Category Archives: REVIEWS

Straight from the West end, “Annie The Musical UK”, opened at the Wales Millennium Centre this week, starring BBC’s strictly come dancing’s, Mr nasty himself, Craig Revel Horwood, taking the role of “Miss Hannigan”. Annie is also a family loved film and tells the tale of an orphaned, larger than life, young lady, named Annie, […]

The colour, glitz and glamour, Of the 80s, landed in a Cardiff last night, but didn’t stop there, as we were just picked up and jetted off, to the outrageous “Club Tropicana” hotel! JOE MCELDERRY AS GARRY The plot is based on a struggling hotel, set at a holiday resort in Spain, that pulls out […]

So, I kept faith with Keeping Faith (original title in Welsh Un Bore Mercher, translates to One Wednesday Morning) and oh boyo, what a dramatic second series. Keeping Faith, written by Matthew Hall, is located in rural Wales, with stunning scenery. Directed by Pip Broughton and Andy Newbery, Keeping Faith series one was watched by […]

Disney’s 1989 smash hit “The Little Mermaid”, has truly been brought, to life, at the “Cardiff Open Air Festival”, in Sophia gardens. Telling the wonderful story, of how a teenage mermaid, longs to live, a human life and gives up a great deal, to achieve that.  The role of “Ariel” was played by “Cadi Mullane”, […]

The legendary “Jesus Christ Superstar” from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was brought to life, once again, last night, at the “Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival”, which is part of the “Everyman Theatre”. This biopic, stage production, tells the story, of Jesus Christ’s, final week on earth, which includes, scenes of love, heartache and […]

CHICAGO CAST Local esteemed theatre group, Kinetic, opened its much anticipated production of “Chicago” last night, at the “Royal College of Welsh Drama” and what a Chicago style opening it was! Chicago the musical, tells the story of how two showgirls, are arrested for murder, one for the murder of her husband and her sister, […]

The smash west end hit “Kinky Boots”, landed at the glorious, Wales Millennium Centre last night and what a landing it was! We were taken on a journey of heartache, passion, sheer determination, with lots of high wrenching sass, thrown in! PRICE & SONS LTD SHOE FACTORY Kinky Boots tells the story, of Northampton based […]

The legendary Welsh Proms, opened at St David’s Hall last night and what a superb opening it was. We were taken on a journey, celebrating 50 years of the iconic moon landing, which is something very special indeed. Classical music played a big part of this momentous occurrence and Welsh Proms certainly celebrated this. Artistic […]

Shine theatre school shows titled “it’s our generation” and “time to shine”, in Wales Millenium Centre dance house, were two fantastic shows that demonstrate what ‘Shine’ the company was all about. Every cast member, including the little ones, performed fantastic dance routines, great vocals and entertaining acting schemes. On top of this, every child was […]

John Barrowman’s tour titled ‘fabulous’ is only at the St David’s Hall for two nights (one of which sold out a few days after the tickets were released) and I would advise that if you haven’t already, and if there are tickets available, to book a ticket to this fantastic celebration of Barrowman’s career. I […]

‘Hello Cabaret’ returned to Sophia Gardens on Sunday night for the third year running, performing their cabaret in the park, closing the first weekend of the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival (on until the 3rd August). The show promises ‘popular show tunes, spellbinding stories and hidden gems performed under the stars’, and for the most part, […]

This hilarious three women show visited the Coliseum in Aberdare last weekend and what a visit it was! Focusing on mainly female related issues of all ages, it was really well received by the pro-dominantly female audience. Starring Vicki Michelle, who starred in classic BBC sitcom “Allo Allo” the hilariously funny Julie Coombe (Co-writer of […]

‘Dirty Dancing the Musical’ landed at our prestigious New Theatre Cardiff last night and what a storm it brought with it! Based on the iconic ‘Dirty Dancing’ movie and currently performing a UK tour, I was taken on a magical journey, that felt extremely special. I was fortunate enough to be sitting in the second […]

The sensational Kingdom Choir landed at our iconic St David’s hall in Cardiff this week and what an incredible landing it was! This remarkable choir, were sadly performing their final show of their current tour, which I was honoured to witness, but I’m sure they’ll be back with another phenomenal production! THE KINGDOM CHOIR PERFORMING […]

When we heard of this Russian film about the current situation in the separatist Donbass region of Ukraine and former Imperial Russia, we envisaged the potential for a possible piece of open pro-Russian propaganda. What we witnessed instead however at the joint U.K. premieres in Chapter Arts, Cardiff and at the Redhouse Cymru, as part […]

The sensational Only Men Aloud and the magnificent Cory band, showcased their “A Night At The Movies” show last night, at the iconic St David’s hall Cardiff and what a superb show it was! The evening was a celebration of the world’s most loved films, especially focusing on the wonderful music, from legendary American composer, […]

Soul Legends visted St David’s Hall last night, which promised to bring back to life all the soul legends of yesteryears, which it most definitely did, in fact, my aunty, who attended the show with me, said it took her back to when she was a child and so obviously successfully managed to rebuild the […]

Let’s raise a glass to the brand new Cygnet additions ‘landing’ safely at the distillery this week.  Following on from the huge success of the debut 70cl craft gin from the Welsh gin company, Cygnet, the South Wales Distillery have announced not one, but two brand new Cygnet products which are now available to buy.  The […]

Hello Wales, yes me, again. I just can’t keep away. I hope you’re enjoying all my articles, ranging from actors from Hollywood to meeting Jodie Comer from Killing Eve, to Stephen Hammett-Perlmutter founder of Origins Cuisines from Bristol and now let’s meet singer and model and Leyton Orient fan, ASHLEIGH K. Having begun her music […]

The New Theatre opened its doors on Wednesday for an ‘Evening of Eric and Ern’ (directed by Daniel Clarkson) an upbeat, contemporary homage to the comedy of Morecambe and Wise. Set against the backdrop of the classic red velvet curtains, Ian Ashpitel (Ernie) and Jonty Stephens (Eric) gave a stellar performance as their comedic idols, […]

Good morning. Another start to a new week and I hope it’s a beautiful Monday morning where you are as it’s as beautiful as it is with me. Apparently it’s going to be warm and sunny for the next few days. So get out and enjoy, but don’t forget the sun cream. See, you even […]

As mentioned yesterday in my debut column, which I hope some of you read and enjoyed, or saying that, even read at all, I was invited to attend a play at the Trafalgar Studios in London. The male lead, Elliott Ross, who kindly invited me, is a young British actor who I believe to a rising star and one to look out for in the […]

New Jersey Nights landed in the iconic New theatre Cardiff last night and boy what a landing it was! This hit show is direct from the USA and drove us back to the iconic 1950s and 60s to the groovy 1980s. Frankie Valli shot to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four […]

IN ORDER OF STANCE, VALLEY TIMES CHIEF EDITOR BRETT SALWAY, HEAD BOY CALLUM WALSH, HEAD TEACHER DR S MITCHELL, COUNCILLOR ANDREW MORGAN, HEAD GIRL GEORGIA FURLONG, COUNTY COUNCILLOR GARETH JONES. I was invited to attend the prize giving celebration at St John the baptist school located in Aberdare, to witness this wonderful occasion. The event […]

A film. A play. And now a musical, touring the UK. Ever since seeing the cast of Calendar Girls The Musical opening the Olivier Awards back in 2018, I have wanted to see this show. A collaboration between Gary Barlow and Tim Firth brings us an enchanting musical, hitting all the right emotions. The opening scene brings […]

HAIR THE MUSICAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR REVIEWThis exuberant award winning show landed in full glory last night, at the iconic ‘New Theatre’ Cardiff and what a hair raising experience it was! It was the winner of the ‘WhatsOnStage’ 2018 award. Featuring an all star cast, including reality TV star ‘Jake Quickenden’ who plays the role of […]

I visited ‘Etc’ to experience their Motown supper club and it was truly superb. I was really impressed with the opulent ‘GATSBY’ decor, which really heightened the elegant ambiance. The fusion inspired restaurant and cocktail bar was really inviting and had plenty of staff to cater for your every need. I felt really comfortable and […]

The iconic St David’s shopping centre hosted its 2019 #BigNightOut and what a great success it was! The night was a celebration of all things retail and really gave something back, to the thousands of customers that visit the centre weekly. The centre is home to over 150 shops, restaurants and cafes! And is a […]

The latest addition to the British farce scene made its way to Cardiff on Tuesday evening, with an eagerly anticipated opening night at the New Theatre. Despite the title sounding like a starter at an upmarket restaurant, Octopus Soup is in fact a story of burglary, insurance fraud, and mob bosses – with the occasional […]

Set on Amesbury RD in Penylan, Cardiff, is this charming Victorian family home, which is being offered on the Airbnb platform. It has 3 bedrooms, that will comfortably sleep a family of six /party of six and has some superb facilities. Upon entering this beautiful house, you’re greeted with a sensational period tiled floor, which […]

“I Was Never Born, I Was Discovered” Paulus from BBC hit show ‘ALL TOGETHER NOW’ and a regular performer at our very own ‘Cardiff Cabaret Club’ brought his sensational ‘One Person Musical’ to the ‘FFRESH BAR AND RESTAURANT’ in Cardiff on Saturday, at the iconic ‘WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE’ and what a show he delivered! Accompanied by a superb 3 piece band, ‘Paulus’ […]

I was invited down to experience the Dead Canary’s Gin dinner and felt like I was transported back in time, to the opulent 1920s. The evening was hosted by one of the representatives from Fields, Morris & Verdin named ‘Ruairidh Muir”, who has a superb knowledge of the Gins on offer and made the guests […]

The iconic ‘Motown The Musical’ hit Cardiff this week and was a colossal event!  This heart warming musical, tells the story of how ‘Berry Gordy’s’ ’Motown Record Corporation’,who brought some of the world’s most recognisable stars, into the limelight , such as Marvin Gaye, Dianna Ross, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, The Jackson 5 and The […]

My most recent discovery took me to Chapel 1877 Bar and Restaurant, which is located on Churchill Way, Cardiff.  It is a grade II listed building which maintains all its original gothic charm. The converted chapel is tastefully decorated whilst maintaining many original features. The building has an overwhelming feeling of grandeur due to its […]

Wow!! Derren Litten’s iconic tv series ‘Benidorm’ has a new home, the classic theatre stage! Opening the show at Newcastle theatre royal in 2018, it’s had rave reviews and we were extremely excited to see it here at Cardiff times. It had that recognisable British humour that we all know and love and it was […]

The iconic Marvel franchise has hit us with its latest superhero movie film ‘Captain Marvel’. The opening credits play tribute to Marvel’s primary creative leader ‘Stan Lee’ by combining all his iconic Marvel film scenes, into the Marvel logo. This was a real special and moving moment and one that won’t be forgotten in a […]

A new pasta house is in town and boy is it Fantastico! The iconic Cardiff based Giovanni family, who are behind this new offering have brought something special to the Cardiff Bay area. Giovanni Malacrino’s son, Luca Malacrino had the vision of ‘PIATTO’ and has opened this really cool new Italian pasta house. This beautiful […]

ODEON GALLERY CARDIFF BAY The Odeon cinema chain is an iconic brand in British society and has always offered something special to is customers in my view. It’s always investing in making it’s cinemas the best it can be. I visited the Odeon Gallery Cardiff bay which boasts the only IMAX screen in Wales! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 […]

BLUE PLANET II MOTORPOINT ARENA CARDIFF REVIEW  The BBC hit show ‘Blue Planet II‘ has transitioned to a live in concert tour, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra (City of Prague orchestra) conducted by Matthew Freeman, with music by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming for Bleeding Fingers Music and hosted by Anita Rani. The […]

The full monty play based on the BAFTA award winning 1997 film, is currently performing its last ever national tour and we were honoured for the tour to include Cardiff! Written by the incredibly talented Simon Beaufou, this really brings the iconic movie to life. Set in Sheffield, England, in the 1980s, it tells the […]

PURPLE POPPADOM 07/03/2019 Set on Cowbridge road east is the fetching Purple Poppadom Indian restaurant. The restaurant had a lovely airy feel to it and the decor was very contemporary. Upon arrival, we were greeted straight away and quickly shown to our seats and offered drinks. Carl Marsh and I  asked the waiter for his […]

The iconic Shakin’ Stevens performed at St David’s hall Sunday and boy did he deliver! He was accompanied with a 9 piece band, who were sensational! Aged 70 years at the time of this concert as he turned 71 on Monday! The audience actually sang happy birthday to him which was really memorable. He was […]

REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2019 | BRETT SALWAY | “We’re just trying to make local, seasonal, good quality food, made and served by people who really care about their customers. We want to make our restaurant and food as special as the building itself”- Keith Clash- Head Chef Once a coal and shipping exchange used as […]

Another Cuban bar? Another cocktail bar? Yes! But the new OLD HAVANA cocktail bar and restaurant has a cool new vibe with an authentic Cuban twist. Set on High street in Cardiff city centre it brings an exciting addition to the flourishing castle quarter. The area has really developed in recent times and is quickly […]

This sensational Italian restaurant set in the St David’s 2 food quarter really blew us away! Carl and I were invited down to try “The best pizza and pasta in town”. With so many Italian restaurants in Cardiff, I was of course sceptical but eager to indulge and make my own conclusions. We arrived and […]

Bespoke cocktail bar Dirty Martini invited us down to try their new vegan cocktail range and we were thoroughly impressed. The vegan trend has quadrupled in the last five years, so it’s really refreshing to see the hospitality industry incorporating this into their offerings. Dirty Martini Cardiff will be celebrating their third birthday this year […]

SANTIAGOS TAPAS RESTAURANT Review | January 2019 | Brett Salway | This authentic Spanish tapas restaurant set on church street in Cardiff, is a unique new concept for Cardiff and beyond and will please the most finical of tapas seekers. This was originally Truffles Cafe but has had an inspiring change of style. The building […]

Deaths & Entrances Cardiff Cardiff’s latest cocktail bar offering is the intriguing Deaths & Entrances,  set in the same building as Cardiff’s iconic ‘The Dead Canary’ on Barrack Lane.  It has the same secretive concept as its sister bar ‘TDC’ and really offers something quite unique.  You first ring the door bell , eagerly await […]

TY NEWYDD COUNTRY HOTEL-CARADOG RESTAURANT Review | January 2019 | Brett Salway | This beautiful Georgian country manor is now a fully functional restaurant and hotel, set on the border of the striking Brecon Beacons in the quaint village of Penderyn, Aberdare. The location makes it an excellent choice for guests wanting to experience some […]

Review| January 2019| Brett Salway My most recent discovery was ASADOR 44, set in the heart of Cardiff’s castle quarter area. I would describe it as a modern-day Spanish steak house, which would appeal to anyone wanting an authentic Catalan experience. The inspiring decor combines beautiful glossed wood, glass and leather to stay fitting with […]

Review| January 2019| Brett Salway I visited Cardiff’s newest Portuguese restaurant and it seemed somewhat familiar. This is because Cardiff has enjoyed the family run Madeira restaurant for many years already but in a different location. This is a newly opened second restaurant of the same name. From the moment you walk in you feel […]

Review| December 2018| Brett Salway Set in the heart of Cardiff’s very affluent high street, sits the incredible fly by night. I was invited down to experience something truly unique. The decor has a beautiful zen feel to it which enhances the tranquil ambiance. I felt very relaxed and comfortable sitting in such opulent surroundings. […]