photos by Simon Hadley

This year you will be able to watch Birmingham Hippodrome’s first pantomime since 2019, Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Over the past couple of years we have been partners with Birmingham Hippodrome and sponsored a range of their shows and pantomimes that they have hosted in the past. (Read more about our partnerships) This year we are sponsoring their Goldilocks and the Three Bears pantomime that runs from Saturday 18 December 2021 to Sunday 30 January 2022.

There are many big names in the cast like Jason Donovan who will be playing the Evil Ringmaster, Matt Slack as the Ringmaster, Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Lion Tamer, Andrew Ryan as Dame Betty Barnum, Alexia McIntosh as Candy Floss and Samantha Dorrance as Goldilocks!

As well as this amazing headline cast there will also be an amazing line-up of circus acts throughout the pantomime. This means that Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the first circus-themed pantomime at Birmingham Hippodrome for 24 years!

Book tickets to Goldilocks and the Three Bears here

We thought it would be a great idea to ask Samantha Dorrance who plays Goldilocks some questions about holidaying in the UK to learn a little more about Samantha. And from her answers we have chosen the best Darwin Escapes resort.

Name: Samantha Dorrance

Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation?

St Ives

When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for?

Sea view and balcony! Preferably with a bakery close by so I can pick up some fresh bread for breakfast!

What would you never forget to pack?

My very over the top sunglasses.

What is the main thing you want to do during a staycation?

I love to have variety on holiday but sunny beach days and a lovely town or city to potter about in (with plenty of independent restaurants and coffee shops) would have to be my main two needs.

If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out?

If our budget allowed it, I’d choose to eat out every night but one. I think it’s nice to have one evening towards the end of the holiday where you stay in and just be cosy together.

Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That?

Sunrise or Sunset

Beers or Cocktails

Woodland Walks or Beach Walks

Dinner for 2 or Big Family Dinner

Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea

History or Scenery

Spa Treatment or Adventurous Activity – ER, BOTH!

Lodge or Caravan

Hot Tub or Power Shower

Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown(MORE EXCITING!)

Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill

City Exploring or Countryside Living – DEPENDS!

Holiday as a Couple or Holiday as a Family

Facilities or Local Area

Summer Breaks or Winter Escapes

Samantha’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Beach Cove


We have 24 different resorts across the UK so why not have a browse at all of the destinations available for holidays and holiday home ownership.

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Photo by Pete Le May © RSC

Find out more about the cast of The Comedy of Errors as they answer this holiday related questionnaire.

We have been partners with the Royal Shakespeare Company for a couple of years now and have sponsored various shows and events that they have hosted. (Read more about our partnerships) Which is why we thought it would be a great idea to learn a little more about the cast and their preferences when it comes to holidays. So we sent them over a few questions for them to answer which you can find below. But before we get into the questions here is a quick rundown of what The Comedy of Errors is about:

These are strange times. Confusion and uncertainty everywhere.

A father ends up in the wrong country on the wrong day as a government makes hasty proclamations about travel. A lonely son, while searching for his brother, loses himself. Across town a wife starts to realise her husband is not the man she thought he was (but rather likes it). Will anything ever be the same again?

Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, a fairytale farce of everyday miracles, mistaken identity and double vision, is directed by comedy master Phillip Breen (The Provoked Wife 2019, The Hypocrite 2017).

more information & book tickets to watch the show here

 


Name: Avita Jay

Character in The Comedy of Errors: Lucinda

1. Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation?

Cornwall

2. When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for?

How close it is to the sea or rivers/lakes as I love wild swimming!

3. What would you never forget to pack?

My swimming costume

4. Where did you go on holiday as a child?

Pwllheli in North Wales and Ramsgate. I always went on holiday in the UK

5. If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out?

Probably half and half

6. Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That?

Sunrise or Sunset

Real Ale or Cocktails

Fell Running or Beach Walks

Candlelit Dinner for 2 or Family Reunion

Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea

History or Scenery

BodyZorbing or Back Massage

Hit the Shops or Hit the Gym

Lodge or Caravan

Mountain Stream or Crashing Waves

Hot Tub or Power Shower

Forest or Meadow

Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown

Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill

Avita’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Piran Meadows Resort


Name: Jonathan Broadbent

Character in The Comedy of Errors: Dromio of Syracuse

1. Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation?

Devon. Or The Cotswolds. But I live in the Cotswolds! But West Coast of Scotland is a must too

2. When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for?

The tranquillity and beauty of the location

3. What would you never forget to pack?

Walking boots/shoes. A book which I’m guaranteed to never read

4. Where did you go on holiday as a child?

West Coast of Scotland. Sailing and staying on the Islands

5. If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out?

Both. But only eat out if anywhere is a destination eatery. Coming from a family of hoteliers I get really annoyed when UK restaurants get it wrong, so recommendations from locals and TripAdvisor are a big player here.

6. Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That?

Sunrise or Sunset

Real Ale or Cocktails

Fell Running or Beach Walks

Candlelit Dinner for 2 or Family Reunion

Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea

History or Scenery – BOTH

BodyZorbing or Back Massage

Hit the Shops or Hit the Gym

Lodge or Caravan

Mountain Stream or Crashing Waves – BOTH

Hot Tub or Power Shower – BOTH

Forest or Meadow

Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown

Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill

Jonathan’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa


Name: Hedydd Dylan

Character in The Comedy of Errors: Adriana

1. Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation?

Sandbanks, Dorset

2. When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for?

Michelin star restaurants and spa treatments

3. What would you never forget to pack?

Hairspray

4. Where did you go on holiday as a child?

Cornwall and Devon

5. If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out?

Eat out

6. Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That?

Sunrise or Sunset

Real Ale or Cocktails

Fell Running or Beach Walks

Candlelit Dinner for 2 or Family Reunion

Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea

History or Scenery

BodyZorbing or Back Massage

Hit the Shops or Hit the Gym

Lodge or Caravan

Mountain Stream or Crashing Waves

Hot Tub or Power Shower

Forest or Meadow

Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown

Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill

Hedydd’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa


Name: Zoe Lambert

Character in The Comedy of Errors: Emelia The Abbess

1. Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation?

Northumberland

2. When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for?

Wild camping

3. What would you never forget to pack?

Earplugs

4. Where did you go on holiday as a child?

Cornwall

5. If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out?

Cook every night

6. Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That?

Sunrise or Sunset

Real Ale or Cocktails

Fell Running or Beach Walks

Candlelit Dinner for 2 or Family Reunion

Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea

History or Scenery

BodyZorbing or Back Massage

Hit the Shops or Hit the Gym

Lodge or Caravan

Mountain Stream or Crashing Waves

Hot Tub or Power Shower

Forest or Meadow

Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown

Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill

Zoe’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa


If you like the sound of our Darwin Escapes resorts based on what the cast had been matched to why not have a browse at all the destinations we have available for both holidays and ownership.

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Darwin Escapes announce a new two year partnership with Guernsey Cricket.

Darwin Escapes are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Guernsey Cricket as the National Team and Under 19 Sponsor for the next two years.

As part of the partnership Darwin Escapes’ logos will be featured on the 2021 Guernsey Cricket kit including a shirt which was designed by a Year 5 student from Amherst School. Tori Topley, who entered her design into the ‘Design a Guernsey National Team Shirt’ competition ran by Guernsey Cricket during the lockdown earlier this year. The competition received a total of 50 entries and Tori’s design was selected as the winner.

Marketing Manager Fiona Bousfield said: “We are always looking for highly regarded clubs and businesses that align with our values and we felt that Guernsey Cricket would be a great fit. We’re excited to build our relationship and work with all the team.”

Cricket has been played in Guernsey since the late 19th century and the Guernsey Cricket Association, which now has over 30 clubs, was founded in 1927. On the island all 15 junior schools and 5 secondary schools play cricket with school visits and tournaments arranged by Guernsey Cricket.

Speaking about the new partnership, Mark Latter Guernsey Cricket CEO said: “With so much uncertainty in the world today the show of faith in Guernsey Cricket by Darwin Escapes is amazing.

“We are really excited to be working with the team there and look forward to promoting their brand. We will be looking for new, innovative and exciting ways to bring each other’s activities and offers to the wider cricket public.”

Keep an eye on the Darwin Escapes website and social media going forward for updates on the partnership with Guernsey Cricket. You can also follow Guernsey Cricket on their social media: @guernseycricket

Visit the Guernsey Cricket website for more information on the team


Photographs by Martin Gray – www.guernseysportphotography.com

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Darwin Escapes has partnered with Longleat to bring you 30% off the price of your entry tickets to the ultimate safari park! Longleat offers a fantastic day out for all ages and whether you’re holidaying with us at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat or Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa you can enjoy 30% off entry tickets booked at reception. Enjoy a day filled with adventure where you’ll roam with lions, swing with monkeys and eat with the giraffes. There is something for everyone at Longleat, including the safari, an extraordinary stately home and the main square filled with exciting adventures for the little ones. Book your tickets at reception to get Darwin Escapes’ exclusive discount.


What you can do at Longleat

There are a few things to do at Longleat which are for all ages to enjoy. Everyone will love the Family Farmyard where little ones can visit their farmyard favourites for a cuddle. And don’t forget the Longleat Miniature Railway which takes you on a wonderful woodland journey past Half Mile Lake.

  • Safari Drive Through – the main draw for people to visit Longleat is the amazing safari experience. Drive through the wild animal zones and visit the wolf wood, the lions, cheetahs, rhinos, Anne the retired elephant and see if you’re brave enough to enter monkey mayhem.
  • The Main Square – explore the jungle, scale the desert and swim the oceans all at the main square. Become an explorer and start your expedition when you meet a whole host of animals, including giant otters, crocodiles, adorable koalas and the bat cave. Hand feed lorikeets and jump on the jungle cruise around Half Mile Lake, past the impressive gorillas, sea lions and hippos.

Don’t miss the Longleat House

This stunning Elizabethan stately home was completed in 1580 by Sir John Thynnes and today his descendants still call it home.

There are guided and free flow house tours where you can enjoy the grand rooms and sweeping corridors of the era. Longleat House really is an outstanding example showcasing high scale Elizabethan architecture, which has been restored and is lovingly cared for. There are also 900 acres of beautiful parkland including mazes to explore.

The house is home to a number of exhibitions throughout the year to enjoy. Don’t miss the Please Gardens which is abundant with natural wildlife, or the beautifully manicured Formal Gardens, with its designs stretching back to the 1st Viscount of Weymouth.

Discover 15 generations worth of collected paintings, furniture and stunning tapestries at the Art & Collection exhibition. Then explore Longleat House and wander around 15 rooms of the new stately home.


Book your tickets at the reception of either Bath Mill or Cheddar Woods when you stay with us for your exclusive Darwin Escapes 30% discount!

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Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to sass the night away because Priscilla Queen of the Desert is in town…

Priscilla Queen of the Desert bounced into the Rhyl Pavilion last night, packed full of sass and Drag Queens galore with the whole ensemble putting on one magnificent performance of lip syncs, pirouettes and bold characters.

Priscilla queen of the desert cast posing for a photo

Many of you may have seen the film (believe it or not it’s been around since 1994!!) or heard of the production which featured Jason Donovan taking on one of the lead roles. However, for this production he’s taken the role of producer and handed the baton on to Strictly Come Dancing 2017 winner Joe McFadden who played a superb role as Tick/Mitzi.

He was joined by Miles Western who played transgender Bernadette and Nick Hayes who played Adam/Felicia, who for me stole the show in his Venus scene and trust me his ‘Kylie’ scene towards the end was one of my favourites.

Photo of Nick Hayes in Priscilla Queen of Desert

The music in this production is beyond fabulous, with songs such as Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and I Say A Little Prayer what more could you want from this flamboyant, show stopping-production. A special mention also has to go to the three Diva’s, Rosie Glossop, Claudia Kariuki and Aiesha Pease – their voices really packed the punch.

Photo of divas singing Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Not only were there fabulous costumes, a disco soundtrack sent from the gods and plenty of raw emotion, Priscilla Queen of the Desert really did pack a disco glitter ball punch with audiences.

Yes there were a couple of hiccups in last night’s show but it’s to be expected when the staging is so intricate. One foot in the wrong place could send the whole stage into commotion. Part of the set and the story line is a bus, which when turned became a dressing room and a bar. It could then be split into sections – all very quickly with simple moves that didn’t disrupt the rest of performance.

You can always tell a lot by a show, in my experience of visiting theatres and seeing productions, by how quickly an audience gets on its feet at the end. And last night, as soon as the final scene cut and the curtain dropped ready for the finale, audiences were on their feet, singing along, dancing the aisles and personally I was clapping until my hands were sore.

Three cast members of the Priscilla Queen of the Desert posing for a photo

Over the years I’ve heard so much about Priscilla Queen of the Desert, without ever really knowing what I was letting myself in for when I entered Rhyl Pavilion’s theatre last night. I knew it was set in Australia, and centred on some fabulous drag queens and also that it had become a bit of a world-wide phenomenon amongst the theatre world but I was not expecting the show-stopping set to cover so many hard-hitting topics whilst also leaving its audience in fits of laughter.

Trust me, whether you’re after a good night out, searching for some laughter with great music, or you just love musicals, you need to go and see Priscilla. It’s a feel-good production and will make you feel alive from the first scene.


You haven’t got long to see this show-stopper so don’t delay getting tickets as this show is sure to be a sell out!

Catch Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Rhyl Pavilion until Saturday 28th September. Book your tickets today via the Rhyl Pavilion website or give their Box Office a call on 01745 330000.

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Start your New Year off with a bang thanks to Venue Cymru’s line up of productions. If you’re in North Wales during the winter months then a visit to Llandudno should be fitted into your plans. There are plenty of fabulous show-stopping productions, comedy and music coming to the seaside coastal theatre Venue Cymru in 2020.

So if you’re wondering what’s available to see this winter, then look no further! We’ve put together our top picks for the season so you’ve got a wide range to choose from….


take part 2020

11th and 12th January 2020

A day packed full of family fun returns in the form of take pART! With 2 days filled with over 300 workshops, talks and performances, this arts and literature event is a great day out for the whole family.

Ticket prices vary. Please see Venue Cymru website for more details


curtains the musical

4th February 2020

A murder mystery with a twist is coming to Venue Cymru in 2020. The new Tony award winning musical Curtain’s starring comedian and actor Jason Manford as Frank Coiffi is a musical production and the every cast and crew member are suspects.

Tickets from £28


fisherman’s friends

13th February 2020

You may have heard of the group Fisherman’s Friends after a movie was released about them early last year. The singing seamen have become the first ever traditional folk group to make their way into the Top 10 album charts. Get ready to sing along to a wealth of shanty songs…

Tickets: £26.50


welsh national opera

4th to 7th March 2020

Three operas will be on stage at Venue Cymru during March so for the opera fans among us, don’t miss your chance to see The Marriage of Figaro, Les vepres siciliennes and Carmen. There are also pre-performance talks available to give you all the information you need to enjoy the full experience.

Ticket prices vary and discounts available if more than one opera is booked


we will rock you

9th to 14th March 2020

Yes, that’s right! The worldwide hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton will set up home in Venue Cymru for one week only, as part of a UK tour. Get ready to experience 24 of Queen’s greatest hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You and Don’t Stop Me Now. The perfect night out for any Queen fan!

Tickets from £21.50


ben fogle – tales from the wilderness

18th March 2020

Ben Fogle will be delighting audiences with thrilling tales of his adventures, such as conquering Everest, being able to swim with crocodiles and avoiding pirates. This is not one to miss if you’re a fan of the explorer!

Tickets: £28


Don’t forget these are just our top picks of shows you won’t want to miss at the seaside theatre this season. If none of these take your fancy just head over to the Venue Cymru website where you’ll find a wide range of shows to choose from!

Book your tickets to see any of the above shows by simply phoning the Venue Cymru Box Office on 01492 872000 or just visit the Venue Cymru website.

Have the best time theatre lovers!

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The festive season is well underway at Venue Cymru as the seasonal production of Sleeping Beauty launches…

For me, the countdown to Christmas Day starts the moment I’ve had my annual visit to a pantomime. It’s an environment where I can boo, hiss, laugh and shout to my hearts content and it’s actually quite cathartic (I’d highly recommend it!).

This year sees Qdos Pantomimes bring the magical story of Sleeping Beauty to the coastal town of Llandudno. This year’s production stars Loose Women and Benidorm star Sherrie Hewson as Nurse Temple Savage, Nigel Ellacott as the wonderful Queen Myfanwy and Kieran Powell as everyone’s favourite Jester, Muddles.

The atmosphere was full of excitement as the audience filled into the auditorium and the curtain lifted, ready for two and a half hours of fun, laughter and sillyness and this pantomime had that in bucket loads.

Personally Sleeping Beauty isn’t my favourite out of the pantomime storylines, nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the traditional ‘twelve days of Christmas song’, Queen Myfanwy’s outrageous (yet very clever!) costumes and the frequent mishaps throughout the performance which is the essence of every great pantomime.

For me one of the stand out performances of the night came from Kieran Powell, his ventriloquism skills were fantastic and one of my favourite moments was when he asked a member of the audience on stage to be part of a segment of the show. He played the character Muddles superbly and by the end of the show audiences were totally invested in him and also the magical element of the puppets! (No spoilers here but it is very magical!!!).

Special mention has to go to Jamie Birkett who played the role of Carabosse the Wicked Fairy, honestly one of the best evil characters I’ve seen for a long time. The staging was also so eye-catching and mesmerising and some great (quite big!!) surprises along the way too!


Sleeping Beauty is at Venue Cymru until 29th December with both matinee and evening performances available on selected days. For more information please visit the website. or call the Box Office on 01492 872000.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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