Young talent prepares to shine
THE TORCH YOUTH THEATRE is gearing up to present Ravers, a vibrant and light-hearted new play that explores the world through the eyes of socially awkward teenagers. Part of the National Theatre Connections programme, Ravers promises to deliver a heartfelt and hilarious performance this March.

What is ‘Ravers’ about?
The play follows Ali, a determined teenager on a mission to host the ultimate rave for outcasts, affectionately dubbed “Neeks” (Nerds and Geeks). But there’s a catch: Ali has never been to a rave before. With no drugs, no drinking, and nothing wilder than hand-holding, this dry rave could either become the highlight of their lives or a complete disaster. For the Neeks, it’s about more than just music and dancing—it’s about finding comfort in being themselves and forging new friendships.

One cast member, aged 16, explained: “It’s about today’s generation of outcasts coming together to find solidarity and comfort in being themselves.”

Months in the making
The youth theatre members have been hard at work on the production since September under the guidance of Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community. The group will debut the play at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday, March 6 to Saturday, March 8, before taking it to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in April.

Reflecting on the experience, one young actor shared: “Rehearsals are loud but enjoyable, always introducing us to new skills in performing arts while being a safe space to laugh and connect with each other.” Another added: “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to work with the National Theatre.”

A collaboration with a visionary playwright
Ravers was penned by the prolific playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair, MBE, whose remarkable career spans over 40 plays, films, and TV series. Known for his vibrant storytelling, Beadle-Blair’s works often delve into themes of identity and belonging.

Tim Howe, the production director, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Connections programme celebrates emerging talent across the UK. We’re thrilled to perform Rikki Beadle-Blair’s play, which promises a fun-filled, bop-tastic evening at the theatre.”

Event details
Ravers will run at the Torch Theatre from Thursday, March 6, to Saturday, March 8, with performances starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Content warnings:
The play includes depictions of underage drinking, moderate language, themes of anxiety, and references to the loss of a parent.

Whether you’re a fan of theatre, an advocate for youth talent, or simply looking for an evening of laughs and heartfelt moments, Ravers is a show not to be missed.

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)

VUE CARMARTHEN is kicking off the Chinese New Year in style this January with an exciting mix of Mandarin cinema, featuring the latest blockbusters and a special anniversary screening of the iconic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

25th Anniversary of a Classic
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ang Lee’s martial arts masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which returns to the big screen on January 24. Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, the visually stunning epic tells the tale of a young Chinese warrior in 19th century China who steals a legendary sword, embarking on a journey of adventure and discovery.

Blockbuster Mandarin Films
In addition to this celebrated classic, Vue Carmarthen will screen two major Mandarin releases on January 31:

• Detective Chinatown 1900: The latest instalment in the popular Chinese detective comedy series. Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1900, the story follows an unlikely detective duo as they unravel the mystery of a woman’s murder, clearing the name of an accused Chinese man in the process.
• Creation of the Gods 2: The Battle at Xiqi: The second instalment in the Fengshen Trilogy. This epic fantasy adventure immerses viewers in a mythical world where gods and immortal warriors clash in a monumental battle between two armies.

Celebrating Mandarin Cinema
Michelle Kardoun, General Manager of Vue Carmarthen, expressed her excitement about the event:
“We’re thrilled to ring in the Chinese New Year by celebrating the finest in Mandarin cinema, which is enjoying a remarkable surge in global popularity. We’re especially excited to welcome back the record-breaking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—a trailblazing film that paved the way for Mandarin cinema and firmly established the genre on the global stage.”

Join Vue Carmarthen for an unforgettable celebration of Chinese New Year and Mandarin cinema.

在 Vue Carmarthen 与一系列精彩电影共庆中国新年

为庆祝即将到来的中国新年，Vue Carmarthen 将于今年一月呈现一系列精彩的华语电影，包括最新大片以及经典名作《卧虎藏龙》的特别纪念放映。

经典重映：25 周年纪念
今年恰逢李安导演的武侠经典《卧虎藏龙》上映 25 周年。这部作品曾斩获四项奥斯卡大奖，包括最佳外语片，将于 1 月 24 日重返大银幕。影片讲述了 19 世纪的中国，一名年轻的武士偷走了一把传奇之剑，踏上了充满冒险与发现的旅程。这部视觉震撼的史诗电影堪称全球武侠电影的巅峰之作。

华语电影大片连映
除了经典重映，Vue Carmarthen 将于 1 月 31 日放映两部备受期待的华语大片：

• 《唐人街探案 1900》：深受喜爱的《唐人街探案》系列最新力作，故事发生在 1900 年的旧金山唐人街。一桩女性谋杀案将一名华人男子推向嫌疑人的风口浪尖，而一对非传统侦探搭档将联手追查真凶，揭开真相。
• 《封神之战：西岐之战》：封神三部曲的第二部作品。这部奇幻冒险大片带领观众进入一个充满英雄与神祇的世界，两个军队之间的史诗级大战即将展开，甚至不朽的战士也加入了战斗。

致敬华语电影
Vue Carmarthen 总经理 Michelle Kardoun 表示：
“我们非常高兴以华语电影的最佳代表作品庆祝中国新年。近年来，华语电影在全球范围内的人气大幅飙升，而《卧虎藏龙》的回归更是令人激动。这部开创性的影片奠定了华语电影的全球地位，为观众呈现了一场文化与艺术的盛宴。”

加入 Vue Carmarthen，一起欣赏华语电影的非凡魅力，欢度中国新年！