Merthyr Express column

23rd Sept 10
Family Adventure

Merthyr Youth Creative Development Project welcomes Moonfleet by Angel Exit Theatre to Saint Tydfil's Well Church Hall, The Quar, Merthyr Tydfil on Monday 4th October 2010, at 7pm.
Moonfleet tells the theatrical story of a straggling gang of mischievous buffoons who are washed up amongst the flotsam onto the wild shores of Chesil Beach, and conspire to spin this compelling yarn of a young orphan boy clashing with both smugglers and excise men in his quest to find Blackbeard’s cursed diamond and win the hand of his beloved Grace. Weaving together live music, striking physicality and puppetry, Angel Exit invite you to enter a thrilling world of dastardly deeds and wicked escapades. Inspired by J.Meade Falkner's classic novel, and Dorset folklore Moonfleet is a rip-roaring show for everyone with a sense of adventure aged from 8 to 108! Ticket prices are £3 with concessions at £2 for OAPs and children. For further information, contact Kristian Churchill on 07541 068812 or office@merthyryouth.co.uk.

Cyfarthfa Iron and Steel
This week will be your last chance to catch an exhibition of paintings by local artist Linda Morgan. The exhibition titled Cyfarthfa Iron and Steel captures images of the Cyfarthfa works and is still on show at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum until next Thursday, 30th September. The exhibition is free entry. For further details please contact 01685 723112 or e-mail museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Young People’s Challange
The Welsh Assembly Government are running a competition as part of their campaign to get children and young people portrayed more positively in Welsh society.
The competition challenges children and young people to become journalists and report in words, photo or video on something related to children, teenagers or young adults in school or community life. Competition entrants can submit entries both individually and as part of a group.
There are many great prizes on offer for regional winners with the overall Wales winner receiving a newly launched Apple i-Pad. Deadline Friday 8th October. To find out more on the competition please see: http://www.uncrcletsgetitright.co.uk/competition.aspx

Barkin’
From 12th to 16th October Grassroots presents Barkin’ by Frank Vickery to the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. Barkin’ is a brand new black comedy written by and starring Frank Vickery, directed by Phil Clark. This tightly woven drama is a rich cocktail of pathos and humour, dark secrets and unrealised dreams. The story tells the tale of Stevie who has lived all her life with her domineering mother and feels trapped by the responsibility of caring for her, while her seemingly carefree brother is living life to the full. Now, has the day finally arrived when Stevie can, at last, experience the freedom she has yearned for? Or will she discover that things are not quite what they appear to be? Barkin’, Frank’s first new play in over three years is an incisive, engaging, and darkly comic drama. Using his usual humour and realism, this black comedy explores issues that many of us can certainly identify with. Performances start at 7.30pm plus a Thursday matinee at 1.00pm. Tickets cost £10.50 with concessions at £8.50. There is also the special offer of two stalls tickets for £14.00 on Tuesday evening and on the matinee performance. For further information and tickets telephone 08000 147 111.