News Archive

 

 

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Archived news

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We had another absorbing week at 2011 Glamorgan One-Act Play festival in Swansea's Dylan Thomas Theatre, 5-7 May.

For the full story of what happened, who won, who's in the Welsh final, and to see the photos, see our One-Acts 2011 page. 09.05.11

14.08.11

Adult moderator for the last 7 years, Lon David of The Unknown Theatre Company is stepping down from her Glammies role. She is planning to undertake further postgraduate study on a part-time basis soon, and as such thought it was more appropriate to hand over the role to someone else.

So welcome... long standing GDL stalwart Suzy Stacey, who will take over the reins as Adult moderator as of this month, as the first of the 2011-12 entries is on next week...!

Lon will still co-present the awards at the Glammies Gala night in Penarth on June 11th, with Teri McCarthy, who remains as Glammies Youth Moderator.

30.07.11

STARS Performing Arts, award-winning Drama and Theatre Company, are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, young actor or actress, aged 14-21, for a special role in the Award-Winning show Beast.

STARS have been invited to Guernsey to perform in the youth section of the 2011 British All Winners Festival, organised by the National Drama Festivals Association (NDFA).

Auditions are being held Saturday 25th - Tuesday 28th June 2011. Download the STARS information sheet which contains all the details, including contact details (Word doc, 132KB)

24.06.11

The Players' Theatre present - for one performance only - W.Somerset Maugham's The Noble Spaniard at Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson on Sunday 26th June at 4pm.

Tickets are available via Gareth Gibbs or Carol Williams (tel 01443-833440 /01443 830911) and cost £10 / £8 concessions. This is an open-air production with seating provided, also a bar will be available (lunch can be ordered at Llancaiach Fawr).

This production features Mavis Gibbs & Phill Loveless As Lady Proudfoot & Mr .Justice Proudfoot and with Gabe Torrens as The Noble Spaniard. The play is set in the south of France in 1850 and has lovely costumes to enhance fine acting.        As Mavis said "All we want is fine weather!"

22.06.11

Many new rules are about to be implemented in the field of Child Protection, specifically with reference to children in theatre.

Jane Donoghue, of The Unknown Theatre Company, has liaised with Cardiff Council and organised a special session for anyone interested in learning more about the new rules, and their future impact.

Here are the details:

The course is being run by two employees of the Cardiff Children Safeguarding Team Schools & Lifelong Learning. These are the people who issue performance licences etc.

Did you know that if you don't use registered chaperones then your insurance policy will be invalid?

Please do let Jane know if you would like to attend, or even if you would just like more information

Date: Saturday 18th June 2011
Time: 10 am start, likely finish 2.30/3pm
Venue: St Phillips Church, Tweedsmuir Road, Tremorfa, Cardiff. CF24 2QZ

The course will:

  • look at child protection issues in relation to amateur theatre
  • advise you of the requirements of theatre companies when working with young people
  • explain the role of a chaperone and the best practice of using only registered chaperones.

Attendance at the course will culminate in the participants being registered chaperones with Cardiff County Council which means that you could work as a paid chaperone if you wanted to. The registration lasts for 3 years. Although the course is geared towards the way that Cardiff are intending to interpret the rules within their own county, the explanation of the rules will be relevant and useful to everyone. At least you'll know what questions to ask your own council, if it's not Cardiff.

The course is free but you need to pay £36 on the day for an up to date CRB check.

Anybody interested in registering to be part of this workshop should e mail jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk as soon as possible.

 

The closing date has passed, and entries are no longer being taken for the 2011 Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival, which will be held at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea, home of Swansea Little Theatre. We have received a healthy number of entries, and another exciting festival is anticipated!

The Festival will run for 3 nights: 5-7 May 2011, and will be the final night of the whole of the Wales One-Act Festival. This means that on the final night of our festival the 6 shows to be invited to the Wales Final will be announced.

Full details on how to buy tickets etc is available on our One-Acts page. 06.03.11

09.05.11

A very warm welcome to the GDL to our new Secretary, Gavin Sims, who is a member of Cardiff Players.

Gavin can be contacted via secretary@glamorgandrama.org. 26.01.11

09.05.11

Full entry details are now available - and entries are invited! - for the 2011 Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival, which will be held at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea, home of Swansea Little Theatre.

The Festival is planned to run for 3 nights: 5-7 May 2011, and will be the final night of the whole of the Wales One-Act Festival. This means that on the final night of our festival the 6 shows to be invited to the Wales Final will be announced.

Entries for the Festival are encouraged from companies old and new (althought you must be members of the GDL to enter), from adults and youth, and in Welsh and in English.

Full entry information, forms etc are available now on our One-Act Resources 2011 page. 10.11.10

06.03.11

Cymdeithas y Ddrama Gymraeg Abertawe (Swansea Welsh Drama Society) has been entertaining audiences for over 90 years and is considered the premier Welsh-language drama group in South Wales. Though amateur, the group prides itself on its productions being of professional quality and the society has given invaluable experience to countless actors, a number of whom have since turned professional. Alumni include Islwyn Morris, Victoria Plucknett, Huw Ceredig, Steffan Rhodri and Margaret John.

The society's main production is held annually at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in May. In addition, the group offers community groups a touring theatrical evening including a one-act play and other presentations.

At present, the group is actively recruiting for all aspects of their work - acting, directing, technical and marketing. They are are looking for talent (tapped or untapped) and enthusiasm. Experience is welcome, commitment is a must.

For further information, contact Griff Williams (Artistic Director) 01792 882633 or griffdaron@aol.com or post@dramaabertawe.com. Or you can see their website dramaabertawe.com 10.11.10

06.02.11

The GDL has received a request from Jennifer Daffin, at Mencap in Cardiff. Jennifer is Project Assistant on a scheme called Play Our Way. She writes, "Our aim is to support young people with learning disabilities to access more mainstream leisure activities outside of school. As part of this we are gathering information on activities running in the Cardiff area."

The project is looking for:

1. Groups in Cardiff and RCT area
2. For ages 16-19
3. They would like the young people to work within already established mixed ability groups
4. The project will pay the fees - the budget stretches to the amount of £4.50 per activity - per session.

If you know of any groups that might be suitable for the scheme, please contact : Jennifer Daffin, Play Our Way Project Assistant on email jennifer.daffin@mencap.org.uk or via T: 02920 74 75 88 F: 02920 74 75 50 www.mencap.org.uk 08.11.10

06.02.11

Retro Theatre is holding a special workshop day on 30th January, looking for a cast for their forthcoming production of Billy Elliot. You have to be aged 8-19. Full details are available on the Billy Elliot poster.

Main details: the Billy workshop is being held at: Abercwmboi RFC (The Village), Cardiff Rd, Aberaman, Aberdare, CF44 6AX.

Registration will start at 1.30pm and the workshop will start at 2pm.

If you have any questions please ring Keiron Gough on 07949 886 556. or see their website .

26.01.11
30.01.11
The run of Swansea Little Theatre's production of The Snow Queen was delayed because of the snow.

The last two performances have been rescheduled for 7th and 8th January. Original tickets will be honoured. Any queries, contact their box office on 01792 473238 or see their website.

16.1.11

Stardreams Musical Theatre Company are desperately seeking someone to play the part of The Wizard in their 2011 production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

The production will be staged at Pontypridd High School between 23rd and 26th February 2011.

If you might be interested, or know someone else who might be, please e-mail or call Robert Edmunds as soon as possible. robert.edmunds@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Robert Edmunds, Campaign and Events Officer, Engagement and Student Finance Division, Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS), Welsh Assembly Government
Tel: 01443 663785  Fax: 01443 663653 22.11.10

04.12.10
Cardiff and the Vale Coalition for Disabled People run a group for young disabled people with a range of activities, including the opportunity to getting involved in drama and music activities. More information available from Diverse2U's info sheet. (Word doc). 02.03.10 30.08.10
The website for the Drama Association of Wales went live today: www.dramawales.org.uk.

The website covers all the areas of activity that DAW is involved in and can give a good overview of what you get for your membership fee. The preparation for the website's launch has been undertaken by GDL Vice-Chair Lon David, and Swansea Little Theatre Committee member Ben Wheeler. Ben's company Beach Software, which donated the work on building the sites, specialises in the creation of websites, and a range of other e- and web related activities. 27.10.09
30.08.10
Congratulations to Andrew Machin, the recipient of this year's prestigious Bob McTurk Bursary. Andrew receives a full bursary to the 2010 Drama Association of Wales Theatre Summer School. The bursary is awarded to a young actor (aged 18-25 years) who shows the most promise in the first round of the National Festival of Community Theatre in Wales (otherwise known as the regional one act festivals). This year's adjudicator, Ian Sarginson GODA, decided that Andrew would be the recipient after seeing him as Brian in The Unknown Theatre Company's production of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in the GDL One Act Play Festival last month. Well done, Andrew! 14.05.10
30.08.10

Training courses galore! Two courses available within the GDL region this week - on the same day: Saturday 24th July 2010.

In the Howardian Centre in Cardiff, The Unknown Theatre Company are running a special day of creative courses for young people including performance poetry, and writing your own musical. Fee £10 for the whole day! For full information see The Unknown Theatre Company's website: www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

--------------------------

And on the same day in Neath, there's a Clowning Workshop for adults. This is what course organiser Damian Healy (well known to Neath Little Theatre audiences) has to say:

(please note: The Clowning outlined here is not connected with circus tradition clowning, but focused on performance clowning and comedy - the course is designed to cultivate the intuitive performer.)

"Laughter is the best medicine... well, at least that's what that dead guy said... In this one day workshop we will be exploring laughter and clowning - not silly shoes, and wigs - but the fun and simplicity of being ridiculous in the space - it is about play. I will be focusing on the individual, and what makes you funny - exploring individual quirks, and just what it is that makes us so ludicrously unique. How we are the clown in our daily lives - and how often we don't realise!

The workshop will be light-hearted, and playful - with plenty of laughs thrown in. It is suitable for all skill levels, but will be tailored to those unfamiliar with clowning. For those interested in theatre it will be of great benefit to performance, and for those who are not, it will be a great confidence builder and a good laugh. "

There are 20 places available, and will cost - £20 per person. 18+ only.
Venue: Neath YMCA, Neath, South Wales.
Please email damian-healy@live.co.uk for more information, and to reserve a place. (20.07.10)

10.08.10
Please note that this week's production of The Canterbury Tales, from Swansea Little Theatre has been cancelled. 20.06.10

It's the Glamorgan Drama League's turn to host the Wales Final Festival of One-Act Plays. It's now all hands to the deck to get everything ready for when much of the amateur theatre community in Wales descend on us to see the best of the best from the One-Act Festival rounds. The festival will be held at the Taliesin Theatre in Swansea on 4 and 5 June, starting both nights at 7pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 per night, or £13 for both nights and are available via the Taliesin Box Office on 01792 602060, or via their website www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk.

Full information about accommodation etc is available through the festival flyer: you can download the festival flyer in English (pdf 1.7mb) or download the festival flyer in Welsh (pdf 4mb).

The British Final Festival will be held at Village Theatre East Kilbride (Host country Scotland) on 25 & 26 June 2010.

06.06.10

Just one more round left now for the the Wales round of One-Act Play festivals in 2010. It is

5-8 May 2010 Gwent Drama Association (GDA) (Last date before the Welsh Final)

The adjudicator at all of these regional rounds will once again be Ian Sarginson GODA who was such a success at last year's festivals.

The regional rounds will then be followed by the Wales One Act Final at the Talisiesin Theatre in Swansea on 4 & 5 June 2010, and the British Final Festival - Village Theatre East Kilbride (Host country Scotland) on 25 & 26 June 2010.

Here's hoping GDL will have a presence at both! (16.09.09 updated 04.05.10)

10.05.10

Lots of developments on the communications front here at GDL. A Facebook page is on its way imminently, but we are already up and running on Twitter: follow us at http://twitter.com/glamorgandrama.

We also have updated our email addresses, so please prepare your email address book for:

Secretary: Suzanne Kibble via email at: secretary@glamorgandrama.org
Treasurer: Ben Wheeler via email at: treasurer@glamorgandrama.org
Glammies contacts: To register dates for all youth and adult Glammies entries/Glammies Appraisers' Co-ordinator:  Annette Littlechild glammies@glamorgandrama.org
Young Glammies Moderator / GDL Chair : Teri McCarthy info@glamorgandrama.org
Adult Glammies Moderator / GDL Vice Chair: Lon David webmaster@glamorgandrama.org (this email address can also be used for Glammies purposes, if you need to contact Lon)

These details are also on our Contact us page. 18.03.10

26.04.10

All change on the GDL Officer front, as new Treasurer, Ben Wheeler of Swansea Little Theatre, and new Secretary, Suzanne Kibble of Telstars Theatre Company, take up their new posts.

Many thanks to Suzanne and Ben for agreeing to take on the roles, great to have them on board! 18.03.10

26.04.10
Llantrisant Drama's Suzy Stacey, formerly GDL Treasurer and Secretary, has been appointed Director of the Drama Association of Wales. Many GDL members will have been aware of Suzy's extensive experience within amateur theatre, but Suzy also has an impressive career record within the commercial world, which will undoubtedly be of great value to DAW. We send her congratulations on her appointment and wish her all success in her new post. 08.03.10 26.04.10

Unequal Spaces seminars : Disability Arts Cymru has announced three one-day seminars on participation, training and career development in the arts for young disabled people.

Unequal Spaces you give you the opportunity to meet some of DAC’s talented young artists, as well as learning how to get to the heart of best practice in accessibility and inclusion.

Unequal Spaces will be held at the following venues:
Thursday 18th March - Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Thursday 25th March - Grand Theatre, Swansea
Friday 16th April - Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold

Each seminar will begin at 10am and finish at 4.30pm. It costs £25 for Disability Arts Cymru members, £35 for non-members and £10 for young disabled people under 18.

For further information and to book a place telephone 029 2055 1040 or email post@dacymru.com. 02.03.10

26.04.10

The list of all the winners, shortlisted entries and nominations at this year's Glammies is now available on the Glammies pages: adult or youth, together with an overview of the evening.

A photogallery of the evening is also now available. 18.07.09 updated 08.11.09

18.03.10
A series of workshops on the Theatre of the Oppressed are being held in Cardiff in February offering an opportunity to study with Dr Jennifer Hartley, internationally recognised for her extensive work with Theatre of the Oppressed and Applied Theatre practices. Full details are available to download on a course information sheet (Word document). 22.12.09 01.03.10

Entries will only be accepted for one more week as the The Drama Association of Wales annual One-Act Playwriting Competition will shortly be closing for 2010.

You are welcome to download the press release about the competition in English (Word doc), information in Welsh (Word doc), or a bilingual application form (pdf).

The closing date for entries is 31st January 2010. So if you're planning on entering and haven't done so yet - you'll need to hurry!

22.09.09 updated 23.01.10

01/02/10
Welsh National Opera is looking for over 100 enthusiastic singers to form a community choir to perform in an exciting new performance project, Shelf Life.

"The community choir will work alongside Volcano Theatre and National Theatre Wales in a performance project that will take over the evocative domed reading room of Swansea's Old Library.Tracing music back to it roots, and exploring the relationship music has with words, composer Peter Swaffer Reynolds will create a score of song and sounds that will be performed by a 100 strong choir led by music director, Kate Woolveridge. Join us to become part of this story!

You need to:
. Love singing
. Love performing
. Be 16 years or older
. Be committed to attending rehearsals on Thursdays in February and March
. Be available for three performance days per week from 5 to 25 April 2010 (performance times are evenings and weekends. Each performance lasts approx 30 minutes).

Although music will be given out, there is no need to be able to read music, as you will learn by ear. This is a great opportunity to perform in something a little different.

Why not come along to a taster session in January to find out more about the projects, hear the music and meet the team.

To find out more please contact Sarah Teagle in WNO MAX on 029 2063 5060 / 07866 819125, email sarah.teagle@wno.org.uk or log on to www.wno.org.uk to download a form." 12.01.10
01/02/10

Disability Arts Cymru is organising a Creative Writing Competition for young disabled writers: Ignite the Flame. This is the information they've circulated:

Are you a young disabled person living in Wales who has a way with words?
Enter one poem or one short story of up to 500 words using “what ignites the flame for you?” as your inspiration. Think about excellence, friendship, respect, determination, inspiration, equality.

Entries will be accepted from two age groups: 13-16 years old and 17-25 years old. We will work with the winners from each category to develop their writing skills. The winners' work will be included in an anthology in 2012.

To enter, send your poem or short story to Ignite the Flame Competition, Disability Arts Cymru, Sbectrwm, Fairwater, Cardiff CF5 3EF Tel: 02920 551 040 Fax: 02920 551 036. Or you can email entries to: post@dacymru.com. You can also enter by audio or CD-rom or any other format preferred. Closing date: 29th January 2010. 22.12.09

01/02/10
On Saturday 9th May, the 2009 Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival drew to a close following 3 nights of diverse and exciting plays. A page reporting on the whole event, including photos, is now available. 21.08.09 23.11.09

We are always looking for more people to join the team of appraisers for The Glammies, and will be holding another training/introduction session this autumn for anyone interested in joining the team.

The next training session will be held immediately following the next GDL Delegates' meeting, which is at 10.15am on 17th October in the Drive Offices in Nantgarw. Anyone interested in finding out more about being an appraiser is welcome to attend. Existing appraisers who'd like a refresher are also very welcome: in fact, it'd be great to have you around to share your experiences!

The sessions will be led by adult Glammies moderator, Lon David, and will be very informal. Prospective new appraisers are taken through the materials available to them to help them with the role, and any questions/concerns are answered. Please let Annette Littlechild (appraisers' co-ordinator) know if you're planning on attending.

If you're interested and would like to find out more, please do come along, even if it's just to find out more about the process. 21.08.09 updated 16.09.09

22.10.09

There have been a number of changes within the GDL committee recently.

Suzy Stacey, who has served as the GDL's Treasurer for some years, has moved across to Secretary. Ben Wheeler, known to many as the One-Act Festival Stage Manager, while the festival's been held in Swansea, has taken over as Treasurer. Contact details for both of them are available on our Contact Us page. STARS Performing Arts Director, Nerys Jones, has taken on the role of Training Officer. Welcome to Nerys and Ben.

Thanks are due to John Minkes, of Telstars Theatre Company, who took up the reins of Secretary - on a temporary basis, mind you! - and has stayed and done fabulous things for much longer than any of us had ever anticipated: especially John! Thanks John, for all your hard work on behalf of the GDL. 10.08.09

22.10.09

Members of the Drama Association of Wales staff have new email addresses:

Administrator Gary Thomas is Gary@dramawales.org.uk Please also use this address for enquiries about Summer School.

Queries for library, membership services, playwriting competition, DAW publications to Teresa@dramawales.org.uk or Leon@dramawales.org.uk

General enquiries to info@dramawales.org.uk

A new website for DAW is currently under development by Beach Software, run by GDL's own Ben Wheeler, and it is due to be up and running very soon. updated 16.09.09

22.09.09
2010 - GDL will be hosting the Final of the Wales One Act Festival, probably in Cardiff. Further details will be circulated once available. Keep the first weekend in June 2010 free! (03.01.09 updated 03.04.09) 16.09.09
Two productions from the Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival participated in the Wales Final Festival of One-Act Plays in Milford Haven's Torch Theatre on Saturday 6th June. The Players' Theatre once again gave a stirrng performance of their newly translated A Doctor by Persuasion and The Unknown Theatre gave the intimate Ghost City their best shot in a theatre much bigger than they might have anticipated! Sadly, neither production won on the night: that honour went to Milford Haven's New Tabs Players, whose production of But Yesterday by Jimmie Chinn will now go on to represent Wales at the British final in Enniskillen in July. (10.06.09) 21.08.09

We came, we saw, we got the results! On Saturday 9th May, the 2009 Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival drew to a close following 3 nights of diverse and exciting plays. A page reporting on the whole event, including photos, will follow shortly, but in the meantime, here are the results:

THE GLAMORGAN COUNTY CUP
FESTIVAL WINNER - ADULT : Players' Theatre, A Doctor by Persuasion

MARI MAJOR YOUTH AWARD
FESTIVAL WINNER - YOUTH : The Unknown Theatre Company, Ghost City

BOB McTURK MEMORIAL TROPHY
BEST DIRECTOR : Gareth Gibbs, A Doctor by Persuasion

THE BEST OVERALL INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Melissa Moore - Would-be novelist and other characters, The Unknown Theatre Company, Ghost City

THE BEA WELLS MEMORIAL TROPHY
THE BEST OVERALL INDIVIDUAL COMEDY PERFORMANCE
Jonathan James - Sganarelle, Players' Theatre, A Doctor by Persuasion

THE JEAN HOWELL TROPHY
ADJUDICATOR'S AWARD: Graham J Evans for his new adaptation of Moliere's play, A Doctor by Persuasion

As it was the last night of the entire Welsh round for 2009, adjudicator Ian Sarginson was able to announce those companies going through to the Welsh One-Act Final in Milford Haven on 5th and 6th June. There were two plays from Gwent, two from Pembrokeshire - but Glamorgan also came away with two productions going forward!

So for another chance to see Ghost City from The Unknown Theatre Company, and A Doctor by Persuasion from previous British finals winner Players' Theatre, book now for 6th June. Tickets are available from The Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or online on www.torchtheatre.co.uk. Good luck both!

For your diary: the British One-Act Final will be held in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland on 3rd and 4th July.

Here's keeping everything crossed that Glamorgan will be represented in Ireland too! (10.05.09)

21.08.09

The Drama Association of Wales Theatre Summer School 2009

A choice of 2 courses is available during this year's course, which will be held at Swansea University, 8-14 August: a week-long residential training holiday designed for amateur actors and directors.

VOICE IN PERFORMANCE. Tutor: Joan Mills

All actors, no matter how accomplished need to pay attention to their voice. It is a continuous, developing study for all performers if the voice is to remain flexible, communicative and healthy.

This workshop will explore the most useful practices which develop range, power and expressive potential of your voice. This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Using her vast experience Joan will encourage beginners to explore and build confidence and the more experienced will be offered more advanced challenges and will be encouraged to extend and further develop the vocal range and ability. This course will be fun, physically based and playful: laughing is guaranteed!

The course will include singing as well as spoken text but those who have a fear of harmony should not be deterred. Throughout her career, Joan has led workshops for those who claim not to sing and has helped hundreds of non-singers to become comfortable with this part of their voices.

ACTING & CHARACTERISATION. Tutor: Richard Cheshire

Participants of this course will be encouraged to investigate and experience key rehearsal methods used by contemporary professional theatre practitioners to help establish, build and develop characters from a variety of plays. Practical workshops will be structured to provide opportunities for individual, small group and ensemble work and will aim to explore a variety of theatrical styles.

Richard believes that learning should be fun and the course is structured for anyone with a keen interest of acting, regardless of past experience, who wants to improve and/or refresh their skills.

Discounts are available to DAW Individual members which means that you can book on to this course for as little as just £440. And that includes tuition, accommodation and all meals!

For full course details contact: Gary Thomas, Drama Association of Wales, The Old Library, Singleton Road, Cardiff CF24 2ET (T) 029 2045 2200 (E) gary@dramawales.org.uk (10.06.09)

20.08.09

If you're interested in entering a show for the 2008-09 season, you'll need to be a member (see our Joining page) and all the rest of the info is available on the Glammies page, including information about our entry form & guidelines/rules.

Please note that if your membership subs must be up to date if you want to enter a production for the Glammies, and you must give us AT LEAST four weeks notice, or your entry is not valid.

Final date for shows to be seen for the 2008-09 Glammies is 30th April 2009. Entries seen after that will be part of the Glammies 2009-10.

 

2009's One Act Festival dates have now been finalised and they are as follows:

Colwyn Bay Festival

5th - 7th March 2009

Clwyd Festival

2nd - 4th April 2009

Montgomery Festival

15th - 17th April 2009

Anglesey Festival

20th - 25th April 2009

Pembroke Festival

1st - 2nd May 2009

Glamorgan Festival

7th - 9th May 2009

The Wales final will be held in Milford Haven on 5th and 6th June, and the British Final in Northern Ireland on 3rd and 4th July. Here's keeping everything crossed that Glamorgan will be represented at both!

10.11.08

A series of dates important to GDL activity over the next year has been announced:

Glammies: the last date that a show can be seen by appraisers for the 2008-09 season is Thursday 30th April.

The Glammies night will be held at the Paget Rooms, Penarth on Sunday 28th June 2009. Further details on booking tickets etc will circulated when available.

Glamorgan One Act Play Festival: the festival will be held once again at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea, hosted by Swansea Little Theatre. The dates are 7-9 May 2009. The last night is the final night of the whole of the Welsh round of One Act Festivals, and is the night when those groups who proceed to the Welsh Final (in Pembrokeshire in 2009) will be announced, so it's likely to be a sell-out night as representatives of competing companies from all over Wales will descend on us to find out if their production has got through.

Get your ticket order in early to be sure of a seat! 25.09.08 updated 22.02.09

10.05.09

Entries for the 2009 Glamorgan One Act Play Festival have now been announced. Full details of the shows, the companies and the running order are available on our One-Act Festival page.

Entered companies who need another copy of the entry documents (dates, deadlines etc) can find them at the 2009 One Act Resources page.

Companies performing in the festival are reminded that they need to get technical information to festival Stage Manager, Ben Wheeler, by 11th April at the latest. Contact Ben on info @dylanthomastheatre.org.uk.
10.05.09

Cardiff Players

Cardiff

cardiffplayers@hotmail.co.uk

www.cardiffplayers.org

   
Gilfach Goch Players Gilfach Goch        
Neath Little Theatre Neath neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk    
The deadline - 31st January 2009 - has now passed for the Drama Association of Wales's One Act Playwriting Competition. There has been the usual healthy number of entries, from around the world - over 235 across the youth and adults sections. Results will be announced at the Welsh One Act Final in Milford Haven on 6th June 2009. updated 15.02.09 03.04.09

GDL member group Telstars Theatre Company staged a wonderful performance of Les Clarke's moving play Watching the Magpies at the Wales Final Festival of One Act Plays at the Blackwood Miners' Institute on June 5th and 6th this year.

Telstars did a sterling job, but were up against very tough competition, especially from Blackwood Little Theatre with their detailed and very funny production of Last Tango in Blackwood which GODA Adjudicator Paul Fowler chose as the overall winner of the competition.

BLT went on to represent Wales at the British Final Festival of One Act Plays in the Taliesin Theatre in Swansea on 4th and 5th July, but sadly, despite a first-class performance, didn't win the award, which went to the Scottish entry from Stewarton Drama Group, One Good Beating by Linda McLean.

10.06.08

updated 30.08.08

Over for another year! The Glammies gala night went very well at our trial venue - The Electricity Club in Cardiff - on Saturday 17th May. See the Glammies page for full information on who was nominated, shortlisted and won the various awards, together with a report on the evening, and photos of all the winners. 19.05.08
updated 15.08.08

The Drama Association of Wales's prestigious One Act Playwriting Competition for 2009 is now well underway. The competition aims to encourage the writing of plays for amateur theatre in English and Welsh. If you're planning on entering, there's not too long left as entries are accepted only until 31st January 2009.

In addition to cash awards, prize-winning plays will be considered for publication.

For full information see the attached press release from DAW (Word document, 31Kb), or the course leaflet/application form (pdf file, 2.7Mb).

03.02.09

Congratulations to Cardiff's Telstars Theatre Company, who once again flew the flag for the GDL at the Wales One-Act Final, which this year was held at the Blackwood Miners Institute on 6th and 7th June

The full list of finalists was as follows:

FRIDAY
1.  One Season's King              New Tabernacle Players
2.  Watching the Magpies         Telstars Theatre Company, Cardiff
3.  Last Tango in Blackwood      Blackwood Little Theatre

SATURDAY
1.  Auto Da Fe                          Castle Players ADS, Beaumaris
2.  Lucy in the Sky                    Phoenix Theatre Company, Clwyd
3.  A Dog's Life                         Guilsfield ADS
14.05.08

updated 10.06.08

03.01.09

There were 8 entries in this year's One-Act Play Festival, held in Swansea's Dylan Thomas Theatre 17-19 April 2008.

Four member companies entered (including 3 youth groups), with three of the companies entering two plays each. For full details for an overview of the festival, of who did what and who won what etc, go to our One-Act 2008 page.
20.04.08

03.01.09

   

Cardiff-based member group, The Unknown Theatre Company, is currently auditioning for its next production Back to the 80s - a lively musical opportunity to re-visit many of the most popular musical memories of the 1980s!

New members, aged between 13-25, are actively welcome to join the award-winning group for this exciting and energetic show. Rehearsals are in Cardiff on Tuesdays and/or Sundays. Full details are available on the Unknown Theatre website www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

New members are also welcome to join The Unknown YoYos, the company's special group for members aged 8-13.

As the Company also stages straight plays, it is keen to hear from young people (13-25) who might be interested in this area.(01.10.08)

10.11.08

Writer and DAW member Russell Webster is looking for companies to try out his new plays.

The plays are as follows:

1) April Showers: 5F 2M  A mix of young and old cast members.
The play centres on a young girl "in trouble". The mother has news of her own too.

2) The Iron Rainbow: 9M 1F 
Mainly for young men, this play is set in a bail hostel. Tensions run high, and the play deals with some contemporary issues.

3) Blue Crystal: 2M 
Two young men talk about the issues surrounding drug use. One is hooked, the other has different dreams.

If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Russell direct on russellwebster@ntlworld.com 8.9.08

2.11.08

Ty Newydd, The National Writers' Centre for Wales based in Llanystumdwy, is running a special course: DRAMA: THE NEXT STAGE - October 6 - 11 2008. Course Leaders will be Gilly Adams and Charles Way.

This is a course designed for writers who have some experience of writing for theatre or radio and who wish to deepen their understanding and practice. It will be an intensive week with opportunities to create new work as well as develop existing scripts. Professional actors will get involved with the process at the end of the week.

The course is run in partnership with the Drama Association of Wales: DAW members are entitled to a discount of 10% on the course fees. Applicants should contact Gary Thomas or Teresa Hennessy on 02920 2045 2200 or email: aled.daw@virgin.net  for details.

Please note that the closing date for applications for the the bursaries offered by DAW for this course has now passed.

Fees: Residential: £480 (single); £420 (shared) Tel: 01766 522811 post@tynewydd.org www.tynewydd.org

10.10.08

The Drama Association of Wales's highly successful Summer School is moving home. In Lampeter for several years, for 2008, the School will be held 10-16 August at Swansea University. Bookings are now being taken: places are limited, so it's always worth booking early.

Last year's extremely popular tutor Phil Clark (known by many in Cardiff for his many successes at the Sherman Theatre, but with many other strings to his bow) will return, this year joined by Rebecca Gould who has specialised in directing new plays. Until recently she was Associate Director at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, but is currently a Learning Associate at the RSC.

The theme of this year's School will be BEING BOLD: Steps Towards Braver Productions. Here's the overview for the week: "So often during short rehearsal periods, amateur theatre companies are forced to work to tight deadlines. The advantage of a week-long summer school is that it allows the artists to experiment with new, challenging and exciting rehearsal techniques that can invigorate a pressured rehearsal period. The course will encourage the artist to be brave and experiment with new rehearsal techniques that could lead to a more ambitious theatre-making process."

Discounts are offered to DAW Individual members which means that you can book on to this course for as just £420 - and that includes tuition, accommodation and all meals!

For more information: please contact Gary Thomas at Drama Association of Wales, The Old Library, Singleton Road, Cardiff CF24 2ET (T) 029 2045 2200 (E) aled.daw@virgin.net (21.04.08)

15.08.08
The National Drama Festivals Association has sent information about the possibility of participating in their All Winners' Festival in the Isle of Man in July 2008. Click here for the letter. (word logo, also link to documentWord document, 27Kb) (11.10.07) 28.07.08
sarah lark dressed as nancyThe Unknown Theatre Company is consoling itself after member Sarah Lark, from Cardiff, lost in the sing-off at the end of the sixth live round of BBC1's I'd Do Anything - a competition to help find the cast of a new West End production of Oliver! She did so well to reach this stage of the competition and everyone at Unknown is really proud of her.


Thanks to everyone who voted for her!
09.07.08
The British final of the One-Act play festival will be held at the Taliesin Theatre in Swansea 4th and 5th July 2008. The four best plays from the competing countries - Scotland, Ireland, England and, of course, Wales - will be on show, and promise to provide first-class entertainment. Why not book your tickets early, to ensure you'll be included in the fun! Full information is available from the Drama Association of Wales on 029 2045 2200, or via email on aled.daw@virgin.net 09.07.08

After a fairly steady stream of entries over the year, by the end of the season, entries for the Glammies suddenly flourished to the point that we are back at last year's level of 11 adult shows! There was a sudden rush of entries to the Youth Glammies too, although these have been mainly in the Drama, rather than the Musical category, which is a real change from past years.

All the shows have now been seen, and the Moderators are busy collating final reports for circulation to the companies. Marks will be totalled and final decisions made very soon. As soon as it's possible, shortlists for the acting awards will be available on this site.

With all these entries, and with the standard so high, who will pick up the coveted trophies this year? Make sure you're there on the night to find out. Tickets for the Glammies, which are limited in number this year, are available now. Full details of the shows entered and how to buy tickets are available via the Glammies pages. 20.04.08

19.05.08

The list of acting nominations for this year's Glammies awards, compiled from the performances which particularly impressed the Glammies appraisal team this year, is now available on its own page.

The short listed candidates will be announced on the night at the Glammies awards on 17th May at The Electricity Club in Cardiff. See the Glammies page for full contact information, if you are interested in attending. Tickets are limited this year, so please get your booking in as early as possible. (05.05.08)

19.05.8
The Glammies acting nominations are now available. Click here to go to the full list...
glammies 07-08 flyer Glammies tickets are now available from GDL Secretary Suzy Stacey

tel (01443) 223184 or (07734) 701449 or

email suzystacey@btinternet.com. Tickets are priced at £10 per adult, £5 for under 18s and include a buffet.

-----------------------------------
Have you paid your membership subs yet?

If you haven't paid your subs for 2008, your entry in the Glammies is not valid and you won't be eligible to collect any awards which you otherwise might have won!
19.05.08

At the DAW AGM held in Rhayader on 24th September, GDL Chair, Teri McCarthy, was voted in as Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the Association. Congratulations, Teri!

Teri takes over the role from the previous Vice Chair, Mari Major (a long standing player in GDL herself) who stood down this year, but who will continue to serve on the Executive Board as an Elected Member.

04.12.07

sarah lark dressed as nancyThe Unknown Theatre Company is on tenterhooks at the moment as Sarah Lark, from Cardiff, has successfully completed the first five live rounds of BBC1's I'd Do Anything - a competition to help find the cast of a new West End production of Oliver! She'll be singing again next Saturday, on the next live show.

Sarah was a member of of the company from outset, playing Peter Pan in the group's first ever production in 1997, but she has very much kept up her connection with the company, appearing at last summer's 10th anniversary concert at Dyffryn Gardens.

The show is on BBC1 on Saturday evening prime time, and all GDL members are urged to vote for Sarah! For further information on the show, see the BBC's website for the show.

Good luck, Sarah! 23.03.08 updated 29.04.08

05.05.08

There are 8 entries in this year's One-Act Play Festival, to be held in Swansea's Dylan Thomas Theatre between 19-21 April 2008.

Four member companies have entered (including 3 youth groups), with three of the companies entering two plays each. For full details of who's on when, go to our One-Act page.

Bridgend Castle Players were unable to particpate after all, so Dylan Thomas Theatre Youth Academy have saved the Day, they are stepping in with The Fairyland Detective Agency by Vin Morreale, Jr, which will be performed on the Thursday evening of the festival. 07.03.08 updated 30.03.08

20.04.08

After a fairly steady stream of entries over the year, entries for the Glammies have suddenly flourished to the point that we are back at last year's level of 11 adult shows! There have been a sudden rush of entries to the Youth Glammies too, although these have been mainly in the Drama, rather than the Musical category, which is a real change from past years.

With all these entries, and with the standard so high, who will pick up the coveted trophies this year? Make sure you're there on the night to find out. Tickets for the Glammies, which are limited in number this year, will be available soon. Full details of the shows entered are available via the Glammies pages. 06.03.08

20.04.08
   
The Unknown Theatre Company is auditioning over the next couple of weeks for its forthcoming shows: The Oedipus Plays by Caroline Reader (a modern adaptation of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone) and the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The former is a play, and the latter a musical for which strong, confident singers are required. If you're aged between 13-25 and are interested in either show, check ou t The Unknown Theatre website www.unknowntheatre.co.uk for further information about the auditions.
NB AN EXTRA AUDITION DATE IS ABOUT TO BE ADDED FOR OEDIPUS. PLEASE WATCH THE UNKNOWN WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFO. 31.03.08 updated 07.04.08
15.04.08

DCMS conducts first National study of voluntary arts activity in England

On 1 February 2008, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be launching the first ever national survey of amateur arts groups in England. Groups of voluntary and amateur participants from all artistic walks of life - from music, dance and crafts, to theatre, visual arts and literature - are being encouraged to participate by going to http://www.artsurvey.org.uk and completing a short online questionnaire before 29th February.

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, said: "The arts are a really important part of so many people's lives. Taking part in local voluntary arts groups is rewarding, fascinating and fun. This survey is the first step to connect with those involved. Over 70% of people in England take part in artistic activities in all their many and varied forms - but for too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised as an important part of our thriving arts scene. This survey will try to map voluntary and amateur arts groups and look at how they are supported and how more people could be encouraged to get involved."

The survey will be open from 1-29 February, 2008. The results will be published in summer 2008. 23.01.08

23.03.08
With the very generous support of the Drama Association of Wales, some exciting workshops are planned for the very near future.
Member groups are being circulated with questionnaires over the next few weeks, and everyone is asked to complete their form and return it as soon as possible so that the next stage of the planning can be started! 18.07.07
23.03.08
DAW Playwriting Competition results: Teresa Hennessy, Member Services Officer at Drama Association of Wales writes: "On Friday 1st June 2007, the results of the Drama Association of Wales' One Act Playwriting Competition was announced at Theatr Hafren in Newtown, Powys. This year we received 198 entries, not only from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England, but also from France, New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Canada. The results are as follows:

The winner of the Best Play for a Youth Cast 16-25 years: 'Another August 919' by Monika Johnson from Nottingham.

The winner of the Best Play in the Open Section: 'Rosie's Shoes' by Audrey Ringrose from London.

The winner of the Best Play in the Welsh language: 'Car Dy Gymydog' by Manon Wyn Williams from Llangefni, Anglesey.

The winner of the Best Play by a Wales Based Playwright: 'Snakes and Ladders' by Don Rodgers from Bryncoch, Neath, South Wales.

The winners of the first three sections will be published.  The winner of the best play by a Wales-based Playwright will receive a bursary to attend a writing course at Ty Newydd, the National Writers' Centre for Wales. Should you wish to receive any further information regarding the Playwriting Competition or the Drama Association of Wales in general, then please do not hesitate to contact me. " 17.07.07
23.03.08
Dylan Thomas Theatre, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 1TY  

The Drama Association of Wales Playwriting Competition for 2008 is currently underway, and welcoming entries in 3 categories: an open section, plays suitable for performance by a cast of 16-25 year olds and scripts in the Welsh language. There is a prize of £200 for each of these categories. A further prize of a bursary for a Ty Newydd theatre writing course will be awarded to the best play from a Wales based writer. In addition to cash awards, prize-winning plays will be considered for publication. The closing date for entry is 31 January 2008.

For further information, contact DAW on 029 2045 2200, or via email aled.daw@virgin.net (04.12.07)
06.03.08
"Birchfield", Despenser Avenue, Llantrisant, CF72 8QA, by kind permission of Suzy Stacey.  

After several years, our regular venue for delegate meetings, the Drive Office at Pontyclun, is shortly to be unavailable to us.

John Minkes, GDL Secretary writes: "Drive's lease on Ty Canol is ending and we need to find somewhere new.  Drive have kindly offered us free use of their new office but it is in Nantgarw, five miles north of Cardiff and therefore very much at the eastern end of our area.  Alternatively, Suzy Stacey, our Treasurer, has equally kindly offered her house in Llantrisant. 

Please could you let me know of any other possible venues.  We need somewhere which is available free of charge for meetings of up to fifteen people on Saturday mornings approximately every six weeks.  It would be nice to have somewhere which is reasonably central to the GDL meetings.  Or if we had a venue in the west, we could alternate meetings between one end of Glamorgan and the other.  Please let me have any ideas before the AGM/delegates' meeting on Feb 2nd and I will collate all the information." John is contactable at johnminkes@tiscali.co.uk (31.12.07)

25.02.08
Following the success of its production of How to Eat Like a Child in February 2007, the Cardiff-based Unknown Theatre Company is looking for new members for its new production with its special junior group. Members of the main company at the Unknown Theatre Company are aged between 13-25, but the junior group is for performers aged 8-13. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evening in Roath starting at 7.00pm, and the first workshops on the production will be held on Tuesday 8th January. Further information can be found on the group's website www.unknowntheatre.co.uk or by calling the UTC's producer, Jane Donoghue on 029 2076 6056. (31.12.07) 25.02.08

Several members of the current appraisal team took part in an extremely useful review of appraisal procedures following the delegates meeting on 15th September. Some details on forms were clarified, final agreement was given to the Glammies rules for entry, and the current marking system was looked at. A decision was taken to keep the current marking system for this year, as some shows have already been appraised, but to re-visit it in time for the 2009 year, perhaps to bring it closer in line with the GODA system. All the forms, appraisers' materials and other paperwork has since been updated and are available via the Glammies appraisers' page .

We're still looking for new appraisers and are looking to run another training session (it won't last very long, it's not *that* difficult!) in the very near future. If you think you'd like to have a go at appraising, please let us know on glammies@aol.com so that we know to contact you when the training is arranged.

04.12.07
Three of the entries at the 2007 GDL One-Act Play Festival were selected to go through to the Welsh Final: Swansea Little Theatre: Cruise Missile, Players Theatre: The Bridge and Telstars Theatre Company: A Little Extra Help. And The Bridge won the overall and went on to represent Wales at the British Final in Solihull at the end of June. The standard was extremely high at the Festival - but in the end, England clinched it with Find Me by Olwen Wymark. Players represented themselves, the GDL and Wales extremely well and we were all very proud of them. See some photos of the weekend here. 04.12.07
For the full news on the 2007 Glammies night, held at the Barry Memorial Hall on Saturday 9th June, see the Glammies 06-07 page. Information about the Young Glammies is also available there. 04.12.07
On 16th May 2007, former GDL Chair, GDL representative on DAW Executive, Cardiff Players main man - and friend to all - Mike Barlow passed away while on holiday in Rome. The news has come as a tremendous shock to everyone, and it is clear from the response the huge affection and respect that everyone had for Mike. Our sympathies go to everyone who knew and loved him. 04.12.07
Our much-loved President, Peggy Mason-Gray, sadly passed away on 8th March 2007, after a long illness, borne with great dignity. She will be missed by everyone. Our sympathies go to her family and friends. 04.12.07
GDL subscriptions: 2007 subscriptions are now extremely overdue.  At only £15 per year for adult groups, £10 per year for individuals and £5 per year for youth groups, membership represents good value for money, especially if you make use of everything the League has to offer.  You have to be a member to participate, so please ensure you send in your subscription soon.

Update! - to help you to pay your subscriptions on time, why not complete a standing order form? It takes the hassle out of having to remember your renewal each year, and saves our overworked admin team from having to chase you... Contact our Treasurer Suzy Stacey if you'd like a Standing Order application form.
04.12.07
The Drama Association of Wales is running a course for new writers, in conjunction with Ty Newydd. Called Drama: The Next Stage, it runs 8-13 October 2007 and will be run by Sarah Dickenson and Kaite O'Reilly.
The course is designed for writers who may not have attended a course before but who have some experience of writing for theatre and wish to deepen their understanding and practice. The course will focus on enhancing writers' skills and developing their own voices.
Morning group skills-based workshops will explore craft and 'The tools of the trade' including dramatic structure, creation of character, tone and writing for specific audiences. Afternoons will offer the opportunity for writing time and one-to-one sessions to focus on writers' individual practice: developing their strengths and improving on their weaknesses. Evening sessions will provide time for informal discussion and sharing of work.
The course is open to all and DAW is offering places at a reduced cost to its members: there may also be some bursaries available. For more information on the course/bursaries, contact the DAW office on 029 2045 2200.
11.10.07
18.07.07 All members of the Glammies appraisal team are invited to attend the Appraisers' meeting following the next Delegates meeting at the Drive Offices, Pontyclun on Saturday 15th September. Current members are invited to bring their thoughts and ideas about how we might improve on the existing system, and to share ideas and their response to the whole appraisal process. Any member of a GDL-affiliated company who thinks they might like to get involved is also welcome to attend to find out more about how it all works, and how they can benefit from being a part of the team. Any questions/concerns in advance of the meeting to Glammies@aol.com 19.09.07
Bookings are now being taken for the Drama Association of Wales Summer School, to be held once again at the University of Wales in Lampeter, 12-18 August 2007. The themes of this year's school are ONE-ACTMANSHIP tutored by Phil Clark and PLAYING COMEDY tutored by Chris Morgan. Full details are available in the DAW Press Release (Word document, 29Kb), or you can look at or download the Summer School poster. Places are strictly limited, so if you're interested, book soon. 24.08.07
07.05.07 The 2007 One-Act Play Festival, held once again at Swansea LIttle Theatre's beautifully renovated home at the Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea, was a great success. Eight entries over three nights showed a diversity of talent, style and challenge that proved that theatre is live and well in our part of the world! See the One-Act 2007 page for all the details. 15.07.07

The GDL AGM was held this year on Saturday February 3rd, at the Drive Offices, Pontyclun.
The following officers were (re-)elected on the day.
•  President - Peggy Mason-Gray
•  Chairperson - Teri McCarthy
•  Vice Chairperson - Lon David
•  Secretary - John Minkes
•  Treasurer - Suzy Stacey
•  Training & Development Officer - vacant

Thanks to everyone who works so hard on behalf of the GDL, both those in office and those who are not. Without the commitment of this group, the GDL wouldn't exist. The AGM, and the delegates' meeting which followed, looked forward very much to an exciting 2007: the GDL's 60th birthday.

 
The 2006 Glammies were a great success, with more than 200 people attending. A slightly different format was used this year, with more acts from member companies, including adults, interspersed throughout the evening, and expanding the awards-giving part of the evening. Full details, including photographs, are available on the Young Glammies page or the Adult Glammies page.  
No fewer than three of the entries at the 2007 GDL One-Act Play Festival have been selected to go through to the Welsh Final: Swansea Little Theatre: Cruise Missile, Players Theatre: The Bridge and Telstars Theatre Company: A LIttle Extra Help. The 2007 One-Act Play Festival, held once again at Swansea LIttle Theatre's beautifully renovated home at the Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea, was a great success. Eight entries over three nights showed a diversity of talent, style and challenge that proved that theatre is live and well in our part of the world! See the One-Act 2007 page for all the details.  

WNO is opening up to members of the public, as part of an 'Open House' project which will run from 31 May to 3 June.
to get more information go to www.wno.org.uk/what.main.html
You can:
· join members of the WNO Orchestra to PLAY tunes from Carmen - all welcome - any instrument   /  any standard!  (Yes really) 
· join members of WNO to SING tunes form Carmen - all welcome, no experience - just a love of singing!
· learn how to write a song with a professional song writer
· create art inspired by Carmen with a WNO designer  
and a lot more besides.  While everything's free, for some of the workshops you need to register.

 
The Glammies NIght is looming ever closer, with the last of the youth entries seen, and with one more adult production - Steel Magnolias - left to be appraised. It should be an extra special night at the Barry Memorial Hall on 9th June, as the GDL celebrates its 60th anniversary. Watch out for additional information - including nominees for acting awards - on this site.  

America's New "Great Lakes"

Geoff and Barbara Lake, seen here at last year's Glammies, are due home again in time for the next GDL Delegates meeting on 19th May.

Geoff writes " It's been a great time here in Florida and we will be looking to the autumn when we will return to our other life. We can't believe that it's six months, it seems to have flown by. We have made so many friends and enjoyed lots of activities and, as the Americans would say we've become acclimated."

 
The 2007 One-Act Play Festival, held once again at Swansea LIttle Theatre's beautifully renovated home at the Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea, was a great success. Eight entries over three nights showed a diversity of talent, style and challenge that proved that theatre is live and well in our part of the world! See the One-Act 2007 page for all the details. (updated 07.05.07)  
The venue and dates for the 2007 One-Act Festival are now set: the Festival will once again be held at Swansea's Dylan Thomas Theatre, 19-21 April 2007. It is planned that in 2008, the Festival will venture, for the first time, to Aberdare, and in 2009 will return to Cardiff. See the One-act resources page for more details, including entry details, forms etc..  
Our President, Peggy Mason-Gray has had to step back from her duties as President at this time, due to illness. Peggy has always led a busy and active life both when she was working and after retirement - in fact we think it's a myth that she has retired! It is only recently that she had to stop driving and sell her car - who else would be driving a sports car at the age of 88?! We wish her well as she copes with her illness.  
At the Delegate committee meeting on Saturday 29 July, a number of possibilities were discussed about ways to encourage local groups to join the GDL and participate in its activities. The Chair and Vice-Chair are planning to visit non-member companies to discuss how membership could help their group. Other plans are also under discussion. If you're an active amateur drama group in the former Glamorgan area, and not currently a member, please do contact us about how membership could help you.  

GDL stalwarts, Geoff and Barbara Lake, who between them have filled several of the posts on the GDL Committee for years, and who invented and for many years have been the main organisers of The Glammies, are heading off to Florida for their semi-retirement. But they'll be back in late spring - in time to help with the Glammies buffet!
Thanks to George Smith, of Bridgend Castle Players, for organising the successful 'au revoir' bash at Bridgend Tennis Club on 4th November: an opportunity for representatives of a number of groups to say thanks to Geoff and Barbara, for all they've done for so many people.
Thanks too to John Minkes, of Cardiff's Telstars Theatre Company, who has kindly agreed to take over the position of GDL Secretary, now that Barbara has stepped down from the role.

Have a wonderful time, Geoff and Barbara. We're waiting for the postcard!

 
John Minkes, one of the Telstars Theatre Company cohort active on the GDL delegates' committee, has now moved up the ranks, taking over from Barbara Lake as Secretary of the GDL. Thanks for volunteering, John, and all best wishes in the role.  

The GDL AGM will be held this year on Saturday February 3rd, at 10.15am at the Drive Offices, Ty Canol, Clun Avenue, Pontyclun. Nominations are welcome for the posts listed below, and should be passed to the GDL's new Secretary, John Minkes (johnminkes@tiscali.co.uk ) by January 13th, though nominations can also be made at the AGM itself.
•  President
•  Chairperson
•  Vice Chairperson
•  Secretary
•  Treasurer
•  Training & Development Officer
Representatives of all member groups are particularly encouraged to attend the AGM, to ensure their groups' opinions are heard as plans are made for the future.

 
The GDL has been contacted by Max Davies, a young man living in the Cardiff area who is a graduate of the Royal College of Music in London, now living and working as a composer, arranger, and general musician in the Cardiff area (where he's originally from), as well as undertaking a Masters Degree at Cardiff University.

He has a lot of experience of music in theatre, and is looking for paid work as Musical Director/Co-Musical Director/Rehearsal Pianist/Incidental music/workshop work.

For full info see his website http://www.maxcharlesdavies.com or you can contact him by email maxcharlesdavies@aol.com or by phone on 07989 354872.
 
GDL stalwarts, Geoff and Barbara Lake, who between them fill several of the posts on the GDL Committee, and who are the main organisers of both the One-Act Festival and Glammies night, have announced their retirement from active service with the GDL. They plan to spend several months of the year in America but are planning to be back in the area for the rest of the time, so we're hoping we'll still get to see them on a regular basis.

Everyone wishes them all success with this latest venture, with grateful thanks for their dedication for so many years.
 

Disability Arts Cymru are running the Next Level in equality courses in Swansea in September and October. These are advanced equalities and inclusion courses that give you advice, guidance and information to help you make your services more inclusive and more accessible for everybody. Full information, together with an application form is available as a Word document

For any further information, contact Maggie Hampton, Director, Disability Arts Cymru , Sbectrwm, Bwlch Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3EF
Tel/Textphone: 029 2055 1040 Fax: 029 2055 1036
www.dacymru.com/index_e.html    Disability Arts Cymru was formerly known as Arts Disability Wale

 
The Drama Association of Wales has circulated information about its 2006 Drama Summer School which takes place this year in the University of Wales, Lampeter between 13th - 19th August 2006. The course is called "ACTING SKILLS - creating that element of magic". Full information is available via our Activities page.  

Our workshop for appraisers was held in Pontyclun on 10 September and was a great success.  Out of the discussions, some materials were created to help Appraisers, new and old.  New pages especially for appraisers (or those interested in joining the team) are now available here

 
The 2006 GDL One-Act Festival is huge success in Swansea's Dylan Thomas Theatre. Supportive audiences enjoyed two nights of first-class theatre, with GODA Adjudicator, George Owen, faced with the most difficult task of deciding between some excellent shows. Cardiff's Orbit Theatre Company won two awards, as did newcomers The Unknown Theatre Company. Full details on our One-Act 2006 page.  

Cardiff Players' stalwart, Mike Barlow, has stepped down from the position of GDL Chairman after 6 years in the post.  At the League's AGM in Pontyclun yesterday, Mike confirmed his intention, expressed at the last AGM, of wanting to hand over to another. Standing Vice Chairman, Teri McCarthy of Telstars Theatre Company, was in the wings ready to assume the role.  The Unknown Theatre Company's Lon David has now taken over as Vice Chair.

Many thanks to Mike for his years of sterling service to the organisation.  We are all sure that he won't be able to keep away from us for long, and we all look forward to his continuing presence at GDL events.

 
Member group, The Unknown Theatre Company, based in Cardiff, is holding auditions this week for its forthcoming production of Just So, which will be performed in the Millennium Centre Weston Studio in October. Performers aged between 10-25 are welcome to audition for this exciting musical, from the writers of Honk!. For further information, please contact the Unknown Theatre Company, or you can get further information from their website .  

The Arts Council of Wales has available, FREE of charge to arts or charitable groups and individuals, quite an array of display sections, counters and screens in ply and other timber. The materials are bulky, and you would need to arrange your own transport to collect them.

If you're interested, please contact (by the end of June):
Valmai Ward, Administrator
Principality Collectorplan + ACW Art Collection
The Arts Council of Wales, 9 Museum Place, Cardiff CF10 3NX      
(029) 2037 6524

 
The Glammies nominations are out! There are many acting nominations, both Young Glammies, and Adult Glammies categories. Full details are available on the respective pages. If you'd like to book tickets for the event - which, with more entertainment, as well as the awards, promises to be better than ever - please contact us.  
The next Glammies Awards night will be held in Barry on Sunday 21 May 2006. All the information about the Glammies:  what it's all about, who's entered, how you can get involved as an Appraiser etc, can be found on the Glammies section of the site.  

 

 

 

     
     
poster for spring awakening

The Unknown Theatre Company

Spring Awakening


The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff




7.30pm
Tuesday 30 August - Friday 2 September 2011

The rock musical adaptation that has taken Broadway by storm comes to Cardiff!

Wedekind's modern classic play was banned for many years in his native Germany, as its subject matter was considered too sensitive for performance. This contemporary adaptation brings to the stage the perennial issue of young people discovering themselves, each other and how the world is.

And all to a musical score that will stay with you for a very long time.

Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions.

To book call 029 2076 6056 or see the Unknown Theatre Company website.

     
poster for and then

The Unknown Theatre Company

... and then...

(Eggplant &

At First Sight

- a double bill of plays of uncertain memory)




Roath Church House
Waterloo Road
Cardiff
CF24 5AD



7.30pm
Tuesday 26th April 2011

These are The Unknown Theatre Company's entries for this year's Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival.

Eggplant, by GDL and UTC old friend Lesley Ross (a very close friend of last year's Glammies sensation Gladys Allover), is an opportunity to spend time at Tom's 30th birthday party, co-hosted by his cousin, Lisa. Come join the celebrations, where there will be jelly, pass-the-parcel and the revelation of perhaps a few more secrets than people were expecting..

At First Sight, by Barney Norris, was the winning play in the 2010 Drama Assocation of Wales playwriting competition. A couple, some years apart, recall how they first met on a snowy night in Austria. What they remember, and how they remember it, do not always match.

This is the inaugural production of The Unknown Outcasts: a group for older members of The Unknown Theatre Company.

In 2010, The Unknown Theatre Company won the Wales Final Festival of One-Act plays, and represented Wales at the British Final Festival in East Kilbride in July 2010.

Tickets cost tbc
Phone 029 2076 6056 www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

     
poster for A Kiss on the Bottom

Neath Little Theatre




A Kiss on the Bottom




Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

7.30pm
Monday 7th - Saturday 12th March 2011

Three women are in East Glamorgan Hospital for cancer treatment. Grace is old and world weary, nearing death. Lucy is foolishly self deluding. And then there's Marlene, hopelessly optimistic. Each woman must cope not only with the uncertainties of her health, but with the inevitable secrets and half truths which are maintained by relations and nursing staff. It's up to Marlene, the strongest and most outspoken of them all, to keep the atmosphere in the ward cheery. It's a task that comes easily to her - you could say she has the gift of the gab - and soon she is forcing herself into the private lives of Lucy and Grace. Her activities - which are sometimes maddening, although her heart is always in the right place - make her bedfellows' time in hospital somewhat more interesting than it would have been otherwise!

This heartfelt and bitter-sweet Welsh comedy from one of Wales 's most prolific and respected playwrights is the prequel to 'Loose Ends'.

For tickets, call 01639 643462, or NLTtickets@hotmail.co.uk www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk

poster for good things

Cardiff Players



Good Things

 



The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Thursday 3rd - Saturday 5th March 2011

Susan, suddenly single and with the dreaded 5-0 glaring her in the face, has an Old Dad in his second childhood, a daughter in the throes of aggravated adolescence and an ex who, unfortunatley, still has the power to wound. . .

Set in the charity shop where Susan's a volunteer, Good Things is a poignant, hilarious play with a lot to say about finding love later in life.

A play by Liz Lochhead.

Tickets £7, which includes a free programme.
OAP concessions £6.50 on Thursday's opening night.

Also, this season, the Cardiff Players are happy to extend a £2 discount to all NHS hospital and Cardiff University staff and students.
If you would like to take advantage of this offer, simply mention it when booking, or present your ID card at the box office on the day.

Call Laura on 029 2062 8626 for tickets or book via the website www.cardiffplayers.org

poster for An Inspector Calls

Swansea Little Theatre

An Inspector Calls


The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea
SA1 1TY



7.30pm
Tuesday 15th February - Saturday 19th February
2011

Swansea Little Theatre performs J.R Priestley's classic play An Inspector Calls.

Tickets £8.50 / £7 concessions
10% discount for group booking (10 or more)

To book call 01792 473238 or see the SLT website
www.swansealittletheatre.org.uk

www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

briton ferry snow queen poster

Briton Ferry Little Theatre

The Snow Queen


Briton Ferry Community Hall
Shelone Road
Briton Ferry

 


7.15pm, Wednesday 26th - Friday 28th January
&
5pm Saturday 29th January 2011

Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale has been adapted as a family pantomime by BFLT member Russell Workman.

BFLT continues its policy of giving young budding actors a start in theatre by casting them in pantomime alongside established and experienced actors, and this production is no exception. Promising children step up from chorus, and along with some new faces, take over minor speaking roles.

All the ingredients for a successful pantomime, plus the presence of Hans Christian Andersen throughout, are included in Russell's excellent script. No doubt it will also include stuff he didn't write. Audiences will find guaranteed fun and laughter throughout and experience a very enjoyable evening. Don't miss it!

Tickets £5 & £4 for children - A 10% discount is available for group bookings of 10 or more people

Phone to book tickets on 01639 792497 or via email on tickets@bflt.org.uk

www.bflt.org.uk

poster for A Christmas Carol

Telstars Theatre Company

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Drama Society's Production of A Christmas Carol


The Mike Barlow Theatre
YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff
CF24 3AG

7.30pm, Thursday 3rd & 2.00pm and 7.30pm on - Saturday 5th February 2011

In festive mood the ladies mount another assault on the classics with their stage version of A Christmas Carol. They enthusiastically portray a dizzy array of characters from the Dickensian favourite (and a few which aren't), engineer some novel audience participation while bravely contending with an intrusive PA.

"Another classic dramatic massacre that enthrals" - Independant

"Not since the Monty Python Mob dressed up as The Batley Townswomen's Guild and re enacted the Battle of Pearl Harbor with their handbags have I tittered so much" - The Daily Express

"Halarious" - Guardian

Tickets £6 (£5 concession) available from The Sectretary 029 2040 7866, on the door, or online on www.ticketsource.co.uk/telstarstheatre

www.telstarstheatrecompany.co.uk

poster for Flint street nativity

Cardiff Players

The Flint Street Nativity


The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd January 2011

The Flint Street Nativity, by Tim Firth, was originally a TV comedy.

Mizzis Horrocks' class of seven year olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the proud mums and dads - and the occasional social worker.

Tickets: £7, OAP concessions £6.50 on Thursday's opening night.

£2 discount to all NHS hospital and Cardiff University staff and students. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, just simply mention it when booking, or present your ID card at the box office on the day.

Call Laura on 029 2062 8626 for tickets or book via the website www.cardiffplayers.org

poster for Speaking in Tongues

Neath Little Theatre

Speaking in Tongues

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

 

 


7.30pm
Monday 22nd - Saturday 27th November 2010 7.30pm

A woman disappears. Four marriages become entangled in a web of love, deceit, sex and death. Who will survive?

Nine parallel lives interlocked by four infidelities, one missing person and a mysterious stiletto are woven through a fragmented series of confessionals and interrogations that gradually reveal a darker side of human nature.

Andrew Bovell co-wrote the original screenplay for Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, as well as adapting Speaking in Tongues for the screen.

Directed by Roger Williams.

Tickets cost £6 (£4 concessions)

Box office 01639 643462 , or by email from neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com

Further information available from the website.

pile of playing cards with Queen of Hearts highlighted

The Dylan Thomas Youth Academy

Alice in Wonderland


The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Wednesday 21st - Friday 23rd July 2010 7.30pm
Saturday 24th July 5.30pm

Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland adapted by Charlotte Chorpenning , directed by Clare Friswell Owen.

Chasing the White Rabbit, Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.

She meets all its famous residents: the King of Hearts, Red Queen, White Queen, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Gryphon, Mock Turtle, the Dormouse, Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Frog Footman, the Dutchess, the Caterpillar and White Rabbit.

More information available from clare@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

The Unknown Theatre Company

Life, Actually


Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)

 


7.30pm
Thursday - Saturday 22nd-24th July 2010

The Unknown Theatre Company is proud to present another in its tradition of commissioned new musicals. This show has been especially written for the company by professional writers with a strong connection to the company: Ashton Lesley Ross and Matthew Brind.

The show was commissioned in 2004 and tells the story of a week in the life of a school that is closing down.  We meet various pupils from the school and learn about their lives, their choices and what might be their future paths. 

Fantastic music and a great storyline!

(Matt is currently the Musical Director on the hit musical Legally Blonde in the West End and is also John Barrowman's MD. Local boy (from Bridgend) Ash is well known within the GDL community - not least in his role as bouncer to Miss Gladys Over - host and star of the 2010 Glammies). 

Tickets £8.50/£7.50 (concs)
Phone 029 2076 6056 www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

The Neath Little Theatre

Murder by Misadventure



Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

 

 



7.30pm
Monday 10th - Saturday 15th M
ay 2010 7.30pm

This comedy thriller is set in Harry and Emma's luxury flat on the Sussex Coast. Harry and Paul are two award winning TV crime writers who have worked together successfully for years. However, they lead very different lives and Harry decides he would rather write on his own. Paul refuses to allow Harry to break up the partnership and they are therefore locked together in a dance from which murder seems the only escape.

WHY COME?
Mark Protheroe returns to the Neath Little Theatre stage in his first full length role in decades! Lee Edwards is a shambling alcoholic (in the play that is). Amy Hall fingers her fabric in her role as a dim interior designer. And Michael Dickerson dons a shabby mac that would put Columbo's to shame. Don't miss it - it will be loads of fun so come see, help out and spread the word!

For tickets, call 01639 643462, or NLTtickets@hotmail.co.uk

neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com

Briton Ferry Little Theatre


Third Week in August

Briton Ferry Community Hall
Briton Ferry

 

 

7.30pm, Thursday 29th & Friday 30th April and Saturday 1st May 2010

When Sue decides to try a 'get away from everybody' caravan holiday, little does she realise that she's booked into the caravan site from hell. She is soon taken under the wing of expert but inadequate caravaner, Neville. That's when he's not engaged in battle with his wife ... or trying to cope with his separated sister-in-law.
 
Matters become complicated with the arrival of the enthusiastic Tony and his reluctant girl friend. Neville decides that a communal barbecue is the order of the day ... then things really start to hot up!

Tickets can be booked by telephone on 01639-792497 or online at www.bignightboxoffice.com

The Briton Ferry Little Theatre website: www.bflt.org.uk

poster for Ecstasy

Swansea Little Theatre

Ecstasy

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea

7.30pm
14th - 17th April 2010

by Mike Leigh. This play, written after Abigail's Party, is typical Leigh, with well drawn characters. 

It concentrates on the lives and relationships of four friends as they spend an evening together. As the alcohol releases inhibitions, their dreams, despairs and regrets rise to the surface. This is a strong, emotional journey and contains strong language and adult references.

Tickets £8.50 / £7 concessions

To book call 01792 473238 or see the SLT website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for Masters of the Musical

The Unknown Theatre Company

Masters of the Musical


Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)



7.30pm
Monday 22 March - Wednesday 24 March 2010

Did you know that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim share a birthday? Did you know that this year will be Sondheim's 80th birthday?

As a special tribute to these two "Masters of the Musical", The Unknown Theatre Company will be performing a specially chosen selection of songs by the two composers - and opening night is their birthday: 22nd March.

Tickets: £8.50 / £7.50 concessions.

To book call 029 2076 6056 or see the Unknown Theatre Company website.

The Dylan Thomas Youth Academy

Antigone
&
Six Primroses Each

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Saturday 13th March 2010

In Antigone, set in ancient Thebes, Antigone is determined to give a sacred burial to her brother, Polynices, who has died on the battlefield. But her uncle Creon, the tyrant king, forbids her to do so under pain of death, because, he says, Polynices is a traitor. Antigone gives up her family, her fiancé and even her own life to do what she believes is right.

Six Primroses Each, set during World War 2, follows a group of Evacuees, as they have been sent to the country to get away from the bombing in London. Sat in a village hall, waiting to find out who they are living with, the children reveal their fears, frustrations and home sickness.

There is no charge for tickets, but please get there early for a good seat.

www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for Anything Goes

Concept Theatre

Anything Goes

 

The Paget Rooms
Penarth

 

7.30pm
dates vary - see opposite

This fast paced and funny show is the most famous of Cole Porter's musicals and is packed with his most capitvating tunes including: De-lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You, Friendship and, of course, the show-stopping number Anything Goes!

All performances start 7.30pm.

11-13th March Paget Rooms, Penarth - book online or phone 029 2049 0019

Tickets £9 (£8 concessions)
Full details are on Concept's website:
www.concept-players.com

Cardiff Players

The Mysterious Mr.Love

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 3rd - 6th March 2010

Further details to follow.

 

To book tickets for The Mysterious Mr.Love please email cardiffplayers@hotmail.com or phone 029 2031 0984 or 07704 848306

 

 

www.cardiffplayers.org

poster for Beauty Queen of Leenane

Neath Little Theatre

The Beauty Queen of Leenane



Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

 

7.30pm
Monday 1st - Saturday 6th March 2010

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin Mcdonagh is a blend of black comedy, melodrama, horror and bleak tragedy.

Set in the remote Irish village of Leenane, Connemara, the play centres on the life of Maureen Folan, a 40-year-old spinster who takes care of her 70 year-old, selfish and manipulative mother Mag. Sisters of Maureen have escaped into marriage and family life, but Maureen is trapped in a seriously dysfunctional relationship with her mother.

Set in Mag and Maureen's shabby rural cottage, The Beauty Queen of Leenane weaves its way through both dark and comical moments, slowly building to a disturbing climax with a claustrophobic sense of entrapment.

For tickets, call 01639 643462, or NLTtickets@hotmail.co.uk

www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk

poster for Sleeping Beauty

Briton Ferry Little Theatre


Sleeping Beauty

Briton Ferry Community Hall

 

7.15pm, Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th January

AND

5pm, Saturday 30th January 2010

This years pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, written by the Society's Chairperson, Joyce Harding, was first performed eleven years ago. Joyce has updated the script and given it a new director in Pauline Mills.

This classic fairytale, although Pauline has given it her own personal touches, will still captivate the audience and still contains local and topical humour with all the standard pantomime ingredients. (oh yes it will...)

Tickets: Adults £5.00, Children £4.00.
There is a 10% reduction on all bookings of ten or more tickets.

Tickets can be booked by telephone on 01639 792497 or purchased at the door on the day.

www.bflt.org.uk

Telstars Theatre Company


Time of My Life

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff
CF24 3AG

 

7.30pm
Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd January 2010

PLEASE NOTE: the dates of this production have been changed from the original October production.

Gerry Stratton has organised a small family dinner with his sons Glyn and Adam at his favorite restaurant to celebrate his wife Laura's fifty-fourth birthday. 

The occasion suggests a happy, domestic scene, but gradually we are made aware of the family skeletons... 

"funny, very funny, and not at all funny, quintessentially Ayckbourn."  The Times

Tickets cost £6 / £5 concessions and are available from the Secretary on 029 2040 7866, on the door, or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/telstarstheatre

shakers poster

Cardiff Players


Shakers

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff
CF24 3AG

7.30pm
Tuesday 12th January
AND
Thursday 14th - Saturday 16th January 2010

SHAKERS is a fascinating and often hilarious view of the reality which lurks behind a trendy cocktail bar where everyone wants to be seen, from the local check-out girls to the chinless wonders, from the yuppies to the local lads tittering at the thought of a `Long Comfortable Screw'. We are given a wickedly funny glimpse of this world, and its plastic palms and pina coladas, by four female actors playing the long-suffering waitresses who work there.

Tickets £6.50 on the door (price includes programme), Tuesday Night OAP/Student concessions £5.50).
Contact the Players for details of their 3 for 2 offer

To book tickets please phone 029 2031 0984 or 07704 848 306 or email us at: cardiffplayers@hotmail.com
website: www.cardiffplayers.org

Poster for Puss in Boots

Swansea Little Theatre

 

 

Puss In Boots

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea



7.30pm
Monday 14th December - Saturday 19th December 200
9

When the Millar of Hilltown dies, all his worldly possessions are divided betwwen his family.

To his wife, Bessie, he leaves the bakery, while to his two eldest children he leaves the Mill. His only other possesion, his cat, he bequeaths to his youngest son, Tom. However, the cat turns out to be a very special cat indeed and life for Tom will never be the same again...

Join us for this well loved tale of Puss in Boots adapted by Brian Willis and directed by Simon Morgan, the team behind our successful production of Sleeping Beauty in 2007. Staged in the special style of Swansea Little Theatre, this is a Panto for all the family that you won't want to miss...

Tickets: £8.50 (£7.50 concessions)
To book, call Box Office on 01792 473238 or email on info@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for Guys and Dolls

The Unknown Theatre Company

Guys and Dolls

Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)





7.30pm
Wednesday 21st - Saturday 28th November 2009

The Unknown Theatre Company works its magic on Frank Loesser's classic musical re-telling of Damon Runyon's stories.

Gambling, religion, love and great music.

What more could you ask for?

Tickets: £8.50 (£7.50 concessions).

Box Office: 029 2076 6056 or by email:
jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

STARS Performing Arts

Dracula STARStacular

Rhiwbina Memorial Hall
Rhiwbina
Cardiff

8.30pm
Thursday 19th November and Friday 20th November 2009

Further information to follow.

Please note start time of 8.30pm

Pre-ordered tickets:

Adults £7 / £5 Concessions.

Box Office 029 2093 0562 / 077 4319 0281

Cardiff Players

Theft

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 18th-21st November 2009

Imagine...returning from a pleasant anniversary celebration with your oldest friends to find that your house has been burgled. Theft , Eric Chappell's witty comedy-thriller, succeeds in disturbing two seemingly happy marriages and one formerly strong friendship with its subversive observation. Theft is a tongue-in-cheek delight, packed with stinging one-liners, daring reversals and many sharp comments on marriage, money and crime.

To book tickets for Theft please email cardiffplayers@hotmail.com or phone 029 2031 0984 or 07704 848306

www.cardiffplayers.org

 

Dylan Thomas Youth Academy

Once Upon a Time...

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm, Saturday 14th November 2009

So you thought you knew how fairytales went?

The Youth Academy have this term tackled a devised project and have explored what happens once the book is closed...

Meet characters as you've never seen them before, see their story from a different prospective and watch as fairyland is thrown into the 21st century!

This is a club night performance: if you'd like to attend, please contact Clare on Clare@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

don't dress for dinner poster

Cardiff Players

Don't Dress for Dinner

 

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

 

7.30pm
Wednesday 23rd - Saturday 26th September 2009

The incredibly fast moving plot of this hilarious farce by Marc Camoletti presents a challenge to the Players, lots of fun for the audience and a story with more twists than a corkscrew!

The West End production ran for 8 years (and subsequently all over North America), with rave reviews everywhere.

Sheila Tracy wrote in The Stage: "Without doubt the most hilarious two hours I have spent in any theatre and never has adultery seemed so inviting and such fun".

Tickets: £6 with concessions on Wednesday at £5 Special Offer! 3 for 2 tickets ordered and paid for before the day of the performance.

To pre-book tickets please contact 029 2019 5463 or cardiffplayers@hotmail.com .

www.cardiffplayers.org

Neath Little Theatre

The Shape of Things

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath


7.30pm
Monday - Saturday 14th - 19th September 2008

Here's a link to a map of the venue .

For tickets call 01639 643462.

See the company's website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

poster for The Crucible

Briton Ferry Little Theatre

 

The Crucible


Briton Ferry Community Hall
Shelone Road
Briton Ferry

7.30pm
Thursday 10th - Saturday 12th September 2009


further details to follow

Tickets £5.00

To book, call 01639 792497

For any further information, and further detail about the show, see the Briton Ferry Little Theatre website www.bflt.org.uk

poster for the day they kidnapped the pope

Swansea Little Theatre

The Day They Kidnapped the Pope

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Tuesday 25th - Saturday 29th August 2009

further details to follow

Tickets £8.50 / £7.00 concessions

For tickets call 01792 473238

For further information, or to buy tickets on line, visit www.swansealittletheatre.org.uk

treasure island poster

Dylan Thomas Theatre Youth Academy

Robert Louis Stevenson's
Treasure Island
Adapted by Stuart Paterson

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Wednesday 22nd- Friday 24th July 2009
and

6pm Saturday 25th July 2009

Directed by Clare Friswell


When young Jim Hawkins is left a treasure map by the dying buccaneer Billy Bones, he sets sail on the Hispaniola in search of the island. Among the crew, the one-legged Long John Silver becomes his greatest friend - but Silver has a shocking secret in store, and when they reach their destination, Jim faces danger and adventure greater than he could ever have imagined.


Tickets cost : £8.50/£7 (concessions)

For tickets call 01792 473238

Further information, or to buy tickets on line, visit www.swansealittletheatre.org.uk

poster for the diamond goose

STARS Performing Arts

The Adventures of TIN, STARS Reporter!
The Diamond Goose

Rhiwbina Memorial Hall
Rhiwbina
Cardiff


7.30pm
Friday 17th and Saturday 18th July 2009

 


Pre-Book: Adults £7 Concessions £5
Pay on the night : Adults £8 Concessions £6

Tickets available from

Box Office - 029 2093 0562 / 077 4319 0281

or email: starsperformingarts@hotmail.co.uk

www.starsperformingarts.co.uk/

poster for Audience with Murcer

Cardiff Players

Audience With Murder

 

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

 

7.30pm
Wednesday 29th April - Saturday 2nd May 2009

By Roger Leach and Colin Wakefield

Audience With Murder is a witty thriller that is sure to confound and amuse you.  The play moves from a seemingly innocuous play reading through a murder mystery in the classic style, to a final terrifying and violent climax. 

First produced at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 this play was subsequently presented to critical acclaim at the Jermyn Street Theatre, London, in 2006.

We could tell you more about this play but that would spoil it for you.

To pre-book tickets please contact 029 20195463 or cardiffplayers@hotmail.com

www.cardiffplayers.org

poster for double bill

Telstars Theatre Company and STARS Performing Arts

The Big World of Little Don Carlos (Telstars Theatre Company)

and

Macbeth Rise to the STARS! (STARS Performing Arts)

Rumney Memorial Hall


7.30pm
Saturday 25th April 2009

An opportunity to see the One-Act Festival entries from two of Cardiff's award-winning companies, before they're performed in Swansea at the festival a week or so later.

The Big World of Little Don Carlos - a new one-act play written by Jo West

Macbeth Rise to the STARS - adapted for family entertainment, with a twist!

 

 

Tickets: £6 / £4 concessions

Box Office 029 2093 0562

Retro Academy for Performing Arts

Rent

venue to be confirmed


7.30pm
Wednesday 1st - Saturday 4th April 2009

 

'Rent' 1-4th April 2009

 

The Welsh amateur premiere of Jonathan Larson's musical. More details to follow.

Also see www.retroacademy.co.uk or email admin@retroacademy.co.uk for further information.

The Unknown Theatre Company

Back to the 80s

Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)

7.30pm
Wednesday 25th - Saturday 28th March 2009

It is the final days at William Ocean High as the class of youngsters choose their prom partners. Join Corey Senior as he remembers the songs, the girls, Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles and of course ...the Rubik's cube!!

... Eye of the Tiger ... Material Girl ... Footloose ... Come on Eileen...

More than 25 toe-tapping songs from the '80s to sing along to as you take a walk down memory lane!

A musical by Neil Gooding.

Tickets: £8 / £7 concessions. To book call 029 2076 6056 or see the Unknown Theatre Company website.

 

Dylan Thomas Youth Academy

The Curious Case of 0

and

I never saw another butterfly

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Swansea


7.30pm
Saturday 28th March 2009

The Curious Case of 0 : see the number zero be put on trial for trying to possess a value she does not have.

Number 9, C and Lord M all give evidence but do they find the defendant guilty or not guilty.... you decide!

I never saw another butterfly - Over 15,000 Jewish children passed through Terezin, and only about a hundred were still alive when Terezin was liberated at the end of the war. One of the survivors, Raja, having lived through it all, teaching the children when there was nothing to teach with, helping to give them hope when there was little enough reason for hope, creating a little world of laughter, of flowers and butterflies behind the barbed wire, tells the true story of the children. It's her play and it's theirs. There were no butterflies at Terezin, of course, but for the children, butterflies became a symbol of defiance, making it possible for them to live on and play happily while waiting to be transported.

To book, call Box Office on 01792 473238 or email on info@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

For more company info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Neath Little Theatre

Turn of the Screw

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

7.30pm
Monday 2nd - Saturday 7th March 2009

Here's a link to a map of the venue.

For tickets call 01639 643462 or email neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com

See the company's website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

poster for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Swansea Little Theatre

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Swansea


7pm
Tuesday 3rd - Saturday 7th March 2009

"You are cordially invited to George and Martha's for an evening of fun and games."

Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? comprises three acts which take place over one late evening/early morning. George is a history professor at a university, and Martha is the daughter of the university's president. They invite a new professor (Nick) and his wife (Honey) for drinks following on from a party they have all attended. What follows is a no-holds -barred insight into the couple's relationships - George and Martha's being particularly volatile and tempestuous. The dialogue is relentlessly scathing with some extremely dark undertones - and not for the faint hearted.

NB THIS PRODUCTION STARTS AT 7pm.

Tickets £8.50 / £7.00 concessions.

To book, call Box Office on 01792 473238 or email on info@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

For more company info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for The Ghost Train

Cardiff Players

The Ghost Train

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 4th-7th March 2009

At lonely Fal Vale station in Cornwall on a bleak night in 1925, a small group of passengers find themselves stranded overnight. Local legends abound with haunting tales of a ghost train and the mysterious death of the former stationmaster, but who knows what is really true?

Written by Arnold Ridley (best known for his role as Private Godfrey in Dad's Army) this classic thriller is filled with suspense, mystery and a dramatic storyline which will leave you guessing till its conclusion.

To pre-book tickets please contact 07770 935933 or 029 2019 5463 or cardiffplayers@hotmail.com

For any further information see the Cardiff Players' website www.cardiffplayers.org

Concept Players

City of Angels

The Paget Rooms
Penarth

7.30pm
25-27 February

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny

7.30pm
5-7 March 2009

Hollywood in the 1940s -- a writer with a complicated love life - a producer with the knack of getting his own way - unrequited love, blazing passion, glitz and glamour, murder and mayhem. From the same pen that wrote Sweet Charity and Little Me, Concept Players bring this multi-Tony Award winning musical to vivid life.

Tickets £8.00 / £7.00 concessions. To pre-book tickets for Penarth, please contact 029 2070 4951 or book online. For tickets for Abergavenny, plesae contact 01873 850805 or book online.

For any further information see the Concept Players' website : www.concept-players.com/

poster for around the world in 80 days

Swansea Little Theatre

Around the World in 80 Days

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Swansea


7.30pm
Tuesday - Saturday 27th - 31st January 2009

Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock!

Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. With his resourceful servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show.

Tickets £8.50 / £7.00 concessions.

To book, call Box Office on 01792 473238 or email on info@dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

For more company info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for bedside manners

Cardiff Players

Bedside Manners

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 7th - 10th January 2009

By Derek Benfield

Ferris is looking after his sister's seedy hotel. Two young couples arrive. Roger has arranged an assignation with Sally, leaving his wife Helen at home, but Helen and Geoff, Sally's husband, have also made plans for a naughty weekend together - at the same hotel.

The mischievous Ferris discovers their guilty secrets and tries (at some financial reward to himself) to prevent the inevitable meeting of husbands, wives and lovers in assorted compromising situations.

To pre-book tickets please contact 029 2019 5463 or cardiffplayers@hotmail.com

For any further information see the Cardiff Players' website www.cardiffplayers.org

The Unknown Theatre Company

A Christmas Cracker!

Roath Church House
Penylan
Cardiff
7.30pm
Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December 2008

Not just your usual carols and traditional Christmas songs (though you'll find those too).

This is The Unknown Theatre Company inviting you to share some musical theatre magic, including songs and dances from musical favourites from shows old and new.

Join the entire company for a real Cracker of an evening!

Tickets: £5 / £4 concessions
Call 029 2076 6056, or email jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk
www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

STARS Performing Arts

Macbeth, Rise to the STARS!

The Mike Barlow YMCA Theatre
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Saturday 13th December 2008


A Theatrical Family Comedy!

Box Office: 029 2093 0562 / 077 4319 0281

Tickets £7 / £5 concession

starsperformingarts@hotmail.co.uk

www.starsperformingarts@hotmail.co.uk

poster for Same Time, Next year

Neath Little Theatre

Same Time, Next Year

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath


7.30pm
Monday 24th - Saturday 29th November 2008

Here's a link to a map of the venue .

Tickets : £5

For tickets call 01639 643462 or email neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com

See the company's website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

 

Blackwood Little Theatre

The View from a Bridge

Blackwood Little Theatre
Road
Blackwood


7.30pm
Wednesday 26th - Saturday 29th November 2008

 

Arthur Miller's searing American classic.

more details to follow soon.


See the company's website www.blackwoodlt.org.uk/index.html for further information.

Cardiff Players

The Shadow of a Gunman
by Sean O'Casey

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 12th - 15th November 2008

A tragedy of the inadvertent involvement in war of a poet and a peddler, set in Dublin in 1920 during the guerilla warfare between the insurgent Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British forces.

The peddler, Seumas Shields, takes into his tenement quarters Donal Davoren, a struggling, self-proclaimed poet whom the neighbours mistake for a brave IRA fighter.

The dramatic events which then begin to unfold  reveal to Davoren his cowardly self-deception and the fact that he is really only a "shadow" of a gunman.

Tickets available from Box Office 029 2019 5463 or cardiffplayers@hotmail.com

For any further information see the Cardiff Players' website www.cardiffplayers.org

 

Concept Players

Thesps

Llanover Hall
Canton
Cardiff


7.30pm
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th November 2008

New GDL members, Taffs Well-based Concept Players, bring a piece of new writing by group member Nigel Holloway to Llanover Hall in Cardiff.

 

Also performances in Church Village on 10th November and Blackwood on 11th November. See the website for further information.

For further information see the Concept Players website www.concept-players.com

poster for Relatively Speaking

Telstars Theatre Company

Relatively Speaking

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Thursday 23-Saturday 25 October 2008

THIS WEEK!

"Hilarious comedy of mistaken identity"
Greg and Ginny are living together, but Greg is becoming somewhat suspicious that he is not the only man in her life: little things like telephone calls that are cut off the moment he answers, a drawer full of boxes of chocolates, a pair of slippers that are certainly neither his or hers. 

This hilarious comedy will have the audience in stitches and as confused as the cast.
"One of Ayckbourn's best"

Tickets £6.00 / £5.00 concessions from
www.telstarstheatrecompany.co.uk/tickets
or at the Door
For further information see
www.telstarstheatrecompany.co.uk

poster for Under Milk Wood

Swansea Little Theatre

Under Milk Wood

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea

7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 30th October - 1st November 2008


The annual Dylan Thomas production of Under Milk Wood, this year directed by Stephanie Jefferies.

Tickets : £8 / £6 concessions

Theatre Box Office: (01792) 473238
and
The Swansea Information Centre:
(01792) 468 321

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Cardiff Players

The Odd Couple
[Female Version
]

The Mike Barlow Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 24th - 27th September 2008

In this hilarious female version of The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, Olive Madison, like her original male counterpart, is divorced and living in cheerful chaos in her New York apartment.

At Olive's invitation, the suicidal Florence Ungar, newly separated from her husband, moves in and is soon finding comfort in cooking, cleaning and fussing until Olive is almost reduced to a nervous wreck. It becomes clear that the patterns of their disastrous marriages are already re-occurring.

Tickets: £6 (concessions Wednesday)
Available from Box Office 029 2019 5463

For any further information see the Cardiff Players' website www.cardiffplayers.org

 

Neath Little Theatre

Pygmalion

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath

7.30pm
Wednesday - Saturday 24th - 27th September 2008

more information to follow soon.
 

Concept Players

Steel Magnolias

Paget Rooms
Penarth


7.30pm
TUESDAY 9th & WEDNESDAY 10th September 2008

New GDL members, Taffs Well-based Concept Players, bring the modern classic to the Penarth Paget Rooms for 2 nights only.

More information to follow soon.

PLEASE NOTE THIS PRODUCTION IS ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY ONLY

For further information see the Concept Players website www.concept-players.com

Briton Ferry Little Theatre

The Guys

Briton Ferry Community Hall
Shelone Road
Briton Ferry

7.30pm
Thursday - Saturday 11th - 13th September 2008

First performed in a hit off-off-Broadway production, The Guys is a timeless drama about the surprising truths people can discover in ordinary lives, and the connections we make with others and ourselves in times of tragedy.

Written by Anne Nelson as a response to the events of September 11th 2001, this powerful and emotional play has its Welsh premiere at Briton Ferry on September 11th 2008.

Tickets: £4.50 (non-refundable)
Available from Box Office 01639 792497

For any further information, and further detail about the show, see the Briton Ferry Little Theatre website www.bflt.org.uk

The Dylan Thomas Youth Academy

The Jungle Book

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Wednesday 23rd - Saturday 26th July 2008

Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book is brought to the stage in a classic adaptation.

See Baloo, Bagheera, Mowgli and Shere Khan brought to life by this youth theatre company. With original music by Tracey Mann, this is set to be a wonderful family show, to be enjoyed by all!

Tickets : £8 / £6 concessions
Box office: 01792 473238

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

 

The Unknown Theatre Company

Rumplestilskin

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Castle Grounds
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3ER

7.30pm
Wednesday 23rd July 2008

A quirky twist on the classic fairytale.

Join Aimee, Falulalalalalalaalaa, and Barry, the jazz lovin' penguin, in their all singing, all dancing quest to find out that little man's name.

'An hour or so of pure fun'
S.W. Echo.

This Cardiff performance is a preview before the company transfers to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. (Venue 13 Lochend Close, Canongate. 1-9 August 2008, at 4pm.)

Tickets: £5
Available from RWCMD box office on boxoffice@rwcmd.ac.uk Box Office 029 2039 1391

For any further information see the Unknown Theatre Company's website www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

charlie brown poster

The Unknown Theatre Company

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown


Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)


7.30pm
Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July 2008

Come share an evening with Charles M. Schulz's famous creations. They're all there: Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and, of course, Snoopy.

With a charming score by Clark Gesner, and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, this a delightful show will keep you smiling for days!

Adults £8.50 Concessions £7.
Special offer: buy a ticket for The Oedipus Plays and to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown for £16/£13 concs.

Box Office: 029 2076 6056
jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

please note this production is only for TWO nights

the oedipus plays poster

The Unknown Theatre Company

The Oedipus Plays

Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)


7.30pm
Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July 2008

Caroline Reader's modern adaptation of Sophocles's classic trilogy: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone.

This version of the ageless stories, told in modern language and with a sideways slant, bring the tragic events in Thebes to life.

Adults £8.50 Concessions £7.
Special offer: buy a ticket for The Oedipus Plays and to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown for £16/£13 concs.

Box Office: 029 2076 6056
jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

www.unknowntheatre.co.uk
please note this production is only for TWO nights

alice in wonderland poster

STARS Performing Arts

Alice in STARSland

The Mike Barlow YMCA Theatre
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Thursday 26th - Saturday 28th June 2008

Come and see STARS Performing Arts present... Alice in STARSland!

This is our very own Wonderland! With dance, disco, magic and riddles!

A modern children's (and adults') comedy with visual theatrical movement!
We have lots in store... 

Adults £7 Concessions £5.

Box Office: 029 2093 0562 / 077 4319 0281

starsperformingarts@hotmail.co.uk

www.starsperformingarts@hotmail.co.uk

mice and men poster

Swansea Little Theatre

Of Mice and Men

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea


7.30pm
Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th June 200
8

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

 

Billboard Ensemble

Honk!

The Paget Rooms
Penarth


7.30pm
Thursday 29th - Saturday 31st May 2008

(please check these dates with the company)

Neath Little Theatre

Hayfever

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath


7.30pm
Monday - Saturday 19th - 24th May 2008

Here's a link to a map of the venue .

For tickets call 01639 643462.

See the company's website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

 

Telstars Theatre Company

Watching the Magpies

and

Parasites

St Alban's Church Hall
Swinton Street
Splott
Cadiff



8.00pm
Saturday 12th
April 2008

Your chance to see the Telstars Theatre Company entries for the 2008 Glamorgan One-Act Play Festival - before everyone else does!

Tickets include nibbles. There's no bar, so please feel free to bring your own refreshments.

Tickets £4 available on the door: contact 029 2040 7866.

or www.telstarstheatrecompany.co.uk/tickets

poster for Nude with violin

Swansea Little Theatre

Nude With Violin

The Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea


7.30pm
Tuesday 1st April - Saturday 5th April 2008

The highbrow world of collectable art is the focal point for this witty and cleverly written play.

Set in Paris, France in the mid-1950's, the famous painter Paul Sorodin dies, and his estranged wife and children living in England quickly arrive to seize their inheritance, but his works are not entirely what they seem and blackmail ensues!

Ticket Prices £8.00 / £6.00 Concessions

Call (01792) 473238 to book
www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for Return to the Forbidden Planet

The Unknown Theatre Company

Return to the Forbidden Planet

Howardian Centre
Hammond Way
Cardiff
(need a map ?)

7.30pm
Wednesday 2nd - Saturday 5th April 2008

The next production from Cardiff's award-winning youth theatre company is Bob Carlton's hilarious spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies, sprinkled with more than a little of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Join the cast for a ride to the stars as they work their way through the familiar hit songs such as 'Teenager in Love', 'Good Vibrations', 'Tell Her', 'Great Balls of Fire' 'Young Girl', 'Shaking All Over', 'It's a Man's World', 'Shake Rattle and Roll','The Young Ones' and many others.

A great evening out for everyone!

Tickets: £9.50 / £8.00 concessions
Call 029 2076 6056, or email jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

poster for Rose and the Wicked Wolfee!

The Unknown Theatre Company

Rose!... and the Wicked Wolfeeee!

 

Roath Church House
Penylan
Cardiff (need a map ?)


7.30pm
Saturday 29th March 2008

The younger members of the company once more take to the stage, in Belinda Roberts's play based on the classic tale of little Red Riding Hood.

The Wolf is there, and so is Grandmama, but watch out for the rapping trees!

And can YOU help the Narrator find them bloomin' pixies?!

Lots of fun for everyone. Very suitable for children.

Tickets: £6 / £3 concessions
Call 029 2076 6056, or email jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

 

Neath Little Theatre

The Unexpected Guest

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath


7.30pm
Monday 3rd - Saturday 8th March 2008

Here's a link to a map of the venue .

For tickets call 01639 643462.

See the company's website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

Curtain Call poster

Orbit Theatre

Curtain Call


Orbit Studio Theatre
The United Reform Church
Pen-y-Wain Road
Roath
Cardiff CF24 4BB





7.30pm
Thursday 6th - Saturday 8th March 2008

Curtain Call - a comedy by Bettine Manktelow

Sparkling dialogue and comic situations - a day in the life of a harassed theatre manager as he prepares for an important visit from someone from the Arts Council in respect of a grant. The manager has to grapple with his lovelorn secretary and her romance with the Front of House Manager, a disgruntled backstage crew on the verge of a strike and the temperamental lady director of the local amateurs. That's not to mention the intervention of the dictatorial husband of the said lady director who also happens to be Chair of the Theatre Trust!


Tickets: £6.50
To book call 08703 120266
www.orbit-theatre.net

Fairyland Detective Agency poster

Swansea Little Theatre

Nicholas Nickleby

and

The Fairyland Detective Agency

The Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea

7.30pm
Saturday 8th March 2008

The welcome return of Swansea Little Theatre Youth.

 

Performed as part of a Swansea Little Theatre Club night, so the performances are not open to the general public, but if you would like to attend, contact the group.

Further details to follow.

www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Cardiff Players

Blue Remembered Hills

 

The Mike Barlow YMCA Theatre
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Wednesday 27th February - Saturday 1st March 2008

Originally written for television and adapted for the theatre, Blue Remembered Hills remains one of Dennis Potter's best known and most successful plays.

Set in the Forest of Dean on a summer afternoon in 1943, Blue Remembered Hills follows a group of 7 year olds (all played by adults) as they fight, play, argue, bully and laugh until a tragic event brings their world crashing down around them.

Tickets £6.00 (concessions Wednesday)
available on the door

call 029 2062 1074 or via the website : www.cardiffplayers.org

Cardiff Players

Dial M for Murder

The Mike Barlow YMCA Theatre, The Walk, Cardiff

7.30pm
Wednesday 9th -Saturday 12th January 2008

Tony Wendice has married his wife, Sheila, for her money, and now plans to murder her for precisely the same reason. He arranges the perfect crime, blackmailing an acquaintance into committing the deed, while at the same time arranging his own airtight alibi. When the plot goes awry, however, Wendice shows just how cruelly resourceful he can be, even as he struggles to avoid disaster, barely keeping one step ahead of a Scotland Yard police inspector.

A runaway Broadway hit, one made even more famous as an Alfred Hitchcock film, Dial "M" for Murder is one of the great thrillers of all time.

Tickets £6.00 available on the door call 029 2062 1074 or via the website : www.cardiffplayers.org

     

Swansea Little Theatre

Sleeping Beauty

Dylan Thomas Theatre
Swansea 7.30pm 13 -15 December 2007 and
17-19 December 2007
also

2.30pm
15 December 2007

Brian Willis's original pantomime Sleeping Beauty wakes 'em all up in Swansea!

 

Tickets cost £7.00/£5.00 concessions and are available on 01792 473238, at Swansea Information Centre, or on the door.

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Llantrisant Drama Group

Trivial Pursuits

Llantrisant Church Hall

7.30pm
Fri-Sat
16 & 17 November 2007

The ever-popular Frank Vickery gets an outing to Llantrisant!

 

Tickets cost £6.00/£4.00 concessions and are available on 01443 223184 or on the door.

Cardiff Players

Bedroom Farce

The Players Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Wed-Sat
14-17 November 2007

The second play of Cardiff Players' 80th Birthday Celebration season.

Ernest and Delia go out to celebrate their wedding anniversary. As this is a failure they return home and prepare to celebrate it with a meal in bed. Malcolm and Kate are preparing to get dressed for a house-warming party they are giving. Nick and Jan have been invited, but Nick has hurt his back and is preparing to rest in bed. The marital disasters of Trevor and Susannah
weave in and out of all three rooms.

Tickets £6 available on the door

call 029 2062 1074 or pre-book online at
www.cardiffplayers.org

Amaline Theatre

Demens House

Llanover Hall
Romilly Road
Canton
Cardiff

7.30pm
Thurs-Fri
18 & 19 Oct 2007

Mary is special.  How or why she is special, she forgets.  Trapped in the confines of a run down manor, Mary feels the only person she can turn to is the mysterious Jayson.  Who is Jayson and will finding his journal her the answer to this question?  Or will the journal just open a Pandora's box to which her life can never be the same again. 

Amaline Theatre Company invites you to Demens House.  A place where nothing is quite what is seems.

Tickets £7.50 / £5.50 concs. Tickets available on the door

For further information, please see www.myspace.com/amalinetheatre or contact Amaline on amalinetheatre@yahoo.co.uk

Cardiff Players

A Night on the Tiles

The Players Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Wed-Sat
26-29 Sept 2007

A highly comical and well-observed play following the nightmare of Gareth and Shirley's wedding day.

Gareth, egged on by good-looking brother Kenneth, has a post-stag-night hangover so bad that he can barely speak, the bride is three months pregnant and Granddad, confused after getting stuck in the outside loo, is unsure who is marrying who!

contact info: 029 2062 1074

cardiffplayers@hotmail.co.uk
www.cardiffplayers.org

Neath Little Theatre

The Glass Menagerie

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath
7.30pm
Monday-Saturday
17-22 September 2007

Written by great American playwright Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie is one of the most delicate explorations of the frailties of the human condition.

Tickets £5.00 available from 01639 643462
or email - neathlittletheatre@hotmail.com

For more info check out the Neath website www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk

     

a production from one of our neighbouring drama leagues:

Blackwood Little Theatre

Brassed Off

Blackwood Little Theatre
Woodbine Road Blackwood
Gwent

7.30pm
Wed-Sat
5-8 Sept 2007

Grimley Colliery is set to close as the accountants say there's more money in it shut than open, even after redundancy payments. It means 1200 job losses, a dying town and the loss of its brass band. But under the leadership of Danny, coughing with coal-dusted lungs, the band is somehow transformed into British champions with local lass Gloria whipping up the money needed to get them to the Albert Hall .

. Tickets are available from calling 01495 223485 or online (via a secure booking form)  at either Blackwood Little Theatre Website or via Ticketsource (small booking fee applies)

Blackwoodtheatre@googlemail.com
www.blackwoodlt.org.uk

Swansea Little Theatre

The Handyman

The Community Hall
Briton Ferry

 

7.30pm
Thurs-Sat
6-8 September 2007

by Ronald Harwood

Can an elderly Ukrainian gardener, long time resident in England, be guilty of complicity in the holocaust? Is it simply a case of mistaken identity or if not did he have no choice but to be seen to be joining in to avoid death himself?

Uncomfortable questions are posed by the author in an attempt to understand the major horror of the 20th century.

By the author of The Dresser and Quartet.

Tickets £4.00 available from 01639 760983

For more info check out the Briton Ferry website http://www.bflt.org.uk/

Swansea Little Theatre

Deckchairs

The Dylan Thomas Theatre
Maritime Quarter
Swansea

7.30pm
Tues-Sat
21-25 Aug 200

A selection of one-act comedies featuring the award winning:   Cruise Missile
When Janet embarks on her first cruise, she finds herself overwhelmed by the array of delights on offer. However, there is a fellow passenger who is only too willing to be her guide and mentor. It is the flamboyant Goldie who is familiar with all the wrinkles and most of the crew - but her instant friendship is something of a mixed blessing.
In Cupboard Love , two women get talking after a seaside jog, and soon realise they have plenty in common - both are excellent cooks, and both are fighting the flab acquired through preparing rich meals for a new gentleman friend. But when they discover that they share a passion for the same man, the two women devise their culinary revenge on the deceiver.
Theatrical Digs - Pascaline Holbein - a glamorous and conceited actress, who is playing in the end of the pier show, meets her challenge in the elderly and eccentric Maggie Festoon.  When Pascaline discovers that Maggie is also an actress, the result is a farcical battle of work, agents and mobile phones.
Dancers wittily dissects the tea-dancing world of two skittish women and Doggies is an hilarious tale about two very different types of dog-owner...

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Amaline Theatre Company

The Dead Wait

Llanover Hall
Romilly Road
Canton
Cardiff


7.30pm
Thursday & Friday
28th & 29th June 07

You've been waiting for this moment all your life
    Your life leaves your body
      You go into the light
         and you.....um....wait!

An eclectic group of strangers are thrown together to confront their own life and, more importantly, death.  Amaline Theatre Company invite you to join them in this deliciously dark and painfully poignant journey into the unknown.  Because only when you accept your own death, can you really start to live your life."

Tickets will be available on the door.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email us on amalinetheatre@yahoo.co.uk

Special promotion of a member from a neighbouring Drama League....

Blackwood Little Theatre

Death by Fatal Murder

Blackwood Little Theatre
Woodbine Road
Blackwood
Gwent7.30pm (doors open at 6.45pm)

Weds- Sat
20th - 23rd June 2007

This hilarious farce sees the return of the amazing Inspector Pratt....the world's most accident prone and incompetent detective.

Inspector Pratt's record of crime detection at Bagshot House is not enviable. In his two previous visits, chronicled in 'Murdered to Death' and 'Secondary Cause of Death', the body count mounted disastrously as he looked on, helpless and hopeless! Now he is back and, as usual, chaos reigns supreme. During the course of his latest investigations, Pratt meets the new owner of the house, Nancy Allwright and soon he is embroiled in more mystery, aided and abetted by Miss Maple and Constable Thomkins. Upper-crust Ginny and Italian gigolo, Enzo help with enquiries but danger soon looms with an unexpected arrival and a frightening suggestion by Welsh busybody, Blodwyn Morgan. 

Tickets are available by calling 01495 223485 or by email on Blackwoodtheatre@googlemail.com Website: www.blackwoodlt.org.uk

Facilities:  Disabled access, Licensed Bar, refreshments, hearing loop.

poster to follow

Swansea Little Theatre

The Truth

The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea


7.30pm
Tues - Sat
12th-16th June 2007

It's Terry Pratchett.

Done by Swansea Little Theatre.

And that's The Truth.

More information available here soon.

In the meantime check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Swansea Little Theatre

Steel Magnolias

The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea


7.30pm
Tues - Sat
15th-19th May 2007

The close-knit women at Truvy's Beauty Salon, the unofficial hub of Chinquapin, have lots of time to gossip.

Alternately hilarious and touching, the play focuses on the camaraderie of six Southern women who talk, gab, gossip, chitchat, needle and harangue each other through the best of times - and cry, caress, comfort and repair one another through the worst.

For more info check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Cardiff Players

My Three Angels

The Players Theatre
The YMCA
The Walk
Cardiff

7.30pm
Wednesday -Saturday
25-28 April 2007

Christmas Eve and it is only 105 degrees in the shade!

Welcome to French Guiana where paroled convicts from the local penal colony move about with relative freedom. What we soon learn is that on the outside
it is often very hard to tell who the real criminals are.

My Three Angels takes a warm, witty and romantic look at our long-standing moral convictions of what is right and wrong. We are taught that good must surely and always triumph over evil. But as is the case in our story, does the end always justify the means? This you will have to decide for yourself as our felonious trio intervene in the lives of an innocent family which is now perched on the brink of financial ruin.

Proficient in the illicit skills of theft, forgery, extortion and yes, even murder, our unlikely heroes arrive in timely fashion to remind us all of what is truly most important. An honest appreciation of life, love and the simple serenity of domestic bliss. An old fashioned and wonderfully crafted fable to take home.

Tickets £5.50 available on the door call 029 2055 4430 or email:
cardiffplayers@hotmail.co.uk

poster for the double bill

Telstars Theatre Company

A Double Bill:
A Little Extra Help & Murder at the Wedding

St Alban's Church Hall
Swinton Street
Splott
Cardiff

8.00pm
Tuesday
17th April 2007

A Little Extra Help: Life is not always as it seems and supermarkets are not simply just about buying your groceries.  It is amazing what you can find there; great bargains, fantastic service and even love....with a little extra help!"

Murder at the Wedding: Murder at the Wedding the first in a series of Daft plays from the 'Starlets' on Radio ' Lakeside '. But what is happening in the background while the play is being broadcast? Will Lottie ever sober up? Will Millie steal her man? Will Abigail, Wendy and Roger ever allow anyone else to use their mic? Tune in for hilarious consequences.

Both plays will be Telstars entry into the Glamorgan Drama League One Act Festival.  Be one of the first to see them before they perform in Swansea.

For tickets call 029 2040 7865.

More information about Telstars Theatre Company is available on their website http://www.telstarstheatrecompany.co.uk

poster for great expectations

Swansea Little Theatre

Great Expectations

The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea


7.30pm
Tues - Sat
27th- 31st March 2007

Charles Dickens is given the Swansea Little Theatre treatment.

 

More information available here soon.

In the meantime check out the Swansea website www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

poster for quartet

Neath Little Theatre

Quartet

Neath Little Theatre
Westernmoor Road
Neath


7.30pm
Mon - Sat
5th - 10th March 2007

  

Here's a link to a map of the venue .

For tickets call 01639 643462.

See the company's website http://www.neathlittletheatre.co.uk for further information.

 

Llantristant Drama
The Pompeii Panto

Llantrisant Church Hall
Swan Street
Llantrisant

7.30pm
Fri & Sat
2 - 3 March 2007
also matinees on Saturday 3 March and Sunday 4 March at 3.00pm

The Pompeii Panto by Jim Sperinck performed by Llantrisant Drama.

 

Tickets are £5 and £3.50 (concessions).

Tickets are available on the door or they may be booked via Suzy Stacey on 01443 223184.

a little tearaway - but cute!  the logo for the show

The Unknown Theatre Company

How to Eat Like a Child (and other lessons in not being a grown-up)

Roath Church House
Penylan
cardiff (need a map ?)

6.30pm
Saturday 24 Feb 2007

This is a production especially for the younger members of The Unknown Theatre Company. A very special revue of songs and sketches based on Delia Ephron's best-selling book 'How to Eat Like a Child', the show reveals many of those secrets that all children know, but that adults have usually forgotten...

And an extra treat! There will also be a performance of songs-from-the-shows from the older members of the company.

Tickets cost £6 / £4.50 (concessions)

call 029 2076 6056 or email:
jane@unknowntheatre.wanadoo.co.uk

www.unknowntheatre.co.uk

poster for blithe spirit

Cardiff Players

Blithe Spirit

The Players Theatre
The Walk
Cardiff


7.30pm
Wed - Sat
28 Feb - 3 March 2007

Blithe Spirit is the story of novelist Charles Condomine, who invites an eccentric and breezy, lady medium to his country home in order to learn the language of the occult for his latest novel, The Unseen.

Little do Charles and his second wife, Ruth, dream that the séance staged by the medium will summon back Charles' first wife, who has been dead for seven years. First wife, Elvira, still beautiful and mischievous, returns to torment Charles by reminding him of their days and nights together during their marriage. Only Charles can see or hear his first wife.

How he manages to extricate himself from this blithe spirit makes for a hilarious conclusion.

call 029 2055 4430 or email: cardiffplayers@hotmail.co.uk www.cardiffplayers.org

 

The Dylan Thomas Theatre Academy, Swansea

Macbeth

 

Dylan Thomas Theatre
Swansea

30 June - 1 July 2006 7.30pm

Following its recent highly-praised production of A Midsummer Night's Dream , The Dylan Thomas Theatre now brings you all the tension and drama of Shakespeare's Macbeth, performed by the theatre's youngest stars.
The members of The Dylan Thomas Theatre Academy, established only last year, are already award-winners for their first production, the devised War Play , which received much critical acclaim. Under the tuition of Swansea Institute graduates Darren Jones and Kayte Richards, this group of talented 8-17 year-olds have now produced a piece of high drama which shows the potential of Youth Theatre at its very best.
Tickets are just £5 (£3 concessions), and can be booked by phoning the Theatre on 01792 473238. We offer discounts for  bookings over 10 people. www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

 

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Updated: 12.09.11

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