Merthyr Express column

19th August 10


Valleys’ Dance at Eisteddfod

A recent project by Valleys’ Dance, streaching accross six local authority areas; Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Bridgend, Torfaen and Rhondda Cynon Taff Arts, culminated in a performance at the Dance Pavillion at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale. Also performing in this Year’s Dance Pavillion was 3Gs’ dance group; Kinetics and Nia Dance. Lively pictures from all three performances can be seen on the Merthyr Tydfil Arts, Culture and Media Forum’s blog website; artscelf.blogspot.com, where you can also leave comments relating to arts, cuture or media in Merthyr Tydfil.

(Picture: Valleys' Dance at the Mayor's Parlour, Merthyr Tydfil)

Welsh Open Mic

The August Open Mic Night at the Imperial Hotel will be a Welsh language event with guest Ifor ap Glyn on Thursday, 26th August. The event is free entry with Welsh learners welcome. Ifor ap Glyn is a poet, born and bred in London to Welsh parents. Following a period as a scriptwriter for theatre and TV he now works as a TV producer. He has collaborated on a number of television co-productions, and also co-authored two trilingual theatre pieces, Frongoch and Branwen which have toured in Wales and Ireland. A keen performer of his work with some 15 years experience, culminating in an appearance at the gala concert to mark the opening of the National Assembly in 1999. Winner of the Crown at the 1999 National Eisteddfod with a collection of poems about the problems of learning Welsh. Ifor was Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Laureate) 2008-9. In association with Menter Iaith Merthur Tudful, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council & Academi. For further information please contact (01685) 722176 or email arts@merthyr.gov.uk.

Comedy Nights

There are four more ‘Stute’ Comedy Nights to enjoy this season at the Blackwood Miners Institute, starting on Friday 3rd September at 8pm with an evening of comedy and light entertainment. Tickets £7 in advance or £10 on the door. Over 16s Only. The following nights of stand up comedy feature three top comedians on the UK circuit with Josie Long’s “Be Honourable” on Friday 12th November, Chris needs on Saturday 27th November and Jon Briley at Best Medicine Management Presents Elis James’ Day-Tripper on Saturday 15th January.

Josie Long is unashamedly idealistic but totally confused as to how to try and change the world. The show is about how what you do each day matters. It's also about talking to strangers, grassroots political activism and finding modern heroes. It also quite prominently features a sort-of lecture about a man who takes photographs of his breakfast each morning! Often described as a unique voice in the business, Josie is one of the most respected comedians of her generation. She creates a buzz with her obsessive and ridiculous stories, leaving audiences smitten with her innocent wonder and loveable madness. Tickets £10.

Radio presenter Chris Needs returns to the "Stute" with a fun packed mixed bag including music and of course the finest camp comedy in Wales. Tickets £12 / £10 concessions, in aid of Diabetes.

From Radio One Wales's 'BBC Introducing', BBC 6Music and BBC Radio Wales's 'Rhod Gilbert Show' Wales's hottest young comedian, Elis James, has taken the Edinburgh Fringe by storm for the last two years. Now, he comes to Blackwood as part of a limited run of strictly Wales-only dates. Catch him now, before he's huge! Tickets £10

For further information please contact www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com