REPORT: Friends of Rhiwbina Library author talk - Mark Drakeford on Paul Robeson This week (Tuesday 13 October), former First Minister, Mark Drakeford, joined the Friends of Rhiwbina Library to deliver a melodious talk about Paul Robeson - his life, his singing, his activism, and his relationship with South Wales. This talk was part of a series of monthly talks the Friends of Rhiwbina host in order to raise money for the library. Mark brought the audience through the early li

REVIEW: 'Balloon Girl' at Sherman Theatre The Sherman Theatre's latest creation from writer-director Hannah McPake honours the life and legacy of Cardiff’s own Balloon Girl, Louisa Maud Evans. Splicing AI technology and a futuristic tycoon space-race with a time travelling journey of discovery, the show explores themes of risk, bravery, adventure and loss. We first meet Trumpian tech-billionaire Carol Gaudron (Elin Phillips), who is about to launch the first civilian-crewed

REVIEW: 'A Man for all Seasons' at New Theatre, Cardiff This new production of Robert Bolt's award-winning play set in Henry VIII's court remains as enthralling and impressive as when it was written, 60 years ago. Martin Shaw excels as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, lord chancellor and friend of the king - whose stubborn commitment to his conscience leads him and his family into conflict with the state. And it's a conflict he could never win. This is a fabulous cent

THEATRE PREVIEW by Andy Weltch The famous 1966 film version of Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons won huge acclaim and multiple Oscars, and now - 60 years on - a new stage production, starring Martin Shaw, is coming to Cardiff. Shaw, who rose to fame in TV's The Professionals and later starred in Judge John Deed and Inspector George Gently, stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, lord chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII. He's a man of integrity, loved by the com

REVIEW: 'The Other Side of Murder' at New Theatre, Cardiff If you enjoyed the darkly comic crime thrillers Murder in the Dark and Murder at Midnight, this week's offering at the New Theatre is definitely one for you. The Other Side of Murder, which opened in Cardiff last night (Tuesday 22 September), completes a murder trilogy from Original Theatre, written by Torben Betts and directed by Philip Franks. Each play is a totally independent story, but there are reassuringly fami

A photo called Camera Shy by Steve Taylor has won the inaugural People's Trophy in the latest Rhiwbina Camera Club awards. People's Trophy winner 'Camera Shy' by Steve Taylor The photo of an impala was chosen by public vote from the pictures on display at this year's Rhiwbina Summer Festival. A total of 327 votes were cast, and Camera Shy gained 53 votes, ahead of Ready to Rise by Jess Taylor with 44 votes and Missed! by Ben Ward with 39. Ben, who is also the club's secretar

REVIEW: 'Operation Mincemeat' at New Theatre, Cardiff With multiple awards and glowing reviews, the phenomenon that is Operation Mincemeat arrived in Cardiff last night (Tuesday 15 September) to a rapturous reception from a packed house at the New Theatre. If you've seen the film with Colin Firth, you'll know this unlikely (but true) story is serious stuff. It's 1943, and the Allies need to invade Sicily to turn the tide of World War 2, but German troops heavily guard the isl

The New Theatre has announced that Jade Davies and Harri Lloyd-Morgan will take on the title roles of the Beauty and the Beast in this year's family pantomime. Jade Davies as Belle They will join the previously announced cast, led by Rhiwbina's Steve Speirs, with Gethin Jones, Mike Doyle, Jack Ryan and Jo Osmond. Jade said: "I'm so excited to be heading to the New Theatre this Christmas in my homeland playing Belle in beauty and the beast! Looking forward to seeing you all th

A talented young artist from Greenhill Special School in Rhiwbina has gained national recognition after their painting was selected for the prestigious Royal Academy Young Artists' Summer Show. Tyler's painting 'Cocoa' Cocoa, a painting of 13-year-old Tyler’s pet dog, was selected from more than 25,000 entries by young people across the UK and is featured in the Royal Academy’s online exhibition. The Young Artists' Summer Show is a free open-submission exhibition for people a

As the historic Bayeux Tapestry returns to Britain, a group of North Cardiff crafters have unveiled a tapestry of their own, celebrating the city's landmarks. The By Yer Tapestry, created by members of the Let's Get Crafty group at Rhydypennau Hub, has gone on display at the hub following months of work. The unveiling comes as the Bayeux Tapestry - depicting the Battle of Hastings in 1066 - has arrived back in the UK to be displayed at the British Museum. The project began in

Get ready to meet Rhiwbina's own band of superheroes - Capten Cymru and the Welsh Avengers! Their comedy adventures have been captured on film - mostly shot in Rhiwbina - and will be premiered at a free show in Ye Olde Butchers Arms on 16 September, along with sketches, stand-up comedy, and a raffle. Rhiwbina resident and filmmaker Luke Blight, the man behind Capten Cymru, explained: "The idea began years ago when I was a kid and looking to make a Welsh superhero for myself.

The faux streetwise journalist and gang leader Ali G is returning to the big screen after more than 20 years - and there's a Rhiwbina connection. The comedy character's creator (and the film's writer, director, producer, and star) Sasha Baron Cohen is the cousin of long-serving councillor Jayne Cowan, who represents Rhiwbina ward on Cardiff Council. Jayne posted on social media: "I want to wish my cousin Sacha Baron Cohen the very best for his new film which will be out on th

A locally made animated short film had its first public screening this week (Monday 3 August). A still from 'A Fish Out of Water' A Fish Out of Water, which was shown as part of the monthly MovieMaker programme at Chapter Arts Centre, is produced by our own Andy Weltch from a script he co-wrote with award-winning Rhiwbina-born and -raised Rob Lancey. "People certainly seemed to like it," said Andy. "There was a very positive response, especially to the funny moments. The audi

REVIEW: ‘Owl At Home’ at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff This weekend, Sherman Theatre has hosted Theatr Iolo, welcoming back the smash hit children’s show, Owl At Home. It was in Cardiff on Saturday (1 August) before it heads to Edinburgh Fringe Festival (15-30 August), and we were grateful to be invited. Owl At Home is based on a 1975 children’s book of the same name by Arnold Lobel. It follows the tale of Owl, who lives by himself in his cosy home that he loves. We follow his day

REVIEW: ‘High Society' at New Theatre, Cardiff The most swellegant, elegant party of the year arrived in Cardiff last night (Tuesday) to a standing ovation from a packed house at the New Theatre. This was the opening night of High Society - a spectacular, top- quality West End production full of comedy, romance, and some of the 20th century's greatest songs. After its successful run in London’s West End, the show is now on an extensive four-month UK tour, with Cardiff lucky

REVIEW: ‘The Last Laugh' at New Theatre, Cardiff Three of Britain's greatest comedians return to the stage in Cardiff this week in a play which manages to be nostalgic, moving, and hilariously funny. The Last Laugh imagines Tommy Cooper (Damian Williams), Eric Morecambe (Steve Royle), and Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright), meeting backstage for one last performance. The three reflect on their careers, their personal lives, and the nature of comedy - exchanging quickfire gags a

In a special interview for Rhiwbina Info, award-winning local scriptwriter Carys Thomas tells us about her new TV sitcom pilot Misguided, based on her experiences growing up in Rhiwbina. As we reported in May, Misguided is available to stream on Channel4.com and YouTube. It follows former popular girl and full-time rebel Rhiannon, as she's forced to join a deeply uncool Guide group, with a cast including Lauren Morais, Nerys Amber Stocks, Meg Alexandra, Nia Gandhi, Sarah Hadl

Rhiwbina-based actor, writer, and comedian Steve Speirs will star in this year's pantomime at the New Theatre Cardiff, Beauty and the Beast, it was announced today (Tuesday 30 June). The Merthyr-born star, who lives in Rhiwbina village, will play Belle's father, Monsieur Marzipan. Perhaps best known for creating and starring in TV's The Tuckers, Steve is currently filming the BBC comedy Better Later, alongside Ruth Jones. He has also appeared in many hit series including Afte

REVIEW: ‘Thespians’ at New Theatre, Cardiff The talented team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong have produced their first musical, and it landed in Cardiff last night (Tuesday 23 June) to an enthusiastic reception at the New Theatre. Thespians, from Mischief, takes us to ancient Greece in 534BC, where a drought blights the land, and only a powerful new prayer can save the day. The evil tyrant (Rhys Taylor) commands a Eurovision-style prayer competition,

Greece is the word at the New Theatre next week. Ancient Greece to be specific. Mischief, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a new musical comedy, Thespians, which runs from Tuesday 23 June to Saturday 27. It's 534 BC - Thespis and his sister Poly live on the tiny island of Ikaria where nothing ever really happens, until the entire population (all five of them) are forced to go to Athens to compete in a deadly prayer