Merthyr Express column

11th Nov 10

Christmas Lights

This year’s Christmas lighting ceremony on Friday 19th November, starts at 5pm, with the Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil and a very special guest, together with performances and entertainment. Following the switching on of the Christmas street lighting, a Lantern Procession will pass from the Civic Centre, through Merthyr Tydfil High Street, lit by lanterns made by children from the five local junior schools, led by Welsh Pipers through the Town Centre. A bilingual evening of Christmas carol singing and the accompaniment of Merthyr Aloud Choir, with local school children will sing firstly outside WHSmith’s on the High Street, before continuing down to the Lucy Thomas Fountain, for more carols to conclude the evening. The activity is a partnership between Town and Park Communities First, Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg and MTCBC Arts, Regeneration and Leisure Deptments.

WEA Night
Workers’ Educational Association Merthyr Branch are holding a Poems and Pints night at the Guest Club in Dowlais, next Thursday, 18th November 2010. The evening starts at 7.30pm, where you can bring your favourite poem to read or just come to listen and enjoy the evening. There will also be a buffet and bar. Tickets cost £5 from: Ceinwen Statter 21 Llwyn yr Eos Grove, Bradley Gardens, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 0GD. Cheques payable to Merthyr WEA Please enclose SAE.

Classic Theatre

London Classic Theatre present The Caretaker by Harold Pinter, visiting the Heads of The Valleys region, tomorrow night, Friday 12th November, at the Coliseum Theatre Aberdare.

The story tells the tale of Davies, an elderly drifter, given shelter by the kindly but vulnerable Aston. He quickly makes himself at home in the squalid, junk-filled attic, but an uneasy peace is fractured by the arrival of Mick, Aston’s quick-witted, streetwise younger brother. As the shadows lengthen and the three men reveal more about the past and themselves, a battle of wits begins that will have irrevocable consequences for them all. A landmark of twentieth century theatre, Pinter’s compelling study of loneliness and power games still has the capacity to amuse, shock and fascinate. Tickets cost £12 or £10 for concessions. Call 08000 147 111 to book. Recommended for ages 14 and over. Starts at 7.30pm

Youth Opera DeadlineThe closing date for applications to Welsh National Youth Opera is tomorrow, Friday 12th November 2010. Welsh National Youth Opera (WNYO) is on the lookout for talented young singers aged between 16 and 25 from across Wales to join their innovative and critically acclaimed company. Auditions will be held in five locations across Wales, including Cardiff, on 24th, 25th and 26 November 2010. For further information visit WNO's website wno.org.uk and click on 'Get Involved' where audition application packs can be downloaded. Anyone without access to the internet should contact Sarah Teagle on 029 2063 5085 / 07866 819125 or email sarah.teagle@wno.org.uk for more information.