CRICKHOWELL’S CL ARENCE HALL
NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
Toe-tapping time!
Our latest Lunchtime Recital at the Clarence Hall saw a return performance by local Ukulele Band –
“Uskulele”.
These talented musicians delighted the audience with their choice of musical numbers – ranging from El Condor Pasa, to Fly Me to the Moon, to Calon Lan, to Leaving on a Jet Plane – and finishing off with Sloop
John B.
There was a great deal of foot tapping and singing along to the songs from an audience with members aged from one upwards, and it is certainly hoped that Uskulele will return in the not too distant future!
Shrek delights!
Congratulations to the cast and production team of Shrek for a superb performance! We were so pleased to welcome Crickhowell High School back to the Clarence Hall in late March after a Covid-imposed absence of 3 years. It was an absolute delight to experience the energy and enthusiasm that everyone brought to the show.
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in the musical, which is based on the Oscarwinning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway production. It was a ‘big bright beautiful world’ as everyone’s favourite ogre, Shrek, led a cast of fairy tale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR was a fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
It’s obvious that Crickhowell High School pupils worked consistently hard to bring us a wonderful - and colourful - show which featured a wealth of talent. Well done to you all!
AAODS’ Little Shop of Horrors
Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (AAODS) first appeared on the local music scene in 1911 when it staged its first musical, A Nautical Knot. It has performed almost continually since then, the notable exception being during the War years. The Society has a Senior Section and, since 1984, has run a successful Junior Section. Both the Society and its individual performers have been regular winners of awards at the District and Regional level of NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.
We are delighted that the Senior Section are performing ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Clarence Hall on 19-22 April. With music by Alan Menken (other works include Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin) and a story based on the comedy musical film, this isn’t one to be missed! Tickets are available via the link or from Bookish in Crickhowell High Street: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/abergavenny…/e-xaovqz…
Crickhowell Music Festival
2023 will be Crickhowell Choral Society’s 27th Crickhowell Music Festival. It will feature pieces that held great expectations for their composers and so represent a kind of musical manifesto of their talent.
The concerts include Mozart’s most ambitious choral work, a Missa Solemnis conceived on a scale comparable to those of Bach and Beethoven (Saturday, 29 April). Equally impressive is the young Handel’s powerful setting of Dixit Dominus written for the Carmelite celebrations in Rome during his Italian apprenticeship there (Sunday, 30 April). Another type of manifesto will be unveiled on Sunday, 30 April, when Luther’s mighty reformation hymn Now thank we all our God is heard in its joyous Cantata setting by J.S. Bach. This year’s opening Welsh Folk Night on Friday, 28 April, is being held at the Clarence Hall and features Patrick Rimes and Angharad Jenkins (of Calan fame), two outstanding musicians who are breathing new life into traditional Welsh tunes. And finally, Monday, 1 May gives us a wonderful opportunity to catch up with the Society’s choral scholars in an informal bank holiday recital of songs and airs.
Tickets for all the events are on sale via the Society website (https:// crickhowellchoralsociety.org/music-festival-2023/), by emailing tickets@crickhowellchoralsociety.org, by calling 07816 991501, or visiting Webbs of Crickhowell to buy them in person.
Coronation Tea!
Vintage, Antique & Makers Market
To commemorate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort, a Celebration Cream Tea will be held at the Clarence Hall, Crickhowell at 2.30pm-4.00pm on Monday, 8 May.
This is a free event for Crickhowell Residents aged 70+ or anyone who cannot normally leave their home.
Please book your place by contacting Kerry or Nikki at Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177. Transport can be arranged by contacting June at Dial-a-Ride on 01873 811097.
The closing date for responses is 1 May to enable catering arrangements to be finalised. Any special dietary requirements should be notified at the time of booking.
The Celebration Tea is being organised by the Trustees of the Clarence Hall, supported by Crickhowell’s Volunteer Bureau, Pantomime Society, Rotary Club, Dial-a-Ride, Tea Party Foundation and Town Council. A true community effort!
The Vintage, Antique & Makers Market, organised by Mischievous Cow Events, returns to the Clarence Hall on Saturday, 8 April, 10.00am-4.00pm. Entry is free. Hope to see you there!
u3a Opera Evening
Join Crickhowell’s u3a for an Opera Evening at the Clarence Hall on Thursday, 4 May Doors open at 6.00pm with the performance of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville commencing at 6.30pm. Bar available. Admission is free for U3A members and £5.00 for non members, payable on the door.
The Black Rat Effect for Cancer Research
Back by popular demand… Join Cancer Research Wales’ Crickhowell Fundraising Committee on Friday, 19 May at 7.00pm for a night with The Black Rat Effect. Dance the night away to your favourite tunes whilst raising money for this tremendous cause. Bar kindly provided by The Dragon Inn, Crickhowell. Tickets £15 in advance or £18 on the night. To book tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ 551594372617?aff=efbneb
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 27 April to raise funds for our refurbishment project. Admission £10 which includes a bingo book of six games, a pen and your first drink. More information at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.o rg.uk/monthly-bingo-13/
