What's on South Wales - May 2023
From theatre and music to comedy and family shows, here’s the hottest tickets across South Wales for the month ahead.
THEATRE
3-20 May
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Based on the iconic story, this spectacular stage show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture (The Candy Man and Pure Imagination) with incredible new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray. The weird and wonderful world of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical will dazzle your senses when it visits Cardiff as part of its first ever UK & Ireland Tour.
18-20 May
Cirque - The Greatest Show
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE
Roll up, roll up and book your seats now for an unforgettable night out truly like no other. Musical theatre meets a jaw dropping circus spectacular. Everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits mixed with breathtaking aerialists, incredible contortionists and thrilling trapeze artistes. This will be a night to remember.
22 - 27 May
The Commitments
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Five years after a record-breaking run in London’s West End and a subsequent sell-out tour, The Commitments is back! Based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic, it’s a five-star fantastically feel-good celebration of soul that will have you up on your feet dancing. Adapted from the iconic novel by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle himself, and directed by Andrew Linnie, this smash-hit production stars Coronation Street legend Nigel Pivaro.
30 May - 3 June
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman, comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
31 May - 4 June
School of Rock
NEW THEATRE CARDIFF Orbit Theatre, Wales’ leading amateur company, presents School of Rock The Musical. The story follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of ‘straight A’ pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?
Orbit Theatre, Wales’ leading amateur company, presents School of Rock The Musical. The story follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of ‘straight A’ pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?
With original hits from the film as well as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new songs “You’re in the Band”, “Stick it to the Man” and “Teacher’s Pet”. School of Rock, with its sensational live kids’ rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.
MUSIC
12 May
Francis Rossi – Tunes & Chat
GWYN HALL, NEATH
Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring you a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50 year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat. Super VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show.
19 May
Marti Pellow
GRAND PAVILION PORTHCAWL An intimate evening with Marti Pellow. It’s a chance to understand the DNA of the hits that we’ve listened to and loved over the years. The evening will be wrapped in music, from songs you know to ones you’ll get to know. An intimate evening with Marti Pellow. It’s a chance to understand the DNA of the hits that we’ve listened to and loved over the years. The evening will be wrapped in music, from songs you know to ones you’ll get to know.
19 May
The Legend of Barry White
GWYN HALL, NEATH
Direct from the USA, the only UK touring show dedicated to the music maestro, celebrating the legend of Barry White. This is a critically- acclaimed revue featuring American William Hicks also known as ‘the big man with the big voice’. If you love soul and Motown you will love this show.
26 May
Totally Tina
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE
Shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina - Justine Riddoch - and her talented cast. This breath-taking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the queen of rock ‘n’ roll’s signature tune Proud Mary. Tina’s no-holds-barred take of the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances - and those never-ending legs! Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances.
27 May
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE
A brand new show celebrating 50 years of one of the world’s greatest albums ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. Featuring the two lead performers of the original West End show, this exclusive duo show re-tells the stories that shaped the album and also features classic hits such as ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. Do not miss the chance to hear these stunning harmonies recreated in painstaking detail in this unique and intimate performance.
9 June
The Bohemians
GRAND PAVILION PORTHCAWL Internationally renowned Queen Tribute band The Bohemians take you on a high energy roller coaster ride of a concert, featuring the back catalogue of one of the world’s most popular and iconic rock acts of all time.
Internationally renowned Queen Tribute band The Bohemians take you on a high energy roller coaster ride of a concert, featuring the back catalogue of one of the world’s most popular and iconic rock acts of all time.
COMEDY
20 May
Dave Gorman
GRAND PAVILION PORTHCAWL Dave Gorman, the man behind Dave TV’s hit show Modern Life Is Goodish as well as Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure, is back on the road with a brand new live show, PowerPoint To The People.
9 June
Ceri Dupree
GWYN HALL, NEATH
Join in the fun as the Gwyn Hall welcomes back Wales’ best and most outrageous drag queen.
Ceri Dupree will be strutting across the stage once again in a night filled with music and laughter.
FAMILY
6 May
Twirlywoos Live!
GWYN HALL, NEATH
Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us. Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.
3 June
Jurassic Earth
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE
A thrilling interactive family show for dino crazy families. A fun filled 75 minute family show suitable for all ages, featuring astounding animatronics and excitingly realistic performances. Get ready to laugh, scream, sing and ROOOOARRR as you experience the greatest dinosaur adventure on Jurassic Earth.
