Latest news with #Swansea-born
Wales Online
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Emma Raducanu beats Mimi Xu in Wimbledon first round as Welsh teen praised on debut
Emma Raducanu beats Mimi Xu in Wimbledon first round as Welsh teen praised on debut The Swansea-born player, 17, knocked out in straight sets by the British No.1 Emma Raducanu beats Welsh teen Mimi Xu at Wimbledon (Image: Tim Merry ) Emma Raducanu knows a thing or two about teenage upsets but she made sure she was not the victim of one by swatting aside young compatriot Mimi Xu. It is four years since Raducanu launched her rocket to stardom by reaching the last 16 of Wimbledon as an 18-year-old. Xu is only 17, and she will surely have many more chances to write her own success story at SW19, but she was unable to really test the British number one's nerve, with Raducanu easing to a 6-3 6-3 victory. It was a solid start to the former US Open champion's campaign but things get significantly tougher from here with in-form Marketa Vondrousova up next. Raducanu's win over the Czech in the second round in 2021 was the result that first made the tennis world sit up and take notice, but Vondrousova earned her place in Wimbledon history two years later by becoming the first unseeded women's singles champion. Raducanu was happy to clear the first hurdle, saying: "I'm super pleased to have come through that match. It's so difficult playing another Brit first round. When the draw came out, I can't say I was loving it." Article continues below Raducanu and Xu are friendly. They hit together at the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November while Raducanu practises her Mandarin by speaking to Xu's mother. Shared heritage or not, this was a contest Raducanu wanted to stamp her authority on quickly, and she did just that. It has not been an easy build-up for the 22-year-old, who has been dealing with some bad personal news as well as a niggling back problem. She smiled and waved as she entered Court One to cheers, though, while Xu had her ears covered by large headphones. The Swansea player made a nervous start and Raducanu immediately broke serve but holding a long third game settled Xu down and she began to show why she is considered such a good prospect. Xu sent down serves close to 120mph and troubled Raducanu on occasion with her powerful ground strokes but a missed second serve return at 4-3 30-30 showed her inexperience, and the first set disappeared in a slew of errors. While Xu left the court to change, Raducanu showed she is not above a bit of mid-match litter picking, collecting a champagne cork that had flown from the stands on to the court with a chuckle and putting it in a bin. Xu's best moments came early in the second set when she twice broke the Raducanu serve, earning her reward for staying on the front foot and going for the lines. She could not hold her own delivery, though, and Raducanu clinched her first match point after an hour and 25 minutes to maintain her record of never having lost in the first round. Article continues below With Hannah Klugman also losing, hopes of a breakout teenage star rested on the shoulders of US Open junior champion Mika Stojsavljevic. Anne Keothavong, former British number one, said on the BBC: "This was always going to be a big challenge and a big ask of Mimi Xu. "I'm sure her coach Nigel Sears will be very proud of her performance out here."
Business News Wales
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Welsh National Theatre Sets Up Home in Swansea
The Welsh National Theatre has set up its first headquarters in Swansea. Founded by Michael Sheen earlier this year, the company's headquarters will be in the city's civic centre. Its first production, Our Town, debuts at Swansea Grand Theatre between 16 and 31 January 2026. The play, which later tours Wales before closing at co-production partner the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames, is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge with Swansea native Russell T Davies as creative associate. Michael Sheen, artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, said: 'My theatrical journey began on the stage in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to come full circle to base Welsh National Theatre in the city. Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration and I'm excited by the possibilities this presents not just for artists, but for the people of Wales. 'This isn't about just an office space, but a cultural hub which welcomes creatives in, and we're working on plans to make the space come alive with actors, directors, producers and writers before the work meets audiences. In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first anywhere in the world to see a Welsh National Theatre production live; the countdown is truly on.' Sharon Gilburd, founding chief executive of Welsh National Theatre, added: 'We see Swansea as an integral part of our future. There's genuine heartfelt passion and commitment from the Swansea Council team to work with us so we can all help to create a thriving and innovative cultural scene — both for today and for generations to come.' After taking to the stage in Swansea in Our Town, Sheen will play Owain Glyndŵr in Gary Owen's epic new play, Owain & Henry, in a Welsh National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre co-production in November 2026. The decision by Welsh National Theatre to set up in the city has been welcomed by Council Leader Rob Stewart, who said: 'This is a proud moment for Swansea. Having Welsh National Theatre based here shows how far we've come as a creative city. The creation of Welsh National Theatre marks a bold step in raising the profile of Welsh storytelling on a global stage — and by choosing Swansea as its home, it strengthens the city's role as a hub for national and international creative talent. 'This brings real opportunities for those working across the performance sector — from actors to musicians, artists and writers to designers, producers and technicians — to be part of something world-class, creating new intellectual property, rooted in Swansea and rooted in Wales. Wales deserves an English language national theatre company — and we're thrilled that, through the vision of its artistic director Michael Sheen, Welsh National Theatre has chosen Swansea as its home. The impact of hosting world-class theatre in Swansea will be transformative. It has the potential to stimulate a new generation of local talent and inspire even more visitors to come to our city.' The announcement follows months of collaboration between Welsh National Theatre and Swansea Council to shape this partnership. Elliott King, the Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said the theatre's decision reflects years of investment and collaboration that has unveiled key initiatives, such as the Creative Swansea network for professionals and businesses in the creative and cultural industries, and Grand Ambition, which creates theatre with and for local communities. He said: 'From the Swansea Building Society Arena to grassroots music and performance spaces, the many creative people who help make our local culture so vibrant, innovative and diverse also ensure it's the best place for audiences to enjoy. Welsh National Theatre being based in Swansea will help attract even more attention to our creative industries and cultural sector. Working with schools, universities, digital trend-setters and businesses, our ambition for Swansea to make its mark on an international stage has never looked brighter.'
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales captain replaced in major shake-up and Maro Itoje makes demands
Tonight's rugby news as Wales captain replaced in major shake-up and Maro Itoje makes demands The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Maro Itoje takes part in a gym session during the British & Irish Lions training camp (Image: Getty Images ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, June 18. Wales captain replaced Wales Women head coach Sean Lynn has announced he will be appointing a new captain ahead of his side's summer tour of Australia and the 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign, with centre Hannah Jones being replaced in the role. The former Gloucester-Hartpury boss endured a disappointing first campaign in charge of the national side as they failed to win a single game at this year's Six Nations, finishing with the wooden spoon for the second year in a row. That disappointing run has seen Swansea-born Lynn more motivated than ever to drive much-needed change within the squad and transform the culture around it as well as improving performances on the pitch. Selecting a new captain, he says, is part of that process and means that Jones - who has won 65 caps for her country - will no longer be skipper moving forward. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. She was handed the captaincy ahead of the 2023 Six Nations, when Wales finished third in the table. However, her side have gone on to finish bottom of the following tournaments and, after also dealing with a messy contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union last year, the 28-year-old is set to be replaced. Article continues below 'This is a new chapter for the team, and I am determined to drive the change we need with the squad, coaches and staff so that we build real success on solid foundations," said Lynn. 'A new Wales captain is part of this process, and we have some candidates, but they need to prove that they have the qualities to lead the national side. 'Hannah Jones has done a really professional job in challenging circumstances that have been well documented, but we will call for a fresh voice in a deliberate move to grow the leadership within the squad. 'Hannah remains a valued and senior member of the squad. We have enjoyed great success together at club level and I want us to do the same at international level." The Wales boss added: 'I made it clear when I was appointed by the WRU that this was the job I always wanted and I needed the mandate to create a new team culture, to drive standards and challenge coaches, players and staff to build a team to make the nation proud. 'That is something we will all do together, and developing more leaders is one of many steps on that journey.' Itoje lays out Lions demands By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Maro Itoje wants his British and Irish Lions squad to be defined by toughness, unity and energy as they target a triumphant tour of Australia. Itoje's third Lions expedition is also his first as captain after an impressive Six Nations in charge of England propelled him into one of the most revered posts in the game, previously occupied by greats such as Martin Johnson, Willie John McBride and John Dawes. For almost a decade the 30-year-old second row has set the tone for England's physicality up-front, but he knows brute strength alone will not be enough to shape players drawn from four rival countries into a cohesive force. 'I want this Lions squad to be tough. I look at our forwards and I see a group of tough men,' Itoje said. 'I want us to be tight, that's a huge thing. I want us to be an incredibly tight group of players that have each other's back. 'And regardless of who plays and regardless of which combinations, I want us to play with the passion, energy and zeal you'd expect of a Lions squad. I think that's what the fans would expect of us. 'The Lions works when the players are selfless, so to make sure it's a successful tour we all have to be selfless and put the Lions at the forefront of everything we do. 'You have a new family when you're with the Lions. There's a reason why there are four emblems on the badge – because when you get there, this is your new family. 'You're not thinking from an English point of view or a Welsh point of view, you're thinking from a Lions point of view. 'I want the players to enjoy it. This is an incredibly unique experience. Who knows if the guys on this tour will go again? 'There's no way of knowing what will happen in four years' time. So you have to enjoy it. 'You enjoy it by working hard, giving all of yourself to it and being selfless. If we do those things, with the talent we have, it will be a great tour.' Six Nations unions enter Lions talks The Welsh Rugby Union have reportedly joined the other Six Nations unions in entering talks with the British & Irish Lions about bundling their TV rights for the next four-year cycle in an effort to entice Sky Sports. While the rights for the Six Nations between 2026 and 2029 have already been sold to ITV and the BBC in a joint deal, the rights for the new Nations Championship, as well as the 2029 Lions tour to New Zealand, remain up for grabs. The biennial Nations Championship, which is set to be held for the first time next year, will see the Six Nations sides comprise a 'European Conference' and compete against a 'Rest of the World Conference' which will be made up of the SANZAAR nations, in addition to two invited unions, which are likely to be Fiji and Japan. According to City AM, Lions bosses have been approached by their counterparts at the unions about selling their respective rights together in a bundle deal. With Sky holding the exclusive live rights for Lions tours since 1997, the publication says the unions hope that a bundling of the rights could persuade the broadcaster to also bid for the Nations Championship. However, it remains very possible that the Lions may choose to continue selling their rights on an individual basis, as they have done for nearly 30 years. Montoya to lead Pumas By PA Sport Staff Julian Montoya will lead Argentina against the British and Irish Lions on Friday just six days after starting the Gallagher Premiership final. Montoya captained Leicester in their 23-21 defeat by Bath at Allianz Stadium but is immediately back in action as the Pumas look to inflict defeat on Andy Farrell's men in the curtain-raiser to their summer tour of Australia. Bautista Bernasconi, Boris Wenger, and Simon Benitez Cruz will make their first appearances for the Pumas if they step off the bench for the non-cap international in Dublin. Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez and Gloucester's Bath-bound full-back Santiago Carreras are among a strong Premiership contingent. Article continues below Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward's Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff.
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting'
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting' The Hollywood actor described it as a 'full circle moment' Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, council leader Rob Stewart, Michael Sheen, artistic director for Welsh National Theatre and Sharon Gilburd, the theatre's chief executive officer outside Swansea Civic Centre (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has announced Swansea will be the new home of Welsh National Theatre. The Port Talbot actor has announced his company's first headquarters will be in the city's civic centre, overlooking the beach of Swansea Bay. It comes after it was announced that Welsh National Theatre's first production, Our Town, will debut at Swansea Grand Theatre next year from January 16 to 31. The play, which later tours Wales before closing at co-production partner the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames, is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge with Swansea native Russell T Davies as creative associate. Mr Sheen, who is artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, said there was a special reason why Swansea had been selected. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here . He said: "My theatrical journey began on the stage in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to come full circle to base Welsh National Theatre in the city. "Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration and I'm excited by the possibilities this presents not just for artists, but for the people of Wales. "This isn't about just an office space, but a cultural hub which welcomes creatives in, and we're working on plans to make the space come alive with actors, directors, producers and writers before the work meets audiences. In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first anywhere in the world to see a Welsh National Theatre production live; the countdown is truly on." Article continues below Sharon Gilburd, founding chief executive of Welsh National Theatre, added: "We see Swansea as an integral part of our future. There's genuine heartfelt passion and commitment from the Swansea Council team to work with us so we can all help to create a thriving and innovative cultural scene — both for today and for generations to come." After taking to the stage in Swansea in Our Town, Sheen will play Owain Glyndŵr in Gary Owen's epic new play, Owain & Henry, in a Welsh National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre co-production in November 2026. The decision by Welsh National Theatre to set up in the city has been welcomed by council leader Rob Stewart. He said: "This is a proud moment for Swansea. Having Welsh National Theatre based here shows how far we've come as a creative city. The creation of Welsh National Theatre marks a bold step in raising the profile of Welsh storytelling on a global stage — and by choosing Swansea as its home, it strengthens the city's role as a hub for national and international creative talent. "This brings real opportunities for those working across the performance sector — from actors to musicians, artists and writers to designers, producers and technicians — to be part of something world-class, creating new intellectual property, rooted in Swansea and rooted in Wales. "Wales deserves an English language national theatre company — and we're thrilled that, through the vision of its artistic director Michael Sheen, Welsh National Theatre has chosen Swansea as its home. The impact of hosting world-class theatre in Swansea will be transformative. It has the potential to stimulate a new generation of local talent and inspire even more visitors to come to our city." Article continues below And the council's cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, Elliott King added: "From the Swansea Building Society Arena to grassroots music and performance spaces, the many creative people who help make our local culture so vibrant, innovative and diverse also ensure it's the best place for audiences to enjoy. "Welsh National Theatre being based in Swansea will help attract even more attention to our creative industries and cultural sector. Working with schools, universities, digital trend-setters and businesses, our ambition for Swansea to make its mark on an international stage has never looked brighter."
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Joanna Page reveals X-rated career path she always wanted before Gavin & Stacey
Joanna Page reveals X-rated career path she always wanted before Gavin & Stacey The Swansea-born actress confessed to the Loose Women panel that there was one job she would have always wanted to do The former Gavin and Stacey actress confessed there was one job she always wanted (Image: Ian West/PA Wire ) Joanna Page is best known for her lead role as Barry Island's own Stacey in Gavin and Stacey, as well as appearing as 'Just Judy', the body double who performs sex scenes alongside fellow actor John (Martin Freeman) in Love Actually. However, when the Swansea born actress appeared on ITV's Loose Women on Wednesday, June 11, she confessed to the panel how she had always wanted a rather unconventional job. Joanna appeared alongside panellists Christine Lampard, Janet Street-Porter, Jane Moore and Grace Keeling (GK Barry) who asked her about a potential career move. Grace went on to ask the actress: "I'm really intrigued about what I've heard, and it's the new career move. Something to do with a sex therapist?" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Joanna then confessed to the panel: "I've always wanted to become a sex therapist. "I've always wanted to train as a relationship counsellor, because I'm interested in chatting to people and their relationships and, you know, listening to their problems and what's happened and how I can talk to them about it. Article continues below She joked: "I imagine, though, that you guys are probably going to ruin this next career move of mine. I want this to happen, it would be iconic. Yeah, I'd love to do that." Joanna continued to explain how she often gave advice to those around her, and told the Loose Women a story of how she helped one delivery driver much to the dismay of her husband James. She explained: "I've been in the house and I've had, you know, like delivery drivers coming round and they've dropped off a delivery and then James is going, 'oh my gosh, it's 20 minutes later, where is she?' and I've been in the back of the van talking to the driver." Panellist Janet Street Porter joked: "Doing it for nothing?" Joanna said: "He' just been like, 'well I don't know what to do with my relationship, with my girlfriend. What do you think?' and James caught me in the back. He was like 'are you alright?' and I said 'yeah I'll be out in a minute. I'm just talking to him about his relationship with his girlfriend and what he should do'." Janet replied: "Before you train as a counsellor, I can see you'd be very good if they can get a word in edgeways," leaving Joanna laughing. Content cannot be displayed without consent The Swansea-born actress was on the show to discuss her upcoming book, Lush! The book discusses, "From Swansea to Stacey and Everything in Between" and will be released at the end of September. Joanna told the Loose Women how she had been writing the book in a local car park, to avoid the distractions of her kids. She said: " I hand them over at 5pm to James and then I'll get in the car and I'll drive down to this local car park of this pub, which is changing hands, so there's nobody there. Article continues below "I park in the car park until 1am and I write and then I get scared so I drive to another car park which is slightly closer to home. I sit there until 3am and then I drive home, park outside the front of the house. I don't go in because Boe will sense me and I sit there until 5am. I then go back into the house and sleep for two hours, get up at 7am and get them ready for school." She joked that coffee was the only thing that was keeping her awake on the show, before recounting that writing the book was like therapy as she looked back at her life and admitting that she wanted to do more acting.
