Celebrating Welsh talent and international artistry in a powerful new triple bill

NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY OF WALES (NDCWales) is set to tour Surge | Gwefr, an exciting new programme that brings together three striking dance works by internationally acclaimed and Welsh-based choreographers. The autumn tour will feature the return of Marcos Morau’s dazzling Waltz, alongside two brand-new pieces: Infinity Duet by Faye Tan in collaboration with artist Cecile Johnson Soliz, and Mabon, a folklore-inspired creation by Welsh choreographer Osian Meilir.

Showcasing the best of Welsh creativity and global dance innovation, Surge | Gwefr blends tradition with the contemporary, offering audiences a rich, sensory experience that spans movement, music, sculpture and myth.

A fan favourite returns

Following its acclaimed reception during NDCWales’ Pulse tour in 2023, Marcos Morau’s Waltz makes a triumphant return. Known for its hypnotic precision and visually surreal staging, Waltz wowed audiences across Europe with glittering costumes and bold choreography.

Marcos Morau, celebrated for his collaboration with some of the world’s leading dance festivals and companies, is also the choreographer behind the company’s 2017 hit Tundra.

“Marcos Morau’s movement style is mesmerising to watch. His work is hypnotic, and Waltz is a huge fan favourite, so we’re thrilled to see its return,” said David Wilson, Interim Executive Director and Joint CEO of NDCWales. “This autumn, Waltz will be performed alongside two vibrant new works by Welsh-based creators who are pushing boundaries across disciplines.”

New work: Infinity Duet

Infinity Duet is a bold collaboration between choreographer Faye Tan and visual artist Cecile Johnson Soliz, with an original score by Cardiff-based sound artist Richard McReynolds. First performed as part of Shorts in early 2025, this unique duet features two dancers interacting with a large swinging sculpture, with Johnson Soliz’s artwork also integrated into the costume design.

“Cecile and I have created a piece where neither dance nor sculpture dominates; both hold equal agency,” said Tan. “The result is something beautifully intertwined. Audiences will simultaneously experience the sensations of watching dance and viewing sculpture, which is rare and exciting.”

Myth and movement in Mabon

The final piece in the programme is Mabon, a brand-new work by Welsh choreographer Osian Meilir. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Welsh tales of the Mabinogion, Mabon blends folk traditions with contemporary movement to reimagine six mythical animal characters from Welsh legend.

Known for his joyful and culturally rooted choreography, Meilir brings a distinctive voice to the stage. His internationally toured work Qwerin established his reputation for blending pop culture and heritage with infectious energy.

Mabon will feature eco-conscious animal costumes designed by Becky Davies and an evocative score by triple harpist and experimental musician Cerys Hafana, who will be touring simultaneously.

“I’m thrilled to share Mabon with audiences across Wales and beyond,” said Meilir. “These ancient characters have truly captivated me. It’s been magical to bring them to life alongside such visionary artists.”

Inclusive and accessible touring

Surge | Gwefr will tour from September to November 2025, visiting venues in Cardiff, Newport, Bangor, Mold, Aberystwyth, London, and Ipswich, before heading to Germany in 2026.

All performances will offer Audio Description, with British Sign Language-interpreted shows on 17 September at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, and 17 October at The Place, London.

For tour dates and tickets, visit: www.ndcwales.co.uk

Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025

AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.

From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.

A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.

Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.

A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.

“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”

Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”

During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.

She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.

“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.

As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.

“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”