Entertainment

National Dance Company Wales announces autumn tour of SurgeGwefr

Published

8 months ago

July 20, 2025

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

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

Entertainment

Met Opera’s Tristan und Isolde comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lise Davidsen leads star cast in Wagner’s epic tale of love and death in special cinema broadcast on Sunday (Mar 22)

AFTER years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide as the electrifying Lise Davidsen takes on one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano – the Irish princess Isolde – in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde.

Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-struck Tristan in what promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged performance.

The production also marks the arrival of a new staging at the Metropolitan Opera by Yuval Sharon, making his Met debut. Sharon has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and was the first American to direct an opera at the famous Wagner festival in Bayreuth.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin also leads Tristan und Isolde at the Met for the first time in this landmark production.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprising her acclaimed portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal following his celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländerand the Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

Reviewing the production for The Observer, Fiona Maddocks described it as a “glorious production” and “well worth catching”, adding: “This was one of those rare and blissful nights when dropped jaws silenced noisy opinion in the queue for coats afterwards.”

The recorded broadcast of Tristan und Isolde will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday (Mar 22) at 4:00pm.

For further information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

ENDS