Entertainment
Pembrokeshire’s true tales echo on stage in ‘Farmers Townies and Grockles’
THE ARTS organisation SPAN Arts is one of 16 UK organisations partnering with Unlimited, an arts commissioning body that supports, funds and promotes new work by disabled and neurodivergent artists for UK and international audiences.
The commission has been awarded to actor, writer and founder of Popty Ping Productions theatre company, Ceri Ashe to create ‘Farmers Townies and Grockles’, a bilingual play telling the true stories of the people of Pembrokeshire, directed by Anna Sherratt.
Verbatim theatre is made from real people’s words. Ceri Ashe (Bipolar Me, Tales of a New Normal, Lockdown Tales: Making Bread and Babies) has been holding storytelling workshops and interviewing people from across Pembrokeshire about their lives. These true stories have been woven together to create a tapestry of voices that explores what it means to be a resident of this rural county.
From farmers in Marloes, retired Welsh teachers in Cilgerran, barmen in Little Haven, to zumba instructors in Milford Haven – this exciting new show explores the themes of belonging, community and change.
It is also an honest look at the issues facing people in Pembrokeshire today: the lack of affordable housing, the decline in Welsh speaking communities, and the future of farming.
Ceri says: ‘I have always been intrigued by the diverse range of people Pembrokeshire is home to, and it’s been a delight to go out into the community to speak to people from north and south of the county to create this play. I’ve worked with SPAN previously to create online verbatim plays during lockdown, and it’s so exciting to now be able to create a live theatre show with a fantastic cast of professional and community actors all from Pembrokeshire.’
Bethan Touhig-Gamble director of SPAN arts mentions “Being part of the Unlimited Commission which champions disabled and Neurodivergent artists has supported SPAN to invest in the creation of this extraordinary new work. We are proud to be able to create platforms for diverse creatives in Pembrokeshire to tell their own stories and make work that is rebellious, radical, adventurous, inspiring, and playful.”
This eagerly anticipated production will be performed in community venues for two shows only:
- Friday 22nd March – Ffwrn, 6 Main St, Fishguard SA65 9HH at 7:30pm (limited spaces)
- Saturday 23rd March – Pill Social Centre, Cellar Hill, Milford Haven SA73 2QT 3:00pm
- Pay what you can for this exciting new show!
- Book your space via the SPAN Arts website span-arts.org.uk
Entertainment
New Spring Show opens at the Waterfront Gallery
OPENING at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven Docks, Pembrokeshire resident Geraint Hughes is holding his first solo exhibition starting on Friday, May 10.
Geraint explained, “I had a desire to be an artist from an early age but graduated from Art College in the early 1990’s disillusioned and unemployable. At the time, young and foolish, I remember declaring that I never had to paint another painting unless I wanted to!” This prophetic statement led to a hiatus of over 30 years.
He is also a musician who has played in bands, collaborating with friends to explore the limits of creative expression but recently he has rekindled his love of painting.
He continued “Deep down I have always considered myself a painter but had to confront myself with the absurdity of being a painter who didn’t paint. I realised if I wanted to be a painter I had to do it – paint.”
“ I draw inspiration from the world around me. My landscape paintings capture nature, everyday scenes from my surroundings as a way of celebrating our lived experience. Each painting explores the way light creates colour, moments that are often glimpsed whilst moving through the landscape either on foot or by bike.”
David Randall, the gallery director said “ We are always looking for new talent and are delighted to be hosting his first solo show demonstrating Geraint’s creativity and skills and if you would like to meet Geraint and hear about his work you can meet him on Friday 10 May when the show opens and continues until 1 June.
Entertainment
Local talents set to perform at St Dogmaels Memorial Hall
THREE exciting local talents are bringing their acts to St Dogmaels Memorial Hall next Sunday, May 12 at 3pm.
This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of performances of original pop compositions.
Rosalind Powell, who is known both for her classical piano performances and through her singer-songwriter work, has curated the afternoon. The other performers will be Steve (Stephen P. Greenhalgh) with his Celtic folk rock music under his performance name Cariad, and Matthew Douglas who performs under the name Drift, with pieces from his new album Ailsa. Rosalind will be performing songs from her new album Sound Eagle. Tickets will be from the door (suggested donation of £7) and refreshments will be available.
The event is a fundraiser for the local climate campaigning group Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), who are raising money to help local people going to London to join the Restore Nature Now demonstration on Saturday 22nd June. This will be a peaceful family-friendly demonstration, joining with Chris Packham, and tens of thousands of people from a wide range of organisations such as RSPB, the National Trust, WWF, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust. Coaches will be arranged from the area to take people to London and back on the day. Contact [email protected] or 07787 197630 for more information about the concert in St Dogmaels on Sunday or about the demonstration.
Entertainment
The History of Rock visits the Torch for the first time ever
WHY not the Torch Theatre as they celebrate a rock line-up like no other headlined by one of the greatest bands of all time! On Saturday 15 June, rock fans will be in for a treat as The History of Rock hits the stage.
The History of Rock will be taking audiences on a thrilling ride through the intriguing tale of rock – but this time, Led Zeppelin will be in the spotlight, as they headline the ultimate rock concert line-up the world has ever seen.
This show, by Soul Street Productions born from a passion for both music and theatre, is a must see for all rock fans! Experience the iconic music brought back to life by an exceptional band consisting of some of the finest musicians and performers from around the world – consisting of Queen, The Who, AC DC, Guns n’ Roses and Black Sabbath tracks and much more.
Based out of London, Soul Street Productions works with some of the most talented musicians in the capital bringing some of the nation’s favourite genres to life, on stage all across the country on their UK tours, and their only visit to Pembrokeshire. So, come to the Torch Theatre and experience a rock show like no other with THE HISTORY OF ROCK!
THE HISTORY OF ROCK will be performed on the Torch Theatre stage on Saturday 15 June at 7.30pm. Ticket prices: £25. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.
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