RIVERFRONT
Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport
01633 656757
www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront
Ok, so the view out the window of The
Riverfront isn’t exactly Cardiff Bay, but
turn your attentions inwards and you’ll
be impressed. There’s a real mix of
experimental drama to check out, along
with classes and workshops for those
looking to learn more about the arts.
Sherman Theatre
THEATRES
BLACKWOOD MINERS INSTITUTE
High Street, Blackwood, Gwent
01495 227206
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bmi
Touring plays, musical theatre, opera,
live music and comedians regularly
frequent the Blackwood Miners’
Institute, which continues to support
work from both established groups and
the local community.
CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE
Market Road, Canton, Cardiff
029 2030 4400
www.chapter.org
Chapter is the arty hub of Cardiff that’s
looking mighty swish. Here you’ll find
experimental theatre alongside classic
texts, comedy, film and dance thrown in
for good measure. It’s also got imported
beers, good food, and a decently priced
cup of tea. Student friendly or what?
DOLMAN THEATRE
Kingsway Shopping Centre, Newport
01633 263670
www.dolmantheatre.co.uk
As well as offering the expected mix of
theatre and entertainment, the Dolman
Theatre also invites playgoers to feel
a part of the theatre’s rich community
history. Owned by the Newport Playgoers
Society, the theatre was purpose built for
them in 1967 and has ever since put on a
variety of plays and performances.
DONALD GORDON THEATRE
Wales Millennium Centre,
Cardiff Bay
029 2063 6667
Head for the grand-looking armadillo
shaped building down the bay and not
only will you see a variety of fantastic
acts pass through its doors over the
next few months but, for the geeky,
you’ll also be next door to Torchwood’s
headquarters.
GWYN HALL
Orchard Street, Neath
03003 656677
www.nptartsandents.co.uk
The beautifully renovated Gwyn Hall
has now expanded its capability of
presenting first-class music, theatre,
cinema, workshops and more within its
new foyer and theatre space. The vaulted
ceilings of this converted church makes
for a fantastically atmospheric venue.
MUNI ARTS CENTRE
Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd
01443 485934
www.muni.rct-arts.org
The Muni Arts Centre combines holy
architectural charisma with live music,
comedy, drama, mime, exhibitions,
puppetry, dance and educational events.
For brave writers there’s even a monthly
Poems And Pints open mic night, which,
as suggested in the title, involves
drinking pints and reading poetry.
NEW THEATRE
Park Place, Cardiff
029 2087 8889
www.newtheatre.co.uk
Renowned f or being the oldest and
most celebrated theatre in Wales, the
New Theatre is the locale for musicals,
dramatic art, opera and panto. Also,
the New Theatre is frequented by the
UK’s most respected theatre groups,
including The Royal Shakespeare
Company.
PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE
Herbert Street, Swansea
01792 863722
www.pontardaweartscentre.com
The lineup at Pontardawe always
throws up some curious, left-of-centre
theatrical gems every now and then, so
you’ll never know what you’ll discover
with each visit.
SHERMAN CYMRU
Senghennydd Road, Cardiff
029 2064 6900
www.shermancymru.co.uk
Perfectly located next to Cardiff
University’s Students Union, Sherman
Cymru has come to life since its
renovation. Its eye-catching exterior
is matched by an equally dazzling
Buzz 059