This ended up as rather a long section in my Christmas Gift Guide so this is a little off shoot. I’ll keep adding highlights as and when I stumble across them. This is not designed as a full theatre listings page but things I’ve seen and thought “oo, that looks fun/cool/interesting”.
Tickets
The ultimate gift with no obligation on the receiver to find a space in their house for it, no adding to all the stuff. This can require a bit more research, but I love getting tickets that I can use for a show, concert or gig later in the year. It’s a Christmas treat that brings joy months after the baubles come down and the Quality Street tin’s emptied.
There are so many options, and it obviously depends on the tastes of the person you’re buying for but aside from the sold out tickets (sad face for missing out on PULP in Cardiff but happy face that I got my Self Esteem at the Tramsheds ticket in time), here are a few little ideas for you (in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area).
Musicals
A marmite of art forms, some love them, some hate them but for fans of them, there are plenty of musicals coming to our corner of the world such as:
- Six at Wales Millennium Centre – I loved this when I saw it with my step daughter a couple of years ago (from £19.50)
- Mama Mia at the New Theatre
- The Bodyguard at Wales Millennium Centre
Live Music
I thought I’d found the perfect gig tickets for my step daughter to see Loyle Carner but that one’s sold out. I’ve tried to only include ideas with tickets still available but don’t wait around too long just in case.
- KT Tunstall at St David’s Hall – the Scottish singer songwriter is on tour following the release of her seventh studio album
- Sam Ryder at Cardiff Student’s Union – yes, it’s him off the Eurovision!
- In It Together Festival in Margam – not a gig but a whole festival. There are ticket options for camping, day tickets, paying in instalments, all sorts. We went to the 2021 one and loved it so much we’ve booked again.
Comedy
You’ve missed out on Peter Kay tickets in Cardiff but there are plenty of other stand-up and other comedy shows coming up to give the gift of laughter:
- Phil Wang at St David’s Hall
- Sara Pascoe at St David’s Hall
- Dave Gorman at the New Theatre
- The Noise Next Door at Memo Arts Centre – this hilarious comedy improv group (not random blurb, I saw them last year, can confirm that they are funny) are bring two different shows to Barry in 2023, one’s 15+ and the other is family friendly.
Theatre
I know it’s not as razzle dazzle but tickets for a play are a dream for the drama lover in your life.
- Romeo and Julie at Sherman Theatre – following a run at the National Theatre in London, this is a modern Cardiff love story (tickets start at £16 with half price for under 25s)
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane at Wales Millennium Centre – I am so excited about this, it looks properly dark and twisty. For ages 12+, this production is based on the Neil Gaiman book of the same name.
- Meet Fred at Memo Arts Centre – I saw this show by the amazing Hijinx Theatre in association with Blind Summit a few years ago in The Other Room and heartily recommend it.
For the Kids
I’m not convinced that all children really get the whole waiting for an event thing, so I’ve not really used tickets as a prezzie for younger family members but it’s worth a look, especially at:
- Nick Sharratt’s All New Picture Book Draw Along at Memo Arts Centre – perfect for kids over 4 who love to doodle, draw and create, definitely going to take my 10-year-old (early bird offer with a group of 4 for £28 if you buy before the end of 2022)
- Hey Duggee at Wales Millennium Centre – the dog, the myth, the legend needs no introduction.
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Memo Arts Centre – a live version of the classic children’s picture book by Judith Kerr.
- The Snail and the Whale at Memo Arts Centre – the Julia Donaldson favourite brought to life on stage. We loved The Smeds and the Smoos at the Memo last year so can’t wait for this.
If you work for a production company, venue, or festival and you’d like me to review your show, slide into my DMs or email valeofglammam@gmail.com. I’ve not been paid to include any of these above, they’re just shows I’ve heard about or read about and wanted to spread the word.
Vale of Glam Mam 