Bringing you all things 'Wales' along with reviewing Wales' and beyond's hospitality and entertainment sector đ´ó §ó ˘ó ˇó Źó łó ż
Due to phenomenal demand, the world-class interactive exhibition will be extending in Cardiffâs St. Davidâs Shopping Centre until November 10, 2019. After an overwhelming response from fans in Cardiff, Marvelâs Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. will be extending its stay in Cardiffâs St. Davidâs Shopping Centre. The news follows a hugely successful run for S.T.A.T.I.O.N. in London, New York, …
Continue reading “Marvelâs Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Extends Residency in Cardiff”
Okay, a little bit of shameless self promotion. If you’ve read any of my previous articles written for the Valley Times, featuring TV programmes such as Sanditon and Keeping Faith with Eve Myles, singer/songwriters like Amy Wedge (who wrote the theme for Keeping Faith), and actress and author Jessica Martin, you may or may not …
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE BRITISH ACADEMY CYMRU AWARDS IN 2019 Documentary feature film Anorac leads with six nominations Netflix feature Apostle and S4C television drama Enid a Lucy each receive five nominations 19 first time nominees confirmed as record entries received 5 September 2019: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in Wales, BAFTA Cymru, has announced today the nominations …
Continue reading “NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THEBRITISH ACADEMY CYMRU AWARDS IN 2019”
Straight from the West end, âAnnie The Musical UKâ, opened at the Wales Millennium Centre this week, starring BBCâs strictly come dancingâs, Mr nasty himself, Craig Revel Horwood, taking the role of âMiss Hanniganâ. 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 didnât stop there, as we were just picked up and jetted off, to the outrageous âClub Tropicanaâ 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 …
Disneyâs 1989 smash hit âThe Little Mermaidâ, has truly been brought, to life, at the âCardiff Open Air Festivalâ, 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 âArielâ was played by âCadi Mullaneâ, …
The legendary âJesus Christ Superstarâ from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was brought to life, once again, last night, at the âCardiff Open Air Theatre Festivalâ, which is part of the âEveryman Theatreâ. This biopic, stage production, tells the story, of Jesus Christâs, final week on earth, which includes, scenes of love, heartache and …
I have a confession to make. I’m not one to sit and watch period drama’s. Yes, I confess now. BUT……. this Autumn I will be sitting comfortably in front of the television to watch a new adaptation of an unfinished novel by Jane Austen. In January 1817, Jane began work on a new novel she …
CHICAGO CAST Local esteemed theatre group, Kinetic, opened its much anticipated production of âChicagoâ last night, at the âRoyal College of Welsh Dramaâ 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, …
Continue reading “CHICAGO FROM KINETIC SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS REVIEW”
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 …
Continue reading “FRONT ROW REVIEW OF KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL”
The legendary Welsh Proms, opened at St Davidâs 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 …
Continue reading “REVIEW OF WELSH PROMSâ âONE SMALL STEP…â”
Shine theatre school shows titled âit’s our generationâ and âtime to shineâ, in Wales Millenium Centre dance house, were two fantastic shows that demonstrate what âShineâ 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 …
Continue reading “Review of âour generationâ by Shine Theatre School”
John Barrowman’s tour titled âfabulousâ is only at the St Davidâs 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 Barrowmanâs career. I …
âHello Cabaretâ 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 âpopular show tunes, spellbinding stories and hidden gems performed under the starsâ, and for the most part, …
I was thrilled to be invited to attend the sold out “vegan takeover” at The Potted Pig. I’d never visited the restaurant before so I was very excited to be a part of this event. The restaurant is located in the city centre of Cardiff, neighbouring the beautiful Cardiff Castle. Inside the venue is a …
KERRY ELLIS OUTSIDE THE PARK & DARE THEATRE TREORCHY West end superstar Kerry Ellis, famous for playing Elphaba in smash west end hit âWickedâ landed not in Oz, but in the beautiful Rhondda valleys last night and this was one landing, Wizard of Ozâs Dorothy Gale would never have forgotten. Kerry Ellis shot to fame …
Continue reading “WEST END SUPERSTAR KERRY ELLIS PERFORMS AS PART OF RAFT”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeWLbrYECmU The Official 13 GRAVES Trailer Yes, it’s me again. It’s been awhile, well a week, but I’m back! Today I want to let you know about a movie premiere I was invited to on Monday night at a packed Cineworld in the vibrant Leicester Square in the heart of London, with guests that included …
LONDON AUTHOR CELEBRATES PUBLISHING SUCCESS OF HIS AMAZON BEST-SELLING NOVEL WITH A BOOK TO MOVIE PROJECT! From wrongly imprisoned life-saver to self-published Amazon No 1 bestselling author, David P Perlmutterâs debut novel, WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME, also edited by his partner Julie Tucker is now a book to movie project with Golden Mile Productions and …
Continue reading “WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME â THE BOOK AND MOVIE THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!”
Me again! Sorry, but as I mentioned in my previous article, I was kindly invited to two events this week in London, the first, being Jessica Martin’s book launch, the second, last nights charity event at Myla. It was a social gathering in aid of CoppaFeel breast cancer charity, hosted by the stunning lingerie shop, …
It’s Friday. Who’s happy about that? I’m sure many of you are, unless you’re working over the weekend. Anyway, I hope your week has been a good one. I’ve had a busy one, not only with meetings about the new children’s book I’m writing, writing my new fiction book, plus chats with the production companies …
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 âAllo Alloâ the hilariously funny Julie Coombe (Co-writer of …
âDirty Dancing the Musicalâ landed at our prestigious New Theatre Cardiff last night and what a storm it brought with it! Based on the iconic âDirty Dancingâ 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 …
You know what itâs like when youâve been invited to an event or party months in advance of the event date, and youâre looking forward to it so much and for so long but in the end, the party is so disappointing, it feels like fireworks disintegrating without an Ohhh or an Ahh on the stroke of midnight? Well, …
The sensational Kingdom Choir landed at our iconic St Davidâs 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 Iâm sure theyâll be back with another phenomenal production! THE KINGDOM CHOIR PERFORMING …
Orbitâs production of âShrek the Musicalâ landed in the New theatre last night and exceeded all of my expectations. It was on par with the other mainstream touring productions, I have seen in the past. This production was fun for the whole family. Not only was this show appropriate for children, as there were jokes …
Set in Welsh countryside during the 1970s, with the prospect of a long, hot summer ahead of play and friendships, four boys find their own adventure until unexpected tragedy strikes with devastating consequences. Catapulted into the adult world, they strive to take matters into their own hands. Will the boys learn the value of their childhood …
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 inspirational Sir Ian McKellen, CH, CBE, celebrated his 80th birthday recently and coincidentally, Stonewall, (LGBT rights charity) which he co-founded, celebrated their 50th birthday! Furthermore we are extremely proud to announce, that we are awarding the first ever Valley Times living legend award to Sir Ian, for his sensational contribution to the world of Arts …
The sensational Only Men Aloud and the magnificent Cory band, showcased their âA Night At The Moviesâ show last night, at the iconic St Davidâs hall Cardiff and what a superb show it was! The evening was a celebration of the worldâs most loved films, especially focusing on the wonderful music, from legendary American composer, …
Continue reading “A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES WITH ONLY MEN ALOUD AND THE CORY BAND”
Soul Legends visted St Davidâs 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 …
Letâs raise a glass to the brand new Cygnet additions âlandingâ 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 …
Continue reading “New Cygnet arrivals hatched for the Summer”
Last week I was invited to a book launch at a very cool book shop in London. Designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano, the book shop, called Libreria, was located just off Brick Lane, in the very trendy Shoreditch. The launch was for author, David Rowan, who happily signed copies of his debut book “NON-BULLSHIT INNOVATION” …
The New Theatre was abuzz last night. Crowds of audience members anticipating the Northern Balletâs production of âVictoriaâ created a real atmosphere of excitement as soon as you stepped foot into the building. Having never been to a professional ballet performance before, I was on tenterhooks, not quite knowing what to expect from a performance …
Continue reading “REVIEW OF THE NORTHERN BALLETâS VICTORIA”
Hello all. A new week, well Tuesday, but hey, only four days to go until another Bank Holiday Weekend. Talking about weekends, last Sunday I was at Wembley Stadium for the F A Trophy and even though my team, Leyton Orient lost, it didn’t matter one single bit. Why you may ask, or maybe not. …
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 …
Continue reading “Ashleigh K – Singer – Model – Leyton Orient Fan…..”
This is Stephen Hammett-Perlmutter collecting his award from Cllr Asher Craig who was voted to receive funding for his next adventure. Hello again WALES. I hope you’re enjoying my column. I’m moving completely away from my previous article/subject about the Baftas, Jodie Comer and Hollywood actor Rich Graff to, as Kenny Everett (remember him?) would …
The New Theatre opened its doors on Wednesday for an âEvening of Eric and Ernâ (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, …
Jodie Comer with her Bafta award! Hello WALES, me again from London, with another update about what Iâve been up to recentlyâŚ. and have I got a story for youâŚ.. Monday, just gone, 24 hours after the Baftas on BBC. Did you watch the awards? I did. Have you seen Killing Eve? I have. Are you …
GO GO GO JAYMI! Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webberâs fascinating musical is back on the road and, has arrived in Cardiff. The show follows Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob, after his eleven brothers sell him as a slave due to their jealousy of him receiving a technicoloured coat from Jacob. What follows is …
Continue reading “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT REVIEW”
Following the last two years of sell-outs of her show âBillie & Meâ the award-winning singer and musical theatre star Patti Boulaye, returns with her brand new one-woman show âAretha and Meâ. In this fascinating show, Patti compares and contrasts her life with that of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, whose celebrated career included 17 …
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 …
DAVID P PERLMUTTER As you begin to read this, you may just be wondering how on earth, a North London boy, (aged 54) has ended up with his own exciting (I hope you will think so) column in the Valley Times. Well after a few conversations with Brett Salway, (you just may have heard of …
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 …
As a vegetarian of eight years moving onto a vegan lifestyle of four years, I had the great pleasure of attending âEtc’sâ first ever Vegan night, housed in Penarth, the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, to taste five courses of their unique vegan food and cocktails. The demand for vegan food and drink has …
The ‘Bodyguard The Musical’ landed at the ‘Wales Millennium Centre’ Cardiff last night and what a STAGGERING landing it was! THE ORIGINAL ‘THE BODYGUARD’ FILM POSTER Based on the iconic hit 90s film ‘The bodyguard’, starring the late ‘Whitney Houston’ and Hollywood legend ‘Kevin Costner’, the film has been transitioned to the stage and given …
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 âWhatsOnStageâ 2018 award. Featuring an all star cast, including reality TV star ‘Jake Quickenden’ who plays the role of …
âSISTER ACTâ performed by the Harmonic Arts Company, St Peters Hall, Roath, 3 and 4 AprilLast Thursday I attended this excellent production of âSister Actâ by an entirely teenage cast. Most of you will have heard of the famous film, âSister Actâ, featuring Whoopi Goldberg, which was a huge hit in 1992. However you may …
I visited ‘Etc’ to experience their Motown supper club and it was truly superb. I was really impressed with the opulent âGATSBYâ 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 â 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’ …
Collabro Review On Friday night, St Davidâs Hall in Cardiff became the 41st venue of Collabroâs Road to the Royal Albert Hall tour; the quartetâs largest tour to date. In a city and country that knows a thing or two about male-voice groups, the 2014 Britainâs Got Talent winners entertained a lively crowd with a …
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 âMotown The Musicalâ hit Cardiff this week and was a colossal event! This heart warming musical, tells the story of how âBerry Gordyâsâ âMotown Record Corporationâ,who brought some of the worldâs most recognisable stars, into the limelight , such as Marvin Gaye, Dianna Ross, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, The Jackson 5 and The …
Continue reading “MOTOWN THE MUSICAL REVIEW AT THE WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE”
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 Littenâs iconic tv series âBenidormâ has a new home, the classic theatre stage! Opening the show at Newcastle theatre royal in 2018, itâs 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 âCaptain Marvelâ. The opening credits play tribute to Marvelâs primary creative leader âStan Leeâ by combining all his iconic Marvel film scenes, into the Marvel logo. This was a real special and moving moment and one that wonât 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 Malacrinoâs son, Luca Malacrino had the vision of âPIATTOâ 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. Itâs always investing in making itâs cinemas the best it can be. I visited the Odeon Gallery Cardiff bay which boasts the only IMAX screen in Wales! đ´ó §ó ˘ó ˇó Źó łó ż …
BLUE PLANET II MOTORPOINT ARENA CARDIFF REVIEW The BBC hit show âBlue Planet IIâ 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 …
Continue reading “FULLY MONTY WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE REVIEW”
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 Shakinâ Stevens performed at St Davidâs 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 | âWeâre 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 itselfâ- Keith Clash- Head Chef Once a coal and shipping exchange used as …
This sensational Italian restaurant set in the St Davidâs 2 food quarter really blew us away! Carl and I were invited down to try âThe best pizza and pasta in townâ. 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 itâs 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 Cardiffâs latest cocktail bar offering is the intriguing Deaths & Entrances, set in the same building as Cardiffâs iconic âThe Dead Canaryâ on Barrack Lane. It has the same secretive concept as its sister bar âTDCâ 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 Cardiffâs 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. …
Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. â Izaak Walton
