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All Features
The South Wales Magazine


John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers The Play at Wales Millennium Centre
Comedy fans are in for a treat when John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play checks in for a laugh-out-loud stay at Wales Millennium Centre. John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play is heading to Wales Millennium Centre Nearly 50 years after it first burst onto television screens, one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms is back, this time live on stage. John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play is heading to Wales Millennium Centre from 23–27 June 2026, bringing timeless comedy, unfo


Hop into Easter fun at Mermaid Quay with free family trail and sweet treats
Families are invited to make the most of the Easter holidays at Mermaid Quay, as the waterfront destination unveils a packed programme of free, family-friendly activities - led by a magical Easter Egg Trail running from 30 March to 12 April. Easter holidays at Mermaid Quay at Cardiff Bay Spring has officially sprung in Cardiff Bay, and visitors can follow a colourful trail of “eggceptional” Easter eggs hidden throughout the Quay. Young explorers can pick up a trail sheet fr


London Concertante presents: Three Candlelit Concerts at Llandaff Cathedral
This spring and summer, London Concertante brings five candlelit concerts to Llandaff Cathedral, offering audiences the chance to experience four distinct programmes across the season in one of Wales’ most historic spaces. Candlelit Concerts at Llandaff Cathedral Spanning orchestral re-imaginings, operatic favourites, and classical standouts, the Llandaff series showcases London Concertante’s breadth of programming and commitment to creating immersive live music experiences


Claire Sweeney’s Wickedly Fabulous Cardiff Takeover
Get ready Cardiff, stage and screen favourite Claire Sweeney is bringing her deliciously devious Miss Hannigan to the capital when ANNIE arrives at the WMC from 7 July for a limited two-week run. Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan. Beloved by generations, Annie is the ultimate feel-good family musical, and this new UK and Ireland tour promises all the sparkle, sass and heart that have made it a global sensation. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York, the story follows brave


Don't miss Under Milk Wood at Sherman Theatre this spring
“To begin at the beginning…” Few opening lines are as instantly recognisable or as richly woven into Welsh cultural identity as those from Under Milk Wood. Under Milk Wood in the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff Theatr Clwyd brings Dylan Thomas’s lyrical masterpiece back to the stage in a bold new production at Sherman Theatre from 30 April to 9 May 2026, promising humour, heartbreak and a beautifully eccentric portrait of Welsh life. Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the production inv


Cardiff Speed Puzzle Championship: My First Attempt at Speed-Puzzling
There are hobbies you do to relax and then there are hobbies you suddenly attempt under pressure, surrounded by strangers, a ticking clock and the creeping realisation that two hours disappears far faster than you ever imagined. That’s how I found myself staring down at 500 scattered cardboard pieces at Cardiff’s first ever speed-puzzling championship. Competing in the UKJPA Speed Puzzle Championship Cardiff 2026 Hosted at Cardiff City House of Sport, the buzzing event brough


Buddy, the biggest rock & roll musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
Mega-smash musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre from 14-17 May 2026. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre Buddy – the original ‘jukebox’ musical – has enjoyed phenomenal success, playing a record-breaking 4,900 performances over 614 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5,822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End. Featuring a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hou


All New Priscilla! Bigger, Bolder and More Fabulous Than Ever
Dust off the sequins and prepare to party, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is strutting into the Wales Millennium Centre this spring in a glittering, feel-good spectacular you won’t want to miss. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is at Wales Millennium Centre Celebrating 30 fabulous years since the iconic film first captured hearts, this dazzling new UK and Ireland tour promises bigger laughs, bolder costumes and more sparkle than ever before. Based on the


Upside Down House comes to Cardiff
Cardiff is no stranger to bold new openings, but this spring the city is quite literally turning things on its head. Upside Down House, Cardiff Upside Down House UK is bringing its gravity-defying experience to Cardiff, making it the brand’s very first Welsh location and adding a playful new landmark to the capital’s ever-evolving visitor scene. Opening on Queen Street, the attraction places itself firmly at the heart of the action, just moments from Cardiff Castle, the bustl


Lee Mead takes on the role of Barnum
More than 30 years ago, a teenage Lee Mead stood in a school hall in Southend-on-Sea, playing the Ringmaster in Barnum, quietly dreaming of the day he might lead the show himself. Now, at 44, that dream has come full circle as he steps into the spotlight as P.T. Barnum for a major new UK tour of the classic musical. Lee Mead plays the Ringmaster in Barnum at Wales Millennium Centre When Lee Mead was around 13 or 14 he appeared in a school production of Barnum in his home town


The Red Shoes coming to Wales Millennium Centre in March
The double Olivier Award-winning smash hit, Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes, comes to Wales Millennium Centre, 3–7 March 2026. Photography by Johan Persson Step into a world where ambition burns bright, passion is unstoppable and every step could change a life. Matthew Bourne’s stunning production of The Red Shoes comes to Cardiff, bringing the legendary Powell and Pressburger film to spellbinding life on stage. Photography by Johan Persson This is a story of ob


The Best Christmas Shows, Pantos & Performances in South Wales
From pantomimes to festive theatre, discover the must-see Christmas shows across Cardiff, Swansea, and the Valleys. Elf the Musical at Gwyn Hall 2 - 6 Dec Elf The Musical Gwyn Hall, Neath gwynhall.com Based on the beloved film, this hilarious comedy follows Buddy the Elf to find his true identity. This holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. Until 3 Jan The Frog Prince Sherman Theatre, Cardiff shermantheatre.co.uk Packed with songs, laughter, and mag


Christmas in Cardiff 2025 – Shows, Ice Skating & Festive Fun
Your complete guide to Christmas in Cardiff, including markets, events, festive food and top winter experiences. Cardiff Winter Wonderland Until 4 Jan Cardiff Winter Wonderland Cardiff Castle/City Hall Gardens Featuring the much-loved undercover ice-rink and Ice Walk, the Big Wheel and family funfair, Alpine ski-lodge bar (Sur la Piste), plus festive food and drink stalls and a whole host of other attractions. Winter Wonderland is always at the heart of Cardiff’s seasonal cel


Best Christmas Events in South Wales 2025 – Magical Days Out for All the Family
Discover the top festive events, Christmas days out, and family-friendly activities happening across South Wales this holiday season. Tower Grotto at Zip World in Aberdare 21 Nov - 24 Dec Tower Grotto Zip World, Aberdare Start with a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, then visit the grotto to meet Santa himself! Receive a special Welsh slate bauble to decorate, write a letter to Santa and take home a special gift, suitable for all ages. zipworld.co.uk 21 Nov - 4 Jan


5 Magical reasons to visit Cardiff This Christmas
With the festive season in full swing, we are all thinking about our favourite Christmas activities. To help you plan your Christmas and get in the festive spirit, Visit Cardiff have come up with the top 5 reasons to visit. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk 1. Ice-skating in the grounds of a Castle Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns to the historic Castle. Located in the Public Square, it boasts the spectacular backdrop of the Norman Kee


Hannah McPake writes & directs Sherman Theatre’s 2025 festive show Alice: Return To Wonderland
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 to stage English & Welsh productions of The Frog Prince
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 Christmas Festival is Back, Bigger and Better!
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


Santa’s coming to Techniquest!
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


Simply the best Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
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
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