PATRICK STREET

Kevin Burke (fiddle / ffidl) Andy Irvine (vocals, bouzouki, mandolin / canu,bouzouki, mandolin) Ged Foley (guitar, vocals / gitar, canu) John Carty (fiddle, banjo, flute, tenor guitar / ffidl, banjo, ffliwt, gitar tenor) Patrick Street, an exciting quartet of Irish music virtuosos, is arguably the reigning "supergroup" of traditional Irish music with musical heritages dating straight back to The Bothy Band and Planxty. The all-star band has enchanted fans and critics around the world for the past twenty years with what the Boston Globe once called its "rare combination of breathtaking virtuosity and the relaxed grace of masters, playing this ancient music at its wild and humble best."

Both John Carty and Kevin Burke are considered two of the finest fiddlers of their generations, and they team up here for some thrilling sets of tunes. John’s imaginative phrasing and Kevin’s silky tone joyfully portray the rhythmic ebb and flow of the swift, rolling County Sligo music on which they were raised. Alongside Burke and Carty stands Planxty veteran Andy Irvine, whose unique arrangements, virtuoso bouzouki and mandolin playing, and distinctive vocals continue to place him squarely at the forefront of traditional music. Onstage together Patrick Street capture the intricate flavours of Irish music and bring them alive, making their performances occasions to anticipate and relish to the full.

TCHA LIMBERGER’S BUDAPEST GYPSY ORCHESTRA

Tcha Limberger violin / ffidil Istvan Ruszo violin / ffidil, Norbert Olah brac, Szekfu Karoly cello/soddgrwth, Vilmos Csikos doublebass / bas dwbl, Istvan Feher cimbalom, Csaba Lukacs clarinet, Vivi Limberger voice / llais Trust us, this is a remarkable musical event. An astonishingly accomplished multi-instrumentalist, the world class violinist Tcha Limberger comes from a famous family of Gypsy musicians and grew up with the Gypsy-jazz style of Django Reinhardt. Drawn to Hungarian gypsy music from an early age, he spent three years studying its roots in Budapest. Now just 30, he tours with this small orchestra of hand-picked Budapest Gypsy musicians and there is no ‘Primas’ playing in Budapest who commands such respect. In true Hungarian Gypsy Band style, bursts of soaring musical tragedy and czardas madness are delivered by this group with a passion and technical virtuosity that is astounding.

NEW ENGLISH CONTEMPORARY BALLET

With its fast-growing reputation for sparkling virtuoso performances, New English Contemporary Ballet’s new programme gives audiences plenty of opportunity to be dazzled. Richard Wherlock’s S(c)ent, with its fluid, exquisitely shaped duets and trios, provides the company’s dancers with a beautiful, lyrical platform for their virtuosity whilst a new commission from the Italian choreographer Davide Bombana brings a distinctively neo-classical flavour to the show. Completing the bill, two young British choreographers, Jamie Thomson and Vanessa Fenton, offer contrasting takes on contemporary ballet which demonstrate the versatility of this vibrant young company. Bold, fresh, confident and guaranteed to delight fans of both ballet and contemporary dance. Noson gyffrous o fale cyfoes, cwmni ifanc sy’n dod â bale i’r bobl.

“An adventurous company not wanting to be restricted by labels…. The dancers show grace, balance and sublime control” The Stage

Tinariwen (Mali) + Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara

A Pontardawe Arts Centre / Push4 / Taliesin Arts Centre / Theatr Mwldan Co-Production

Tinariwen coach announced!

We are delighted to announce that we are arranging a bus from Theatr Mwldan to go and see the brilliant Tinariwen perform in Pontardawe Arts Centre on May 20th. The coach will leave Theatr Mwldan at 6pm on 20th May, and return from Pontardawe after the gig (leaving approximately 11.30pm). Tickets are £25 which includes entry and coach travel, tickets will be on a first come first served basis and are strictly non-refundable. This is the first time Tinariwen have ever toured to Wales and we at Theatr Mwldan are delighted to be part of the production team for what promises to be an outstanding evening.

Tinariwen are one of the great musical success stories of recent years. Emerging from the Sahara Desert in 2002, they have grabbed the attention of world music and rock fans alike, stormed the album charts and left a trail of critical acclaim and stunning live appearances behind them. Their seductive snaking electric guitars, rolling rhythms and desert-dry sound make for an awesome musical experience.

Rebellion and rock’n’roll have been strutting hand-in-hand for more than half a century, but only very rarely has their union involved real weapons and a painful struggle for survival. In the early 1990s, Tinariwen fought a rebellion against the government of Mali to win greater freedom and self-determination for the Touareg people of the southern Sahara. The fight gave birth to a whole new style of desert music, which Tinariwen invented and have since used to carry their message of desert pride and survival to the four corners of the globe. Their roots rock rebellion of the soul is one of the most entrancing sounds to emerge from Africa in years.

The support of celebrity fans from Robert Plant to Radiohead’s Thom Yorke plus support slots with The Rolling Stones have further elevated their rebel rock status, and recent albums have been greeted with four- and five-star reviews in the rock press and national media.

Often referred to as the UK’s answer to Ry Cooder, Justin Adams has an unmatched knowledge of both blues and African styles, co-wrote the acclaimed Robert Plant album Mighty Rearranger, and has produced two of Tinariwen’s albums. Adams is joined by Juldeh Camara, a Gambian griot and master musician, who plays the ritti, a one-stringed fiddle. Deep and ancient trance-like rhythms are combined with the crackle of rock and roll electricity and desert blues.



Theatr Mwldan is proud to be working in partnership with Pontardawe Arts Centre, Taliesin Arts Centre and Push4 to present Tinariwen for the first time in Wales. This event is being supported by the Arts Outside Cardiff scheme, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government via The Arts Council of Wales.

OPERA TEIFI - SPRING 2008 PRODUCTION

In a departure from the norm, Opera Teifi’s Spring production for 2008 will be an evening of two halves. We start off with a visit to The Zoo, a comic one act masterpiece by Arthur Sullivan, in which we follow the travails of Aesculapius Carboy from refreshment stall to bear pit. As ever in the world of musical folly, nothing is quite as it appears. This will be followed by Opera Teifi’s own menagerie of entertainers, presenting a variety of songs and musical numbers that highlight the society’s musical talent.

Promoted by Opera Teifi

PUPPET STATE THEATRE COMPANY
THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES

This comes highly recommended; a magical, comical, captivating, multi-sensory puppetry adaptation of Jean Giono's well loved environmental cult classic. A French shepherd sets out with his dog to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. A uniquely memorable blend of comedy and inspiring storytelling.

“gob smackingly brilliant.. the actors are perfect, the staging is innovative and engaging, the script is funny, the special effects work brilliantly and are beautiful… I saw children laughing, parents and grandparents laughing, I was laughing, my friends (in their twenties) were laughing….” Magenta, audience member

“Not only can you hear the wind and smell the lavender in this production, you also get to meet Dog - arguably the coolest, most loveable puppet since Kermit. It is very, VERY rare to find something that appeals as effortlessly to children and adults as this magical show.” The Scotsman

www.puppetstate.com

Audience Suitability Suitable for age 5+.

THE PINDROP BAND

A welcome return for The Pindrop Band, who bring you an evening of "Acoustic Adventures" played at a volume that, as the name suggests, won't be too hard on your ears... The power is in the playing, in the singing and the songwriting. This 9 piece Band from Bristol is know for the bewildering number of instruments they play, some of them home made. Expect a “tinklele”, a cross between a ukulele and an olive oil can, tin guitars, as well as Celtic Harp, Lap steel, Accordion, Mandolin and a host of acoustic suprises. Piers Partridge, the Band leader, was originally from the Cardigan area and songs such as “Ceibwr Bay” hark back to a childhood on the West Coast. “If you own an acoustic guitar, you must go and see the Pindrop Band” Time Out Magazine, London

CWMNI THEATR ARAD GOCH - TWM SIÔN CATI

The romantic tale of the ‘Welsh Robin Hood’ presented in a very lively manner by Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch who specialise in work for children and young people.

Suitable for children aged 7-11

KATZENJAMMER

With Four Hands on One Piano, the remarkable Katzenjammer are a piano duo with a difference. Both classically trained pianists and comic song-writers, Kevin Farrell and Steven Worbey have developed their own unique, virtuosic and acrobatic style of performing that can only be described as spectacular, very funny and highly entertaining. With a modern twist on a traditional genre, they will dazzle you with their own arrangements of Liszt, inspired by Tom & Jerry, Tchaikovsky, which goes off with a bang, and they will have you laughing as they marry together your favourite classics with your top-10 pub tunes! With the resulting tangle of hands and arms, the keyboard is projected onto a large screen so that the mesmerising gymnastic display of their playing can be marvelled at. “You’ve never seen a piano played like this before!”

FASHION FOR THE FUTURE

Fashion that doesn’t cost the earth returns with an exciting new show, featuring unique outfits made from recycled and renewable materials by young people from Coleg Ceredigion, local schools and community groups, and interested individuals. Outfits will be auctioned after the show and the proceeds will be donated this year to Jigso Children’s centre, for more information contact Sarah on 07779 312819.
Promoted by Ymlaen Ceredigion

ILLYRIA
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

By William Shakespeare

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES AT THE WELSH WILDLIFE CENTRE

Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I so loved the character of Falstaff, the fat bawdy knight, that she asked Shakespeare to write a play in which he falls hopelessly in love. Being Her Majesty’s loyal subject, Shakespeare duly obliged – but not content to do things by halves, he wrote a play in which Falstaff falls in love not once, but TWICE – at the same time, with two women who are actually best friends.

The result is The Merry Wives Of Windsor in which Falstaff sends identical love-letters to Mrs Page and Mrs Ford. The women recognise that Falstaff’s intentions may not be entirely honourable, so they set about to humiliate him in the most extravagant ways they can. Mr Ford becomes deeply suspicious of his wife’s behaviour and jealously assumes that she is entertaining a lover. Mr Page, meanwhile, is busily arranging his daughter Anne’s marriage to the suitor of his choice.

Will Anne Page get to marry the lover of her choice? Why is there a duel between a French doctor and a Welsh priest? And why on earth are a bunch of Germans trashing all the hotel rooms in The Garter? All will be made entirely clear – but not before Falstaff has been tipped into the river, dressed up as a witch, beaten with cudgels and set on fire.

Multiple international award-winning Illyria return to their home turf – Shakespeare at his most boisterous and farcical. The company has a deservedly unparalleled reputation for the clarity and authenticity of their Elizabethan comic style. Bring an extra pair of socks - you’ll laugh the first pair off.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Theatr Mwldan presents its traditional summer outdoor performances at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran in partnership with The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The performances are presented on a site with panoramic views of the Teifi Marshes, adjacent to the Wildlife Centre building which offers meals and refreshments in The Glasshouse Café, plus gift shop and toilets.

A limited amount of seating for these performances is available - please bring your own low-backed seating or rug and warm clothes. The Glasshouse Café is open for meals prior to the show (bookings on 01239 621600), or bring a picnic to enjoy! The Wildlife Centre will be open two and a half hours before each performance; the performance site opens for picnics one hour before.

Performances continue in all but the very worst weather. Tickets are non-refundable. Free car parking is available at the Wildlife Centre. Wheelchair access to performance site. Further information from Theatr Mwldan’s Box Office.

Welsh Wildlife Centre

ILLYRIA
PINOCCHIO

By Carlo Collodi

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES AT THE WELSH WILDLIFE CENTRE

Everyone thinks they know the story of Pinocchio, but forget Disney! Illyria’s production is based entirely on Carlo Collodi’s darkish comic masterpiece for smart grown-ups and brave children.

Geppetto the carpenter carves a puppet called Pinocchio from a block of wood, but Pinocchio cunningly throws a wild tantrum and gets Geppetto sent to prison for cruelty. Free to do what he likes, Pinocchio joins the theatre, squanders his father’s money, is chased by murderers and almost hanged. Determined to pursue a life of adventure he abandons Geppetto in poverty, allows the Blue-Haired Fairy to die of grief, and stamps on the meddlesome cricket who tried to give him some good advice. Eventually he ends up in the wonderful Land of Toys where naughty children run riot – but turn into donkeys. All his life Pinocchio has longed to become a real boy, but what sacrifices will he have to make before he turns into an ass instead?

Collodi’s extraordinary story of redemption is also a hysterical satire on growing up – and both children and adults will recognise the reality that lurks behind the episodes in the play. Featuring a leading actor whose nose really does grow, and a 20-foot shark, Illyria’s Pinocchio is suitable for everyone aged 5 and over.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Theatr Mwldan presents its traditional summer outdoor performances at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran in partnership with The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The performances are presented on a site with panoramic views of the Teifi Marshes, adjacent to the Wildlife Centre building which offers meals and refreshments in The Glasshouse Café, plus gift shop and toilets.

A limited amount of seating for these performances is available - please bring your own low-backed seating or rug and warm clothes. The Glasshouse Café is open for meals prior to the show (bookings on 01239 621600), or bring a picnic to enjoy! The Wildlife Centre will be open two and a half hours before each performance; the performance site opens for picnics one hour before.

Performances continue in all but the very worst weather. Tickets are non-refundable. Free car parking is available at the Wildlife Centre. Wheelchair access to performance site. Further information from Theatr Mwldan’s Box Office.

Welsh Wildlife Centre

CARDIGAN THEATRE
SUMMER PRODUCTION

Cardigan Theatre, a local community theatre company, presents its annual summer production. As ever, Cardigan Theatre hopes to introduce young, and not-so-young new talent to the stage at Theatr Mwldan, together with the more familiar faces.

Promoted by Cardigan Theatre

KAREN MATHESON

"spellbinding and evocative... she takes folk music to a celestial high" New York Times

When Sean Connery described Karen Matheson as having "a throat surely touched by the hand of God" and Billboard magazine described her as "the finest Gaelic singer alive today...", this tells only part of the remarkable story of a singer at the forefront of the Celtic music scene. Her new album Downriver is mostly inspired by traditional Gaelic songs she grew up with and is mainly an acoustic affair, leaving space for the voice which has mesmerized audiences the world over.

Karen has enjoyed a stellar career as lead vocalist of Celtic super-group Capercaillie, “the most exciting and vibrant band in the field of Celtic music today” (Billboard), with the band selling over a million albums worldwide. In 1995 Capercaillie wrote, recorded and starred in the blockbuster movie Rob Roy, with Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, in which Karen performed a solo rendition of a Gaelic lament.

Karen was given an OBE in the 2006 New Years Honours list, an astonishing achievement to add to her award of “Best Gaelic Singer” from the inaugural Scottish Folk Awards. As a solo performer, Karen has been involved in various projects of collaboration including the award winning BBC series Transatlantic Sessions, where she recorded tracks with Emmylou Harris, The McGarrigle Sisters, Nanci Griffith, Rufus Wainright and a host of respected musicians.

“a gorgeous, understated gem” HMV Choice on Downriver

“A glorious capturing of a singer in her prime” Irish Times

“...remarkable in English but breathtaking when she draws on Hebridean roots to sing in Gaelic.” The Daily Telegraph

“Karen Matheson’s vocals are the coolest - swirling and slamming - amazingly dynamic.” NME

Karen’s website: www.karenmatheson.com

JAY PRODUCTIONS - THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

A dramatic finale…a thrilling comeback! The World’s Greatest Detective refuses to leave the stage!

Arthur Conan Doyle tires of his famous sleuth and uses the arch villain Moriarty to dispose of him. But as raising the spirits of the dead becomes an obsession in Doyle’s own life, so his fictional creations return to thrill, intrigue and dazzle us.

A wryly humourous tale of murder, mystery and the occult.
After his international success in Sherlock Holmes… the last act! Roger Llewellyn returns as the great detective in this enthralling new play:
Written by David Stuart Davies, directed by Gareth Armstrong, and with an original score by Simon Slater.

‘Holmes as you’ve always imagined him - but with a cutting sense of humour’. Sunday Express

‘Llewellyn is a top-notch British actor, this is the finest, most fully realised one-man show I’ve ever seen’. Montreal Gazette

‘Llewellyn gives a flawless rendition of Holmes' sharp, complicated observations, with great wit & little maliciousness. He will seem real for even the most fanatical Holmesian : a charming & convincing Holmes, one full of shimmering sidelights, with a conviction and a precision that is a delight to behold’. West New York Daily Press

www.rogerllewellyn.co.uk

CHERISH THE LADIES

Named after a time-honoured Irish traditional jig, Cherish The Ladies have become known as one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music. Originally formed 20 years ago as a one-off concept, Cherish The Ladies have grown into an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American groups in Celtic music history. Over the years the group have played at festivals and concert halls all over the world, sharing the stage with entertainers like James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris and The Chieftains, to name but a few. The band’s many accolades include Entertainment Group of the Year (Irish Voice Newspaper) and International Group of the Year Award (Glasgow’s prestigious Celtic Connections). In January the band performed at Celtic Connections for an incredible 13th time in the 15 years history of the Festival, to a sell-out audience in the Main Auditorium at the Royal Concert Hall. Cherish The Ladies are unique in that they are an all women traditional Irish band, who individually have a great love for and understanding of traditional music. This is apparent in each and every performance, where jigs, reels polkas and slip jigs are delivered with superb musicianship and singing, and the appearance of world class Irish dancers.

www.cherishtheladies.com

THEATR GENEDLAETHOL CYMRU yn cyflwyno
IESU!

A controversial new Welsh-language play by Aled Jones Williams, which sees Jesus in a contemporary, post 9/11 Iraq War setting.

EUROPEAN BALLET
SLEEPING BEAUTY

A Classical Ballet In Three Acts
Highly acclaimed European Ballet presents this classic and most enchanting ballet The Sleeping Beauty. Under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal Dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet, this exciting and dynamic company of international first-class dancers has endeared itself to audiences and critics alike for its commitment to excellent artistic standards and for the dedication and energy of its talented dancers.

Highly respected, award winning dancers from Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, and the UK will perform in this beautiful production.

Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy story, the ballet is about a beautiful Princess bound by a wicked fairy’s spell to sleep for a hundred years. She can only be woken by the kiss of a handsome prince. The ballet is full of wonderful treasures: the Lilac Fairy, the Rose Adagio, the Bluebird and a cast of fairy-tale characters gathered for the sparkling final wedding celebration.

Colourful sets, lavish costumes and a magnificent score of Tchaikovsky make this beautiful ballet a favourite for all ages.

Music: Piotr I. Tchaikovsky Choreography: Marius Petipa Staged and adapted by: Stanislav Tchassov

'World class stuff,..Bravo!' Lichfield Post

'Splendid and enjoyable production' Worthing Herald

'Captivating performance,..Superb!' Newark Advertiser

CANTERBURY TALES

CYD-GYNHYRCHIAD MAPPA MUNDI | THEATR MWLDAN CO-PRODUCTION
MAPPA MUNDI THEATRE COMPANY

Opening at Mwldan before a full UK tour, Mappa Mundi’s new and improved revival of their popular sell-out show takes Geoffrey Chaucer’s text and transforms it into a dramatic and comical entertainment, full of wit and charm. As they make their annual pilgrimage to Canterbury, a group of Welsh commoners pass the time by performing some of Chaucer’s most appealing tales, filling the stage with a blend of boisterous comedy, romance and fetching images. The show features some of Chaucer’s best-loved stories (including The Miller’s Tale, The Nun’s Priest’s Tale and The Wife of Bath’s Tale), all set to a delightful Mappa Mundi score. Ideal for all those who enjoy earthy humour and a good story, Canterbury Tales is an enchanting, fast-paced entertainment guaranteed to put hair on your chest!

Suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.

A light-hearted, joyous and slightly naughty evening is in store as the excellent Mappa Mundi take to the road with this adaptation of medieval literature’s best-known work.

BILLY COBHAM AND ASERE

CYD-GYNHYRCHIAD ASTAR | THEATR MWLDAN CO-PRODUCTION
PART STANDING FORMAT

The highly successful Billy Cobham & Asere project continues – all the result of Mwldan’s co-producing role under the highly successful Arts Outside Cardiff project! Celebrating the global release of their fantastic first studio album and as part of an extensive UK tour, you can’t miss this chance to witness the awesome spectacle of the world’s greatest living drummer, Billy Cobham, rediscovering his Latin roots with dynamic young Cuban band Asere. Born in Panama, Billy Cobham moved to New York with his parents at the age of three, and has become a musical legend with a large and faithful following world-wide. Billy Cobham’s story spans decades and includes collaborations with a list that reads like a who’s who of modern music, including Miles Davis, George Benson, Oscar Peterson, Jack Bruce, and Herbie Hancock. Asere’s superb interpretation of Cuba’s musical traditions has produced a creative, pioneering repertoire, deeply respectful of their predecessors yet with an exciting contemporary edge, blessed with inventive song writing and a soulful groove. Put Billy and Asere together, and you have something very special indeed, a thrilling musical relationship fired by mutual respect, spontaneity and enjoyment. It’s a hugely uplifting experience full of human warmth for both musicians and audience alike - one to cherish for a lifetime!

THE MIKE DOYLE SHOW

Back by popular demand, it’s the fabulous Mike Doyle in concert! A night of hilarious comedy is guaranteed with the amazing voice of Wales Premiere Entertainer. The award winning comic, West End star and BBC TV sensation delivers a night of pure musical excellence and belly-aching laughter that will refresh parts you never knew you had !

Don’t miss his best show - ever!
Incredible! ....received a 12 minute standing ovation, no wonder they call him the UK’s best all round entertainer” The Western Mail
“90 minutes of action that brought the deserved standing ovation” John Hannan, The Stage

LISA KNAPP

Nominated for two BBC Folk Awards in 2008 and holder of 2007 Mojo folk album of the year, Lisa Knapp burst into the limelight of a vibrant folk scene in 2007 with her debut album Wild And Undaunted. Her unique re-workings of traditional songs, with an added splash of original writing, have won over readers of the national folk magazine fRoots while also leading to live sessions on Radio 1.

Lisa discovered folk music through a friend’s parent’s record collection. As a result she dusted off a fiddle that hadn’t seen use since school music lessons and became a regular at Irish sessions in South London. She was soon offered festival shows but illness saw her take an extended break from music. Now she has returned to the music that inspired her. Continued experimentations led her to a summer school led English folk’s Chris Wood, as well as taking a vocal master-class with folk legend Shirley Collins. This consolidated her ideas on her musical direction and saw stronger leaning towards English folk music and, inspired by her work with influential rock producer Youth, saw a outpouring of original song-writing resulting in a debut album released March 2007, which includes a remix by Youth of the traditional song Blacksmith.

Mojo has called Lisa Knapp as ‘a major discovery’. Word describes Wild And Undaunted as ‘the sexiest folk album of the year.’

www.lisaknapp.co.uk

TALL STORIES
HOW THE GIRAFFE GOT HIS NECK

Was it because he had smelly feet?

Have you ever wondered how the giraffe got his long neck, how the leopard got her spots or how the elephant got his trunk? Find out in this brand new show from Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo, The Snow Dragon and Monster Hits.

A genius scientist and an eccentric storyteller bring us their fantastic and almost entirely contradictory versions of how certain amazing animals came to be – and how certain others came not to be (like the incredible duck-billed octopus).

Stories, silliness and a very confused giraffe combine in this ridiculous new show for everyone aged 4 and up...

Previous reviews:
‘A wonderful show, bursting with energy’ Three Weeks ***** on Monster Hits

‘Tall Stories at its finest’ The List ***** on The Snow Dragon

‘An absolute delight’ The Scotsman ***** on The Gruffalo

LLYFR MAWR Y PLANT

CYD-GYNHYRCHIAD THEATR BARA CAWS | THEATR GWYNEDD | GALERI CAERNARFON

Audiences young and old will be given the opportunity to enjoy a family show this autumn as Theatr Bara Caws, in partnership with Theatr Gwynedd and Galeri, stage a lavish musical version of one of Wales’ favourite children’s books.

From Siôn Blewyn Coch to Wil Cwac Cwac, Ifan Twrci Tenau and all their noisy farmyard friends, the show will be full of the characters from this heartwarming book by Jenny Thomas and JO Williams, and audiences can expect plenty of dancing and singing as well as acting. Well-known children’s author Gareth F Williams is providing the script, with Catrin Edwards responsible for the score, Emyr Rhys appointed as musical director and Cai Tomos offering his dance expertise for the choreography.

Tony Llewelyn, who will direct the show on behalf of Theatr Bara Caws, said, “This show is a great way to introduce a book which holds such special childhood memories for so many of us to a whole new generation. The book itself is so funny and lively, and the characters just jump off the page. One can’t help but get excited about it!”

GENTICORUM

Genticorum are fast becoming one of the most sought-after proponents of Québécois musical culture, firmly rooted in the soil of their native land. The energetic and original traditional 'power trio' also incorporates the dynamism of today's North American and European folk cultures in their music. Weaving wooden flute, fiddle, acoustic guitar, jaw harp, bass and foot percussion with strong vocal harmonies, they offer a blend of traditional songs and tunes as well as original compositions.Their distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence make them a supreme crowd pleaser. Since their debut in 2000, Genticorum has forged a solid place for itself on the folk and world music circuit, playing festivals, concerts and dances. Their sophomore album of 2005 Malins Plaisirs won the Canadian Folk Music Award 2005 in the Best Ensemble category and was nominated for JUNO (Canada) and Felix (Québec) Awards in 2006.Their recent success in England, Scotland, Scandinavia, Germany, Malaysia, Israel, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand forecast a sparkling international career for our slightly naughty bons vivants. ‘Wonderful rhythmic flare ... a very full and glorious noise' - Sing Out!

THE BIBLE: THE COMPLETE WORD OF GOD (abridged)

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

It's apocalypse now as the three cultural guerrillas of The Reduced Shakespeare Company set their reductive sites on The Bible. Can bolts of lightning be far behind?

Yes, it's an affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment as the boys tackle the great theological questions: Did Adam and Eve have navels? Did Moses really look like Charlton Heston? And why isn't the word "phonetic" spelled the way it sounds?

Whether you are Catholic or Atheist, Muslim or Jew, Protestant or Purple People Eater, you will be tickled by the RSC's romp through old time religion. Remember... Someone is watching.

"This is a slick, fast, very funny show... skilled performers with immaculate, sassy American timing." London Sunday Times