Latest news with #TheRiverfront
South Wales Argus
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
New show in Newport explores the concept of being different
The interactive theatre piece, A Brief History of Difference, will be performed at The Place on September 12 and 13. The show, presented by performance collective Das Clarks, is aimed at anyone who considers themselves different and those curious about diverse experiences. The show delves into themes of identity, labelling, and belonging through conversation, questioning, and personal narratives. It is led by DAR, a 55-year-old queer, neurodivergent performer, who transitioned into the arts at 50 after a career in social work and research. A Brief History of Difference is a collaboration involving director and choreographer Jo Fong and illustrator and community artist Becky Davies. The show is a co-production between Das Clarks and The Riverfront, Newport, supported by the Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International through the Wales in Edinburgh Fund. Night Out is supporting the production on September 12. The Place, in Newport City Centre, has been transformed from the old post office beneath Ritzys Nightclub into a creative community space by Tin Shed Theatre Co, alongside various artists and organisations. The venue was developed following extensive community consultation. Tickets for A Brief History of Difference are available from The Place.
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent's weekend packed with events for every age group
The popular Big Splash festival will return for 2025, transforming the city into a bustling arts hub on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. Organised by The Riverfront, the annual festival is expected to draw thousands to the city, with a line-up of live music, street theatre, dance performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Big Splash returns to Newport this weekend (Image: Newport Live) The event is free and open to people of all ages. It has been described as "a slice of Covent Garden in Newport." They will play classics from the Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and other 80s favourites. The Place on Bridge Street will be running a Silent Disco City Tour on Saturday, July 19. (Image: Supplied) This family-friendly activity involves donning headsets and exploring the city and Big Splash Festival in a unique way. The tours will be held from 1pm to 1.30pm and from 2pm to 2.30pm, but booking is essential. Tredegar House will also be hosting a "Summer of Play" starting from Saturday, July 19. Tredegar House's 'Summer of Play' launches this weekend (Image: Supplied) This is an Edwardian-inspired event with a giant sand pit, colourful beach huts, and sensory tents filled with sea sounds and textures, aimed at neurodivergent visitors. The event is sponsored by Starling Bank and is designed for all ages. Children can enjoy building sandcastles, dressing up in Edwardian seaside fashion, and make-believe play. Visitors can even pose in a traditional seaside cut-out or take a family photo on a giant deckchair. There are also 90 acres of grounds to explore, with shady picnic spots for enjoying an ice cream. No pre-booking is required for the Summer of Play. Normal admission charges apply, but National Trust members can enjoy free entry and parking. The National Trust Cymru has promised a "joyful day out" for families at the event. They said: "Whether you're chasing that classic holiday feeling close to home or looking for a fun day out with the family, Tredegar House promises an adventure that will last all summer long." For more information, visit the National Trust website. With such a variety of events on offer, Newport promises a weekend full of fun and excitement for all ages.
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Summer fair and free music event this weekend
On July 12, the summer fair at Rodney Parade, NP19 0UU, will feature live music, dancing, street food, a market area, a kids' zone, fairground rides, and an inflatable world from 10am. (Image: Supplied) Face painters will also be available, and there will be an under-12s football tournament. Parking on site is available. Also on July 12, A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical (12A) will take place at The Riverfront, Kingsway, Newport, at 6.30pm. (Image: Supplied) This multi award-winning show promises an extraordinary musical journey, paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences. Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll, with her unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, making her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. The show will be fuelled by unforgettable songs such as "Me and Bobby McGee," "Piece of My Heart," "Mercedes Benz," "Cry Baby" and "Summertime", performed by a remarkable cast. On July 13, from 2pm until 5pm, a free community music event, Music in the Park, will take place at Beechwood House, Christchurch Road, NP19 8AJ. (Image: Supplied) This will feature performances from the Big Macs Wholly Soul Band and Harrison Cain Thomas. Organisers have described this as a "brilliant" event. A spokesman said: "A free to attend community music event featuring the brilliant Big Macs Wholly Soul Band and Harrison Cain Thomas during the afternoon of Sunday, 13th July in the Entertainment Arena at the top of Beechwood Park."
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
CHOO CHOO! coming to The Riverfront in Newport this July
CHOO CHOO!, a theatre production delving into the realities of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), will be performed at The Riverfront in Newport on Tuesday, July 8, at 8pm. The disability-led show by StammerMouth, the creative alias of Nye Russell Thompson, blends humour and song in an imaginative, honest portrayal of intrusive thoughts and mental health. The play tells the story of Nye and Duncan, who live together in what seems like a perfect home until Nye reveals his intrusive thoughts. Praised for its inventive approach and emotional resonance, the production has received widespread acclaim. The Scotsman described it as: "An original and audacious exploration of mental health and theatrical form." Neurodiverse Review called it: "An hour full of humour, heartfelt fun, and the best portrayal of OCD I've ever seen in a theatre production." Written and performed by Nye Russell Thompson and directed by Nerida Bradley, the show is fully accessible, with integrated British Sign Language, audio description, and inclusive storytelling. CHOO CHOO! is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be booked online or by calling 01633 656757.
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
West End shows coming to Newport at Riverfront Cinema
This month, The Riverfront launched its initiative to bring live theatre to the big screen so that the city centre could experience some of the UK's best productions. One person already enjoying the initiative said: "A West End experience without the travel. "I've been to National Theatre Live screenings before at the cinema and am pleased that The Riverfront is now able to offer similar." The initiative features a repertoire of renowned West End shows, award-winning productions, and National Theatre Live stage plays. Tickets are priced at £12, and £11 for concessions, making it accessible for many to relish the vibrance of live performances amidst the comfort of a cinema. Over the summer, people can catch Les Miserables: The Staged Concert - 40th Anniversary, Jesus Christ Superstar: The Musical Arena Tour, and the National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove, among others. Les Misérables, celebrating its 40th year, presents an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, and Carrie Hope Fletcher in a grandiose display of music and performance on May 17. Jesus Christ Superstar - The Musical Arena Tour, and National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove, starring Tim Minchin and Steve Coogan respectively, also promise compelling performances on May 28 and 29 respectively. Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby are set to show off their talent in National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire - a production of Tennessee Williams' iconic drama on June 5, while Billy Elliot The Musical Live - 20th Anniversary, with music by Elton John, will add to the emotional intensity on June 12. In July, The Riverfront will also screen Bonnie & Clyde The Musical on July 2 and A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical on July 12, each a testament to the versatility of stagecraft. Members of the public can immerse themselves in the energy and emotion of these shows without leaving the city centre. The Riverfront has warmly invited all to book promptly, so as not to miss out on these shows. For tickets and more information, people can visit the Newport Live website or contact the box office directly.
