10 October 2016, Buzz Cardiff Online Features
Dead Sheep – Tue 11 – Sat 15 Oct
‘A tragedy with funny bits, apparently’ according to Margaret Thatcher, or at least that’s what it sounds like in the trailer for the New Theatre’s new drama Dead Sheep. Steve Nallon, the voice of Spitting Image’s Margaret Thatcher (and effectively the real one) reprises his role in this play which explores how the ‘dead sheep’, Geoffrey Howe – with the aid of his wife, Elspeth – was able to bring the Iron Lady down. Loyalty, comedy and revenge are promised. Let political intrigue and shoulder pads ensue!
Ron Jones ‘Aberfan: An Unspent Youth’ – Wed 5 – Fri 28 Oct
As the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster approaches, The Gate in Cardiff presents the work of Ron Jones, an artist who grew up in the valleys village. His paintings portray a bright, optimistic view of village life in the 1930s, before the events of tragedy which would come to define, and then overshadow, Aberfan.
Free Admission
Alan Salisbury: A Retrospective – Until Sat 5 Nov
Around five-decade’s worth of the work of contemporary painter Alan Salisbury is currently on display in the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery for a little over a month. The travelling exhibition of Salisbury’s work – who has lived and worked in Wales for over forty years – is noted for its subversion of old masters. This exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the work of one of Wales’s most important contemporary artists.
Tickets are £4, £3 (concessions), £2 (children)
Layla’s Room – Tue 11 Oct
Poet and playwright Sabrina Mahfouz conducted over 1000 with teenage girls across the UK to devise this show at the Sherman theatre. Locked in her room one night, Layla ponders the objects of her life. What do they say about her, and do they say anything about the person she will become? A celebration of youthful righteousness, energy and ambition told through poetry comedy and music, Layla’s Room is an ode to the highs and lows of young women on the verge of adulthood.
Tickets are £15 (concessions £2 off; under 25s half price)
Ben Ottewell + Winter Mountain – Mon 10 Oct
A chance to catch Ben Ottewell, the former front man of the Mercury Prize winning indie band Gomez, in Clwb Ifor Bach as he embarks on his own solo career. His debut album and follow-up, Rattlebag, were critically praised and marked a definite shift towards a more lyrical and mature set. Apparently renowned for hi ‘gravelly baritone’ and bluesy, folksy but alternative sound, this may be an opportunity to catch a musician coming into his own.
Tickets are £14
Iris Prize 2016 – Wed 12 – Sun 16 Oct
Now identified as one of the top 50 film festivals in the world by Movie Maker magazine, the Iris Prize – Cardiff’s International LGBT Short Film Prize, and the largest of its kind in the world – is back, with a five day festival before the winner is announced on Sunday. Events include multiple short film screenings at Cineworld, an exhibition of Jon Pountney’s work at the Park Inn and an education day at the Chapter.
£80 weekend pass; £65 members
Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra – Sat 15 Oct
The renowned Russian Orchestra with Tchaikovsky in the blood is performing – you guessed it – Tchaikovsky, to form the grand finale to the 2016’s Swansea International Festival in Brangwyn Hall. With a reputation for big, bold performances, this should form a fitting end to the festival.
Tickets are £18 – £30
Lunchtime Talks: Gillian Clarke – Thurs 13 Oct
Gillian Clarke, the award-winning poet and current National Poet of Wales, will be giving a talk at the will be the subject of a lunchtime talk at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea as part of the Swansea International Festival. In a rare opportunity to see the poet for free, Clarke will be discussing her work as the National Poet and will also be reading some of her poems.
Free Admission
Oktoberfest – Wed 12 – Sat 15 Oct
It’s October again, and so it’s time for Oktoberfest (in Cardiff at least). Touted by the Telegraph as one of ’11 great places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the UK’, the Chapter are pulled out all the stops, to offer the finest German beers all weekend. From Cologne kolschs to Saxony Schwarzibers, you’re bound to find something to suit (and drink yourself under the table).
Free Admission
Mamma Mia! – Tues 11 Oct – Sun 13 Nov
Mamma Mia, here we go again! Thinly plotted musical which is really nothing more than an excuse to listen to ABBA music for 90 minutes or so, and, frankly, it is best enjoyed as such. It’s at the Millennium Centre for over a month and will be probably be impossible to miss.
Tickets are £18.50 – £61.50
Image: WikiCommons
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