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The South Wales Magazine


Theatre Review: Fawlty Towers at Wales Millennium Centre
There are few sitcoms as beloved as Fawlty Towers, and few comedy classics that inspire such fierce loyalty from audiences more than 50 years after they first appeared on television. Bringing such an iconic series to the stage is no small task, but this production at Wales Millennium Centre succeeds brilliantly, delivering what can only be described as a love letter to the fans that gets every detail exactly right. Mia Austen and Danny Bayne. Credit Hugo Glendinning Adapted f


Plastic Free July: The hidden plastics in your garden and how to ditch them
Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde


Jeremy Clarkson reveals prostate cancer news – 5 things men over 60 need to know about the disease
Prostate cancer is very common but is shrouded in misconceptions. Jeremy Clarkson opens up about his health on the show (Alamy/PA) Former Top Gear host-turned-farmer Jeremy Clarkson opened up about his “aggressive” cancer diagnosis in the latest episodes of his popular Amazon Prime Clarkson’s Farm series. Talking to farm manager Kaleb Cooper and land agent Charlie Ireland during discussions about harvest planning in episode seven, Clarkson said: “I’ve got cancer. “I disappear


8 fashion tweakments to try in midlife
Fashion stylists tell Lisa Salmon how simple style tweaks can rejuvenate a midlife wardrobe. Stylists have given their top tips on how to refresh your wardrobe (Alamy/PA) You may have heard of beauty tweakments – but why not take the idea to the next level and try some fashion tweakments too? Beauty tweakments are non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox or chemical peels, that can help rejuvenate the skin, and fashion tweakments are subtle changes to what you wear that ca


What should I eat in a heatwave?
During a heatwave, focus on light, water-rich foods. Many people have a reduced appetite during a heatwave (Alamy/PA) As temperatures begin to soar across the UK, many of us will instinctively reach for our water bottles to stay hydrated. However, hydrating foods are often overlooked. Maintaining a balanced diet and fuelling our body is key to warding off the feelings of fatigue and sluggishness that can accompany a heatwave. We spoke to some experts to find out why our eati


7 radiant wines to raise a glass to summer socials
From lip-smacking reds to still and sparkling rosé, top picks to sip in the sunshine. By Sam Wylie-Harris. The prettiest wine labels come with the promise of a celebratory glass (Nyetimber/PA) After a bottle for the hamper or to complement a picnic spread with an eye-catching sparkler? There are plenty of decorative labels to pique your interest. Refreshing, food-friendly styles which capture our imagination with the flowering notion you’re going to love what’s in your glass,


The most important gardening jobs to do in July
Keep on top of things as summer continues. There is still work to do in the garden in July (Alamy/PA) July may seem the month where all your hard work pays off and you can finally sit and admire your garden. Flowers will be in full bloom, some fruit and veg are ready to harvest and patios will be looking their best. But don’t let things slide – because some jobs just won’t wait. 1. Keep watering (Alamy/PA) July is often dry, so it’s important to keep on top of watering. If yo


8 hacks to cool your home quickly without air-con
Combat the heatwave with these quick tips and tricks. Surviving a UK heatwave doesn’t require AC (Alamy/PA) As temperatures soar across the UK this week, you might have spent the weekend frantically rummaging through your attic in search of a fan. Heatwaves tend to trigger a sense of panic for many Brits, with concerns about how to keep cool, avoid restless nights, and stay comfortable while working can feel all consuming. While maintaining a cool indoor environment can be ch


7 of the best Wimbledon royal fashion moments from over the years
A look back at courtside royal fashion, before the Championships begin on June 29. Royal fashion has taken centre stage at Wimbledon over the years(Neil Munns/Victoria Jones/Jordan Pettitt/PA) The Wimbledon Championships are fast approaching – and while spectators are keen to see what happens on court, the off-court fashion will be just as closely watched. The royal family has a long-standing relationship with Wimbledon – the late Queen Elizabeth II became a patron of the All


How sudden increases in temperature can affect the body – and how to manage it
Hot weather can make you feel weak and tired, so here’s how to stay safe. How to keep cool when the mercury rises (Alamy/PA) Despite a week of rain, thunderstorms and unsettled weather, the Met Office predicts that temperatures will rise significantly this weekend. Dan Stroud, meteorologist at the Met Office, told The Press Association that he expects conditions to become much warmer, with temperatures widely above average, especially in southern areas on Saturday and Sunday.


Why teens get withdrawals from social media – and how to deal with it
Stepping away from social media can initially trigger withdrawal-like symptoms. When disconnected, dopamine levels plummet, leading to cravings, irritability, and anxiety (Alamy/PA) As the Government continues to tease a complete social media ban for under-16s, many people are wondering how such a move could affect teenagers in everyday life. Even as adults, many of us find it difficult to resist the temptation to constantly check our phones. “While social media withdrawal is


Shirley Ballas: ‘I’m a bit of a health freak – I will die of dancing, in my dance shoes’
Camilla Foster chats to the Latin dance teacher and TV star about ice baths, weight-loss jabs and the power of dance. Cold showers and ice baths are a big part of Shirley Ballas’s wellness routine (Alamy/PA) Self-proclaimed “health freak” and BBC One Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas says that cold water therapy, eating clean and, most importantly, dance, have helped her stay fit and healthy well into her 60s. “I drink a lot of water, I have ice baths and freezi


Serena Williams’ best fashion moments on court – as she makes tennis comeback at Queens
The tennis star loves to push the boundaries with fashion, with many of her on-court looks making waves in the tennis world. Serena Williams (Adam Davy/PA) Tennis icon Serena Williams made her eagerly awaited return to the grass courts at the HSBC Championships in London on Tuesday. Renowned for her fearless sense of style, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped onto the court in a white Nike sleeveless top, pale pink skirt and pink trainers, receiving a wildcard entry in th


Plastic Free July: The hidden plastics in your garden and how to ditch them
Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde


Katherine Ryan on what might be the most embarrassing thing about childbirth
The comedian admits she pooed during two of her four labours – saying ‘it’s nothing to worry about because no one will remember’ The truth about labour: Katherine Ryan (Andrex/Dawn Productions/PA) As a mum of four, Katherine Ryan is well aware of both the joys and the horrors of childbirth. And the outspoken comedian, who gave birth to her latest baby seven-and-a-half months ago, is keen to stress that nothing about the birth process should be embarrassing or taboo – includin


9 stylish ideas for dads who appreciate home decor
Whether it’s accessorising his man cave or gifting on Father’s Day, make it something lasting, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From little luxuries to handy homewares, gifting ideas for Father’s Day (Smeg/PA) Whatever the age demographic of your dad, there’s a perfect present out there to suit his taste in decorative detail. From art and design options that fuse function with flair, or if you simply hope to bring a smile to his face by presenting him with a gift he’s been hankering af


Claudine Boulstridge’s coconut cod and zesty noodles recipe
The chef calls this a ‘healthier’ version of fish fingers. Coconut cod with greens and zesty lime rice noodles “This quick and tasty dish – think of it as a healthier version of fish fingers – is packed with good fats from coconut and seeds, as well as high-protein hemp, fish and eggs,” says chef Claudine Boulstridge. “It’s both nutritious and delicious, and the creamy, fragrant lime sauce makes it a hit with adults and children alike.” Coconut cod with greens and zesty lime


Ottolenghi’s recipe tester Claudine Boulstridge: My children ‘grew up on Yotam’s food’ – so they’re not fussy
Wales-based Boulstridge has been working with Ottolenghi for nearly two decades, and is releasing her debut cookbook. Claudine Boulstridge is Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe tester (Helen Cathcart/PA) If you don’t want your children to become fussy eaters, why not wean them on a steady diet of Yotam Ottolenghi recipes? That’s what Claudine Boulstridge did – but not necessarily by design. French-British chef Boulstridge has been Ottolenghi’s recipe tester for 17 years now – meaning


Claudine Boulstridge’s blueberry Danish pastries recipe
Swap out blueberries for blackberries, apples or whatever you have in your fridge in these easy pastries. Claudine Boulstridge’s Blueberry Danish pastries (Helen Cathcart/PA) “These six-ingredient, low-sugar pastries are unbelievably simple to make and will quickly become your favourite healthy breakfast treat,” says chef Claudine Boulstridge. “Not only are they delicious and beautiful, but they’re also packed with blueberries – often hailed as a superfood for their numerous


Joanne Clifton: From the Ballroom to Britain’s Most Chaotic Hotel
As Fawlty Towers prepares to check into the Wales Millennium Centre this month, Joanne Clifton is stepping into one of British comedy’s most beloved roles. The 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion and member of one of Britain’s best-known dancing families takes on the role of Polly in John Cleese’s stage adaptation of the iconic sitcom. John Cleese’s stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers Born into a family of champion dancers, with parents Keith and Judy Clifton and brother Kevin
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