12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Only Men Aloud announce Monmouth and Cwmbran tour dates
The Welsh vocal group, who gained national fame after winning the BBC One competition Last Choir Standing in 2008, will perform at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on November 26 and the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth on November 29.
The extended tour celebrates a quarter-century of performances that have taken the group from BBC's Songs of Praise to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games and two Royal Variety Performances.
Craig Yates, an original member of Only Men Aloud and now creative director of the Aloud Charity, said: "This is a celebration tour.
"We've had a wonderful time with OMA, which has really evolved over the last 25 years."
The group was founded in 2000 by Tim Rhys-Evans, who is now director of music at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Originally a 25-member male voice choir, Only Men Aloud now performs as an eight-piece ensemble, with members balancing the group alongside careers in pharmacy, teaching, gardening, music, and musical theatre.
Their breakthrough came in 2008 when they won Last Choir Standing, catapulting them to national recognition and a series of high-profile performances, including supporting Diana Ross at Cardiff Castle.
Mr Yates said: "We're all adults now, with the range of family responsibilities which come with that.
"We've all got jobs and OMA is a hobby – but what a hobby to have."
Fans can expect an evening of stories, choral arrangements, and energetic adaptations during the anniversary tour.
The tour will begin in Cardiff on September 27 at the New Theatre, where Only Boys Aloud will join them on stage.
Other tour dates include Aberystwyth, Swansea, Llandudno, Llandrindod Wells, and Newtown.
The group last performed an intimate five-date show last Christmas, but Mr Yates said this run is about more than just returning to the stage.
He said: "It's been amazing and we are thankful that people still really enjoy listening to and seeing us.
"It's lovely to be back."
Tickets are available now through the Only Men Aloud website.
