COMEDIAN Elis James will take to the Pavilion stage at the National Eisteddfod for the first time this year, performing on Wednesday, August 5 as part of the festival programme. Entry to the gig is included in the Maes day ticket, and with strong roots in the area, his return promises an evening of laughter and a warm homecoming atmosphere.

Famous for making quick connections with people from across Wales on his podcast ‘Elis & John’ on BBC Sounds, Elis will no doubt receive a warm welcome at the National Eisteddfod, arguably one of the best places in the world to connect with fellow Welsh people. With his observational comedy, often inspired by his upbringing in west Wales, this is expected to be an evening full of humour, marking the halfway point of the Eisteddfod week.

Elis said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never done stand-up in the Pavilion before. Mam will be there, I’m sure other members of the family will be there too, but don’t worry, I’m one of those people who is funny under pressure!”

Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Elis back home to the Garreg Las area.

“As a Welsh comedy giant, we’re looking forward to a night of humour in his company, reflecting the true spirit of the Eisteddfod.”

Elis was born in Haverfordwest and raised in Carmarthen. He’s a comedian, podcast presenter, actor and broadcaster. Since 2014, he’s presented a radio show with his friend and fellow comedian, John Robins, originally on Radio X before moving to BBC 5 Live in 2019.

Among the UK’s most popular comedians, Elis toured Wales with his show Derwydd in 2024, recording a performance at Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre. He has since returned to English‑language stand‑up after a ten‑year break.

Day Maes tickets, which include admission to the gig, are available on the Eisteddfod website.

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire between August 1 and August 8.

PLANS to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been approved by the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores last year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, with its Grade-II-listed front façade, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd said: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tenby Town Council recommended approval despite concern at the loss of retail, but agreed it would be a welcome amenity to the town as a wet weather and family entertainment venue.

Tenby Civic Society had asked for a simpler form of lettering on external signage, and also raised concerns including the loss of retail space potential noise levels from gaming equipment.

Two objections from the public were also received, raising concerns including a potential impact on residential amenity and the principle of the change of use.

An officer report recommending approval said it was “widely recognised that the role of traditional retail is evolving, and that many town centres are facing challenges to their vitality and viability,” adding: “In this context, the proposed retro gaming arcade offers an experience-led use that can operate in all weather conditions, helping attract visitors to the retail area throughout the year. The development would therefore contribute positively to footfall, activity and the overall vibrancy of the town centre, in line with national planning policy objectives.”

Of the potential impact on neighbours, it said the noise would be contained within the building, controlled by “door closures which should be in operation at all times and maintained to ensure that the doors cannot be left open for any significant length of time”.

The proposal, along with related signage applications, was conditionally approved by Park officers.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

When it comes to using online slots, there is one term in particular that’s important to understand – RTP (return to player). If you’re new to gambling and you’ve never heard this term before, then read on to learn what RTP is and why it’s relevant to you. 

What is RTP? 

Return to player refers to the percentage of all wagered money a slot machine is programmed to pay back to players over a period of time. 

For example, an online slot with an RTP of 96% is, in theory, designed to return £96 for every £100 staked across thousands (or even millions) of spins. The remaining 4% (£4) goes to the operator. 

It doesn’t mean that if you as an individual stake £100, you are guaranteed £96 back. Slot games have random outcomes and an RTP’s sample size is significant, so it doesn’t reflect what an individual player will receive during a single session. 

How Does RTP Affect Gameplay? 

Slots with higher RTP percentages generally offer better long-term value. You can still lose but your money typically lasts longer. On the other hand, lower RTP games tend to favour the operator more, which can cause you to lose money faster. 

That being said, online slots are randomised. No RTP figure can override the unpredictability of gambling. Despite what some players believe, a game is never ‘due’ to pay out after a losing streak. This is a belief that causes many to fall into the trap of chasing losses. 

RTP should only ever be used as a rough guide and not considered a guarantee or promise. It does offer some insight into the game itself but it won’t change the fact that each spin and outcome is random. 

Improving Gameplay: The Importance of Understanding Odds and Probabilities

Having a basic understanding of odds and probabilities will also help you make more informed decisions. While you can’t guarantee success with any strategy, due to the random nature of online slots, choosing games with higher RTP percentages, setting clear spending limits, and understanding that all outcomes are chance, can keep gambling fun, responsible, and realistic. 

RTP is a Useful Tool For Gamblers 

RTP can be used as a tool to understand how a game works and make more deliberate moves, but by no means is it a ‘hack’ for winning. It’s still crucial to gamble responsibly, even when using online casinos with higher RTPs.