwdihw.co.uk Tue 13 Cardiff Electronic Producers 7.30pm, free.

In association with Cardiff Ableton User Group, plus an open decks session from 7.30-9pm. Thurs 8 Dance For A Diff-erence 9pm, £4.

Fundraising night foor homelessness in the city, with DJs Tom Downs (Mixtape), Josh Worthy (Club Tropicana) and Thomas Piesinger (Haws).

Fri 23 Pleasuredome 9pm, £4/£3 before 11. Electro, synthpop, italo disco, new wave, funk and more. Sat 3 Sure Shot 9pm, £3. Today is Dilla Day, as in late hip-hop producer J Dilla, and this night will be dedicated to music by (or influenced by, or in some way connected to) him and his pal Madlib.

JACOB’S MARKET West Canal Wharf, Cardiff.

029 2039 0939.

Fri 16 Talk To Frank IX 10pm-5am. Local DJs, special visuals and decor and a theme (sartorial I assume?) of Romeo & Juliet, as in the 90s movie. Sat 24 Delete 10.30pm-5am, £12 adv/£10 early bird. A first for Delete, with their two guests – Youandewan and The Ghost – manning the decks for the whole night. See Clubs..

KARMA 75 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Fri + Sat 8pm-6am. karmaclubcardiff@gmail. com Sat 17 Dancehall Nice Again 9pm-6am, £5 before 11. Valentine special with reggae and dancehall on the top floor, chart and urban classics on the ground floor and house, garage and club classics in the basement.

LASER STATION Bridge Wharf, Carmarthen.

01267 235648 / www. laserstationwales.com

clubs Sat 3 Antix Sounds 8pm3am, £5. Free party type drum’n’bass stuff, I think. Sat 3 Mar Fat Soul presents Timbali 8pm-3am, £5-£8.

Reggae, riddims and hip-hop from Timbali (soundsystem show), Miss Mitten (dub and Afrobeats set), Sub-Conscious, Doc. P, Billy Phono & Pr1, Culture Vultures and MC Shrubz .

LEVEL 2 @ KONGS 114-116 St Mary Street, Cardiff. info@kongsbars. com / www.kongsbars.com Fri 2 Submerge Soundsystem 11pm-4am, £6-£10. Dub and jungle on Submerge's own big rig, with sets from Jinx In Dub, Kreed x Gardna, Halcyonic & G RootsTailored Sound and Submerge Soundsystem residents Blokeye and Benny Bootleg. *Sat 10 Groove Theory 10pm-3am, £12/£10.

Funky disco house stuff from Jamie 3:26 (of the modern day Salsoul stable), Don Leisure, Tom Bateman and Paul Longstaff.

MACKINTOSH SPORTS CLUB 38 Keppoch Street, Cardiff.

029 2049 4697 / www. mackintoshsportsclub.org Sat 24 The Saturday Social 7.30pm-12.30am, £5. Featuring set by Freebass, Welsh rave DJs from the scene’s early-90s golden age.

MARY’S 89 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk Wednesdays Wednesday

Club 8pm-2am. Dance and chart toppers with DJ Chris.

Thursdays Mixxet 8pm2am. Fun, games, and cabaret with Amber Dextrous and Alphaa Heart. Fridays Non Stop Party 8pm-2am. DJ Lee plays tunes from the 90s onwards. Saturdays 8pm2am. Dance, pop and chart with DJ Billy Joe. Sundays Service 5pm-2am, free. Bingo with Aunty Ade and Aunty Betty from 5pm, with cash prizes; DJ Mary Golds until 9pm; guest cabaret at 9pm and DJ Billy Joe on the tapes (this is an odd turn of phrase but I like it) until 1am. METROS METRO’S Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 9pm-4am, £4/free early bird. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Havoc 10.30pm-4am, free before 11.

Mismatched alternative tunes from Hywel. Saturdays Lose Yourself 10.30pm-4am, free before 11. Stereo Brain playing indie, beats, treats and pop-punk.

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 Mondays Mojito Mondays

5pm-12am. Motown classics and mojitos 2-4-1 all night.

Thursdays Rock The Night 5pm-12am. Indie classics.

Fridays #Friday 5pm-2am.

Funky house and half price drinks from 5-10pm.

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

Just old skool. Saturdays Decorum Soulful and upfront house, plus funk, disco etc, from Sinky and Styles. Sundays VIP Chris Evans (My Playhouse) plays club classics, funky house and r’n’b.

THE MOON Womanby Street, Cardiff.

029 2037 3022 / info@ themooncardiff.com Wednesdays The Hustle 10pm. Hip-hop, Motown, funk and soul. Wed 21 Womanby’s Clubbing 5.30-8pm. Monthly clubbing events for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Run in partnership with Student Volunteering.

Fridays Gigantic Until 4am, free. Funk, punk, rock’n’roll, hip-hop, indie, reggae and soul after bands finish playing.

Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Until 4am, free. Bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between, after bands finish playing.

NEON LOUNGE Market Street, Newport.

01633 533666 / theneon. co.uk/neon-bar-lounge Fri 9 Soul, Funk & Motown Night 8pm, £3.

DJs from Penarth Soul Club and A Basement Full Of Soul with an all-vinyl set on the second Friday of each month.

Saturdays Urban Dance Night 9pm-3am, free. Classic urban, house and r’n’b from Dj Steve C. Sat 24 Code 9pm-3am, £3. House and techno (I think, the poster doesn’t specify) from Adam Carey b2b Lucas Alexander, Owen Kilby, Jack Edinborough, Tom Mahoney, Peel and Rhys Curtis.

OCEAN ARTS CARDIFF Unit 2, East Moors Business Park, East Moors Road, Splott, Cardiff. oceanartscardiff@gmax. co.uk Fri 2 Delerio 10pm-3am, £5 adv. Psytrance night in a lockup in Splott is it? Yes. Lorraine (Psilocybe Tribe), Orestis Sundance (Tribe Of Frog), Fattman & Slug (Delerio), The DMT Experiment and Crystalogic (Tribe Of Frog) are the ones who will wub you.

THE PARROT 32 King Street, Carmarthen.

01267 231012 / facebook. com/theparrotmusicbar Fri 16 Sub FX 9pm-2am, £4.

Drum’n’bass from Aksrevenge, Pie-Fi and Decay, plus MCs. THE PIT The Strand, off Wind Street, Swansea. facebook.com/pg/ thepitswansea Sat 3 + Sat 3 Mar Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/ alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month.

PLATFORM 11 High Street, Pontypridd.

Fri-Sun 7.30pm-2am. www. platform11.co.uk Sat 3 Groove 7pm-3am, £10/£8. House night headlined

by De La Swing, who’s associated with party stable Elrow.

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE Herbert Street, Pontardawe.

01792 863722 / www. pontardaweatrscentre.com Sat 17 Soul Circle 7pm1am, £7/£6 adv. Northern soul, Latin, bluebeat, mod classics and R&B from Alfie Linney, Ian Jackson and Ali Bongo Goby.

TIMBALI Fat Soul @ Laser Station, Carmarthen, Sat 3 Mar Tickets: £8/£7. Info: 01267 235648 / www.laserstationwales.com There’s reggae in the hills of west Wales, and this is in no small part thanks to Timbali, a band formed by Ollie Davidson-Howell (a very ‘west Wales reggae producer’ name, yes) who blend dub and dancehall influences into their broth. Fat Soul have put the group at the top of a fun-looking bill of live acts, DJs and MCs that pulls yet more tendrils of influence – jungle and hip-hop, especially – into the general ethos of a big, booming sound system, which this venue reputedly contains. Miss Mitten, another stalwart dub selector from the region, is also on the lineup alongside raucous local hip-hop mob Culture Vultures and Doc P, who has a special digital reggae and dancehall set in store.

POPWORLD 96 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

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

029 2023 5825.

Mondays Pop Rocks 9pm. A night of what they call alternative pop but their examples (Green Day, Blink, Linkin Park) seem to suggest will be pop-punk and nu-metal.

Ah, it’s all just names at the end of the day. Fridays + Saturdays Popworld Party Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat).

POPWORLD Wind Street, Swansea. Mon-

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

Tuesdays Timewarp Music from the 1980s and dance competitions. Wednesdays Quids In 8pm-3am. Student night where drinks are £1.

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

PRYZM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Mondays Quids In 10pm4am. Student night. Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am, £4. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am, £4 adv. Weekly student event described by one enthusiast as “lit Friday nights with chilled fam bams and regular bants”.

Fri 2 features special guest Kissy Sell Out. PULSE 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

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

Wednesdays Kapow!

10pm-4am. Student night with Jolene Dover and DJ Warren.

Fridays Full On 10pm-5am, £4/£3. DJ Craig downstairs, Opal upstairs. Fri 1 and Fri 8 Dec have X Factor finalists making guest appearances Saturdays Pop Til You Drop 10pm-5am, £5/£4 b4 11.

The very best chart remixes and classic hits all night long.

THE QUEENS HALL 44 High Street, Narberth.

01834 861212 / www. thequeenshall.org.uk Fri 23 Verb T & Pitch 92 7.30pm, £10-£14. See clubs for more on this UK hip-hop billing. Full lineup TBC. THE RAINBOW ROOMS 12 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea. 07563 111225 / www.the-rainbowrooms.com Sat 3 Dirtbox Classics 9pm-6am, £10. Hard dance and hardstyle from Swankie & Kashi, Stu Grady, Ed ET & DTR vs MCP, D-Grove, Rob Davies, Defiant & Distortion, Icey, Steve Hollands, Martin Rogers and hosts K-Ner and Venom.

REVOLUTION Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk Tuesdays Mode 9pm-3am, £4 adv. Popular student night returns. Fridays + Saturdays 9pm-3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.

SIN CITY Dilwyn Street, Swansea.

01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12. Motown, r’n’b and hip-hop. Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30.

Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Fri 2 + Sat 3 Rise 10pm-4am, £16 adv per night.

Swansea drum’n’bass promoters present Andy C two nights in a row, because once wasn't enough. For the city's keen Andy C fans, I mean. Teagle, Screwy b2b JE3, Walbeoff b2b Beeson and Woo are also billed on Sat 3. Fri 9 Treatment 10pm-4am, £20 adv. Featuring Camelphat (who Treatment are also putting on in Cardiff tonight) and more TBC. Fri 16 Propaganda Valentines Party 10pm-3am, £3 adv.

Indie disco, also featuring a Broken Hearts Emo Party in room 2. Arf! Fri 23 + Fri 2 Mar Bassline 10pm-4am.

Featuring headline sets from Flava D (Fri 23) and silly-sounding drum’n’bass supergroup SaSaSaS (Fri 2 Mar, price currently TBC).

Saturdays Sink 10pm-3am.

Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South. Sat 17 Annapurna 10pm-4am, £10 adv. Drum’n’bass from headline duo Hybrid Minds plus Brad Carter, Jon Hunt, Louis Hoskins b2b George Tyson, Ellis Robinson and Teagle.

SODA St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodacardiff.com Wednesdays Replay 9pm4am, £4. Chart, cheese and r’n’b for students. Fridays Fade 10pm-3am, £4/£6 VIP. R’n’b, hip-hop, house and UK garage from Vijay, Jigga, Monique B and Dan Willow.

Saturdays Soiree 9pm-4am.

Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that. Sundays Soda Sundays 9pm-3am, £4/£8 VIP. Three floors of music for students and industry workers.

TAP HOUSE 72 Students Union, Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen.

07522 267919 / facebook. com/taphouse72 Fri 9 Tinchy Stryder 9pm, £10 adv. (Relatively) veteran grime MC headlines at Carmarthen student club.

Welsh rapper Chew is also on the bill. See Clubs.

TIGER TIGER Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri 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. You don’t need NUS to get in though.

Fridays Tic Toc 10pm-3am, £4. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.

BUZZ 63

* – recommended

events TRAMSHED Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Sat 3 Foreverland 8pm1am, £18 adv. Described by the organisers as both a “magical touring circus” and an “adult playground”, this will feature circus acts, theatre, inflatables, confetti cannons and DJ sets in a garage/ bassline style from Cause & Affect, FooR, Taim, Bassic and Bitr8. It’s also sold out. Fri 16 Shangri-La 7pm-12am, £17.50/£15 adv. Featuring a five-hour set from Eats Everything.

UNDERTONE (BASEMENT OF 10 FEET TALL) 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Tue 6 Wile Out 11pm.

Bassline. Tue 13 Luna 10pm-3am, £3. Techno, house, acid, electro and everything in between from Varndell, Ninety8, Benek, Alex T and more. *Tue 20 The Mixtape 11pm, £7-£9.

House, disco, techno etc, with a headline set from Bristolian DJ October. Tue 27 Skank Ground 11pm. Bassline and drum’n’bass. Thurs 22 Shelter 10pm-3am. Bass house, bassline, garage, grime, dubstep, drum’n’bass and jungle. Thurs 15 Pressure 10pm-3am. Second edition of a night which launched in January, and features... hold on to your hats... drum’n’bass DJs with special guest MCs. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY NIGHTS LIKE THIS IN CARDIFF RIGHT NOW? Fri 9 La Fiesta 10pm-4am. Salsa, reggaeton, some bachata and Spanish rock. Fri 16 Selecta 11pm, £5/£3 adv. Bass house, bassline, garage, grime, dubstep, drum’n’bass and jungle. Sat 3 Flatline 10pm.

Drum’n’bass, 140 and bassline from local DJs and MCs. Sat 10 Function:al 10pm-4am, £5-£10. As you can perhaps guess by the colon thrust into the event name, this is a drum'n'bass night presented

by Paranoize and Function Records. It features longstanding scene faves Digital and Total Science, along with MC Blackeye and locals Ransom, Lubi J and Character b2b G Fync. Sat 17 The Different Vibe 10pm. More drum’n’bass.

THE VAULT 56 Wind Street, Swansea.

01792 465300 / www. nosignwinebar.com Wed 7 Gun Fingers 9pm-1am, £5. Bassline and drum’n’bass from LHGP, Koncept, Cellan Eynon, Ben From Wales and Lloyd Jones.

Launch night.

THE VAULTS The Old Natwest Bank, 113116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents.com Fri 2 Twisted X 8pm-5am, £15 adv/£25 VIP. New night looking to hark back to the glory days of Club X, and why not. Main room: house, trance and techno from Matt O’Keefe, Stu Grady, DJ Andre and Madame Twisted. Banking BUZZ 64

Hall: Funkydory’s Tyrone Rose, Gari Worner, Paul Williams Burnett and Richie Evans. Sat 3 Cellar Door 10pm-5am, £15 adv. House and techno at this ever-popular night, courtesy of the Undercover DJs. Fri 2 Mar Concept v Circle 8 10pm-5am, £15 adv. Impressive lineup of drum’n’bass, like so.

Main room: DJ SS, Bassman, Fatman D, Dialogue, Chunky Bizzle, Kallista b2b Stu Grady, Low b2b Mowgli, Joe Blow b2b Bason, Luke Ebbens and MCs Chew, Skamma, XL and Vizable. Room 2: Hoodfella Development, Plethora, Reload, Mascot, Kyam & Kalo, Oni and Scoops. Sat 3 Mar ShangriLa: Solardo Sessions 10pm-5am, £16 adv. Big name house duo Solardo return to Cardiff after a set last year.

WAREHOUSE 54 54 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

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

Fridays The Good Time Social Club 11pm, £3. Laid back beats and live sessions to kick off the weekend. Entry fee also grants you entry to Courtyard, Blind Tiger, Meze Lounge and Labamba.

Saturdays The Throwback 9pm-5.30am, £5. Club classics and r’n’b. Entry fee, again, gets you into all the clubs listed above.

WOW BAR 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; before 11pm Fri + Sat. 029 2066 6247 / www.wowbarcardiff.com Wednesdays Get Pounded Free. Hosted by Gypsy Divine, soundtracked by DJ Basil and named in reference to the £1 drinks offers. And nothing else. Thursdays Let’s Have A Kiki Free. DJs Basil and Chris soundtrack non-stop fun and games. Fridays Kitty’s Kabaret Free before 11. With WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty and Marcia, plus special guests every week. Saturdays Hi Energy Free before 11. Pop and party upstairs, chart and dance downstairs. Sundays The Cuckoo Club Free. DJ Krys plays the tunes until late.

events EVERY MONDAY Beat It: Drumming For Dementia Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10.30am12.30pm, free. Info beatitpercussion@gmail.com.

Hosted by Lynn – contact her on the above email.

Beginners Belly Dance Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.307.4pm, £7/£30 for 5-week course. Info info@ burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Stephanie. Every Monday apart from holiday breaks.

Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158.

Brecon Town Band Rehearsals Theatr

Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623650. Hosted by Dave Jones – contact him on the above number.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www. cardiffivc.org.uk.

Cardio Climb Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

6.30-7.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. High intensity workout combining cardio and climbing.

Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff.

7.45-10.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. A fusion of salsa, ballroom, tango, hip-hop and jive. Classes are easy and relaxed.

Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Rehearsals Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7-9pm, free. Info 01443 491424.

Community Choir Sessions Cornwall Street Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07952 752823. Led by Pauline Down and taking place every Monday during term time (until Mon 11 Dec, then starting again on Mon 8 Jan).

Drop-in Meditation And Mindfulness Classes The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £5/£3 unwaged. Info 01792 458245.

New weekly class led by Mike Garside, Resident Teacher of Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Swansea.

FAN Group Meeting Grange Pavilion, Grangetown. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. FAN (Friends And Neighbours) groups offer the chance to meet people, speak about a chosen topic for one hour, and have a chat and a cuppa. More FAN meetings are elsewhere in Cardiff every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Pontcanna Dojo, Cardiff.

6-7pm, £7/£6. Info sarasclasses4@gmail.com.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales.

6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Boxing-based high-intensity workout with a house soundtrack. Today’s lineup looks like this. Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 5-5.45pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Funkypump 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely, Cardiff: 6.157.15pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.15-7.15pm.

Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190.

Runs until Mon 26 Mar; halfterm break on Mon 19 Feb. Also every Wednesday and Friday.

Little Monkey Club

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30am. Info 01656 649190.

9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: JiggetyJig. Runs until Mon 26 Mar; half-term break on Mon 19 Feb. Also on Fridays.

Little Monkey Club Heronston Hotel, Bridgend.

Info 01656 649190. Runs until Mon 26 Mar; half-term break on Mon 19 Feb. Little Monkey Club Salvation Army, Penarth. Info 01656 649190. Also on every Wednesday. Runs until Mon 26 Mar; half-term break on Mon 19 Feb. Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 5.45-8pm, £6/£5. Info 01633 656757. 7-11 years old: 5.45-6.45pm; 12 and up: 6.45-8pm.

Newport Badminton Club Bettws Active Centre, Newport.

7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285.

One of the largest badminton clubs in south-east Wales. Also on Thursdays.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Today’s schedule looks like this. 4.30-6pm: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years). 6-8pm: Aerial Hoop Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 3. 7.45-9.45pm: Aerial Hoop Levels 3 and 4, Static Trapeze Level 4. Runs until Mon 23 Apr, with a half-term break on Mon 5 Mar. Qigong Class The Sunhouse, Gwaelod-y-Garth, Cardiff.

6-7.15pm, £5. Info 07779 151916. More at www. bringingbalance.co.uk.

Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2051 3440. With Ian Lewis.

Salsa Classes Horse & Groom, Cowbridge. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/intermediate.

St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7.30pm. Info 01446 799100.

Choir rehearsals.

Tango Dancing Argentine Barocco, Cardiff. 8-10.45pm, £3/£1. Info 029 2023 7332.

Tang Soo Do Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7-9pm. Info 07734 557767.

Learn traditional Korean karate; beginners welcome.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Intermediate Aerial Hoop And Circus Fitness; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Hoop.

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.

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.

Beginners Ballet Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.157.30pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Covering key ballet principles including developing core strength, improving posture, basic steps, flexibility and coordination. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales.

Beginners Contemporary Dance Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-8.45pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Exploring the basic principles of contemporary dance through a set of exercises. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales.

Bellydance Class Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7.158.45pm, £7. Info 07824 784436.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebell 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10.30-11.30am; HIIT 1.15-1.45pm; Funkypump 5.15-6 + 6-7pm; Funkypump Kidz 5.15-6pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funky Pump Lite 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm.

Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bootcamp 6.15-7.15pm; Bags 7.15-8.15pm. Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7pm. Daleon Fitness, Merthyr: Funkypump 6-7pm.

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 Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 6.308pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to grade 2 and for all ages and abilities.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717.

All instruments and ages welcome.

Karate Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15-8.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. With Emma Robins.

Knap Art Group All Saints Church Hall, The Knap, Barry.

2-4pm. Info glyn@glynpooley. com. Hosted by Glyn Pooley.

Get in touch if you are interested in developing your creativity through learning to draw or paint.

Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www.sparklylaughter.co.uk.

“No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers.

Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Kenfig Hill Rugby Club, Bridgend. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted

by Frank. Lessons are from 8.15-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. First dance lesson

u – repeated

free.

Life Drawing Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930.

Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm.

Info 01792 475147.

Little Monkey Club Jump Jam, Bridgend. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Tue 27 Mar; half-term break on Tue 20 Feb. Also on every Thursday.

Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff.

9.45am. Info 01656 649190.

9.45 + 11.05am: Rock’n’Roll; 10.25am: Jiggety-Jig. Runs until Tue 27 Mar; half-term break on Tue 20 Feb. Also on Thursdays.

Morning Yoga Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8-9am, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. A Vinyasa flow class, aimed to develop functional, athletic abilities and maximise strength. Hosted

by National Dance Company Wales.

Music Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.45am-1.45pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Music and movement class for babies aged eight weeks to five years.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 5-6pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years).

6-7pm: Hula Hoop. 6-8pm: Supervised Training. 7.459.45pm: Beginners’ Mixed Aerial. Runs until Tue 24 Apr. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk.

Qigong & 24 Step Form St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-7.45pm. Info 07772 657692.

Qigong Class Bute Park, Cardiff. 6-7pm, pay by donation. Info 07779 151916. More at www.bringingbalance.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.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum 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).

Student Night Cardiff City Table Tennis Club, Maindy Road Cardiff. 7-9pm, £2. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Trapeze For Beginners And Acrobalance dynamic; 8-10pm Chinese Pole

events For Beginners.

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.

7-8.30pm, £9. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

With Kalavathi Devi.

Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation). Info 029 2047 3373. Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth.

8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.co.uk. Mixed level class.

Zhan Zhuang Qigong Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. New weekly class, ZZQ being an ancient Chinese health system based on a series of static postures.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm.

Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is...

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff. 8-9pm. Info 07891 712344.

EVERY WEDNESDAY Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880.

A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252.

Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm.

Info 01633 656757.

Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info: cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Cheer Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.15am, £3.

Info 01633 656757. Movement session for babies.

City Of Cardiff Rotaract Meeting Refectory Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 07768 108394. An 18-30s community group that integrates young professionals, students and refugees through community projects and social events.

Djembe Drumming Workshops Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.309.30pm, £5/£3. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. 6.30-8pm: beginners (£3); 8.15-9.30pm: intermediate/ advanced (£5). Drop-in classes.

Drop-in Exploring Drawing Workshop Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda.

7-9pm, £10. Info 01443 682034.

With tutor Chris Williams.

FAN Group Meeting Canton Library, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free.

Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English.

More info at www. thefancharity.org.

FAN Group Meeting Grangetown Hub, Havelock Place, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free.

Info 07512 638792.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Ware-

house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Bag Circuit 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm; Abs 7-8pm.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.157.15pm.

Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190.

Runs until Wed 28 Mar; halfterm break on Wed 21 Feb. Little Monkey Club Primo School Of Music, Insole Court, Cardiff. Info 01656 649190.

Runs until Wed 28 Mar; halfterm break on Wed 21 Feb. Little Monkey Club Salvation Army, Penarth. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Wed 28 Mar; half-term break on Wed 21 Feb. Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport.

4.15-6.15pm, £3 per session.

Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5.15pm; 14-18: 5.156.15pm.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 4.15-6pm: Youth: Jedi Acrobatics (11+); 6-8pm: Adult Acrobatics; 8-9.30pm: Handstands. Runs until Wed 18 Apr, with a half-term break on Wed 28 Feb. Pub Quiz The Pilot, Penarth.

8pm. Info 029 2071 0615. With Hayley.

Qigong Class The Hub Community Centre, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 2-3pm. Info 07772 657692.

Salsa Classes Rhiwbina Recreational Club, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum 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.

Toddler Time Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10-11am. Info 01685 384111. Pre-school stories, rhymes and crafts for toddlers.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Introduction To Aerial; 8-10pm Aerial Silks Improvers And Introduction To Chinese Pole.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm.

Info admin@yoga-works. co.uk.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50.

Info 07914 683534.

EVERY THURSDAY Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880.

Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373.

Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky.

Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Children 6-11 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

4-5pm, £4.95. Info 07837 937351.

Bingo Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Biodanza Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £6/£5. Info antoinette@ biodanza4all.com. “A fusion of music, movement and feeling” taught here by Antoinette Lorraine.

Breakdance The Riverfront, Newport. 6.30-7.30pm, £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. 7.3010.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.

FAN Group Meeting Cardiff Central Library. 5pm, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English. More info at www.thefancharity.org.

Fitsteps FAB The Riverfront, Newport. 10-11am, £4. Info 01633 656757. Low intensity dance fitness workout.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebells 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10-11.30am; HIIT 1.151.45pm; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funkypump Lite 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm.

Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7 + 7.15-8.15pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely: Funkypump 7.158.15pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump Lite 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.157.15pm.

Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £25 (five weeks). Info 07980 742328.

Hosted by Ronald Macauley.

Hatch Youth Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 4.306.30pm. Info 01633 656757.

Hosted by Tin Shed Theatre.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Zion Chapel, Ponthir, Newport. 6.30-8.30pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome.

Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 6-7.30pm, £4/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions

LOVE LANDS ARCADE CINEMA Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff, Wed 14-Sat 17 Feb. Tickets: £7.50. Info: 07393 742950 www.lostlands.co.uk This Valentine-timely four-day burst of movie screenings is part of a wider aim to utilise the arcades of Cardiff for various pop-up cultural jollies throughout 2018. Lost Lands Cinema – rebranding themselves as Love Lands for this week only – are using Duke Street Arcade, opposite Cardiff Castle, for this, and will provide ticket buyers with a deckchair to sit in and a blanket in which to preserve your modesty. We begin on Valentine’s Day itself, with a screening of 2004 weepie The Notebook, and continue on Thurs 15 Feb with Romeo & Juliet; Fri 16 with last year’s Emma Watson-starring Beauty And The Beast; and, on Sat 17, Deadpool, which isn’t very romantic but by this point Valentine’s was three days ago and you’ll have stopped caring until next year. per week. Info www.brawlers. co.uk. With Cardiff roller derby team Tiger Bay Brawlers. Also on every Sunday.

Little Monkey Club Jump Jam, Bridgend. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Thurs 29 Mar; half-term break on Thurs 22 Feb. Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff.

9.45am. Info 01656 649190.

Runs until Thurs 29 Mar; halfterm break on Thurs 22 Feb. Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 8-10pm. Info 07789 965285. Coached by Rhys Pritchard who represented Wales at the Junior Commonwealth Games.

Newport Junior Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport.

7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285.

Coached by Rhys Pritchard.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm: Ropes & Silks Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 2. 7.45-9.45pm: Static Trapeze Level 2, Ropes & Silks Level 3, Ropes & Silks Level 4. Runs until Thurs 19 Apr, with a half-term break on Thurs 1 Mar. Pilates Pontcanna Dojo, Cardiff. 6.15-7.15pm, £7/£6.

Info sarasclasses4@gmail. com. Taking place on Wed 14 Feb, rather than Thurs 15, this month; all other dates as normal.

Pilates Tramshed Studio, Cardiff. 12.30-1.30pm, £10/£8.

Info www.tramshedstudio.com.

Qigong Albert Rd Methodist Church Hall, Penarth. 6.307.30pm. Info 07772 657692.

Quiz Night NosDa, Cardiff.

8pm, £1. Info 029 2037 8866.

With money, beers and pizza to be won.

Salsa & Bachata Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7pm-2am, £4-£7.

Info 07800 565651. Beginners 7.30pm; improvers/intermediates 8.30. Free bachata dancing from 9.45pm.

Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff.

8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www.

seewales.com. Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more.

Story And Rhyme Time In Welsh For Babies Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10-11.30am, free.

Info 029 2057 3650. Every Thursday during term time; aimed at 0-4 years.

The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11am-12pm, £16. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Small group class hosted by Mike Young.

University Of The 3rd Age Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

Info richard-walker@live. co.uk. Hosted by Richard Walker – contact him on the above email.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Introduction To Aerial; 8-10pm Play And Clown as part of act creation with George Orange; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Silks.

Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7 + 7-8pm, £8/£6.50.

Info info@yogaskies.co.uk.

Hosted by Mike Young.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga.

EVERY FRIDAY Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm.

Info 07790 167560.

Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. This is now on every Friday and features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”.

Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm. Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai.co.uk.

Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else.

Children’s Tap/Ballet Classes Memorial Hall,

Newbridge. 10.30-11.30am.

Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.4511.45am, £72/£48 (12 weeks).

Info 01446 401209.

Dance Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.05am + 10.15-10.50am, £3 per session.

Info 01633 656757. Parent/ toddler dance and exercise session.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; ABC 5-7pm; Kettlebell 5.156pm; Bag Circuit 6.15-7pm.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6-6.45pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bag Circuit 6-7pm.

India Dance Wales – Bharatanatyam Classes Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5-6pm. Info 07410 977427. Beginners’ class with Megan Lloyd.

Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190.

Runs until Fri 23 Mar; halfterm break on Fri 23 Feb. Little Monkey Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30am. Info 01656 649190.

9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: JiggetyJig. Runs until Fri 23 Mar; half-term break on Fri 23 Feb. Little Monkey Club Trinity Church, Porthcawl. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Fri 23 Mar; half-term break on Fri 23 Feb. Movement And Music For A Fuller Life Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff.

7.45-9.30pm, £5. Info 07726 360584. Biodanza session, on most weeks (ring ahead to check) aiming to help you “discover the joy of living, feel better and happier, benefit from more energy, and be more flexible”.

Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm.

Info 01633 400685.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 4.156pm: Youth: Jedi Aerial Skills (11+); Youth: Padawan & Jedi Balance & Manipulation (9+).

Runs until Fri 20 Apr, with a half-term break on Fri 2 Mar. Older Adult Dance/ BUZZ 65

* – recommended

events ROOTS ROUND UP FEBRUARY 2018 Watching the news these days can be an unnerving experience. The UK faces an uncertain post-Brexit future, and on the other side of the Atlantic an unstable narcissist has been boasting about the size of his nuclear button. It’s probably best not to dwell on the possible outcomes of either of those scenarios which is why I can’t recommend highly enough a trip to Cardiff’s St. David’s Hall on Tue 6 Feb to spend time in the company of Chris Wood.

For those that don’t know, Chris is one of the UK folk scene’s finest songwriters and performers whose extraordinary songs and laidback bonhomie are able to completely transport audiences and, for an hour or two at least, give them something else to think about. Chris first came to prominence on the British folk scene through his partnership with melodeon ace Andy Cutting. Together they became one of the scene’s most influential, and enduring duos, paving the way for many of today’s up-and-coming performers who make the folk scene so vibrant.

Always held in high regard by his peers, Chris became known to a wider audience as one third of Wood, Wilson & Carthy alongside Roger Wood and Martin Carthy, but it was the release of his 2005 album, The Lark Descending, that finally gave him the recognition he so richly deserved. A solo acoustic collection that cemented his reputation as a talented performer it also established him as a startlingly good songwriter with his song One In A Million, co-written with Hugh Lupton, winning Best Original Song at the 2006 BBC Folk Awards.

A series of well-received albums since then have continued to demonstrate Chris’ uncanny ability to get to the heart of his subject matter and his knack for finding beauty in the mundane as his most recent release, So Much To Defend, proves beyond any doubt with its superb storytelling and incredible ear for detail. As he’s fond of telling people, at art school he was told that he had “a remarkable eye for trivia, like it was a bad thing.”

BUZZ ALSO RECOMMENDS: The Brother Brothers. Hotly tipped Americana from identical US twins David and Adam Moss.

Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun (Wed 7) Breabach. Scottish roots music from the inventive and respected outfit. The Welfare, Ystradgynlais (Fri 9); Borough Theatre, Abergavenny (Sat 10) Martin & Eliza Carthy. First family of British folk.

Two of ‘em anyway. Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Tue 20; Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells (Wed 21) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767

BUZZ 66

Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11am-12pm, £3. 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 Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Tango Argentine Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7.30-8.45pm, £7/£4. Info 029 2023 7332. No experience or partner required.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Introduction To Chinese pole; 6-8pm Supervised training.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Sbectrwm Community Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff. 1-2pm. Info 07891 712344. With Irene Davies.

EVERY SATURDAY African Drumming Sessions Glyndwr Community Centre, Penarth. 10-11.30am, £7. Info 07974 635502 / dan@ phelpsmusic.com.

Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111.

10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition.

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Family Saturdays Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents.

FAN Group Meeting United Reformed Church Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English.

More info at www. thefancharity.org.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: Abs 8-9am; TRX & Kettlebells 9.15-10.15am; Funkypump Kidz 10.30-11.30am; Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am. Ufit, Cardiff: Bag Circuit 9.3010.30am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Boot Camp 8-9pm.

India Dance Wales Classes Lewis Street Methodist Church, Ystrad Mynach. Info ym.natyam@ gmail.com. New classes from beginner to Grade 3 level, every Saturday morning – email to confirm specific times.

Movement For Children Volcano, Swansea. 10am-12pm,

£4. Info www.volcanotheatre. co.uk. Energetic classes with a focus on creativity, supporting physical development and building confidence. Ages 4-7: 10am; 8-12: 11am.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Today’s schedule: 10-11am: Family: Prewoks (2-4 years, with an adult); 10-11.30am: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); 11.30am-12.30pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years); 2-4pm: Youth: Jedi Performance Skills (11+); 4-6pm: Youth: Jedi General Skills (11+). Runs until Sat 21 Apr, with a halfterm break on Sat 3 Mar. 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. 9.30am1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum 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.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 10am-12 pm Introduction to Aerial; 10am 12pm Introduction To Chinese Pole; 12-2pm + 2-4pm Drop-in Training; 2-6pm Masterclass Workshops.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

8-9.30am, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

With Kalavathi Devi.

EVERY SUNDAY Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351.

Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre.

7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10). Info 01656 661338.

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880.

Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Hosted by Ben Cooper.

Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50.

Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders,

St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880.

Hold Up Sunday Social Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff.

2pm, free. Info 029 2009 5590. Pool, table tennis and access to The hold Up’s jam/ rehearsal space.

Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £4/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions per week. Info www.brawlers. co.uk.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre.

6-10pm. Info 01792 863722.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

Today’s schedule: 1-3pm + 3-5pm: Flying Trapeze Level 1; 5-6.30pm: Acrobalance; 5-7pm: Flying Trapeze Level 2 + 3.

Runs until Sun 22 Apr, with a half-term break on Sun 4 Mar. Open Breaking/ Breakdance Training Session Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 5-8pm, £3. Info 029 2009 5590. Hosted by Cardiff City Breakers, The Hold Up and Elemental Force. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

Always worth a trip.

Relaxing Sunday Yoga Class Parkminster United Reform Church, Roath, Cardiff. 6-7.30pm, £8.50. Info facebook.com/cardiffyoga.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum 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 co-operative games.

THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY uDrawing Carmarthen Community Education Centre.

2.30-4.30pm, £65 (10 weeks).

Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Thursday until 23 Mar. Endeavours Embassy Cafe, Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2037 3144. Monthly night combining food, music and poetry. uEssential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.30pm, £8.

Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Thurs 8.

First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. New poetry and fiction, this month with Bethany Pope and Bryony Littlefair.

Kemi’s Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055. Monthly gathering, this edition featuring guest storytellers Richard Berry & The Milkshakes (the latter being a Cardiff band from the 1980s I believe, reformed for this event). Price includes food.

u – repeated

Lip Sync War Mary’s, Cardiff. 8pm-1am. Info 029 2066 8647. Cardiff heat of a national lip sync contest. uMark Making For Abstract Painting Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 6.308.30pm, £20. Info 01685 727371. Workshop. Also on Thurs 8.

Ocean Mic Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff.

7-10pm, £2 corkage fee. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk.

BYOB open mic night, every first Thursday of the month.

Steve McFadden Walkabout Cardiff. 10pm-3am, £4 adv.

Info 07896 999546. Some sort of onstage guest appearance for Steve, “a true soap legend” as Walkabout say. Not totally sure how he’s been reduced to this but not my place to speculate.

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY An Evening With Mike Rayer Crafty Devil Brewery, Cardiff. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2021 8099. Welsh rugby icon, who has a Crafty Devil beer named after him, talks about his life and career. Priuce includes a Clark’s pie, a pint glas and a can to put in the glass.

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.

Carmarthenshire Sports Personality Awards Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £10.

Info 0845 2263510.

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.

French Supper Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk.

Little Mice Club: Night Sky National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am12pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Bilingual playtime for babies/ toddlers. uMuseum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Also on Fri 9, Fri 16, Sat 17 and Sat 24.

Music In The Museum National Museum Cardiff.

1pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7951.

Isabella Boorman talks about the museum’s collection of modern British art to a soundtrack of Chopin and related works played by Professor Kenneth Hamilton. uPremium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.30pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 9 and Fri 16 (midnight tour, 10.30pm start).

Swansea Musicians’ Forum #1 Cinema & Co, Swansea. 6.30pm. Info 07982 624959. An invitation to discuss “how best we move forward as a scene and learn from others through the pooling of tips and networking”.

Acoustic sets from Bandicoot,

events King Goon, Emily Merry, CrazeTheJack, The Riff and Picsel will also feature.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5.50/free under-4s. Info 029 2047 5475.

Monthly term-time events for toddlers and their parents, this month’s theme being ‘up, up and away!’

Winter Afternoon Jump Racing Chepstow Racecourse. 11.10am-5pm, £18/£15 adv. Info 01291 622260. Featuring seven races. uWorkshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. Also on tomorrow, from 10am-12pm, and every Friday this month plus Sat 3.

SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY Carmarthen LGBTQ+ Social The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, free. Info 01267 231012.

Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111. Every first Saturday of the month.

Dewch i Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Join musician Delyth Jenkins and learn Welsh through song.

Dungaree Dress Making Workshop The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 2-5pm, £30. Info twinmadethings@ gmail.com. Create cool things under the tutelage of Twin Made.

Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic.crafters@gmail. com. Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month.

Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry.

10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149.

Every first Saturday of the month. uFlight Fantastic Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Explore how humans are harnessing the forces of the natural world to overcome the many problems of flight. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 10, Sun 11 and Wed 14-Sun 25 Feb. Gallery Talk: The Camaraderie Of The Village Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen. 2pm, free. Info 01267 222775. A talk about trying to create a voice and platform for contemporary painting in Wales, by Jonathan Powell of Elysium Gallery. uGiants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee.

Info 029 2047 5475. Discover the true nature of the gas giants, aka Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 10 and Sun 11.

Kidsmarkets Family Sale Albany Baptist Church Hall, Roath, Cardiff. 3-4.30pm, £1.50/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring great quality new and pre-loved kids’ toys, ahead of Christmas.

Laithwaites Live Cardiff City Hall, Cardiff. 1-3.30 + 6-8.30pm, £30. Info 029 2023 0130. Wine tasting event hosted by Laithwaite’s Wine of Theale. Theale, as you no doubt know, is a large village

in West Berkshire, England which forms a civil parish.

Let’s Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 821762. Pub quiz.

Lord Crawshaw Walk Town square, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.

Free. Info 01591 610270. A walk of 10, 15 or 25 miles in memory of the nobleman of the title.

Open Haus The Printhaus / The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff.

10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month.

Roll Credits G39, Cardiff.

4pm. Info 029 2047 3633.

A spoken word event with contributions by Holly Davey, Bruno Diaz, Alison Gibb, Freya Dooley and Cinzia Mutigli.

Rugby Union: RBS Six Nations: Wales v Scotland Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

2.15pm, £40-£100. Info 08442 777888. Wales’ first home match of this year’s tournament; already sold outWales v Itality is here on Sun 11 Mar; Wales v France Sat 17 Mar. uThe Starman And His Dog Techniquest, Cardiff Bay.

Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran.

1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. uEssential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 7.30pm, £15. Info 07538 878609.

Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Sun 11, Thurs 15, Sun 18, Thurs 22 and Sun 25.

Representations Of The People’s Act 1918 National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. See objects from the Museum’s women’s suffrage collection as we mark the centenary of the Representation Of The People Act 1918.

Saturday Craft Workshop For Adults Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10.30am1pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Winter Seafood Masterclass Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY uAdvanced Cabaret Choreography Conway Road Methodist Church Hall,

Brains’ designated craft beer pub, the Cambrian Tap in Cardiff, has a ‘Dark Side Festival’ from Thurs 8-Sun 11 which will feature lots of stouts, porters and beer experts discussing them. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Discover who the Starman is as he helps you find pictures in the night sky by joining the stars together using imaginary lines. Suitable for under-7s. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 10 and Sun 11. uVintage Kilo Sale Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 10am-6pm, free. Info 029 2037 3144. Designer labels at £15 a kilo they’re saying! On tomorrow also.

Willow Hearts Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth.

10am-1pm, £45. Info 01600 714595.

Winter Italian Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Pop-Up The Depot, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, £1/free kids. Info www.depotcardiff. co.uk.

Bring And Share Supper Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, free. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk.

Community social, every first Sunday of the month.

Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400.

Cardiff Vintage Kilo Sale Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 10am-4pm, £3 adv/£1.50 after 12pm. Info 029 2048 7602,.

Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our

Cardiff. 8-9.15pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course. Info info@ burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Stephanie. Every Monday until 12 Mar. Suitable for dancers who have been in three or more of Stephanie’s shows before. uArt Course: Seascapes And Acrylics The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £65 (six weeks).

Info 029 2048 3344. Intense course exploring areas around the Welsh coastline via mixed media and medium solutions..

Every Monday until 26 Feb. uBallet The Gate, Cardiff.

4-6.45pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344.

Pre-primary (4-6 year olds) 4pm; primary (6-8 year olds) 4.45pm; grade 1 5.45pm.

Tutor: Miriam Riseborough.

Every Monday, likely with a half-term break around the end of February/start of March (ditto all the other classes at this venue). However, The Gate don't respond to emails or update their website, so I can'’t really promise anything. uBeginners Saxophone Class Upstairs at The Park Hotel, Barry. 7-9pm, £15. Info 07806 625717. With Beverley from Sax For Fun. Every other Monday; also on Mon 19 thisd month.

Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.. uPilates 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. Every Monday. uUsing Meditation For A Practical Spiritual Lifestyle Run & Become, St Mary Street, Cardiff. 7pm, free.

Info www.anandamusic.co.uk.

Hosted by Sri Chinmoy. Also on Mon 12 and Mon 26.

Vintage Pop-Up Cardiff University Students Union.

11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2078 1458. This is open to everyone, not just students, and you can pay by card. uWrite On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.308.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

An open group of writers who encourage others to write and also critique work. Also on Mon 19; it takes place here every first and third Monday of the month.

You're A Quizard Bierkeller, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £3 to enter.

Info 0845 533 3000. Harry Potter-themed pub quiz..

TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY Bath Salts, Lip Balms & Moisturising Cream Workshop Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £20. Info oceanartscardiff@ gmx.co.uk. Workshop in which you can/will make a kilogram of bath salts, ten lip balms and a 100ml glass jar of good quality moisturising cream. uContemporary Conversations Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 1-3pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Artrelated debate session. Also on Tue 13 this month uExplore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Discuss books and authors in a casual setting (no obligation to have read the books in advance). Also on Tue 13 and Tue 27 this month.

Hedgelaying Course National History Museum, St Fagans. 9am-4pm, £100/£75.

Info 029 2057 3500. Book in advance please. uPainting For Pleasure Carmarthen Community Education Centre. 10am-12pm + 1-3pm, £65 (10 weeks). Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Tuesday until 21 Mar. uPilates The Gate, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners session.

Every Tuesday.

Reviving The City’s Centre Swansea Museum. 1pm, free. Info 01792 653763. The Royal Institution Of South Wales host Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart offering his “visions of a new Swansea”.

Will there be any slick corporate speak employed to disguise a paucity of ideas or available investment? Not for me to speculate! Follow-up talks are here on Tue 13, 20 and 27, either way. uRoath Writers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. A space for writers of all levels to write, develop and share their work in an informal workshop environment. Every first two Tuesdays of the month (also on Tue 13). uScreen Printing Merch The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £125 (four weeks). Info 029 2022

0349. Learn how to screen print totes, tees, posters and postcards. Materials provided and suitable for either beginners or more experienced printers. Email info@ theprinthaus.org to book. Also on Tue 13, 20 and 27 Feb. The Arts Society Brecknock: The Paintings And Watercolours Of Ireland Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £8 nonmembers. Info 01874 611622.

Talk by Tom Duncan.

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY A Conversation With Martin Parr & David Hurn National Museum Cardiff.

7pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 7951. Two greatly influential British photographers talk about their life and practice.

Fully booked though, and fair play it’s a cool sounding event. uBeginners Burlesque Course Talent Shack, Penarth Road, Cardiff. 6.30-7.45pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course.

Info www.cardiffcabaretclub. com. With Stephanie. Every Wednesday until 14 Mar. uChair Dance Talent Shack, Penarth Road, Cardiff.

8-9.15pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course. Info www. cardiffcabaretclub.com. With Stephanie. Every Wednesday until 14 Mar. Conservation Club Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

4-4.45pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Find out how the gallery looks after its collections.

For ages 8-14.

Conservation Surgery Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 1-2pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Ask questions about how to take care of art. uElliecoptor Hoops Hoop Jam / Skill Share Cardiff & Vale College, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Also on Wed 14 and Wed 21 this month. uFoundation Course In Drawing Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10.30am12.30pm + 7.30-9pm, £75 (10 weeks). Info 029 2061 5528.

New weekly course taking place in the Art Studio here and running every Wednesday until 21 Mar. Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm. Info 029 2038 2001. uKaren Dawn Curtis Ceramic Course The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £110 (six weeks). Info 029 2048 3344.

Over the six weeks each participant will produce a range of different ceramic objects and learn new skills. Every Wednesday until 14 Feb (ie finishes next week). uOpen Art Crit The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 7-9.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. This event is hosted by Ffangai and you are invited to bring along something creative you’ve been working on to be assessed/ talked about by fellow artists.

Also on Wed 21. uPilates The Gate, Cardiff.

7pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Advanced session.

Every Wednesday.

Puckin’ Poutine Kitchen Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff.

5-10pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. These guys are the only people in Wales who make pou-

tine, Canada’s national dish [citation needed] of chips with cheese curd and gravy, and they’re here to serve it up with your pricey jars.

Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month. uScriveners Writers’ Group The Badminton Club, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale. 8pm. Info 01495 753629. Also on Wed 21 this month.

The Art Of Conservation Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-12pm, free.

Info 01792 516900. Go behind the scenes of the Gallery in this guided tour of our conservation studios. Book in advance please.

THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY uAmerican Line Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 1.15-3pm, £3.50. Info 029 2048 3344.

Every Thursday.

Arts Society Cardiff Lecture Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. A talk on Sir John Soane, a leading architect in early 19th century London.

Black Iris Tap Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684.

Nottingham brewery drops in six kegs and three of their canned beer range.

Crafty Beer Valentines Special NosDa, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £15. Info 029 2037 8866. Do crafts and drink some drinks, with your hosts Twin Made. Price includes one drink and crafting materials/ equipment.

Darts: Unibet Premiere League Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6pm, from £23. Info 029 2022 4488. Sold out.

Derek Acorah Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £20.50 adv.

Info 01834 869323. Evenings of mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Free DJ Workshop For Women Blue Honey Night Cafe, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, free.

Info 07512 247712. New monthly venture from Creative Republic Of Cardiff and local DJ Jessie Belters, this is open to any women or non-binary people who want to learn how to DJ. Fully booked, but the next one is on Thurs 1 Mar. uHowl Mozarts, Swansea.

8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month (also on Thurs 15 in February).

Movies At The Museum: Suffragette Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £3.

Info 029 2034 6214.

Poems & Pints Browns, Laugharne. 7.30pm, free. Info 01994 427688. With guest host TBC. uThe Dark Side Festival The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff.

3-6pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952. Beer festival featuring a bunch of stouts and porters on specially, but talks by beer experts and tasting sessions.

(Until Sun 11) Young Art Force Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

BUZZ 67

* – recommended

events BAFTA CYMRU FEBRUARY 2018 February will be all about assisting the future of the industry at BAFTA Cymru.

In a month which includes the EE British Academy Film Awards in London (on Sun 18 Feb – watch on BBC One), we will be hosting a number of events to help our creative talent in Wales access i nform ation ab out get t in g int o t he industry and progressing through it.

Those young people interested in finding out more about the winners of our BAFTA Children’s Awards will be treated to a special event with CBBC’s Katie Theakston at the PICS Festival in Caernarfon, while we celebrate Valentine’s Day with a screening of Welsh film Love Is Thicker Than Water wi th special gifts from our partner Hotel Chocolat.

The latter event will also offer a chance for budding performers to hear from three -time BAFTA winne r S h a ro n Morgan (Resistance, 35 Diwrnod) in a post-screening Q&A about her career.

Sticking with acting, we will also host a screening of the award-winning film Moon Dogs, with a Q&A with BAFTA Cymru Actor Award winner Jack ParryJones (Bang, Our Girl) this month.

Moon Dogs

Later in February, you can find out more about an exciting new event we are bringing to Cardiff following successful versions in London and Glasgow – aimed at career starters in film, games and television. Follow us on social media to be the first to know more!

We’re also still accepting membership applications and you are able to join now for 17 months at special rates. Have a look at all the benefits of membership, including free cinema, on our website.

Info: www.bafta.org/wales

BUZZ 68

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month.

LGBT Month National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. An evening of celebration featuring a talk on industrialist Amy Dillwyn and An Extraordinary Female Affection, a play about the Ladies Of Llangollen.

Tea Dance St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

2pm, £5. Info 01446 799100.

With Alan Taylor.

The Little Clocktower Man Quiz Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £1. Info 07933 844234. Monthly event.

Wildlife Road Trip Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 0845 2263510.

Martin Hughes-Games and Iolo Williams talk about wildlife, with or without their TV broadcasting hats on.

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY Andy Kirkpatrick Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01970 623232. Top climber looks over his 40 years of precarious ascending. He’s also got a film to plug, titled Psychovertical.

In Brecon on Mon 12.

Artist Talk – Rhodri Davies Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 2.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Avantgarde harpist discusses his music and other stuff. He is a lovely fella, go along if you’re nearby! He’s also playing as part of the Glynn Vivian At Night event here on Fri 16.

Botanical Art Workshop Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £35. Info 07549 526527. With Debbie Devauden. Also on Sat 24 Mar and Sat 14 Apr. Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm.

Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free.

Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month (also on Sat 24).

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly.

9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Dave Winterfeld Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £6. Info 01495 243252. Spirit medium.

Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4pm, £5.

Info 029 2048 4611. Monthly class, normally on the second Saturday of the month. uFebruary Half Term Spotter Trail Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan.

10am-4pm, free after normal admission charges. Info 029 2059 3328. Put your detective skills to the test as you follow the clues to each location and write down the letters you find to spell an important Dyffryn name. (Until Sun 25) Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Burnley Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea.

10am-4pm. Info nigel.mason@ ntlworld.com. Taking place here on the second Saturday of each month.

Le Public Market Le Public Space, Newport. 11am, free. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Creatives, food makers and clothes sellers hawk their wares.

Level 1 Bike Maintenance Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Nimble Fingers Craft Fayre Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. On the second Saturday of every month. uPortrait Sessions: Gareth Jarvis M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff.

11.30am-5pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Jarvis does portraits in the vintage plate/wet collodian photographic style, and you can book hourly slots on this date and Wed 21-Sat 24 Feb (11am-4pm).

Record Fair The Parrot, Carmarthen. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01267 231012.

Saturday Family Workshops Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 10am-1pm, free. Info 01792 516900. uSpoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £3.

Info 0845 2263510.

St Teilo’s Service National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-12pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

The Poetry Society’s Poetry Surgery Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

2-5pm, £30/£20 Poetry Society members. Info 01792 463980.

With, again, Helen May Williams, who will discuss your verse on a one-to-one basis. You have to send it to her in advance so she has a chance to figure out what to say about it.

Young Makers Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2018 Celtic Manor Wedding Fayre Celtic Manor, Newport. 10.30am, free.

Info 01633 4102352.

Barry Island Handmade Market Barry Island train station. 11am-3pm, free. Info facebook.com/ barryislandhandmademarket.

Every second Sunday of the month.

Chinese New Year National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. uFamily Film Club Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

Free. Info 01792 516900.

Monthly screenings, visit www. glynnviviangallery.org to see what it is this month. There’s also a screening on Tue 20, which will be ocean-themed.

Book in advance please.

Film Club – Artist’s Choice Glynn Vivian Art

Gallery, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 516900. Monthly screenings, chosen by exhibiting artists. Book in advance please. uHoop N Move Cardio Class Ocean Arts Cardiff.

10-10.45pm, £7/£6 adv. Info elliecoptor@hotmail.com.

With Ellie Pilott. Also on Sat 18 and Sat 25 this month.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Kidsmarkets Family Sale Paget Rooms, Penarth. 11am12.30pm, £1.50/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 30 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved kids’ toys, ahead of Christmas.

Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. uPiggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s.

Info 01874 749092. Take a pair of friendly Kune Kune pigs (from New Zealand, look a bit like Ewoks) for a walk, then return to the smallholding for refreshments. Also on Wed 14 (a special intimate Valentine event costing £125 for two people) and Sun 18 this month.

Stretch Revive & Relax Tramshed Studio, Cardiff.

10.30-12.30pm. Info Info sarasclasses4@gmail.com..

Sweetheart Pincushion Workshop Le Public Space, Newport.6.30-8.30pm, £15.

Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Price includes materials and a drink and nibbles on arrival.

‘Sweetheart’, ‘pincushion’ and ‘workshop’ are all closed form compound words. Really makes you think!

Tramshred: 90s R’n’b & Hip-Hop Tramshed, Cardiff.

11am-12pm + 12.15-1.15pm.

Info 029 2023 5555. Dancefocused exercise classes followed by a prosecco brunch.

Further Tramshred classes, with different musical themes, are here on Sun 18 and Sun 25. uTuneless Choir Cardiff Aspire Fitness, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £10 first session/£7 drop-in/£40 for eight weeks. Info 07745 683723. Choir, led by Mei Gwynedd, for people who want to sing but can’t carry a tune.

Also on Sun 25 this month.

MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY Andy Kirkpatrick Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01874 611622. uJoy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, free (donations welcome).

Info 07412 346054. On the second and fourth Monday of every month (also Mon 26 in February). uVelotech Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days).

Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. (Until Thurs 15) TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY Art Babas Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 10.3011.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Explore movement, sound, language, textures, shapes and colours with kids

u – repeated

aged between six months and three years. Book in advance please.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Bolton Wanderers Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Reviving The High Street Swansea Museum. 1pm, free.

Info 01792 653763. The Royal Institution Of South Wales host a talk featuring Noel Isherwood (architect) and Paul Davies (Artistic Director, Volcano Theatre).

Music Networking The Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Hosted by Creative Republic Of Cardiff. Fully booked though.

Spirituality Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Second Tuesday of every month.

Talk: Prehistoric Finds In South East Wales Newport Museym & Art Gallery. 7pm, £2/free members. Info 01633 656656. By Elizabeth Walker, Head Of Collections at the National Museum Wales. uTea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2pm, £5. Info 01656 815995. Also on Tue 27.

Tea Dance Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £5 adv. Info 0845 2263510.

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY Love Lands Arcade Cinema: The Notebook Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 07393 742950. Four days of movies around Valentine’s, a pop-up affair by the Lost Lands Cinema people. They have different movies on tomorrow, Fri 16 and Sat 17. uSpace Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Go on a treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut, ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding star and much more. Suitable for under-7s. (Until Sun 25) uStar Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475.

Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die. (Until Sun 25) uGlynn Vivian Young People Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-12pm, free. Info 01792 516900.

Anyone aged 16-24 can participate in discussing plans and organising events for other young people in Swansea. Also on Wed 28 this month.

Pawfect Partners Speed Dating Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £15.

Info 07933 844234. The premise of this is that it’s speed dating for people who like animals, and would like to use this as a crutch for hooking up with someone. Price includes a glass of prosecco and a buffet.

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY After Hours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. 6.30-10.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 029 2047 5475. Evening session for adults, Valentine’s-themed this month. Appropriately, one of the advertised attractions is an “STI workshop”.

A Welsh Love Connection Cinema & Co, Swansea.

events 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07982 624959. This seems to be a kind of speed dating party night, and features live music from Ragsy, hosts Amy Sinha and Mike Kennedy, plus ‘interactive party games’.

Banff Mountain Film Festival St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14/£10.

Info 029 2087 8444. Shor film showing all kinds of mountain adventure.

Love Lands Arcade Cinema: Romeo & Juliet Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 07393 742950. uPremium Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Thurs 22 and Sat 24.

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY Anne Hill Folk Dancing Rhys Pritchard Hall, Llandovery. 7.30pm, £5. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com.

A Llandovery Folk Dancing night.

Classic Pasta And Risotto Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk.

Glynn Vivian At Night Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 5-8pm, free. Info 01792 516900. After-hours sessions including talks, workshops, films, poetry, music etc.

LGBT Storytelling Evening Mozarts, Swansea. 7.30-10pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Also featuring live music from Catherine Elms and Cara Pearce.

Love Lands Arcade Cinema: Beauty & The Beast 2017 Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 07393 742950.

Lyndsey Shankland Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £8. Info 029 2062 6015. Spirit medium. uProsecco Festival Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 6.30-11pm, £9.50 adv/£25 VIP. Info 029 2048 7602,. On tomorrow also, from 12.30-5pm and then from 6.30-11pm, but I think it’s going to be sold out in its entirety. Don’t really understand the appeal of these things, or at least the extent of that appeal. uSeren/Cornerstone Poetry Festical Cornerstone, Cardiff. 7pm, £90 (full weekend pass). Info 07943 819271. Today features two events, The Welcome Buffet with poet Jonathan Edwards and The Glass Aisle: with Paul Henry and Brian Briggs. Sat 17: New Poets Showcase (11am-12pm); A Fold In The River with Philip Gross, Valerie Price and Cyril Jones (12-12.45pm); Judas with Damien Walford Davies (1-1.45pm); Diary Of The Last Man with Robert Minhinnick (2-3pm); The Other Tiger with Richard Gwyn and Clare E Potter (3-4pm); afternoon tea and Desert Island Poems (4-5pm); Gwyneth Lewis meets Dai George (6-6.45pm); Brood with Rhian Edwards (7-7.40pm) and poetry and music with Little Red (8-9.30pm). Sun 18: Sunday

lunch with Gillian Clarke (1-3pm). (Until Sun 18) So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month.

Speed Dating Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Hoping that this takes place in the same room as the quiz, good ‘mostly forgotten BBC3 sitcom’ potential to be had there. uSt Fagans Castle Ghost Tour City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 7.30pm, £11.25. Info 07538 878609. By Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 23.

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782. Every third Saturday of the month.

Cartoons And Computer Games – Science Show National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1 + 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Workshop looking at the scientific laws found in cartoons and computer games and seeing if they apply to us in the real world.

Curator’s Cabinet Of Curiosities National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Middlesbrough Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

3pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Love Lands Arcade Cinema: Deadpool Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 07393 742950. uLove Is In The Air National History Museum, St Fagans. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Half-term activities for kids. (Until Sun 25) uMakers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans.

Free. Info 029 2057 3500. Meet the makers, find out more about their craft and buy their wares. (Until Sun 25) Pac Man Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Explore the galleries to find hidden Pac-Man figures. uPirate Week Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea.

10am-5.30pm. Info 01792 371206. Pirate-themed events including swordfighting, treasure hunts, interactive story adventures, gold panning, adventure bouncy castle, pirate crafts, movies and more. (Until Sun 25) Seasonal Fish Cookery Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £185. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk.

St Fagans Real Food Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

With stalls from Riverside Real Food.

The Forgotten Burton Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1pm, £5/£1.60. Info 01792 463980. Talk by Angela V John on the subject of playwright and performer PH Burton.

Try Gamelan Workshop St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1-3pm, £8/£5. Info 029 2087 8444.

Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears The Crown National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Richard Lewis discusses Richard II and the political revolution of 1399.

Valentine Ball Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7.30pm, £14.

Info 01495 243252. With Mark Porter and his band.

Vintage Kilo Sale The Last Resort, Swansea. 10am-5pm, free. Info www. lastresortswansea.com.

Designer labels at £15 a kilo, on monthly here.

SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY uDylan’s Animals Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Drop-in event for families. On from 10am-1pm on Thurs 22. Mon 19 and Fri 23 are workshops where you can create sculptural animal masks and printed tote bags/T-

Decoder National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. (Until Sun 25) Markiplier St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £37/£102.50 VIP. Info 029 2087 8444. This month’s guest YouTube star at the Hall. This show seems to be based around playing computer games, as opposed to putting hot sauce on your girlfriend’s contact lenses or something, and Markiplier has quite a wholesome face, but I for one won’t be jumping to any conclusions yet.

Minecraft The Riverfront, Newport. 2-4pm, £8. Info 01633 656757. Social event for kids age 5-11, offering them the chance to play this game in a safe offline environment.

Offline is also good because you can’t see the racist tweets of the guy who created Minecraft.

Museum Conservation

The Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff has booked Ian Rush, perhaps the Wales football team’s greatest ever striker and one of Liverpool’s colossi too, for a speaking engagement on Wed 21 Feb. He’ll be talking about his life, the game and probably avoiding saying anything disparaging about Ryan Giggs which someone might then blab about. shirts, respectively (on from 1-4pm). (Until Sun 25) Lou Lou’s Cardiff Vintage Fair City Hall, Cardiff. 10am4pm, £3/£2.50 members. Info thevintagefair.com.

Mental Health In Music The Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free.

Info info@themooncardiff. com. Including a creative writing workshop, open mic poetry/lyrics/songs, live music and information on support available.

Poetry Session Octavo’s Wine Bar, Cardiff Bay. 2-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 1220. Open mic session; bring along a poem of your own or read a favourite by someone else.

Tea Dance Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 4-7pm, £5. Info oceanartscardiff@ gmx.co.uk. Every third Sunday of the month.

Tramshred: 80s League Of Lycra Tramshed, Cardiff.

11am-12pm + 12.15-1.15pm.

Info 029 2023 5555.

Weber Winter Warmer Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £99. Info 01443 222716.

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY Glamorgan Folk Tales Betws Library, Newport.

2pm, free. Info 01656 815995.

Presented by the Grand Pavilion.

Gwd Mondays Music Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. uMake A Pac Man

Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. Info 029 2034 6214.

See how students from Cardiff University carry out conservation work on our statue from the Cardiff University Settlement building.

Storytelling With Fi And Her Amazing Puppets!

Margam Park, nr Port Talbot.

11.30am. Info 01639 881635.

TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY Higher Education And Swansea’s Revival Swansea Museum. 1pm, free. Info 01792 653763. The Royal Institution Of South Wales host a talk featuring Prof Iwan Davies of Swansea University.

Make Your Own Clay Paint Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen. 11am-3pm, £3. Info 01267 222775.

With Debbie Rees of VegetableAgenda. uMake Your Own Penydarren Locomotive Flip Book Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am-1pm + 2-3.30pm, £20. Info 01685 727371. Drop-in workshop. On tomorrow also.

Making The Eisteddfod Chair National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. As in, how to craft the ceremonial seat out of wood, rather than how to get yourself elected to the panel of directors. uOcean Exploration Extravaganza Glynn Vivian

Art Gallery, Swansea. Free.

Info 01792 516900. Featuring a Plankton v Plastic Draw-Off (Wed 21) and a series of Art Trolley Workshops (Thurs 22-Sun 25). (Until sun 25) Philosophy Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Third Tuesday of every month REPCo: 100 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6-7pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. A showcase of female RWCMD student talent with music, dance, spoken word and visuals. Held in the foyer. One of several REPco Script Cafe Open Mic Night Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722.

029 2038 2116. Talk, Q&A and book signing with the author of Submarine and his latest novel, The Adulterants.

Pattern Design And Vessel Making Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016.

REPCo: Copious 11 S4C Studio, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. An immersive installation piece presented by Royal Welsh College students.

Scrappy Sheep Club: Dragon Crafts National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Llandysul. 12-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3070.

Welsh Wrestling Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £12/£9. Info 0845 2263510.

WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY A Night With Ian Rush Vale Sports Arena, Cardiff.

6.30-10.30pm, £25/£45 meet and greet. Info 029 2078 9060.

Ooh saucy! Of course, this just means the moustachioed 80s Liverpool/Wales goal machine has a speaking engagement here this evening. “The room will be filled with Liverpool fans so you can imagine what the atmosphere will be like!” say the promoters, with cheerful ambiguity.

Family Crafts Newport Museym & Art Gallery. 11am2pm, free. Info 01633 656656.

Hour-long drop-in sessions for families, celebrating 250 years of circus in the UK. Glamorgan Folk Tales Y Llynfi Library, Maesteg.

2pm, free. Info 01656 815995.

Presented by the Grand Pavilion.

Magical Machines Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, £1. Info 029 2034 6214. Family event (aimed at kids aged 4-7) where you can create machine inspired by the artwork of local legend Charles Byrd.

Penned On The Bont Carnegie House, Bridgend.

7.30pm, £4. Info 01656 815757.

Poetry and literature readings from Joe Dunthorne and Sophie McKeand.

Secrets Of The Sea Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

1-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Creative writing workshop with Eloise Williams.

Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 07376 604291. Monthly evening offering a chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports and social group.

Superstars Of Welsh Wrestling Maesteg Town Hall. 7pm, £9. Info 01656 733269.

Witches & Wizards Magical Fun Day Bierkeller, Cardiff. 2-5pm, £20/£15 kids.

Info 0845 533 3000. Harry Potter-themed half term activity.

FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY Aberration Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Informative, multi-faceted evening about LGBT issues.

Birds Of Prey Flying Demonstration St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

2pm, £8.50. Info 01446 799100.

Hosted by Wings Of Wales.

Line Drawing Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, free. Info 01792 652016.

Lunch Club Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-2.30pm, £39. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Roland Mathias Poetry Evening The Muse, Brecon.

7pm. Info 07791 654799.

Featuring poets John Freeman and Jonathan Edwards.

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY Circus Workshop Maesteg Town Hall. 10am, £6.50. Info 01656 733269. Hosted by Organised Kaos and aimed at kids aged 6-12.

Make Your Own Charcoal Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen.

11am-3pm, £5. Info 01267 222775.

Open Space: Joe Dunthorne Central Library Hub, Cardiff. 5.45pm, free. Info

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY Anatomy Lab Live Village Hotel, Cardiff. 5-11.30pm, £79/£70. Info www.itaegroup. co.uk. A touring show in which you eat a two-course meal and watch a team of anatomists and medics dissect a semisynthetic (according to the blurb, the head is real) human corpse onstage. If this sounds “gross” or something to you, well it’s already sold out so you don't have to worry about paying £80 and going by accident. uCardiff Impro: Efficiency In Scenework Weekend Intensive The Arches Rehearsal Studios, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, £95 (two days). Info cardiff@ nathanimprov.com. Weekend intensive improv and acting course aimiung to improve the actors' improv skills to create scenes onstage. With Nathan Impro. On tomorrow also Cardiff Viva! Vegan Festival City Hall, Cardiff.

10.30am-5pm, £3/free under16s. Info 029 2023 0130.

Featuring about 100 stalls as well as some vans and tents outside if you want to be an al fresco vegan.

Cherish: Climate Changes And Coastal Heritage Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 3-4pm. Info 01792 516900. A discussion on the impact of climate change on reefs and islands near Wales/ Ireland.

Kendal Mountain Festival 2018 Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £10-£16.50. Info 01792 863722. Films and talks on an adventure theme; a reprise of a similar tour which debuted last year.

BUZZ 69

* – recommended

live music Level 2 Bike Maintenance Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Roller Derby: Swansea City v Bristol Cwrt Herbert Sports Centre, Swansea.

1-6pm, £5/free under-12s. Info www.swanseacityrollerderby. com.

Saturday Adult Art Classes Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 1-4pm, free.

Info 01792 516900.

Saturday Morning Kitchen Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-12.30pm, £17. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Seedy Saturday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am2pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

Shape/trade seeds, plants and garden equipment.

Smallholding For Beginners Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth.

9.45am-4.30pm, £130. Info 01600 714595.

Vintage Kilo Sale St Catherine"s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am5pm, free. Info 07923 142285.

Designer labels at £15 a kilo, on monthly here.

Winter Ladies Day Chepstow Racecourse.

11.55am-6pm, from £20. Info 01291 622260. Featuring seven races, a ‘vintage’ dress theme

and the opportunity to watch the Six Nations on big screens when you stop trying to feign interest in horse racing.

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY Dolls House And Miniature Fair Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 10.30am, £0.50-£2.50. Info 01656 815995.

Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Bristol City Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 12pm.

Info 0845 3451400.

Ice Hockey: League – Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Tramshred: Smash Hits Tramshed, Cardiff. 11am-12pm + 12.15-1.15pm. Info 029 2023 5555.

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY uSnooker: Welsh Open Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

From £8. Info 029 2022 4488.

Annual week of champion cue wrangling. Today and tomorrow are Round 1, and you can book for the all day sessions or just the evening (starts at 7.30pm); Wed 28 is Round 2 (all day or evening options again); Thurs 1 Mar is Round 3 and 4; Fri 2 Mar is the quarter-finals; Sat 3 Mar the semi-finals and Sun 4 Mar the final, starting at 7pm. See Sport. (Until Sun 4 Mar) The Gay Men’s Book Club

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Monthly get-together, on this occasion discussing The Second Footman by Jasper Barry.

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY Cardiff Castle: A Welsh Victorian Camelot Cardiff Castle. 6pm, £8.

Info 029 2087 8100. Talk by Matthew Williams. Sold out.

Swansea’s Tidal Lagoon: An Update Swansea Museum. 1pm, free. Info 01792 653763. The Royal Institution Of South Wales host a talk featuring Ioan Jenkins of Tidal Lagoon Power. uWorldSong Choir Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

10-11.30am, £40 (five weeks). Info 07549 526527.

Unaccompanied harmony singiong class with Pauline Down.

Every Tuesday until 27 Mar.D WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY Elliecoptor Hoops Hoop Class Cardiff & Vale College, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info elliecoptor@hotmail.com. uNorth Wales Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2030 4400. Featuring guest selections from various breweries in said region. On Sat 3 Mar, the final day, it’ll form part of the Canton Beer Festival with the district’s three other pubs which serve half decent ales.

(Until Sat 3 Mar) Science Cafe National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. uThe Wearable Art Show Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£11. Info 029 2039 1391.

An avant-garde catwalk show soundtracked by the operatic scores of Stravinsky and Birtwhistle. On at 1pm, 4pm and 7.15pm tomorrow and Fri 2 Mar. (Until Fri 2 Mar)

live THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY Billy Lockett Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv.

Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Cancel The Tramsmission + Just Drive + Planet Pilots + Windshake Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 07970 063107.

Electric Soup V M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff.

7-11pm, £5/£4.50 adv. Info 029 2047 3373. Leftfield music with live sets from Smudges, Lecu, Octic, Parcs and Teddy Hunter.

Faith – The George Michael Legacy St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444. Tribute show, with Wayne Dilks taking the

u – repeated

main role. uFrankie Weeson Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny.

8pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Every Thursday this month.

Hackensack Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, from £5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Hegsy & The Elements The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2025 2042. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Jane’s Calamity Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Monthly singalong around the piano.

Laura Power + Aled Rheon + Kingson NosDa, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. A Live By The River night presented by U&I Radio.

Llyr Williams Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20-£24. Info 029 2039 1391. Esteemed concert pianist with a Schubertcentric recital.

Magical Mozart By Candlelight Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 01495 227206. With the European Baroque Ensemble.

Pasadena Roof Orchestra Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715.

Profoundly Blue Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.50. Info 01656 815995. Jazz concert celebrating the music of clarinettist Edmond Hall.

Rapsquillion Newport Fugitives Athletic Club, Rogerstone, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 897923. A Newport Folk Club night.

Rhys Sutcliffe + Georgia Fearn The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £3. Info 01267 231012.

The Surrenders + Local Enemy + Parish + Socket The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£6 adv. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Presented

by This Feeling.

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY Allegri Quartet Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Dirty Alex Gwdihw, Cardiff.

9pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Local hip-hop group.

Fire Fences + Whiskey Lies + Just Drive Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £2. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com.

Hotter Than Hell The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Kiss tribute band.

I Am Drug + Nigel The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

John Godwin The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235. Live music here every Friday.

Kill 66 Rhondda Hotel,

live review THE CRIBS

Tramshed, Cardiff, Tue 16 Jan Whoever has chosen the inter-band playlist, meanwhile, has clearly heard of Cardiff’s reputation as a party city. There’s quite the contrast as main support band, Dublin grungers Fangclub, leave the stage in a tumult of feedback, only for the lights to go up and Cyndi Lauper to be blasted out of the speakers.

Wakefield’s finest The Cribs are touring their latest album, the Steve Albini produced 24-7 Rock Star Shit, but the show is something of a greatest hits collection. They kick off with Mirror Kissers from sophomore album The New Fellas, which produces a mixture of screams, mobiles in the air and a middle-aged moshpit. The opening few tunes are relentless with barely a pause for breath.

Come On, Be A No-One and I’m A Realist both receive a rapturous welcome.

The ‘new stuff’ is also belted out, but the tracks are peppered throughout the 22-strong setlist, making for a set that both flows and melts faces.

A few surprises happen along the way. The mysterious baseball-capped figure hiding behind the amps, occasionally providing more guitar noise, is none other than Russell ‘The Disaster’ Searle from the criminally undervalued (and Wakefield-based) The Research. There’s also a spot of heavy-handedness from security – a young woman frogmarched out of the venue after throwing her cardigan onto the stage. Her cardigan. When she eventually returns, she is greeted by the sight of Ryan Jarman wearing it (which he does for the remainder of the show). She even gets a dedication in the form of Shoot The Poets – a standout of the Men’s Needs… record and one of the show’s finest hours.

Despite being seven albums heavier and 16 years older than when they formed, there is no denying The Cribs’ energy and passion to entertain a crowd. The wait for Be Safe and Men’s Needs is unavoidable, but it pays off – along with Pink Snow, it’s the perfect end to a great show. words BEN GALLIVAN photos JON HERRON

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH: FREDO (Tramshed, Cardiff, Mon 5) WATERPARKS (Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 8) STIFF LITTLE FINGERS (Tramshed, Fri 9) HIGH CONTRAST (Tramshed, Wed 21) TURIN BRAKES (Tramshed, Fri 23) SPACE (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Sat 24) ASTROID BOYS BUZZ 70

* – recommended Porth. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 01443 682388. Rock covers.

Let The Music Play Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18-£20.50. Info 01792 475715.

A celebration of the music of Barry White led by William Hicks, no relation to the deceased Texan comedian.

Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month.

Marmozets Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. UK rock band.

Musical Masterpieces: Kenneth Hamilton Cardiff University Concert Hall. 1.152pm, free. Info 029 2087 4816.

Piano recital.

Out Of The Black District Club, Pontypridd. 9pm. Info 01443 402550. Hard rock covers.

Paige Kenzie Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Carrack St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £41/£34.

Info 029 2087 8444. It’s rare that I’ve been inspired to say something about Paul Carrack in the 15-20 previous times I've typed his name in these listings, and this occasion will be no different.

Penni Ediker, Stef Balesi & Jonathan Shorland St Fagans Village Hall. 7.30pm, £8/£6/£4 kids/free under12s. Info 029 2023 2970. A Pentreffest Noz folk night.

Punchline Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rachel B The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Smiling Tigers + Dead At 27 + Jacdo + State Flow The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. This is heat one of a series called Battle For Byline, whatever that means, and heats 2-5 are on Fri 9, Fri 16, Fri 23 and Fri 2 Mar, with the final on Fri 23 Mar. Spring King + Fizzy Blood + Buzzard Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £10.

Info 029 2023 2199. Indie. In Swansea on Sun 4.

Sultans Of String Queens Hall, Narberth. 7pm, £16/£11 adv. Info 01834 869323.

The Fugitives Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

The Lost Will And Testament Of Jake Thackray Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01600 772467. Tribute to 1960s British songwriter.

The Opera Boys Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £22/£20. Info 0845 2263510.

Ah, the boys, who sing opera.

Tom Emlyn + Felix Subway + Gareth Davies + Neil Clarke Creature Sound, Swansea. 8pm, £3. Info 01792 301178.

Tusk + Head Noise The Duke, Neath. 8pm, free.. Info 01639 643892. Last ever gig for the fuzzy indie headliners.

Whitney – Queen Of The Night The Riverfront,

u – repeated

Newport. 7.30pm, £24/£22. Info 01633 656757. Tribute show.

SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY uAcoustic Duos The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235. Local acts here every Saturday.

Black Coast + Wars + Enmerkar Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7pm, £5. Info 07970 063107.

Captain Cat & The Sailors The Last Resort, Swansea.

Cwmbran. 9pm, free. Info 01633 484749. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Mr Woodnote & The Most Trio The Globe At Hay, HayOn-Wye. 8pm, £6. Info 01497 821762.

Nathan Carter St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £28/£25.

Info 029 2087 8444. Irish pop sensation.

Peepshow Jac’s, Aberdare.

8pm, free. Info 01685 879491.

On Thurs 22 Feb, Cardiff Bay’s Exchange Hotel – the current incarnation of the Coal Exchange – hosts a gig, like the old days. It’s a show honouring the memory of local jazz scene fave Mike Harries, who fronted The Root Doctors and who died in January aged 85.

Proceeds will go to British Heart Foundation.

9pm. Info lastresortswansea@ gmail.com.

Chris Phillips + 4brothers + Scott Howells + Heavy Flames The Tabernacle, Talgarth. 7.30pm, £3. Info info@thetabernacle.co.uk.

Album launch gig for headliner.

Falling From Grace The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm, free.

Info 01495 247178.

Fighting Fifth Husky + I Am Drug The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Filthy/Gorgeous Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. *Frauds + John + Twisted Ankle The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Neato noisy rock bands presented by Cosmic Carnage and Lesson No.1 Georgia Paterson The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 654753. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Henry Marten’s Ghost Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 07818 056599.

Lacertilia + The Biggext Thing Since Powdered Milk + Cybernetic Witch Cult + Not Since The Accident Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. Fifth birthday gig for the stoner-psych-rock headliners.

Legend: The Bob Marley Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute band.

Macmillan Rocks Pembrokeshire Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7pm, £13.50/£12.50. Info 01646 695267. Charity night featuring The Jumping Fleas, The Stackpole Singers, Savanah and Jack Sound Matt Woosey Band Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01633 483238. Borough Blues Club gig.

Mr Hate Blinkin Owl,

Playing after the rugby finishes, Rachel B Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Sam Walters The Mariners, Laugharne. 8.30pm, free. Info 01994 427688. Playing in sibling venue Browns tomorrow.

Sigiriya + Groundnuts & Independents + Iron Gosling The Garage, Swansea. 8pm-3am, £5. Info 01792 475147. Local doom metal and punk bands. DJs in between/after the bands, which I imagine explains the 3am finish time.

That Guy We Saw Last Night Birchgrove, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Crackers Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

The Magic Of Motown Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £24/£22.50. Info 0845 2263510.

Tree House Fire Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com.

SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY Hold Up!! Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 8pm-2am. Info 029 2009 5590. Hip-hop, rap and grime from live acts and DJs, on every first Saturday of the month here if this launch night goes well.

Old Strafford + Martin Arundel The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7pm, £5. Info 01267 231012. Blues and Americana.

Open Mic/Karaoke Jac’s, Aberdare. 4pm, free. Info 01685 879491.

Sam Walters Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Slowest Lift + Seth Cooke + Deaf Pictures Spit & Sawdust, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3.50 adv. Info 029 2049 4741.

Experimental music in this skatepark/art space. hosted by

live music Phantomhead Recordings aka Ian Watson.

Spring King + Fizzy Blood + Bandicoot Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 468892. uSteve Tarner Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Every Sunday this month.

Strange Bones Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

The Railsplitters Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060.

Colorado bluegrass band.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2070 8675. Open mic night presented by Nailed It Events.

The Sunday Sessions: The Mignonettes Octavo’s Wine Bar, Cardiff Bay. 2-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 1220.

The Wedding Present + Dexy The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 07590 471888. Indie veterans with another of their 30th anniversary album shows, this time for Tommy. Wonder if they’ll be around to do a 30th anniversary show for whatever their new album was when they started doing these 30th anniversary shows.

MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY Brunel + Bicycle Thieves + The Earth & Me + Fallow Undertone, Cardiff.

7pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883.

Hosted by DIY Cardiff.

Ceredigion Music Service Senior Ensembles Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Info 01970 623232.

Ian Stoutzker Prize: SemiFinal Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. uLive Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Here every Monday.

Rat Boy Tramshed, Cardiff.

7pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2023 5555.

Raveneye + Skam The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Hard rockers. uUkulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.

TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers. uChamber Tuesdays Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6-7pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Foyer performances, every Tuesday until 22 Mar. Christine Tobin Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. See Music.

Chris Wood St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £16/£15 adv.

Info 029 2087 8444. Roots Unearthed gig. We previewed Chris a few months back and he is also discussed in

the RU monthly column. In Ammanford tomorrow. uCommunity Samba Band – Practise Dates Llanfrynach Village Hall, Brecon. 7-9pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday.

Dave Smith Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Ellen Williams & Gwenllian Llyr Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5.50. Info 01656 815995.

Classical duo’s lunchtime recital.

Esprit D’Air + Stereo Juggernaut Buffalo, Cardiff.

7pm. Info 029 2031 0312.

Headliners are a Japanese rock band based in London.

Jennifer Ku Cardiff University Concert Hall.

7-9pm, £10/£8/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Recital in the International Piano Series. uOpen Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free.

Info 01497 821762. Every Tuesday. uOpen Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday.

Orphan Colours + Violent Hearts + Holy Dog The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £12/£10 adv. Info info@ themooncardiff.com.

Headliners include members of Noah & The Whale.

Scarlet + Death And The Penguin + Tropix Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933..

Sinfonia Cymru St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2087 8444.

Lunchtime concert, pay what you feel to be fit.

The Sounds Of Black Uhuru Performed By Mykal Rose The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. It looks like there are two active versions of reggae legends Black Uhuru at the moment, so I can’t say how dignified this all is, but they did some class tunes so with a good band this might be worth a punt.

The Word Alive + The Color Morale + Like Moths To A Flame Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £13. Info 029 2023 2199.

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY American Masters: Royal Welsh College Percussion And Piano Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Aniya Savage + Stephen Beebout + James Ewan Tait Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933..

A Folk In The Owl’s Nest night. uBandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Also on Fri 16. uBella & Gareth Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Wed 21.

Chris Wood Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510.

Goodkatz, Gethin Liddington & Richard West Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Jam Night The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, free. Info 01267 231012.

Lipstick On Your Collar Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £16.50-£20.50. Info 01792 475715. Hits from the 50s and 60s.

Neath Folk Club The Canterbury Arms, Neath.

6-11pm, free. Info 01639 642210. uOpen Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Wednesday. Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here. uOpen Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday.

Phil Beer The Muse, Brecon.

7.30pm. Info 07791 654799.

Brecon Folk Club night.

Sinfonia Cymru The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5.

Info 01633 656757. Performing works by Mozart, Britten and Bach.

The Brother Brothers Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night for these Brooklyn-based twins. In Abergavenny tomorrow.

Vincent Herring Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £15. Info 07802 912789.

Will Black The Big Top, Cardiff. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Canadian rock musician who I imagine has a selective, yet deeply loyal fanbase plays a 150-minute set of originals and covers.

Will Varley + Ida Mae + Sean Macgowan The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888.

THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY BBC NOW: Sibelius 5 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2087 8444.

Conducted by Thomas Søndergård. In Swansea tomorrow.

El Morgan & The Divers + Windshake + Salvador Sanchez Mozarts, Swansea.

8pm, £4. Info 01792 649984.

Folky country type solo artist headlines with two local supports.

Fallen Temples + 100,000 Bodybags + Red And The Hogweeds The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £2. Info 01267 231012.

Harp And A Monkey The Muse, Brecon. 7.30pm. Info 01970 880855. Aberystwyth Folk Club night.

Haus Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2023 2199. London indie quintet.

Henry Marten’s Ghost The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2025 2042. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Keith James Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 8pm, £14 adv.

Info 01646 695267. Playing his Leonard Cohen tribute set.

Max Wright Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Mud On The Tyres The

(Cardiff University, Fri 30) WALES GOES POP! (The Gate, Cardiff, Fri 30-Sun 1 Apr) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL: SHAME (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 4) LOST HORIZONS (Clwb Ifor Bach, Fri 20) BETH HART (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 21) FEROCIOUS DOG (The Globe, Sat 21) IAN MCNABB (Tramsport Club, BUZZ 71

* – recommended

live music

JIM GHEDI Bleddfa Centre, Radnorshire, Fri 23 Feb; Capel Y Graig, Furnace, Ceredigion, Sat 24 Feb. Tickets: £8.

Info: 01547 550377 (Bleddfa) / aviallen@hotmail.com (Furnace) Two performances in the farther-flung corners of Wales by a folk musician who evidently takes succour from the rural parts of Britain: his tour also includes dates in the Scottish Highlands and his home of Moss Valley, north Derbyshire. Jim Ghedi also has an established connection with Wales – he played Capel Y Graig in 2016, while his 2015 debut album Home Is Where I Exist, Now To Live And Die was released by Rhayader guitarist Toby Hay on his Cambrian label. (Followup A Hymn For Ancient Land is out this month on another imprint, Basin Rock.) Hay will join the bill for Ghedi’s Fri 23 date, which should prove a captivating showcase for the instrumental 12-string excellence – think John Fahey or John Renbourn, for starters – of both parties.

Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304. Folk night.

Perp Posse + Trials + Owth + Kayak The Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, £3. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. This night is titled True Dirt: Untapped and is a live electronica showcase.

The Blinders The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 07590 471888. Political punk rock and psychedelic poetry, it says here.

The Brother Brothers The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny. 7.30-9.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01873 736430.

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY AFBOB The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Alys Williams + Iwan Huws St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2056 2022.

Presented by Twrw.

Bass 12 + Wonderbrass Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Monthly Brass Takeover night, the last one in a two-year run in fact.

BBC NOW: Sibelius 5 Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

7.30pm, £15-£20. Info 01792 475715.

Bootleg Blondie Duo Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £13.75. Info 01792 863722. Blondie tribute act.

If they are only a duo, who’s the non-Debbie Harry member supposed to be emulating?

Breabach The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £12/£10.

Info 01639 843163. UK roots band. In Abergavenny on Sat 10 Calypso The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Children Of The Gravy Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07512 237983. Black Sabbath tribute.

Chris Kelly Black Lion Llandaff, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2056 7312. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Eddie Martin The Met, Abertillery. 8pm, £10. Info 01600 772467. British bluesrocker.

Forgotten Remains +M Democratus The Duke, Neath. 7pm.. Info 01639 643892. Extreme metal Fortunate Sons Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026.

Green Haze + 182The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Tributes to Green Day and Blink 182.

Guilty Pleasures The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. This looks to be a Bandaoke type

setup where a house band plus guest singers will perform ‘guilty pleasure’ songs. Catch me at the bar trying to talk to strangers about how the concept of guilty pleasures is rockist, classist and otherwise problematic.

Joe Dolman + John Charles The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762.

Malum Sky + Cancel The Transmission + Handsome Ape + Guilty Rascals The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

Maria Marchant Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. Piano recital.

Mark Nevin Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £14.

Info 029 2089 0862. Fella out of Fairground Attraction.

O Duo Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

1.15pm, £8/£6 adv/£3 schools.

Info 029 2039 1391. Percussion duo.

Ofelia + Cwcw Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 01495 227206.

Welsh bands presented by the Forté Project.

Punchline Ty Newydd, Barry.

9pm, free. Info 01446 407767.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Still Crazy District Club, Pontypridd. 9pm. Info 01443 402550. Classic rock covers.

The Damned + Slim Jim Phantom Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union.

7-11pm, £26 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. First wave UK punk band Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian are still in the lineup, alongside dubstep producer Pinch, or possibly someone using the same name.

The Overtones + Jay James St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £21-£66.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Vocal harmony manboys. Top priced ticket gets you VIP stuff.

The Skiptones Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Jazz.

The Special Brew + Skacasm Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7pm, £13. Info 01656 815995. Ska bands play gig in aid of the Mayor Of Porthcawl’s Charity Fund.

Twrw & Dydd Miwsig Cymru Daytime Gig Castle Emporium, Cardiff. 12-8pm, free. Info 029 2023 2199. In conjunction with Clwb Ifor Bach. Bands TBC. Walk Like A Man Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £21.50.

Info 0300 3656677. One of a bafflingly large number of tributes to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons which do the rounds. There's another one in Blackwood this month too.

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 6foot7 + The Larry Fish Experiment + Hell Death Fury The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Ska-punk bands I think.

AC/DC UK The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm, £8/£5 adv. Info 01495 247178. Tribute band.

80s Mania Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20.50.

Info 01792 475715. Songs from the decade played by a live band and danced to by dancers. The show has been verbally endorsed by Mike Read, recently in the news for interviewing Chevy Chase in disastrous fashion.

Abstract Orchestra: J Dilla Tribute Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15.

Info 029 2023 2199. Late hiphop producer’s music is reinterpreted in a live setting, by a group who have previously done the same to MF Doom.

Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16/£14 adv. Info 029 2062 6015.

Big Sky Blinkin Owl, Cwmbran. 9pm, free. Info 01633 484749. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Blues Hero Queens Hall, Narberth. 7pm, £10. Info 01834 869323. A tribute to Pat Grover, late bluesman from these parts, featuring musicians including Giles Robson, The Blue Zeroes and The Hawks.

Breabach Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15/£13.

Info 01873 850805.

Don Broco Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union.

7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. See Music.

Fleetingwood Mac Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15.

Info 029 2089 0862. Tribute band.

Guilty Pleasure Cockett

u – repeated

Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Guto Dafis & Danny Kilbride Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 491424. Welsh folk and storytelling.

Hangleton Youth Brass Band National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 3pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600.

Hot Club Gallois Pyle Library, Porthcawl. 8pm, £4.50.

Info 01656 815995. uJon Crespo Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £2 after 11.

Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Sat 17 and Sat 24.

Keith Rock Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Maddie & The Pandas Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

The Mudskippers The Last Resort, Swansea. 9pm. Info lastresortswansea@gmail. com.

Rachel B The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events. *Refugee Rights Campaign Benefit Gig Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 6pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2037 3144. Featuring live sets from CVC, Sock, Private World, French Alps Tiger and Papa Jupe's Taurus Club; speakers and stalls from Young Socialists Cardiff; and a raffle with cool sounding prizes.

Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £18/£16. Info 029 2039 1391. Jazz.

Rotary Young Musician Of The Year Area Final Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 2pm. Info 01982 552555.

Sinfonia Cymru Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0845 2263510. Performing works by Mozart, Britten and Bach.

Tarantism + Mercurius Rising + Cosmo + Brewers Daughter Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Dog on a string festival faves.

Twisted Illusion + Jupiter’s Carnival + Kinky Wizzards Jac’s, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01685 879491.

U2 Baby The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute band.

Water Poets + TangleJack & Tom Bailey The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, free. Info 01267 231012.

Welsh Floyd Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Pink Floyd tribute band.

Wizards Of Oz The Dolls House, Abertillery. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01495 213300. Ozzy Osbourne tribute.

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY British Sea Power The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Enduring indie eccentrics.

Sold out.

Dom Pipkin And The Ikos Trio Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Barry. 6.30pm, £10 adv.

Info www. hangfiresouthernkitchen.com.

Blues duo. A Roots N All gig. uFolk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm.

Info 07477 627267. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month (also on Sun 25 in February), with an extra acoustic session on the third Sunday (Sun 18) too.

Hot Club Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £5. Info 029 2038 7026. Monthly night.

India Electric Company Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £12. Info 029 2089 0862.

Lee Oliver & James McCrory Browns, Laugharne.

3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Panic Station Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

The Sherlocks Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50 adv.

Info 029 2023 5555. Youngish indie band. *Wall + Peril + Private World Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7-10pm, free.

Info 029 2037 3144. Local emo, hardcore and shoegaze type bands playing in this venue's new space, currently dubbed the Pink Room.

Willy Mason + Nina Violet Buffalo, Cardiff.

1.30- + 7pm, £15 per show.

Info 029 2031 0312. American indie-country type plays a smaller than normal venue, the evening show of which sold out quickly. So he added an afternoon one, which may not be sold out.

MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY Live Dead 69 The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 07590 471888. Grateful Dead tribute band.

TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY Blue Haze Quartet The Muse, Brecon. 8pm, £10/£8.

Info 07791 654799. Brecon Jazz night.

Divide + Junior Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Hamell On Trial + The Abstract Man Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £8 adv.

Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

OENM Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Contemporary music from a group whose name stands for Österreichisches Ensemble für Neue Musik.

Orchestradventure! St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £3-£7. Info 029 2039 1391.

Featuring the Royal Welsh College Symphony Orchestra and aimed at young audiences.

The Ataris + Slimboy The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. The Ataris tour to mark 15 years since their So Long Astoria album. As you may have seen, the guy who played bass on it was recently arrested for telemarketing fraud, but will that take the edge off these sweet pop-punk hits tonight? Don’t bet on it!

The Hermes Experiment St

Cardiff, Sat 21) TOKIO MYERS (St David’s Hall, Wed 25) SHOWHAWK (The Globe, Fri 27) SHERIDAN SMITH (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sun 29) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR MAY: MANIC STREET PREACHERS + THE CORAL (Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Sat 5) SPEAR OF DESTINY (The Globe, Thurs 31) BUZZ 72

live music David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £10.

Info 029 2087 8444. Youthful jazz/classical quartet whose repertoire includes Meredith Monk, which is cool.

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY Amigos Gypsy Orchestra Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £15. Info 07802 912789.

Bigfoot Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. American string band. *Black Moth + Grave Lines Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £11/£9 adv. Info 07970 063107.

Neat stoner-ish London band headline.

CAVMS Youth Big Band & Torfaen Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands. plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Concert & Cakes Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 1pm, £4.

Info 0300 0040444. Monthly performance. *Drab Majesty + Dune Messiah + Private World The Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Swine Language present some fine goth/postpunk action.

Golden Melodies with Craig & Jason The Met, Abertillery. 2pm, £8. Info 01600 772467. Price includes tea and cake.

Les Chemins De L’amour: Royal Welsh College Singers And Harpists Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Rattle On The Stovepipe Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. uSteve Harley Acoustic Trio + Beatrix Players Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm. Info 029 2089 0862.

Three dates for Cockney Rebel bloke and his two musician pals. All of which are sold out!

(Until Sat 16) uThe Bay Rum Hounds Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Also on Wed 28.

The Lovely Eggs + Porky The Poet Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199. Scouse indie duo, whose album should have a review in this issue, with support from Phill Jupitus in his 80s comedy poet guise.

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY Bars And Melody Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £25 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Twinky pop duo play gig rescheduled from last year.

Bay Rum Hounds Crindau Constitutional Club, Newport.

8pm, £8/£5. Info 01633 858636.

A Lyceum Folk Club night.

Bridges Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Dappy Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Sold out. Which took me by surprise, I can tell you.

Death Pedals + The Vega Bodegas + Rough Music Le Public Space, Newport.

7.30pm, £7 adv. Info sam@ lepub.co.uk. Noisy rock band from London headline. Think this is their last tour.

Fioled The Moon, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Bilingual live showcase presented by Pi & Hash.

Gethin Liddington Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5.

Info 029 2038 7026.

Jazz Jam Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com.

Julian Stringle & The John Gibbon Trio Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £5-£11. Info 01834 869323.

Spanjazz night.

Lindsay Lou And The Flatbellys Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.50. Info 01656 815995. Americana.

Peter Jagger The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Cory Band The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £8-£14.

Info 01600 772467.

William Bolcom 80th Birthday Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Way Out West The Globe, Cardiff. 7pm, £16.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Nineties rave faves from Bristol tour again with a live set.

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY Alex Davies The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Aubrey Parsons The Fairwater, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2033 3049. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Bowling For Soup + The Aquabats! + Army Of Freshmen Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £25. Info 029 2022 4488. See Upfront.

Calypso Ty Newydd, Barry.

9pm, free. Info 01446 407767.

Presented by Nailed It Events. *Chicos De Nazca + Flowers For Freaks The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Headliners are a Chilean psych band based in Berlin.

Dansette Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Seven-piece soul band.

Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon + Rufus Mufasa + Beatbox Hann Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. UK hip-hop presented by Starving Artists.

Erasure + Bright Light Bright Light St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £41.50. Info 029 2087 8444. British pop champs. Sold out.

Forever In Blue Jeans Miners Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £19.50/£18.50. Info 01495 227206. Country and rock’n’roll tribute show.

Glas Cockett Inn, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Greg Rowlands + Huw Pudner & Bob Thomas Glais Rugby Football Club, nr Clydach, Swansea. 8pm, £7.

Info 01792 425231. A Valley Folk Club night.

I Fight Bears + Malum Sky + Icantdie Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £3. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com.

Inc.A Carnegie House, Bridgend. 8pm, £8. Info 01656 815757. South Wales jazzy sorts.

Just Adele Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £17/£15. Info 01874 611622.

Tribute act.

Lazarus Moon + Scarsun + Apathy Avenue + Seventh Circle The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Let’s Dance Maesteg Town Hall. 8pm, £20.50. Info 01656 733269. Bowie tribute show featuring Paul Roberts, who sung for the Stranglers for 16 years, and as such is arguably their most established frontman despite no-one really knowing who he is.

Macca, The Concert Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01656 815995. As in Paul McCartney.

Money For Nothing Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare.

7.30pm, £18. Info 0300 0040444. Dire Straits tribute.

Motley Crüde+ Poizon The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Glam metal tribute bands.

Paige Kenzie The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rumney Folk Club St Augustine’s Church, Rumney, Cardiff. 7pm, £3.50/£1.50 for performers. Info derek@ rumneyfolkclub.co.uk. Monthly night.

Septura Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391. Brass septet.

Sophie Crabtree + James The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Supersonic 70’s Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01834 869323.

Decade-specific tribute act.

The Connections District Club, Pontypridd. 9pm. Info 01443 402550. Rock covers.

The Fused + Avalanche Party + Wych Helm + Parish Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £3. Info 029 2023 2199.

The Orange Circus Band + Little Folk The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com.

Thirteen Stars + The King Lot + Beth Blade And The Beautiful Disasters + Beyond The Break Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 07970 063107.

Valentines Thank You Gig No.6 The Garage, Swansea.

7pm-1am, £12.50. Info 01792 475147. Fundraiser for fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Morriston Hospital Swansea, featuring sets by Skandalizers, The Squirts, Plastic Sam’s Stargazer, Balsamo, Collins & Hamill, the Aber Taiko Drummers and The Last Southern Ghosts.

Velvet & Stone The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5.

Info 01497 821762.

World Vs World + Second Sons + Swamp Thief Creature Sound, Swansea.

7.30pm, £2.50/£2 adv. Info 01792 301178.

Zervas & Pepper + Christopher Rees St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2056 2022. Local soft rock dreamer duo headline; countryflavoured songsmith Rees supports.

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 21st Rorke’s Drift Concert Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

7.30pm, £10/£9. Info 01874 611622. Featuring over 100

cadet force musicians from the UK. Anita Harris Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Songs and showbiz anecdotes.

Anvil + Traitors Gate Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, £12 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Cinematically documented 80s metal survivors. uBand Cymru 2018 Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

2.30 + 8pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Welsh jazz/brass/ wind band competition. Book in advance please. On tomorrow also.

Bandicoot + Fpssette + Tracy Island + String Theory 8 Bit Bar, Swansea.

7pm, £5 adv. Info facebook. com/8bitswansea. High Tide present one of two gigs this month at a sort of gaming bar that changed its name to The Pit to become a rock venue, but has now changed it back because this drove away all the previous clientele.

Brass Bands Championship 2018 Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 12pm, £7-£9. Info 01656 815995.

Cardiff Sinfonietta: Liverpool Lullabies Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15.50-£21.50. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Chaos Festival Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

1pm, £17 adv. Info 029 2037 3144. A intensely slamming guttural chainsaw of death metal and deathcore intensity, with the following soft boys: Unfathomable Ruination, Acranius, Korpse, Abhorrent Decimation, Human Vivisection, Sodomized Cadaver, Visions Of Disfigurement, Plague Father, Monasteries, Infected Dead, Embodiment and Cerebral Atrophy.

Choral Reflection St Peter’s Church, Roath, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring the Royal Welsh College Chamber Choir.

Damien Wilson & Adam Wakeman Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Prog rockers (Damian is a seasoned hired gun in the genre; Adam is Rick’s son) playing as an acoustic duo.

Darren Eedens & The Slim Pickins The Last Resort, Swansea. 9pm. Info lastresortswansea@gmail. com.

Dreadzone The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888. Live dub reggae sorts. Play these parts about once a year I reckon.

Georgia Patterson Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

John Mouse + My Name Is Ian Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £10 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Kane’d + Nasty High + Digital Criminals Jac’s, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01685 879491.

Keith Rock The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Neil Younger The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5.

Info 01497 821762. Neil Young

tribute.

Quercus Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £15/£10/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Jann-folk trio of June Tabor, Huw Warren and Iain Ballamy.

Rachel B Birchgrove, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Re Abba Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Penarth. 7pm, £3. Info 029 2070 7530. Abba tribute band.

Royal Scam Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff.

8.30pm. Info 029 2062 6015.

Steely Dan tribute.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £26.50 adv. Info 029 2023 5555.

Big-via-YouTube guy who does modern pop hits in a vintage jazz dance band style. Sounds horrid to me, but not to the hundreds of people who have caused this to sell out by purchasing all the tickets.

Sister Act Live Choir St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22/£18. Info 029 2087 8444.

SPH Band Contest Buffalo, Cardiff. 4.30pm-12am, £7. Info 029 2031 0312. Some UK-wide battle of the bands bollocks with these names playing today: Crystalline, Dead Crow, Deneon, Just Drive, Lost in Chemistry, Sensorless, State Flow and The Rotanas.

State Of Decay + Godbomber + Social Experiment The Duke, Neath. 8pm, free.. Info 01639 643892. Punk.

Synthesthesia Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7pm, £6.

Info 01239 615952. Described by the venue as “an immersive journey of the senses into an abstract audio visual soundscape, humans interface with synthesisers freeing the ghosts from the machines,” this will include live electronic sets from Subversive Frequencies, Leo, Alpturer, Badshampoo, The Welsh Modular Alliance and Somatic Responses (yes!!

I put their first Welsh show on you know... about 12 years after they formed). Plus AV/art type stuff from from Captain Black, Jacob Whittaker and VJ Unomass.

The Sabbath Years The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Black Sabbath tribute band.

The Shakes Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Ultimate Floyd Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv.

Info 01495 708022. Pink Floyd tribute.

SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 3sticks & Chris Jewell CMC Sports And Leisure Club, UHW campus, Cardiff.

8-11.30pm, £10/£8 adv/£5 kids.

Info 029 2039 4207. A RUFF Ceilidh night, also featuring interview guests Tiger Feet Appalachian.

Acoustic Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells.

4pm. Info 07477 627267.

Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar.

Jamie Lenman + Gender Roles + Loa Loa The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888. Headliner used to be in Britrock band Reuben.

Philharmonia Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

3.30pm, £5-£41. Info 029 2087 8444. Jakub Hrusa conducts a programme of Beethoven and Mahler.

Reg Mex The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

Sepulchre + In Which It Burns + Sound Of Insane Music The Patriot, Crumlin.

7pm. Info 01495 247178.

Snatch It Back Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info 029 2062 6015.

Sun Dogs Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY Easy Street Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. *Farce + Runt + Asid Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6. Info 029 2037 3144. Hardcore from London and Cardiff, expect sets as short as the band's names.

John Mouse Spillers Records, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free.

Info 029 2022 4905. Instore performance to launch an album which is glowingly reviewed in this very magazine.

REPCo Philharmonia: Music Of Germany And Austria Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.45pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2039 1391.

The X Factor Live Tour Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

6.30pm, from £20. Info 029 2022 4488. Featuring Grace Davies, Kevin Davy White, RakSu, Matt Linnen, Lloyd Macey and The Cutkelvins, plus host Becca Dudley. Sold out.

TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY All That Jazz Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Dead! + The Kenneths + Coroners Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199.

Endymion Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816.

Chamber music group.

Lunchtime Concert Cornerstone, Cardiff. 1.10pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391.

New monthly concerts in this Charles Street venue, presented by the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama.

Martin & Eliza Carthy Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan.

7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01239 621200. See Music. In Builth Wells tomorrow.

Money For Nothing Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £23. Info 01792 475715. Dire Straits tribute.

Redfaces + The Pitchforks + Bute Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Some sort of indie band from Sheffield. Fuelled By Jealous Lovers present.

REPCo: Brass Band Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £6/£4.

Info 029 2039 1391.

Sarah Baldock St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2087 8444.

Organ recital.

BUZZ 73

* – recommended

stage Students Of Atlantic College St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 3pm, £6.50.

Info 01446 799100.

The Groucho Club The Open Hearth, Pontypool. 8.30pm. Info martin.fisher1944@hotmail. co.uk. A Jazz At The Open Hearth night.

The Orielles + Buzzard + Private World Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Also featuring Hard Lines DJs. The Script Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £45/£37.50.

Info 029 2022 4488. I love to write scathing, bitchy critiques of this hitmaking Irish poprock trio, or ‘read The Script’.

Sold out gig by the way.

Vonda Shepard Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £25 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

American pop-rock songwriter, best known for writing the Ally McBeal music.

WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY Andy Collins Open Mic Night Cockett Inn, Swansea.

8pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

BBC NOW: Contemporary Evenings Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11-£13. Info 029 2063 6464.

Chris Dean & Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea.

8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Free Throw + Dry Jacket Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £9. Info 029 2023 2199.

Husky Loops + Silent Forum Porter’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@porterscardiff. com. Presented by Swn. *Dtub + Ian Watson + Oliver Scott Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7933. Album launch set for the headliner, aka Jaxson Payne and who I have written about admiringly in this organ before. His live sets are great and so are his releases, get down to this! Don Leisure is also DJing.

Fader + Selena In The Chapel + Jomez Beatbox + The Honest Poet Warehouse 54, Newport. 7pm, £2. Info 01633 213161.

Jessarae The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Magnum Tramshed, Cardiff.

7pm, £22.50 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Hard rock.

Martin & Eliza Carthy Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01982 552555.

Paul Weller Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7.30pm, £42.50.

Info 029 2022 4488. See Music.

REPCo: Spectre Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £6/£4. Info 029 2039 1391. Described as “a comprehensive experiment on improvisation in music and exploring human mind,” which sounds interesting (to me).

Richard West Experience with Alicia Hooper Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands. plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

The Gentle Good The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2048 3344. Headlining the venue’s more-or-less monthly folk night.

The Little Mix Experience Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry.

BUZZ 74

6.30pm, £12.50/£10.50 adv.

Info 01446 738622. Tribute act.

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY Capital City Jazz Orchestra Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Collibus + Endeavour + Insuna Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

7pm. Info 07970 063107. Prog metal bands.

Desert Mountain Tribe + Milk + Strange Cages + Soundwire The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6/£4.50 adv.

Info info@themooncardiff. com. UK psych band headline.

Their singer’s name is Jonty Balls and I am definitely too mature to have spent five minutes giggling to myself at this.

Hide Your Eyes + A Night Like This + Death By Disco 8 Bit Bar, Swansea.

7pm, £5 adv. Info facebook. com/8bitswansea.

Ian Poole Quartet The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events. *Italia 90 + Disjoy + Peril Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. All My Friends and Lesson No.1 present a bill of hot to trot punk and hardcore.

Headliners are from London, the other two from Cardiff.

Matthew Reid Trio Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Mike Harries Memorial Gig TheExchange Hotel, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2010 7050. Harries was a popular local jazz type musician with bands including The Root Doctors, and who died in January. This is a memorial/ benefit gig in aid of British Heart Foundation.

NC Sessions Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info 01656 655015. Live acoustic acts, every third Thursday of the month.

Paul Young The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25 adv. Info 07590 471888. Sold out.

REPCo: Blackbird Opera Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2039 1391.

Extracts from Sir Walter Scott’s operas, performed by postgraduate vocal students, accompanied on piano by RWCMD’s Junior Répétiteur Fellow, Conal BembridgeSayers.

REPCo: Harmonie Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6-7pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Works by Mozart, Strauss and Dvorak, performed in the foyer.

Smooth Operator The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Little Mix Experience Grand Theatre, Swansea. 6pm, £15.50. Info 01792 475715.

Tribute band.

This Is Wreckage + Eva Bartok + King Juss NosDa, Cardiff. 7-11pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Noisy rock bands presented by Bywyd Records.

FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY Acoustic Open Mic Night The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Afternoon In Paris Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £3-£11. Info 01792 863722.

Andy Park The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

BBC NOW: Composition: Wales Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. New Welsh composers’ showcase.

Black Water Chemistry + Haast’s Eagled + Salt Bath + Cry Of A Cynic Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £4. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

Benefit gig for the Royal Gwent Hospital Neonatal Unit.

Celtic Mosh 23 Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 708022. With bands TBC. Fleetwood Bac The Met, Abertillery. 8pm, £16. Info 01600 772467. Fleetwood Mac tribute. In Monmouth tomorrow.

Glas Ty Newydd, Barry.

9pm, free. Info 01446 407767.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Hello Again Neil Diamond Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715. My name’s not Neil Diamond, but hello to you anyway. Here’s a tribute act you might enjoy.

Hell’s Addiction + Dead Man’s Whiskey + Gasoline Outlaws Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07970 063107. Three band names which, along with that of promoters Crazy Cowboy Live Events, cause me to imagine everyone in attendance will be Tex from I’m Alan Partridge.

James Kennedy The White Horse, Bridgend. 9pm, free.

Info 01656 652583. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Jim Ghedi + Toby Hay Bleddfa Centre, Radnorshire.

7pm, £8 adv. Info 01547 550377. Two experimental folk guitarists, Ghedi recently inspired by time spent in the Welsh countryside and Hay living in it. Ghedi is in Llandysul tomorrow.

Jimmy Osmond Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £27.50-£75. Info 01874 611622.

Performing his Andy Williams tribute show, Moon River And Me. Top price is a VIP ting.

John Mouse + Chroma + Buzzard + My Name is Ian Fairwater Social Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info www. kmiyh.co.uk. Album launch gig for the headliner, also featuring an exhibition of artwork

by CSAD MA Fine Artists and pizza from Dusty Knuckle.

Kelly’s Heros The Twelve Knights, Port Talbot. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 882381. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

King 810 Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12. Info 029 2023 2199. American metal band who I’ve not heard, but have read their press blurbs, which make them sound very much like nu-metal while studiously trying to avoid using that term.

Manu Delago St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2056 2022. See Music.

Paul Dark The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Reece + The Dark Valley + Excursia + Tight Muff The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

REPCo: Matheus Prado Septet Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. Jazz group, subtitled ‘in the spirit of Kenny Wheeler’, performing in the foyer.

REPCo: RWCMD Metropole Orkest Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.45pm, £6/£4. Info 029 2039 1391.

Rinse The Moon, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Presented

by Luckyman Records.

Saxon + Diamond Head + Rock Goddess Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 6.30-11pm, £28.50 adv.

Info 029 2078 1458. Triple bill of NWOBHM stalwarts. See Upfront for an interview with Biff from Saxon.

Shakatak Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 8.15pm, £22.50 adv. Info 01792 473238.

Jazz-funk veterans, presented here by Swansea Jazzland.

Son Of Man The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £15/£13 adv.

Info 01267 231012. Welsh rock veterans, spun off from Man and Sassafras.

Soul Stripper Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01443 682388. AC/DC covers band.

That Guy We Saw Last Night Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Bella Collins Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3.

Info 029 2038 7026.

The Pistols The Vault, Swansea. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01792 465300. Sex Pistols tribute.

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY Aubrey Parsons Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Big Girls Don’t Cry Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £23.50/£21.50 adv. Info 01495 227206. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute. *Big Lad + Kong Lives + Blood Medals The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

The second Cosmic Carnage/ Lesson No.1 gig of the month features a bouncy noiserock/ breakcore crossover band who used to be called Shitwife; a south Wales sludge metal mob; and the last performance (under this name at least) of a cathartic power electronics project.

Buffalo Summer Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.30pm, £7. Info 01495 708022. Welsh hard rockers.

Ceekay Jones The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £3.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

A quite ridiculous looking man from New Mexico who plays something he calls Southern urban soul.

Children Of The Gravy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01685 384111.

Dr. Sardonicus’ Midwinter Night's Dream Psychedelic Festival Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 2.30-11.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07818 056599.

Spacerock and psych type vibes from Babal, Earthling Society, Sendelica (who are hosting the event), Magic

Bus and The Fellowship Of Hallucinatory Voyagers. Free exclusive Sendelica CD for the first 50 ticket buyers also.

Fleetwood Bac Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £16.

Info 01600 772467.

Goldie Lookin Chain The Neon, Newport. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01633 533666.

High Rise + Deferenc Creature Sound, Swansea.

7pm, £3. Info 01792 301178.

Metalcore bands. High Rise are not to be confused with the High Rise whose reissued LP I review in this month’s album section.

Himalayas + The Velvet Hands + Chapel Row Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £6.

Info 029 2023 2199.

Jack Mac’s Funk Pack Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Jim Ghedi Capel Y Graig, Furnace, Ceredigion. 7pm. Info aviallen@hotmail.com.

King Goon The Last Resort, Swansea. 9pm. Info lastresortswansea@gmail. com.

Mr Tea & The Minions The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £8. Info 01497 821762.

“High energy Balkan party music” no less. Wonder how many people attend their gigs expecting the band to be wearing Minion costumes.

National Youth Jazz Orchestra Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £15. Info 01970 623232.

Pama International The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Nu-skool ska band play a Trojan Records tour.

Revolver The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm. Info 01495 247178.

Talinka Melville Theatre, Abergavenny. 2pm, £12/£10/£3 NUS. Info 01873 853167. Black Mountain Jazz gig for a band fronted by Tali Atzmon and also featuring her brother, antiSemitic weirdo Gilad Atzmon.

The Hold Up: Inner City Cypher Oner Signs, Cardiff.

1-5pm, free. Info 029 2037 1231. Monthly hip-hop session inviting MCs, beatboxers, DJs etc down to jam.

The Low Blows + Iron Gosling + In With The JellyfishThe Garage, Swansea. 8pm, £5. Info 01792 475147. Punk bands playing something titled Kilimanjaro Fest, in aod of Oxfam.

The Master Plan The Dolls House, Abertillery. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01495 213300. Oasis tribute band.

The Sounds Of Simon Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £16.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Simon & Garfunkel tribute.

The Strip Lights Jac’s, Aberdare. 8pm, free. Info 01685 879491. Covers band.

Traitors + Lotus Eater Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, £10 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Tupelo Highway Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 5-8pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

Tyhai Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 8pm, £10. Info 01239 615952. Indian ragas meet Welsh trad folk and poetry.

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY Harp Day: Sasha Boldachev Royal Welsh

u – repeated

College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 4pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391.

Red Skylines The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm. Info info@ themooncardiff.com.

Robin Green Piano Quintet Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 3pm, £3-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Sarah & The Creepy Uncles Browns, Laugharne.

3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Sasha Boldachev Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 4pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2039 1391. Harp recital from a Russian whose repertoire spans classical and pop.

Whitchurch Jam Session #105 Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 5.30-8.30pm. Info 029 2062 6015.

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026.

Fickle Friends The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. uThriller Live New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50-£36.50.

Info 029 2087 8889. Bells and whistles Michael Jackson tribute show. On at 4pm and 8pm on Sat 3 Mar. (Until Sat 3 Mar) TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY Jazz Jam Session Jazzland, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 07802 912789.

Jarvis Cocker & The Divas Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan.

7pm, £5.50-£8.50. Info 01239 621200. Some kids from a school in Carmarthenshire perform a set half made up of Pulp’s greatest hits, half “iconic female singers of the past 50 years”. Seriously one of the weirdest concepts for a tribute show I can recall, in large part due to the idea that 2018 kids know who Jarvis Cocker is.

Mellt + Y Sybs + Wigwam Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Preservation Rhythm Kings Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Royal Welsh College Harps Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1pm, £5/£7.50 with tea and cake. Info 01874 611622.

Sam Fender The Big Top, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Presented

by Swn. WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY Capital City Jazz Orchestra Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Fire Fences The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £4. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Mike Dawes Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12.50.

Info 0871 4720400.

Night Flight Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Paul Hayes Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Royal Welsh College Wind

stage Orchestra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Songs From Yesteryear 2pm, £6. Info 01633 868239.

Presented by the The Bettws Entertainment Community Group.

Sue Richardson Quartet Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

The Band Of The Welsh Guards Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01874 611622.

stage THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY Cwmni Pendraw – 2071 Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 11am + 7.45pm, £5-£8. Info 01970 623232. Multimedia show raising awareness of various environmentasl issues. uDublin Carol Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14/£7 under-25s. Info 029 2064 6900. Conor McPherson’s play about an alcoholic undertaker confronted by the ghosts of his past. Today, tomorrow and Sat 3 are preview prices; afterwards it’s £16/£8 under25s. Also on at 2pm on Sat 10 and Sat 17. No performances on Sun 4 and Sun 11. (Until Sat 17) Ed Gamble Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2023 2199. Comedian. Sold out.

Frieda Maesteg Town Hall.

1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 733269.

Lunchtime theatre, a play written by Wendy Holborow. uGallowglass New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £13.50-£31. Info 029 2087 8889. Ruth Rendell thriller, presented by the Middle Ground Theatre Company.

Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 3.

(Until Sat 3) Glen Wool + Angela Barnes Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £9/£6 NUS/£15 with food. Info 0871 4720400. A new venture here called Pieface Comedy, on some Thursdays and featuring two or three comedians from the Friday/ Saturday bills. You can get a Pieminister pie for £15 all in, hence the name. uHitch Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £10.50. Info 01792 475715.

Fluellen present a new play about Alfred Hitchcock. The artwork for it looks like the cover of the second Chemical Brothers album. On tomorrow also, at 1pm and 7.15pm.

Laughter In The Dark Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01873 850805. Ghostly comedy by Abergavenny Theatre Group.

Lloyd Langford + Eleanor Tiernan + Gareth Berliner Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £8-£12.

Info 01834 869323. Comedy Club night.

Luke Jermay Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01239 621200.

Mind-reading act which has been bigged up by your Blaines, Gellers etc. In Builth Wells tomorrow; Pontardawe Sat 3. uResident Magicians The

Small Space, Barry. 7pm, £20.

Info info@thesmallspace. co.uk. This is a new venue on Barry high street that reckons it’s Wales’ smallest theatre, and with seating for approx 20 probably is. Their opening three nights this month will consist of close-up conjuring, that being their theatrical speciality. (Until Sat 3) Scene! An Evening of Monologues Little Theatre, Neath. Info info@ neathlittletheatre.co.uk.

Arranged by Robert Jelley. uThe Wedding Reception Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £45.

Info 029 2063 6464. Immersive comedy from the people who brought you Faulty Towers. As with that, you get a meal for the price (which is £55 tomorrow, and doors are at 7.30pm).

On tomorrow also. uWoman Of Flowers Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £8-£14. Info 01792 602060. Theatr Pena and the Taliesin Arts Centre present a retelling of the tale of Blodeuwedd, from the Mabinogion. In Milford Haven on Tue 6; Aberystwyth on Thurs 8; Blackwood on Tue 13; Newport on Thurs 15; Cardiff on Fri 16 and Sat 17, Brecon on Tue 20 and Aberystwyth on Tue 27.

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY Brendon Burns Le Public Space, Newport. 8pm. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Boisterous Australian comedian, plays Le Pub oftenish. This will be his first time in their new location in fact. uDrones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 16. uGwent Young Farmers Pantomime Competition Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7pm, £10. Info 01633 263670.

On tomorrow also. uKae Kurd + Glen Wool + Angela Barnes + Fin Taylor Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400.

On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink). uLa Forza Del Destino Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £10-£48.

Info 029 2063 6464. Verdi’s epic opera, presented here by Welsh National Opera. Also on Sat 10 and Sat 17.

Luke Jermay Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01982 552555.

‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners Institute, Blackwood.

8pm, £12.50/£11.50 adv. Info 01495 227206.

Tiernal Douieb + Rachel Fairburn Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

3pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510.

Comedy Club night with a headliner TBC. SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY A Tiger’s Tale The Riverfront, Newport. 2 + 4pm, £7. Info 01633 656757. Kids’ theatre written by Mike Kenny and based on the story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger.

Cannonballista Peak Cymru, The Old School, Crickhowell. 7.30pm, £8/£6.

Info info@peak.cymru. Peak, formerly known as Arts Alive Wales, present a solo theatre

performancer by Liz Clarke, as alter ego Betty Bruiser. It claims to feature “a cannon, a shed and impossibly high heels,” so that’s good.

Dylan Thomas: Clown In The Moon Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. One-man portrayal of DT by Rhodri Miles (Holby City, Torchwood etc).

In Cardigan on Thurs 15.

Hooray For Hollywood Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £20.50. Info 01792 475715. Songs from the swinging 1920s era.

Luke Jermay Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £11/£5.50 NUS. Info 01792 863722.

Owen Niblock The Dolls House, Abertillery. 8pm, free (donations welcome). Info 01495 213300. Comedian.

Theatre-In-Focus: Eugene O’Neill Grand Theatre Circle Bar, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6.

Info 01792 475715. Script-inhand performance by Fluellen, preceded by an hour-long talk on the work.

SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY Dance With The Animals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

1.30 + 4.30pm, £8/£5.50 kids.

Info 01633 868239. Dance school performance. uLive Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm.

Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.

Reginald D Hunter Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15.

Info 0871 4720400. Preview show, all sold out though.

Rhys James + Jenny Collier + Archie Maddocks + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2031 0312.

Presented by Buffalo Comedy.

MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY uBrecknock Young Farmers’ Club Pantomime, Drama And One Plus Festival Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm, £9/£8. Info 01874 611622.

Big-eared farmers’ boys and gingham-clad farmers’ girls will compete in various acting categories. The prizes?

Merely... each other. (Until Sat 10) uFlashdance New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16.50-£47.

Info 029 2087 8889. Musical based on the 80s movie. Also on at 3pm on Thurs 8 and Sat 10. (Until Sat 10) TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY uAlan Bennett's Talking Heads Parc & Dare, Treorchy.

7pm, £9/£8. Info 0300 0040444. Presented by Players Anonymous. The £8 ticket price is for today only. (Until Thurs 8) uBetween Riverside And Crazy Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.45pm, £6-£13. Info 029 2039 1391. The Richard Burton Company present a play set in the US and centred on a landlord’s attempt to evict a retired cop tenant. No performance on Sun 11. (Until Tue 13) uBugsy Malone Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7pm, £7/£5.

Info 0300 0040444. Musical presented here by Aberdare Community School. (Until Thurs 8) uIn The Next Room or The Vibrator Play Royal

SIMON MUNNERY Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Thurs 22 Feb. Info: 01970 623232; Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon, Fri 23 Feb. Info: 01874 611622; Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Sat 24 Feb. Info: 029 2030 4400.

Tickets: £10 (Aberystwyth + Brecon); pay by donation (Cardiff).

Simon Munnery has had a visible and often highly praised comedy career for a good 25 years now, one which has seen him toy with a mainstream breakthrough via a BBC Two series commission. As its name might indicate, 2001’s Attention Scum! did not prove to be a Little Britain-sized hit, and Munnery’s socialism- and philosophy-referencing approach to live comedy has kept him manacled to the club (or arts centre) circuit. But! He is extremely funny, a genuine original and more accessible than this is probably making him sound, and he’s in three area venues this month.

The Aberystwyth and Brecon dates are headline spots at their respective comedy club nights, while in Cardiff he’s part of the Go Faster Festival; tickets are free, but must be booked in advance.

Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2039 1391.

The Richard Burton Company present Sarah Ruhl’s play set in the 1880s as a remarkable new medical contraption called the ‘fanny hammer’ makes an impression among the upper echelons of Victorian society.

Also on at 2.30pm on Fri 9. No performance on Sun 11. (Until Tue 13) Joz Norris + Sam Beard + Sheep & Mash + Barney Williamson + Charlie Hunt The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952. The lineup for February’s edition of the monthly Crafty Laughs comedy night here. uLouder Is Not Always Clearer Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2030 4400. Mr & Mrs Clark present a one-man show, devised by Jonny Cotsen and based on his life experiences as a deaf man. (Until Sat 10) Michael McIntyre Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £30.50. Info 01792 475715.

Work in progress show, sold out though. uThe Night Watch Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2039 1391.

The Richard Burton Company present Sarah Waters’ play about “illicit love and everyday heroism” during WWII. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 8. No

performance on Sun 11. (Until Tue 13) Woman Of Flowers Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £13.50/£12. Info 01646 695267.

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY Cabaret At The College Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6pm, free.

Info 029 2039 1391. Songs from the musicals, performed in the foyer. Also on Wed 7 Mar. uLet Love Make A Miracle Of This Town Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Mr & Mrs Clark present a one-man show, devised by Jonny Cotsen and based on his life experiences as a deaf man. (Until Sat 10) uSister Act Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £15/£12/£8 under-£16s. Info 01600 772467. Presented by Monmouth Music Theatre.

The £12 price is for today only.

(Until Sat 10) Wy, Chips A Nain Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 10am + 1pm, £8/£6. Info 01239 621200.

Welsh language play written by Gwyneth Glyn about dementia and inter-generational family friendships.

THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY Dave Fulton + Bec Hill + Marlon Davis Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £9/£6 NUS/£15 with food. Info 0871 4720400.

Nolton Comedy Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info 01656 655015. With standups TBC, every second Thursday of the month.

Sarah Millican Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £27.50. Info 01656 815995.

In Newtown tomorrow and Carmarthen on Sun 11, but they’re both sold out too. uSister Act Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. Amateur musical production by SA15 Stage School.

Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 10.

(Until Sat 10) Terra Firma Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £8-£23. Info 029 2064 6900.

Triple bill of work from National Dance Company Wales, who are also here tomorrow. This show is in Brecon on Mon 26.

Woman Of Flowers Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01239 621200.

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Beyond My Control Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. Exeter Northcott Theatre with an interactive modelling performance about epilepsy, excitability and all things neurological.

Charge Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8-£14. Info 01792 602060.

Multimedia dance show from Motionhouse. uCwmbran Woodland BUZZ 75

* – recommended

stage Players Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7pm, £8. Info 01633 868239. Variety show. On tomorrow also, at 2.30pm.

Discover Dance Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 5pm, £9/£8. Info 029 2064 6900.

Interactive sessions featuring a performance of National Dance Company Wales piece Folk as well as tutorials and Q&As. In Brecon on Tue 27. uIan Smith + Dave Fulton + Bec Hill + Marlon Davis Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink).

Sarah Millican Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £27.50.

Info 01686 614555. Sold out.

Stewart Lee Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £23.50. Info 01792 475715. See Stage.

The Vagina Monologues Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £8/£6. Info 01970 623232. Presented by Aberyswyth Students Union. uTosca Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10-£48. Info 029 2063 6464.

Puccini’s opera, presented here by Welsh National Opera.

Also on Sun 11 (4pm), Fri 16, Wed 21 and Fri 23.

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY Keith David Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Penarth. 8pm, free. Info 029 2070 7530. Comedian.

The Tarantinos Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £20/£18. Info 01970 623232.

Kind of a greatest hits, transported to the stage and backed by a seven-piece band, of the noted foot pervert and sometime director’s filmography.

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY Sarah Millican Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £29. Info 0845 2263510. Sold out.

Seussical Jr The Muni, Pontypridd. 3.30 + 6pm, £10/£8. Info 01443 490390. Dr. Seuss-themed musical.

MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn.

Clara And The Kingdom Of Sweets The Riverfront, Newport. 6.30pm, £11/£9. Info 01633 656757. Ballet showcase based on The Nutcracker.

TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY uAnd Then There Were None Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50.

Info 01633 263670. Period murder mystery based on Agatha Christie's novel. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 17. (Until Sat 17) uA Number The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2128 0189. Caryl Churchill’s play concerning science, family and loss, showing in Wales for the first time.

Tonight and tomorrow are preview prices; afterwards it’s £12/£10. Also on at 3pm on Sat 17 and Sat 3 Mar. No performances on Thurs 15, Sun 18, Sat 24 or Sun 25. (Until Sat 3 Mar) Anything Goes Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7pm, £7-£9.

BUZZ 76

Info 0300 0040444. Presented

by Treorchy Comprehensive School. (Until Thurs 15) Blinds Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5. Info 01970 623232. Rehearsed reading of a play by Playpen. uGwyl Adloniant / YFC Pantomime Festival Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7pm, £10.

Info 01686 614555. With three different competing regions per day, and the results announced on Sat 17. (Until Sat 17) Josie Long + Grace Petrie + Jonny & The Baptists Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2030 4400. A combination of standup comedy, folk-rock and musical comedy, touring under the banner Lefty Scum. Each act has gone for the time-honoured ‘use a negative review quote from a bad publication’ publicity bumph gambit here (also employed by Stewart Lee this month), the bonus being that all three quotes are from the Daily Telegraph.

Rhondda Road Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 4pm, free. Info 0300 0040444. This is a new venture taking place here on the second Tuesday of each month and is a continual theatrical drama. Kinda like a live action soap opera, yep. Book in advance please. uThe Sound Of Music New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £24.50-£48.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Musical based on the 60s movie. Also on at 2.30pm on Wed 14, Thurs 15 and Sat 17. (Until Sat 17) uTrainspotting Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7 + 8.45pm, £12/£10. Info 01970 623232. Immersive theatre based on the heroin-y movie, or the book, or perhaps both.

On tomorrow also. In Llanelli on Fri 16 and Sat 17; Cardiff from Tue 27 Feb-Sat 3 Mar. Woman Of Flowers Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206.

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY uThe Cherry Orchard Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 01792 473238. Famed Chekhov play, presented here

by Swansea Little Theatre.

(Until Sat 17) THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY uAll Shook Up Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £10.50-£14.50. Info 01792 475715. New musical comedy themed around Elvis songs.

Also on at 2 pm on Sat 17.

(Until Sat 17) uDeparture + Split Ends Ebbw Vale Institute. 6.30pm, £8. Info 01495 708022. Two short comedy plays, by Steven Smith and Frank Vickery respectively.

Dolly Chicken Comedy: Fun At The Flute Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £5/£4. Info dollychickencomedy@gmail. com. Featuring five standup comedians including headliner Dave Thompson, plus house band Molly Katz.

Dylan Thomas: Clown In The Moon Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £13/£11.

Info 01239 621200. uGower College Swansea’s Acting

Company Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £7.50.

Info 01792 475715. On tomorrow also.

Milton Jones Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £28. Info 01639 763214.

Comedian who we interviewed in our last issue. uNothing Remains The Same The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £5. Info 0239 2037 1689. National Theatre Wales with their first new show of 2018, described as ‘“a poetic yet cinematic reimagining of the first two books of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.” Tonight’s price is a preview discount; tomorrow and Sat 17 are £10/£7.50 concessions. (Until Sat 17) The Barber Of Seville Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £19.50/£18. Info 01646 695267. Presented by Swansea City Opera. In Cardiff on Tue 20.

Woman Of Flowers The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £7-£13. Info 01633 656757.

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY A Midsummer Night's Dream Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £15/£14.

Info 01982 552555. Presented

by Ballet Theatre UK. uAndy Askins + Andrew Watts + Inel Tomlinson + Suzi Ruffell Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink).

Andy Zaltzman Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £12.

Info 01600 772467. UK comic with a show titled Satirist For Hire.

Guys And Dolls Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £7.50-£12. Info 01792 602060.

Musical presented by Swansea University Performing Arts Society. On tomorrow also, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. uJack And The Beanstalk Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

7pm, £15/£11 kids. Info 01633 868239. The last stop in south Wales for this Rainbow Valley panto, which has been performing in various towns since November and stars Owen Money. At 2pm only on all other dates, apart from Fri 23 (2pm and 7pm). (Until Sun 25) Judy & Liza The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01633 656757. Songs and general performance celebrating the lives and legacy of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. uNazanin’s Story Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400.

Howell Productions with a dramatisation of Nazanin Ratcliffe, a woman detained in Iran since 2016. On tomorrow also.

The Thing That Came From Over There Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510.

Knockabout comedy theatre from a trio named Gonzo Moose. uTrainspotting Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7 + 8.45pm, £14/£12.

Info 0845 2263510. On tomorrow also. uWoman Of Flowers Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2039 1391.

On tomorrow also.

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £15/£14.

Info 01239 621200. Ballet, presented by Ballet Theatre UK Andrew O’Neill Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £12.50. Info 07970 063107. Comedian doing his History Of Heavy Metal show, which includes a full backing band.

Charlotte May Academy: Empire The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £14.50. Info 01633 656757. Dance showcase.

Fern Brady The Met, Abertillery. 8pm, £8. Info 01600 772467. Scottish comedian.

Phil Wang Grand Theatre

on at 2.15pm on Sat 24. (Until Sat 24) Frank Sinazi + Mike Reed + Sianny Thomas + Paul James The Duke, Neath. 8.30pm. Info 01639 643892. A Clown’s Pocket comedy night. uGuys And Dolls Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.

7.30pm, £16/£13. Info 0845 2263510. Musical presented by Carmarthen Youth Opera. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 24. (Until Sat 24) Monstersaurus Maesteg Town Hall. 11am + 2pm, £10.

Info 01656 733269. New kids’ show written by Nick Brooke.

In Milford Haven tomorrow.

The Barber Of Seville New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16-£26. Info 029 2087 8889.

The turbulent, brilliant life of Nina Simone is theatrically laid bare in Nina, a kind of tribute show-meets-musical production which stars Josette BushellMingo as Nina. It visited the Wales Millennium Centre last year and is back in Cardiff on Sat 24 Feb, this time at the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama.

Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £12.50. Info 01792 475715.

Comedian with a show titled Kanabalu.

The Thing That Came From Over There!

Llawhaden Village Hall.

7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01834 869323. Span Arts present a fast-paced play inspired by 1950s B-movies.

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY Cirque Du Hilarious Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £11.50-£17. Info 01792 475715.

Variety/circus type show.

Don't Dribble On The Dragon The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 1.15pm, £6. Info 01639 843163. Family show presented by The People’s Theatre Company.

Flossy And Boo’s Curiosity Shop Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 11.30am, £8. Info 01685 384111. uJack & The Beanstalk Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7pm, £5.50. Info 01873 850805.

Panto, by the Abergavenny Pantomime Company. £6.50 on Wed 21 and Thurs 22; £7.50 on Fri 23 and Sat 24. On at 2.30pm and 7pm on Fri 23; 1.30pm and 6pm on Sat 24.

(Until Sat 24) TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY uCinderella Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7pm, £8-£10. Info 0300 0040444.

Panto, presented by Colstars.

Also on at 2.30pm tomorrow and Sat 24. (Until Sat 24) uDick Whittington Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £12/£10 kids. Info 01633 263670. Half-term panto. Also

Also includes a pre-show talk at 6.15pm.

The Jungle Book The Met, Abertillery. 1.30 + 4.30pm, £6.50. Info 01600 772467. Kids’ show presented by Immersion Theatre.

The Wood Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £8.50£15. Info 01646 695267. Owen Thomas’ new play, set in WWI and commemorating the final year of that conflict. Also on at 2.30pm on Wed 28; no performance on Sun 25. (Until Thurs 1 Mar) Tom Thumb Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm, £5 adv. Info 01834 869323. Kids’ theatre.

Woman Of Flowers Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01874 611622.

WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs 2 Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £7-£10. Info 01970 623232.

Kids’ show by Les Petit Theatre.

Jim Davidson Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £23.50. Info 01792 475715. I found Jim’s personal Facebook page the other week – well I say found but he’s set it to public so it comes up when you search for his name.

Which I had my reasons for doing. Anyway, it’s suitably onbrand/low-rent/bitter/Partridge etc, check it out. uJoe Lycett Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £20. Info 0871 4720400. Three consecutive dates here, all sold out.

(Until Fri 23) Mark Thomas Sherman

u – repeated

Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20/£15 NUS or unwaged. Info 029 2064 6900. Semi-regular visitor to this venue with a new show, Showtime From The Frontline. In Swansea tomorrow. See Upfront.

Mike Doyle New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12-£21. Info 029 2087 8889. Local variety figure blends comedy and music. In Milford Haven on Fri 23.

Monstersaurus Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 12 + 3pm, £8.50/£7.50 kids. Info 01646 695267.

Morgan & West Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £12 kids/£8 adults. Info 0845 2263510. Kidfriendly time-travelling magic show. In Cardigan tomorrow.

Tales From The Trees Pontardawe Arts Centre. 2pm, £3-£7. Info 01792 863722.

Tree-themed kids’ theatre comprised of puppetry, storytelling, comedy and live music.

We Are Lions Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206. Dramatised story of Jayaben Desai, leader of the 1976-78 Grunwick Strike.

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY A Fête Worse Than Death The Parrot, Carmarthen.

8pm. Info 01267 231012. Onewoman comedy show with Karen Sherrard. uDon Giovanni Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10-£48. Info 029 2063 6464. Mozart’s opera, presented here by Welsh National Opera. Also on Sat 24 (4pm) .

Dr John Cooper Clarke Pontardawe Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £20/£18 adv. Info 01792 863722. In Cardigan tomorrow; Builth Wells on Sat 24. uGrav Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. KThe return of this theatrical telling of the life of Welsh rugby icon Ray Gravell. On tomorrow also.

Hanna Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391. The Paratango Theatre Company with a drama about a single mum who finds out that her daughter is in fact not hers, owing to a maternity ward mixup.

Heroes And Villains Of Musical Theatre Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £12. Info 029 2087 7959. Pukka Productions present “a musical odyssey from the demons and the darkness to the light and angelic”. (Until Sat 24) Louder Is Not Always Clearer Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01792 602060. Mr & Mrs Clark present some experimental theatre which was first performed at Experimentica in Cardiff last year.

Mark Thomas Volcano, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£15 NUS or unwaged. Info 01792 464790.

Morgan & West Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2pm, £10/£9. Info 01239 621200.

Simon Munnery + George Rigden Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £10. Info 01970 623232. Comedy Club night.

Tales From The Trees Miners Theatre, Ammanford.

2.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Educational kids’ theatre on the topic of trees and fairy tales. Presented by Squashbox Theatre.

The Absolute Truth About Absolutely Everything Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Hawes with a two-person comedy featuring “the male writer and a completely unprepared female performer”.

The Barber Of Seville Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Opera, courtesy of Swansea City Opera. uTiddler And Other Terrific Tales Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 4.30pm, £10. Info 029 2064 6900. Kids’ show based on stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On tomorrow also, at 11am and 1.30pm.

Tom Thumb The Riverfront, Newport. 11.30am + 2.30pm, £7. Info 01633 656757. Lyngo Theatre with a show for ages 3+. uWhat The Ladybird Heard New Theatre, Cardiff.

2pm, £11-£15. Info 029 2087 8889. Kids' show based on Julias Donaldson and Lydia Monks' book. On at 11am and 2pm from Fri 23-Sun 25. (Until Sun 25) FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY Ben Moor Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2030 4400.

One of five comedy shows – this one is a multimedia type thing with Powerpoint etc – today and tomorrow, under the title Go Faster Festival III. Moor’s show is titled Pronoun Trouble, and like each of these shows is a pay-what-you-want deal, but you have to reserve tickets in advance. uCarousel Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01656 815995.

Kids’ show presented by Bridgend Youth Theatre. On tomorrow also.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea.

4.30pm, £10. Info 01792 602060. Kids’ show presented

by Little Blue Monster.

Dr John Cooper Clarke Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan.

8pm, £17. Info 01239 621200.

John-Luke Roberts Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2030 4400. A Go Faster Festival III show, titled Look On My Works, Ye Mighty, And Despair! (All In Caps).

Mike Doyle Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £19.

Info 01646 695267.

Milkshake! Live St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 12 + 3.30pm, £10-£15. Info 029 2087 8444.

Multi-character kids’ show.

Simon Munnery Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £10. Info 01874 611622.

Comedy Club night. In Cardiff tomorrow.

Songs For A New World The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 3344. Welsh language version of this Jason Robert Brown play.

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY Alfie Brown Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2030 4400.

A Go Faster Festival III show, titled Whatever Works.

Andy Robinson + Tom Taylor Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink. Info 0871 4720400.

Bluestocking Lounge Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £15.50. Info 01792 475715.

Burlesque with Miss Cherry On Fire, Trixie Blue and host DeeDee De La Rouge.

Cafficadabra Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8-10pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Close-up magic in the bar from one Joseff Badman.

Chinese New Year Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6pm, £6-£12. Info 01970 623232.

Music, dance and other performance from the University’s Chinese Culture Society.

Dance To The Music Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry.

7.30pm, £22-£28 (£48/£46 VIP). Info 01446 738622.

Starring Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor and Oksana Platero from Strictly. In Port Talbot tomorrow.

Dr John Cooper Clarke + Clare Ferguson-Walker + Toria Garbut Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £17.

Info 01982 552555.

Eugene Onegin Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £19/£18. Info 01686 614555.

Presented by Mid Wales Opera Nina Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 029 2039 1391.Musical/theatrical dramastisation of Nina Simone, played here by Josette Bushell-Mingo.

Rachel Fairburn Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2030 4400. A Go Faster Festival III show, titled Her Majesty.

Richard Herring St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £19.50. Info 029 2087 8444. See Upfront for an interview, I think.

Simon Munnery Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2030 4400. A Go Faster Festival III show, titled Renegade Plummer.

The Pixies' Scarf Carnegie House, Bridgend. 11am, £6.

Info 01656 815757. Kids' theatre, based on an Alison Uttely book, presented by Soap Soup.

Variety Night Live Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £17-£25.50. Info 01792 475715.

Sat 3 Mar: £21-£47. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 1 and Sat 3 Mar. (Until Sat 3 Mar)

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY Dance To The Music Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £33. Info 01639 763214.

Youth Dance Night Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 4 + 7pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. National Dance Company Wales hosts an evening of work from Welsh youth dance groups.

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY I Called A Girl Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995.

The debut play, in the thriller genre, by Emily Darcy. uLast Man Standing Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £12/£11. Info 029 2070 0721.

WWI-themed play presented here by Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society. (Until Sat 3 Mar) Stifyn Parri Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £10/£8.

Info 01970 623232. Welsh language comedy/anecdote type show about Parri’s time in showbiz.

Swan Lake Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £21.50£31.50. Info 01792 475715.

Presented by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia.

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY Cinderella Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £24.50£31.50. Info 01792 475715.

Presented by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia, who have ballets here tomorrow and Wed 28 also.

Terra Firma Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01874 611622. uSunset Boulevard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18-£44. Info 029 2063 6464. Andrew LloydWebber musical. Fri 2 and

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY Discover Dance Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1pm, £5.

Info 01874 611622. uMade In Dagenham Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £10.75.

Info 0300 3656677. Hit musical based on the movie based on the late 1960s industrial action. Today’s performance includes sign language. Also on at 2pm on Sat 3 Mar. (Until Sat 3 Mar) Russell Brand St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £27.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. This sold out last time but is not at the time of writing (mid-to-late January), perhaps because the last time was only the other month. uThe Great Gatsby Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Simon Levy’s stage adaption of this famous novel, in Wales for the first time courtesy of Everyman Theatre. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 3 Mar. (Until Sat 3 Mar) The Snow Maiden Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £24.50-£31.50. Info 01792 475715. Presented by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia. uTrainspotting Live!

Tramshed, Cardiff. 6.308.30pm, £25/£20. Info 029 2023 5555. On at 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Fri 2 and Sat 3 Mar. (Until Sat 3 Mar) uWaiting for Godot Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12.50. Info 0845 2263510.

Llanelli Youth Theatre tackle the famous Beckett play. On at 10am and 7.30pm on Thurs 1 Mar; 10am only on Fri 2 Mar. (Until Fri 2 Mar) Woman Of Flowers Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01970 623232. uY Tad Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £5-£12.

Info 01792 863722. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru with a Welsh-language play about a father struggling with memory loss, and his daughter’s attempts to handle this change. Touring to a few more Welsh venues in the first half of March.

Valentine’s Day started as an ancient Roman fertility rite called Lupercalia, practised between 13 and 15 Feb to increase birth rate. Drunk men would run around naked looking for women who wished to conceive, but this was banned in the late 490s by Pope Gelasius amidst the rise in Christianity.

Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to link Valentine's Day to the idea of romance, as an ode to England's Richard II and Anne of Bohemia’s engagement in the 14th century.

Ryan Giggs’ application form to be the manager of Wales football team was simply the words “I am Ryan Giggs” written 40 times.

Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch translates to “The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave”.

Wales was once uninhabitable due to the Ice Age, only to be inhabited again around 15,000 years ago.

JRR Tolkien was heavily influenced by the Welsh language when creating the Elvish language, Sindarin, with a particular admiration for the tone.

At 89, Agnés Varda is the oldest Oscar nominee ever, earning a nomination this year for Best Documentary for Faces Places, in which she calls Jean-Luc Godard “a dirty rat”.

The youngest Oscar nominee ever was Quvenzhané Wallis, who was nine when was nominated for Best Actress for Beasts Of The Southern Wild in 2012.

She has not yet called Jean-Luc Godard a dirty rat.

(Disclaimer: some of these may not in fact be true

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TWO TICKETS TO RICHARD HERRING AT ST. DAVID’S HALL Richard Herring returns with the second instalment of an hilarious analysis of his ever-aging self, including becoming a husband and father, in Oh Frig, I'm 50! He’ll be performing at Cardiff St. David’s Hall on Sat 24 Feb.

TWO TICKETS TO STEWART LEE AT THE GRAND THEATRE Stewart Lee’s ever-rising popularity and unconventional humour comes to Swansea with Content Provider, his latest collection of savage comedic commentary. An unmissable opportunity made even better with two free tickets to his Grand Theatre show on Fri 9 Feb.

TWO TICKETS TO FLASHDANCE AT THE NEW THEATRE The unforgettable, inspirational Flashdance is making its way to the New Theatre in Cardiff. This musical rendition follows Alex on the road to becoming a professional dancer, faced with the dilemma of fulfilling your dreams or finding love. This unmissable show is running from Mon 5 to Sat 10 Feb.

TWO TICKETS TO LET LOVE MAKE A MIRACLE OF THIS TOWN AT CHAPTER Love will transform Chapter Arts Centre from Wed 7 until Fri 9 Feb with this intriguing story – made up of film, theatre and dance – of a South Wales town populated largely by senior citizens, brought back to youth thanks to a change in the water. Let love take you along for a night with two tickets.

COCKTAIL-MAKING MASTERCLASS FOR TWO AT PENNYROYAL If you’ve ever glanced jealously at a barman’s impressive cocktailmaking skills, learn the ropes yourself at Cardiff’s hottest new cocktail bar Pennyroyal. Stacked with a great collection of all sorts of spirits and liqueurs, their cocktailmaking masterclasses will have you understanding the difference between a shaken and a stirred martini in no time.

TWO TICKETS TO TERRA FIRMA, THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON The National Dance Company is bringing a new production to theatres around Britain this spring with Terra Firma, a story on the land that our communities are built on. With choreography inspired by Mediterranean and Russian folk dance, we have two tickets for their date at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon on Mon 26 Feb. TWO TICKETS TO PUCCINI’S TOSCA AT WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE Go for a night at the opera courtesy of the good people at Wales National Opera. Puccini’s famed opera, Tosca, set in Rome during the Napoleonic Wars, will be one of three thunderous operas the company are putting on this spring. This is your chance for two tickets to their Fri 23 Feb showing, and it’s certain to be glamorous.

TWO TICKETS TO BOWLING FOR SOUP AT THE CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA Get bouncing to the veteran pop-punk band’s greatest hits as they perform the entirety of their breakthrough album Drunk Enough To Dance on their UK tour, making a stop at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on Fri 16 Feb. A night sure to be rife with beer, banter, and presumably some bowling too.

T & C s : W E D O N O T G I V E P E R M I S S I O N F O R T H E S E C O M P E T I T I O N S T O B E R E P L I C AT E D A N Y W H E R E E L S E

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IMAGINE DESIGN SKETCH EDIT MOULD FORGE PAINT THINK MAKE CHANGE. cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad

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wwf.org.uk/awrddaear

wwf.org.uk/earthhourwales