The Strictly Come Dancing judge talks to Lauren Taylor about feeling good, getting older and his life as a novelist. Anton Du Beke (Nicky Johnston/PA) Anton Du Beke has revealed the most common remark made when he’s recognised in public is how surprisingly youthful he looks. “My favourite comment of all time is, ‘Oh, you look much younger in real life!” says the Strictly Come Dancing judge who turns 60 in July. Although he jokes he is “a bit depressed” about the upcoming mile

Sherman Theatre has today confirmed the cast of its production of Alice: Return to Wonderland (28 Nov 2025-3 Jan 2026), a dreamlike and uplifting new show, written and directed by Hannah McPake and based on Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. Alice: Return to Wonderland at The Sherman Theatre Sherman audiences will know Hannah as the lead actor in last year’s A Christmas Carol; the highest grossing show in the company’s history. One of the company’s best loved artists,

Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru’s new Christmas co-productions for younger children, The Frog Prince - and the Welsh-language Biwti a Brogs - will tour venues across Wales November 2025-January 2026, including a six-week run at the Sherman in Cardiff. The Frog Prince at The Sherman Theatre These brand-new productions are written by Gwawr Loader and directed by Elin Phillips - both familiar to Sherman audiences as actors in countless past productions, including The Lion, the

Cardiff just got a serious flavour upgrade with Hickory’s Smokehouse, serving up an authentic taste of the Deep South. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff From the moment you walk in, it’s all rustic wood, twinkling lights and the hum of blues and barbecue. The vibe? Straight out of Louisiana with a dash of Tennessee swagger. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff We kicked off with a round of appetisers that hit harder than a Southern sunrise. The Brisket Popcorn Bites were melt-in-your-mout

Cardiff’s iconic Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens this year, with 12 mesmerising shows in the schedule for 2025. Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens Cardiff Christmas Festival kicks off from 4th December, where Jack Frost: A Magical Christmas Musical will take centre stage for the whole month. But if toe tapping hilarity isn’t your thing, there’s a whole variety of acts also on offer - making it the perfect place in the city to enjoy some festive theatrical ma

Make the season sparkle at The Vale Resort with the gift of time well spent, think indulgent escapes, gourmet feasts and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight everyone on your list. The Vale Resort Overnight stays Midweek Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Break (from £190 for two) The perfect midweek retreat, including a delicious three-course dinner, a restful night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room and a hearty Welsh breakfast. Spiced Rum Making B&B Break (from £299 for

Get ready to sprinkle some science into your Christmas, Techniquest is turning up the festive fun with Santa visits, live experiments and dazzling after-dark adventures. Christmas at Techniquest E xperience even more magic at Cardiff's science discovery centre this December as Santa will be making special appearances in the lead up to the big day (6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December). As well as hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to play and explore, Techniquest's team will be perf

From tree shopping to Santa spotting, Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is everything Christmas should be, magical, heartwarming and unforgettable for the whole family. Christmas at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Step into a Winter Wonderland, a sparkling world bursting with joy and imagination. Wander through scenes filled with polar bears, talking trees and busy elves crafting toys for children around the world. Every corner is alive with festive cheer, leading you to the man of the

November marks what would have been Tina Turner’s 86th birthday. So, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who redefined music, style and strength for generations. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre B orn Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s journey to global stardom is the stuff of legend. With her unmistakable raspy voice, high-octane performances and unshak

As the festive season approaches, the search for the perfect gift is on. But what if, this year, instead of stocking fillers you could gift a moment of magic? Single White Female Iconic thrillers, heart-warming musicals and adventures for the whole family await at Wales Millennium Centre, find unforgettable experiences for everyone on your list . Single White Female 27 – 31 January 2026| Tickets from £17 The 90s cult classic takes to the stage for the very first time, starrin

Sephora brings the glamour (and the cwtch) to Cardiff with a showstopping new store opening. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Sephora UK has officially landed in Cardiff, marking the iconic brand’s first ever store in Wales and its 11th location nationwide. Opening in St David’s Centre, this milestone moment brings the world’s most loved beauty playground to the heart of the Welsh capital. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Beauty fans across

The festive season is set to sparkle once again as Christmas returns to Bridgend County Borough, bringing with it a host of seasonal shopping promotions and a calendar full of festive fun for the whole family. Christmas in Bridgend County This year, town centres across Bridgend, Maesteg, and Porthcawl will be transformed into enchanting Winter Wonderlands , complete with dazzling Christmas Light Switch-Ons and lively parades organised by the local Town Councils. Visitors c

Housebuilder sets late October deadline for buyers to reserve and be in by Christmas Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales (BDWR) This October, Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales (BDWR) is reminding house-hunters that there’s still time to secure a new home and be settled in by Christmas. With a reservation deadline of 24 October 2025, BDWR South Wales has available homes within a range of plots across South Wales — from Swansea to Cardiff and Newport. Buyers who act q

The official Strictly The Professionals UK Tour is back for 2026 - bigger, bolder and more breathtaking than ever before, with a sensational line-up of 11 professional dancers from the nation’s favourite TV show. (Strictly The Professionals UK Tour coming to the Swansea Building Society Arena) Theatre audiences across the country will enjoy an evening of world-class dance, stunning choreography and glamorous costumes, live and up-close from the 11 magnificent Strictly Profess

St David’s Cardiff is set to round off the year on a high with a wave of exciting new brands launching in time for the festive season. (Moss Menswear at St David’s Cardiff) Traditional sweet store Mr Simms, fashion favourite Mango, menswear label Moss and toy giant LEGO have all launched new stores at the city destination in recent weeks. And there’s more to come, with global beauty sensation Sephora, K-beauty brand PURESEOUL, and the newly announced Charles Tyrwhitt plus W

Indie-rock legends Ocean Colour Scene have announced a major UK tour for 2026, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their classic album Moseley Shoals. (Ocean Colour Scene) The 13-date tour will come to Utilita Arena Cardiff on 4 th Dec). Joining Ocean Colour Scene as the tour’s very special guests will be The Enemy . An artist pre-sale will begin at 9.00am on Wednesday 15 th October, followed by a venue pre-sale from 9.00am on Thursday 16 th , before tickets go on gen

Residents and staff at Bryn Ivor Lodge care home in Cardiff came together this October to celebrate Black History Month with a week filled with music, learning, and cultural appreciation. The highlight of the week was a live performance by a singer Mary Ann and her talented string band Calypso, whose soulful set brought joy, energy, and togetherness to everyone in attendance. (Bryn Ivor Lodge care home celebrate Black History Month) Alongside the music, the care home organise

This Halloween, experience something truly spellbinding as Candlelight® brings a special musical evening to Llandaff Cathedral. Candlelight: Halloween Classics Immerse yourself in hauntingly beautiful melodies and iconic film scores performed live by a local string quartet, all set within the cathedral’s awe-inspiring architecture and illuminated by thousands of flickering LED candles. Prepare for a night where classical masterpieces meet the world of horror and fantasy. The

Mary Poppins soars into Wales Millennium Centre with breathtaking effects, iconic songs and unmissable festive magic. (Mary Poppins musical at Wales Millennium Centre) This December, something truly magical is flying into Cardiff when Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular, Mary Poppins takes centre stage at Wales Millennium Centre from 3rd December, for six glittering weeks only. Based on P.L. Travers’ beloved stories and the iconic Walt Disney film, this production bri

After-dark decor to crown fright night celebrations and spooky soirées. By Sam Wylie-Harris. These Halloween-themed decorations and homewares look spooktacular (Matalan/PA) It’s one of the most anticipated dates in the fancy dress diary, and if you’re into dressing up, Halloween celebrations (October 31) are a real scream. And for a dose of devilish decorative drama, a flurry of eerie furnishings, thrilling tablescapes and themed feature walls make frighteningly good backdrop