Some of the best tribute shows and family-friendly productions await audiences at the Rhyl Pavilion this Autumn…

Whether you’re after the perfect show for the whole family to laugh or sing along to, a night of live music or a trip down memory lane, Rhyl’s Pavilion theatre has an abundance of shows to choose from.

We’ve put together our top picks from the shows available at the Rhyl Pavilion this autumn. Keep reading to find out which shows are worth a watch this season…

lulu – still on fire

When: 12th October 2019

Tickets from £34.50

Get ready to shout about this show from the rooftops as Lulu heads to Rhyl for her new UK tour. The singer will span her fantastic musical career taking audiences on a journey.

Get ready to see Lulu re-light the fire for this jam-packed performance!

you win again – celebrating the music of the bee gees

When: 17th October 2019

Tickets: £26

The Bee Gees brothers are well-known for their catalogue of music throughout the sixties, seventies and eighties and are known for writing for some of the best and well-known artists including Celine Dion and Dolly Parton. Enjoy a journey of the Bee Gee’s greatest hits from this fantastic tribute band

abba mania

When: 25th October 2019

Tickets: £23

What better way to enjoy all of your favourite ABBA hits than at a live tribute show which is named as the number one in the world! Enjoy some of your favourite hits from ABBA’s extensive catalogue including Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Winner Takes It All. It’s the perfect night out – so get your dancing shoes on!

the snow queen

When: 26th October 2019 at 2pm and 5pm

Tickets: £14.50, family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) £53

The Snow Queen is the story that inspired the much-loved Disney film, Frozen is now coming to Rhyl and will be brought to life through an ensemble of actor-musicians, illusion and puppety.

Suitable for ages 5+

richard & adam 2019 tour – the greatest songmen

When: 24th November 2019

Tickets from £23.50

Welsh brother duo Richard and Adam are returning to the Rhyl Pavilion for their 2019 tour. The pair rose to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent and they have recently starred on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent the Champions. Get ready to hear them singing some big booming songs such as A Million Dreams and The Impossible Dream.

snow white pantomime

When: 11th December – 31st December 2019

Ticket prices vary. Visit the Rhyl Pavilion website

Once again the pantomime season will be landing in Rhyl Pavilion this December, this year the production is Snow White. The 2019 cast includes Sue Holderness as the Wicked Queen, Andrew Agnew in the role as Muddles (who is also directing the production) and Charles Burden as the Dame.

For more sneak peek pictures of the panto launch, which DE HQ were kindly invited to in September, just head over to the Snow White Pantomime 2019 blog.

Get your tickets for any of these fantastic productions via the Rhyl Pavilion Box Office on 01745 330000 or visit their website where you can also browse more of their autumnal show line up.

Hit shows and big stars are set to take to the stage in Llandudno as part of the theatre’s selection of Autumnal shows…

The dark nights are drawing in but don’t worry that doesn’t mean you have to stay in and the fun has to stop! Venue Cymru has a jam-packed autumn line-up to keep you entertained right up until the end of December.

If you’re struggling to choose from the wide range of productions on offer at Venue Cymru this Autumn, then we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together our top picks so keep reading to find out which shows to book to see this season…

the illegal eagles

When: 11th October

The world’s number one tribute act is returning to the Venue Cymru stage this autumn. It’s promised to be a night of fantastic live music featuring hit songs such as Hotel California, Life in the Fast Land and Take it to the Limit.

Tickets from £26

swan lake & the nutcracker – russian ballet

When: 21st & 22nd October

The Russian Ballet are touring with both of these shows as part of their new annual tour. Both productions are well-known for their storylines and well-loved. They will both feature a live orchestra with over 30 musicians and The Nutcracker has been directed and choreographed by award winning Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky.

Tickets from £27.50

peppa pig’s best day ever

When: 9th – 10th November

This immersive live experience of Peppa Pig is perfect for a little ones first trip to the theatre. It will be packed full of live music and sing along songs, plenty of games and lots of fun!

Ticket prices are available on the Venue Cymru website

north wales choral festival

When: 9th – 10th November

This annual weekend event is returning to Llandudno’s Venue Cymru. You can choose to see the competitions for Male Voice Choirs, Youth Choirs, Ladies Choirs, Barbershop Style and much more with a Festival Celebration Concert also taking place on the Saturday evening.

Ticket prices vary

respect – the aretha franklin songbook

When: 11th November

This production promises an evening of live music dedicated to the queen of soul herself Aretha Franklin. It will include some of her greatest hits including I Say A Little Prayer, Son of a Preacher Man and Natural Woman, making it perfect for any Aretha fan.

Tickets are £25.50

sleeping beauty pantomime

When: 8th December – 30th December

Darwin Escapes HQ were given the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the Venue Cymru Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast for 2019. This year’s cast features Coronation Street actor and Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson and taking on the role of everyone’s pantomime favourite and one of the most important comedy roles, the Dame will be Nigel Ellacott. Britain’s Got Talent contestant Kieran Powell will also star in this year’s production as Muddles.

To see all the exclusive photographs of the cast in full costume and all the behind the scenes gossip read our Sleeping Beauty Pantomime 2019 blog here. You may also find a magical surprise on the blog!

Tickets from £19.50

Book your tickets today to experience these show-stopping spectaculars in Venue Cymru this Autumn!

Call the Venue Cymru Box Office today on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website to make sure you get the best seats in the house this autumn.

Hi Ho Hi Ho it’s off to the Rhyl Pavilion we go for this year’s Snow White panto…

Darwin HQ were invited to get a sneak peek of this year’s panto cast at the Rhyl Pavilion which will mark the 22nd year of pantomimes at the coastal theatre.

We were able to meet some of the cast, see the amazing costumes and get a sense of the excitement (We got quite excited by all the festivities too!)

if you’ve not heard of the snow white story before then here is a little recap…

The magical fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will tell the story of a beautiful princess who charms every creature in the kingdom (including the birds – as you can see below!) apart from one – her jealous step-mother, the Wicked Queen.

When the Magic Mirror proclaims Snow White is the fairest one of all – she has to flee from the Wicked Queen and takes shelter with the lovable Seven Dwarfs. Things take a typical panto turn for the worst when the Queen tricks Snow White to bite into an enchanted apple and the only way to save her is with love’s first kiss.

The 2019 cast includes Sue Holderness as the Wicked Queen, who will be best known and loved by many for playing the hilarious character Marlene, in the hit BBC One sitcom Only Fools and Horses. She also featured in the popular spinoff The Green Green Grass and the successful Still Open All Hours.

Holderness will be joined by Andrew Agnew who will be directing and also playing the role of Muddles, Charles Burden as the one and only Dame called Nursie. Laura Loutit will be taking on her first role following her graduation from Guildford School of Acting in July as the one and only Snow White and Aiden Banyard will be taking on the role of the Prince.

Heading up the Dwarfs will be North Wales’ very own Jay Lusted as Smiler. This will also mark his third pantomime at the Rhyl Pavilion. Jamie Legg, who has featured on Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean, will also be joining the cast as Kip.

Once again local dance schools, The Gay Harris Dancers and The North Wales School of Dance, are returning to be part of the supporting cast.

So get ready for a magical experience, packed with the usual humour, music, outrageous costumes and festive references!

*This competition is now closed*

terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must answer the question stated on the Facebook post, tag a friend in the comments and like our competition post.
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Monday 7th October 2019 and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Monday 7th October 2019.
– Winner is the tagger, not the tagee (but let’s hope they share the prize!)
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates Talacre Beach Resort or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is 2 tickets to see Snow White at the Rhyl Pavilion in North Wales on a date of your choice (subject to availability)
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Monday 7th October 2019
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– This prize cannot be transferred to any other date or performance
– Tickets cannot be applied retrospectively
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

The countdown is now on! Get your tickets to see Snow White at the Rhyl Pavilion from Wednesday 11th December to Tuesday 31st December.

Tickets are priced from just £11 (Super Saver) and family tickets (for 4 people) start at £68, so what are you waiting for?

If you’re staying at a Darwin Escapes resort in North Wales this festive season then book your tickets on 01745 330000 or visit the Rhyl Pavilion website

A night seeing some of the best dramatic performances all from the comfort of your local theatre/cinema

I must admit although the National Theatre Live has been broadcasting live to cinemas across the UK for a decade and the RSC Live Broadcast from 2013, I’m still very new to the world of live theatre screenings. I was also very dubious to see a theatre production broadcasted as I was worried the atmosphere wouldn’t be the same or I wouldn’t enjoy it as much… but I couldn’t have been more wrong!

I was given the chance to watch the recorded live theatre screening of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Measure to Measure on September 9th at Theatre Colwyn in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. As soon as you enter the venue you felt an instant sense of intimacy but also the excitement and buzz you would also have when going to see a musical or drama production.

The RSC show, Measure for Measure, was set in Vienna in the 1900’s. The city was out of control, so the Duke chooses to leave and pass his duties onto a deputy, Angelo. He implements strict laws to try and gain control back and under these new laws a young man named Claudio, who has made his fiancée pregnant, is sentenced to death. His sister, Isabella, is a novice nun but vows to help plead his innocence and set him free. In the meantime the Duke returns to the city in disguise to monitor the city. The story is full of twists and turns, dramatic moments but most of all the cast played superb roles and the passion conveyed across the screen was outstanding.

I have to add that these screenings are perfect for those who may prefer a calmer or quieter experience when attending the theatre. Theatre Colwyn was cosy and homely, there was also a chance to get refreshments in the interval, so it still gives you a similar feel from a standard theatre which seats hundreds of people just on a lot smaller scale.

Not only do these screenings give you the best views in the house, you can see every angle of the stage, see things that you would not usually see in a live audience including up close actor reactions amd small snippets of people coming on and off stage. It really is an up close and personal way of viewing theatre.

A live screening or even an encore screening of a live theatre broadcast still provides the same atmosphere you would have from a live play and the aim of both the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) live screenings and also National Theatre Live is to provide great British theatre performance to everyone, no matter where you live.

dementia friendly film screenings are also available…

Theatre Colwyn also host Dementia Friendly Screenings which are open to those with dementia, memory loss, their family, friends or carers. The screenings at these showings provide a more relaxed atmosphere so that audience members feel able to walk around, pop in an out of the screening and of course sing along! The next Dementia Friendly Film Screening is on 17th October at 2pm and the show will be Grease. For further details please contact Theatre Colwyn.

find out more information or book your next viewing…

All tickets for recorded live/live screenings are priced at £12.50. For more details on Theatre Colwyn’s live/recorded live theatre screenings or to book for the next evening of live theatre visit their website or give the Box Office a call on 01492 556 677.

The Kilnwick Percy Resort has welcomed a visit from chart-topping Irish singers Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy.

The duo stayed at the Pocklington holiday resort owned by Darwin Escapes last weekend whilst playing gigs in Hull, Manchester and Derby as part of their new Boyzlife 2019 tour.

Whilst staying at the resort the pair took full use of the facilities, including the gym, spa and restaurant. They also took to the golf course which was recently used for the Yorkshire leg of the amateur golf tournament, the William Hunt Trilby Tour.

Ashley Pheasant, Head of Golf for Darwin Escapes said: “I met Brian and Keith a few months back at The Scottish Open golf pro-am with one of our brand ambassadors Max
Evans.

“I knew they were playing in Hull at The Welly Club so thought it would be perfect to welcome them to The Kilnwick Percy Resort, knowing they loved their golf and have a
chance for a few relaxing nights away whilst on tour!”

Last month the resort was also visited by television presenter George Clarke and the production team of Channel 4’s Old House, New Home as they were filming a property in
Pocklington.

They used the countryside backdrop of The Kilnwick Percy Resort for one of their filming shots which will be shown in the fifth series of the programme.

Boyzlife will be on tour until the end of September. For more details on the Kilnwick Percy Resort holiday offering visit the Darwin Escapes website

A charity golf day is being held at The Springs Golf Club in Wallingford this October to raise money for Dogs for Good.

The fundraising event which is being organised by Sky Sports golf reporter and Darwin Escapes Ambassador, Sarah Stirk, will take place on Thursday 31st October.

The day will include coffee and bacon rolls followed by a full round of golf with shotgun start and then a two course lunch, all taking place at the Darwin Escapes owned, The Springs Golf Club, and featuring some special guests.

Sarah, who has been an ambassador for Dogs for Good for over two years said: “I can’t wait to host this golf event for such a great cause. The day will be packed full of fun, prizes and a special Q&A.

“The course at The Springs Golf Club is running fantastically well and it’s certainly more challenging off the tee, so this day promises to be perfect for any golfing fan. It is incredibly inspiring to hear how Dogs for Good changes lives and helps those facing enormous challenges to become more independent and develop that special bond with a dog.

“I’m hoping this charity golf event will raise money for Dogs for Good to help them continue the brilliant work they are currently doing.”

The golf day will also include an auction and raffle with some prizes up for grabs and there will also be an exclusive Q&A session with English professional golfer Eddie Pepperell, who won the Qatar Masters in 2018.

Stephanie Lawless, Fundraising Manager for Dogs for Good said: “By attending our Golf Day you will help us to train more life-changing dogs. There are just a couple of team places left at this year’s event so please get in touch ASAP if you’re interested. If you’re a dog lover as well as a golfer, then this is the perfect event for you!”

The Banbury-based charity has been running since 1988 by supporting people with a range of needs including physical disabilities, autism, dementia and learning disabilities enabling them to lead more independent lives through the help of trained dogs.

To book your team of four a place at the Dogs for Good event please email events@dogsforgood.org or call 01295 759 838. General individual entry is also available subject to availability.

This is an exclusive event and places are limited. More details can be found on the Dog’s for Good website.

One keen golfer had the unique opportunity to play a round of golf with Sky Sports golf reporter Sarah Stirk.

Scott Peggie from Lambert near Falkirk in Scotland won a competition run by the UK holiday resort company to go head to head on the tees at Darwin Escapes’ The Springs Golf Club in Wallingford, Oxford with the television presenter who is also a Darwin Escapes ambassador.

Mr Peggie explained how he was ‘excited’ and ‘surprised’ that he’d been the lucky winner of the social media competition.

The 52-year-old said: “I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work on Sky Sports and thought (entering the competition) would be great chance to play golf with her.

“I was really surprised to hear that I’d won! I was excited at the thought of meeting Sarah and was immediately checking accommodation for my trip down to Oxfordshire.”

Mr Peggie regularly plays golf, whether it be with friends or to compete at his local golf clubs, Falkirk Golf Club and The St Andrews Golf Club.

He said: “It was a fantastic experience and everyone made me feel very welcome. I was a little nervous prior to meeting with Sarah but she was so easy going and down to earth that it felt like I was playing with a lifelong friend!”

This was the first time Mr Peggie had played on the Oxfordshire golf course and only Sarah Stirk’s second time competing on the course. They were joined on the course by The Springs Golf Manager, Matthew Kimber.

He added: “There were a number of good holes but my favourite was the 8th hole, which is a short par 3 with a lake to the left of green. I didn’t play the hole as well as Sarah but it’s one I would like to play again!”

Sarah Stirk won the spoils on the day, having a really strong back 9 holes. The pair were tied after 9 holes with 18pts and Sarah eventually won the day with 39 points and Scott and Matt on 35 points.

Ambassador for Darwin Escapes and Sky Sports television presenter, Sarah Stirk said: “Scott played really well. He’s a lovely guy and an unbelievable putter. He couldn’t miss!

“I didn’t manage to lose any balls in the water but did lose a lot to bunkers! My favourite hole is 18 because visually it’s stunning with the trees splitting the fairway and it’s a real tough driving test.”

Keep an eye on the Darwin Escapes social media page for your chance to win a round of golf with Sarah Stirk at The Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club in Pocklington, Yorkshire.

Packed with mystery and suspense, it’s no surprise as to why The Mousetrap is loved by so many theatre-goers…

Whenever you hear a play has come from the Queen of Murder Mystery, Agatha Christie, you know you’re in safe hands. Her writing draws you in to the characters and she produced storylines that can be enjoyed time and time again.

So when I heard The Mousetrap was going on a UK Tour and heading to Llandudno, I couldn’t wait to see what all the hype, around the longest running theatre play in the world, was all about.

Despite it being August, this production was like coming home on a cold, snowy winter’s day to a traditional log fire and a good book. From the off it gave you all those ‘old fashioned’ vibes, that just make you feel part of the furniture and I guess that’s what its appeal is.

However, do not be deceived, this play is not as cosy as it first comes off. Audiences are firstly taken into the new guesthouse being run by newlyweds Giles and Mollie Ralston and we see their first arrival of guests.

But slowly throughout the first act hints are dropped as to what may transpire by the end of the play, such as mentions of the recent murder and insights into each guest’s background until eventually they realise the killer is amongst them. It’s then down to audiences to put the clues together and place their guesses before the killer is finally revealed.

There is nowhere to hide in this production, there were no big musical numbers, scene changes or costume changes therefore it was key that the actors could keep that tension and suspense throughout the whole 2 hour performance and boy did they do it well!

The cast starred Susan Penhaligon as Mrs Boyle, David Alcock as Mr Paravicini, Geoff Arnold as Sgt Trotter, Nick Biadon as Giles Ralston, Lewis Chandler as Christopher Wren, John Griffiths as Major Metcalf, Harriett Hare as Mollie Ralston and Saskia Vaigncourt-Strallen as Miss Caswell. All were superbly talented, providing plenty of wit and leaving audiences feeling tense and also left them hanging off every word they said.

The star of the show for me was Lewis Chandler playing Christopher Wren. He provided some of the best moments of the night, leaving audiences in tears with laughter from his portrayal of his character, his subtle (and not so subtle) eye rolls, up and down looks and annoyances.

As all traditional Agatha Christie stories, be prepared for plenty of twists and turns, moments where you’ll doubt yourself for who you’ve chosen is the killer and then the shock realisation that you were completely wrong and nowhere near or completely right – hurrah!

Now, if you were hoping I’d give the game away as to who did it then you will be disappointed. I’m definitely not going to tell you the end result of this whodunit play and ruin the longest (by 67 years!) and best kept secret in theatre history. So if you want to solve the mystery, then head along to Venue Cymru this week to find out for yourselves!

Come and see for yourselves what all the hype is about. Trust me it’s definitely worth it! You’ve got until 17th August 2019 to view the UK Tour at Venue Cymru.

Tickets for the thrilling dramatic masterpiece that is The Mousetrap start from just £20.50. To book your tickets just visit the Venue Cymru website or call their Box Office on 01492 872000.

Did you know Gentleman Jack was filmed in Yorkshire? Who’s been watching the new BBC Drama Gentleman Jack? If not where have you been!? The BBC drama written by the formidable Sally Wainwright has become a big hit not only in the UK but across the pond in America as the series first broadcast on HBO.

The Sunday night show was based around the diaries of Anne Lister, an iconic and pioneering landowner who pushed the boundaries of femininity during the early 1800s. The diaries contained details on her industrial activates, her on-going work to improve the Shibden estate and her, at the time, controversial homosexual relationships.

The majority of the hit television show was filmed in and around the wonderful Yorkshire countryside, from marvellous stately homes to the very famous Shibden Hall – that’s right the home of the real Anne Lister herself.

So if you’re staying at our very own Yorkshire resort, the Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club soon, then here are a list of some of our top Gentleman Jack filming locations that you have to include into your visit of Yorkshire!

shibden hall

Lister’s Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG

Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and the tour of this marvellous historic building will give visitors an insight into those who have previously lived in the hall including Anne Lister between the years of 1791 and 1840. The barn opposite Shibden Hall is also open and shows different crafts that were relevant during the times including blacksmiths, saddlers and much more.

The home of Anne Lister is currently one of the most popular filming destinations and due to this its opening hours have recently had to be extended due to popularity.

Full opening hours can be found on the Shibden Hall website.

Entry: £5 per adult/family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) are £14.00

sutton park

Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, YO61 1DP

Sutton Park is a Georgian house located 8 miles north of York and just over 40 minutes from The Kilnwick Percy Resort.

Said to be built in the 18th century by Thomas Atkinson, Sutton Park is now the family home of Sir Reginald Sheffield and Lady Sheffield who have owned the property since 1963. It recently featured in the BBC drama as the home of Anne Lister’s love interest Ann Walker.

Entry for House and Garden: £7.50 per adult and £5 per child.

Visit the Sutton Park website for further details on opening times

fairfax house

Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN

Take a trip to the Fairfax House in the heart of York for a chance to view and walk around a traditional Georgian property. The inside of the building has all been kept as it would have looked during the period and the interior rooms were also used during the Gentleman Jack filming process.

Entry: £7.50 per adult and family tickets (2 adults, 3 children) are £17.50.

Visit the website for more details on the opening times of Fairfax House

holy trinity church

70 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF

This stunning historical church dates back to the fifteenth century and is not far from York Minister. It’s quirky and has lots of character and is tucked just behind Goodramgate street which is said to be one of the busiest shopping areas of York – so it really is in heart of the city.

This church was used for filming the final scenes of the final episode of Gentleman Jack where Anne and Ann take Holy Communion together as an act of their (unofficial) marriage.

harewood house & estate

Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE

The interior settings of Harewood House and Estate aren’t actually used in the filming of Gentleman Jack but its grounds apparently were for the Southolm Farm scenes.

However, another popular television series ITV’s Victoria which stars Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria and Tom Hughes as Prince Albert does film in various locations inside the house.

Entry: £15 per adult and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £40. If tickets are bought online prior to arrival there is a 10% discount available via their website

If you haven’t seen the epic BBC Drama Gentleman Jack you can catch some of the episodes over on the BBC iPlayer today!

The prestigious amateur golf tournament is returning to The Springs Golf Club next week as part of the Oxfordshire leg of the tour.

The event will be teeing off at the Darwin Escapes owned Wallingford golf club for the second year on Tuesday 30th July.

The Trilby Tour, which has been running since 2007, has once again been hosting a series of regional championships across the UK with an aim to find the top 10 amateur players for the International Grand Final, where one winner will be crowned the official Trilby Tour World Champion.

Last year saw Rob Perry of Bletchingley Golf Club take the title of 2018 Champion of Oxfordshire with a score of 37pts.

Head of Golf, Ashley Pheasant said: “The William Hunt Trilby Tour Championship of Oxfordshire returns to The Springs for the second consecutive year and the competitors are going to see a course which has developed leaps and bounds since the event was played last year.

“With more continued investment, new tees and the new second hole in play, this year’s Oxfordshire event promises to be one that all Trilby Tourians will remember for a long time!”

As part of the tour, the tournament has already visited Norfolk, Lancashire, Cumbria, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and Darwin Escapes’ holiday resort and golf club The Kilnwick Percy in Yorkshire.
The Trilby Tour will also be visiting Sussex before the International Grand Final taking place at Hull Golf Club on Tuesday 29th August.

Trilby Tour Director, Toby Morgan said: “After fantastic events last year we are thoroughly looking forward to returning to The Springs to find our 8th Regional Champion in 2019.

“We started the tournament with the intention of putting the ordinary amateur golfer at the heart of the action – as far as we’re concerned everyone who enters isn’t ordinary, but extra-ordinary.

“It’s about keeping the game modern, without losing the heart of what makes golf the fantastic game that it is. It’s going to be an experience to remember. Good luck to all those taking part.”

The golf tournament at The Springs Golf Club will be open to spectators and the first tee-off is at 6.51am.