Stiwt panto has everything to make it a hit

With its larger-than-life dame, frenetic comic lead and extra-nasty villain the Stiwt panto couldn’t fail to be a smash-hit.

Add in a sweet principal girl, the mother of all a fairy godmothers and a posse of super-cute oversized puppets and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs should be pulling in the crowd this festive season.

Audience participation is always a key ingredient and the huge gang of kids packing the aisles at the lovely old Rhos theatre were hooked right from the start by Dame Debbie, forcefully delivered by the towering James Humphreys, who dared them not to scream along with the action.

Standing what appeared to be about seven feet high, if there’s a taller dame in any panto in the land this season, I’d be surprised. And his comedic talent measured up to every inch of his height.

Another character who develops that essential love/hate rapport with the crowd is Michael Jenkins as the Wicked Queen’s sneering side-kick, Henchman. A Stiwt panto stalwart, he steps out of his jackboots to direct the whole show and it’s largely down to him that the whole thing is so zingy and tight.

If the dame is extra tall, then Muddles the comic lead is the exact opposite. But what Kyle Corrin may lack in stature he certainly makes up for in sheer exuberance.

A ball of explosive energy, he fires off jokes machine-gun style and never gives the kids out front a minute’s peace. They love him for it as you can hear from the crescendo of cheers which greets his many appearances on stage.

As has become the practice with the LHK Productions-created pantos here, there has to be high-profile addition to the cast. This time there’s two – Eastenders’ Tony Discipline as the dashing hero Prince Valiant and Big Brother’s Mark Byron as the very camp Fairy Godmother.  Both are perfect in their roles.

The programme biogs don’t mention if Megan Ashley has played in any previous pantos, so this may be her first. But so competently did she handle the part of Snow White, with just the right level of sweetness, that it certainly won’t be her last.

The other lady involved is Cerys Buck. On stage she turned in a very neat Wicked Queen and off-stage she was the choreographer behind some fast-moving dance routines involving a host of talented local youngsters.

Two teams of kids take it in turn to don the clever costumes of the Seven Dwarfs. They look adorable and are yet another crowd pleaser.

There’s recently been some media fuss about at least one professional panto using a script that’s a little near the knuckle for an audience largely comprising kids.

Innuendo has long been a tradition with this type of show but the trick is to make sure things don’t tumble too far over the watershed.

This one has a bit of naughtiness, especially from Dame Debbie, but there’s definitely nothing too strong or offensive and it's all delivered in the best possible taste.

This spectacular show, packed with humour, music and an abundance of colour, is sure to delight the whole family and is on at the Stiwt until New Year’s Eve. Box office: 01978 841300.      

AM calls for more domestic abuse support

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for more support for both male and female victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.  

Speaking in a debate on the ‘The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Annual Review 2016-2017’, Mr Isherwood (pictured) emphasised the shortage of refuges for male victims in Wales, referring to the fact that Flintshire men’s refuge is struggling to meet demand, and the need for more perpetrator programmes.  

He said: “Working alongside Plaid Cymru’s Jocelyn Davies and Liberal Democrat Peter Black, I was one of the three AMs in the last Assembly who took the Welsh Government to the line over passage of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) 2015.

“We will therefore be supporting amendment 1 (‘Regrets that the Equality and Human Right’s Commission’s aim of eliminating violence in the community is hampered by the lack of progress in implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) 2015’), and, in this context, I also move amendment 2, noting that the Commission’s aim of eliminating violence in the community requires implementation of the wider Welsh Government pledges made during the passage of the Act. Welsh Women's Aid are now concerned about the lack of Health Budget being invested in specialist Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence providers.

“I moved amendments then calling for national and local strategies to meet the gender-specific needs of women and men. The Stage 1 committee report recommended that Welsh Ministers should ensure that services are tailored to the specific needs of men and women respectively. The Minister then opposed these amendments, stating that this will already be taken into consideration by authorities in the preparation and implementation of national and local strategies.

“In emphasising that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by violence, the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit in Shotton also provides a gender-neutral service, because they say that domestic abuse and sexual violence affect both genders.

“When I visited them recently, they told me that their male refuge received five referrals for just two spaces on its first day, that it had been full ever since and that they are currently operating waiting lists. I understand it's the only male refuge in North Wales, currently funded by the Council, supporting victims until next March, with funding for female victims supported only one year more. A written Welsh Government response to me last month stated that a 2015 survey showed 274 refuge spaces across Wales, of which four in Montgomery were provided for males.”

He added: “I moved then amendments calling for the National Strategy to include provision of at least one perpetrator programme. As Relate Cymru had told Committee, ‘90 per cent of the partners they questioned some time after the end of their programme said 'that there had been a complete stop in violence and intimidation by their partner’. The Minister responded that he did not consider my amendments appropriate, but had jointly funded research to help inform future responses to perpetrators. Well, as reiterated at the last meeting of the Cross Party Group on Violence against Women and Children, Relate's programme ‘Choose 2 Change’ is the only current Respect-accredited programme in Wales.”

Mr Isherwood also moved Amendment 3, “noting the increase in reported hate crime in Wales” and Amendment 4, noting that the EHRC’s efforts to ensure that equality and human rights are embedded in work taken forward under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, detailed in their Annual Review, will require the “real and meaningful dialogue between communities, individuals and their public services” called for by the Future Generations Commissioner in her Draft Strategic Plan. 

Christmas quiz planned for Ponsonby next week

Eisteddfod's December update

It has been a busy month in the Eisteddfod office not least because we have been able to launch the main 2018 concert strand and tickets go on sale at 9.30 am today, Thursday December 14.
 
I am delighted that our new Music Director Vicky Yannoula has been able to secure a star-studded concert line-up, featuring performances from best-selling artist, Alfie Boe, prolific recording artist, Van Morrison, renowned baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, and award winning Welsh folk band, Calan.

The concert series offers something for everyone and reflects the musical excellence and diversity that is at the heart of the Eisteddfod. 

Tickets will be available online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862 001 and we would recommend that you buy early to get the best seats. 

Full details of the line-up are: 

Alfie Boe in Concert – Tuesday July 3

The 2018 event will open with one of Britain’s biggest selling, most popular and best loved vocalists of a generation, Alfie Boe. The hugely successful recording artist and West End, Broadway sensation will be joined by his ensemble of stellar musicians, and will performs songs from his iconic, chart-topping albums.

The Classical Collection  - Wednesday July 4

This evening will encapsulate the magic of two of our favourite instruments – the piano and the human voice, featuring our new Music Director, and the International Voice of the Future final.

International Celebration with special guests Calan – Thursday July 5

Celebrate the colour, sound and diversity of our international competitors, along with award winning band, Calan who will set feet tapping with their quirky interpretation of Welsh folk music. 

An Evening with Van Morrison – Friday July 6

What a thrill and an honour to be welcoming Sir Van Morrison, one of the most prolific recording artists and live performers in music history - it will be an evening not to be missed.

Choir of the World with special guests Red Priest – Saturday July 7

The Eisteddfod’s competitions will reach their exciting climax as the very best performers compete for the titles of Choir of the World 2018 and the Dance Champions of the World 2018. Our special guests Baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, will captivate the audience with their technical wizardry and showmanship. 

Watch out for further announcements in the new year about the line-up for Llanfest 2018. 
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dr Rhys Davies,
Eisteddfod Chairman

Horseshoe Pass re-opens

Denbighshire County Council says the Horseshoe Pass is now open again, although ice warnings are still in place.

Honour for local radio presenter

Calon FM presenter Jan Rawlinson has been recognised for her support for classical music.

Jan fronts Calon FM's Sunday early afternoon show Classical Crossover, which is a favourite with people in Llangollen and where she plays and promotes tracks from the classical world of music covering both national and local talent.

In recognition of encouraging the interest of classical crossover music, Jan was recently given a huge pictorial montage from classical music stalwarts, Kevin Wrapson and Nicola Heales.

The montage included photos and handwritten words of gratitude from many of artists she has played and also interviewed on her 12-2pm Sunday show.

Jan said on being presented the honour: "I'm extremely touched to receive this montage with these words of thanks from Kevin, Nicola & the artists. I'm proud to have played and interviewed so many talented artists.

"I'll be looking forward to playing all the great classical crossover music new and old throughout next year, every Sunday 12-2pm."

New Dot's 2018 screening programme

Llangollen's NEW Dot community cinema has released details of its 2018 programme ...