News
Musical Stage Show, Featuring Disney Classics, comes to Wales
FANS of the songs of the Oscar-winning brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman including classics from Disney films such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Winnie the Pooh and The Aristocats, as well as other classics such as Charlotte’s Web and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be delighted to know that a fantastic show, A Spoonful of Sherman will be arriving at the Swansea Grand Theatre this April.
A Spoonful of Sherman is a new musical stage show currently on a UK tour to celebrate 100 years of Sherman family history, and lands in Wales next month. Al Sherman, the father of the famous Sherman brothers, began his career in 1918, and went on to write songs for the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. The cast of five tell the story of the Sherman family legacy and sing through well-known songs from the Sherman brothers’ impressive repertoire.
This exhilarating new show stars a wealth of musical talent – the cast are; musician/songwriter Mark Read, member of the smash hit number one boyband A1; Olivier Award nominated Sophie-Louise Dann, whose West End credits include: Celia in The Girls; Bend it Like Beckham, Made In Dagenham, Lend Me a Tenor, 42nd Street, and Jolson; recent graduates Glen Facey and Jenna Innes; and musical director and performer Ben Stock, who has numerous West End credits to his name.
The double Oscar-winning Sherman Brothers – Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman – remain one of the most formidable songwriting teams in family entertainment history. From 1964 onwards their unparalleled partnership produced music, songs and scores for dozens of films, particularly many of Disney’s best loved titles including Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, and The Aristocats. The highly prolific brothers were the sons of the great Al Sherman, who wrote songs for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many singers of the golden American Songbook period of the 1930s-1950s.
Robert J Sherman, son of Robert B. Sherman and a successful composer in his own right, brings the compelling story of one family’s century-long, award-winning musical journey to UK audiences in 2018. Three generations of Sherman songwriters are brought to life in this delightful show, which includes songs from Robert J. Sherman’s own charming musical, Love Birds, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015.
A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN tour dates:
- March 8th-10th – Inverness Eden Court
- March 12th-14th – Darlington Hippodrome
- March 16th-17th – East Grinstead, Chequer Mead
- March 20th-21st – Guildford, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
- March 22nd-24th – Windsor Theatre Royal
- March 26th-30th – London Greenwich Theatre (PRESS NIGHT: March 27th)
- April 2nd – Buxton Opera House
- April 5th-7th – Swansea Grand Theatre
- April 10th-11th – Harrogate Theatre
- April 12th-13th – Southport Atkinson Theatre
- April 15th-17th – Hornchurch Essex, Queen’s Theatre
- April 18th-20th – Isle of Wight, Shanklin Theatre
- April 23rd-24th – Newport Riverfront Theatre
- April 25th-26th – Yeovil Somerset, Octagon Theatre
- April 30th-May 1st – Swindon, Wyvern Theatre
- May 7th-9th – Lincoln Theatre Royal
- May 14th-15th – Weston Super Mare, Playhouse Theatre
- May 16th-18th – Exeter Northcott Theatre
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
-
Top News6 days ago
Caws Cenarth ‘matriarch’, Thelma Adams, dies aged 86