THERE'S something for everyone this autumn as Blackwood Miners Institute heads into one of its brightest seasons yet.
Nobody has been forgotten in a programme that includes music, both modern and classical, dance from across the globe, film, comedy, family shows, poetry, puppetry and panto!
Blackwood Miners has a number of famous faces and faces of the famous coming through it's doors this season.
Two of Wales' most glorious sons head for the 'Stute this autumn. Max Boyce and Peter Karrie will each spend two nights live on stage delighting what are sure to be packed houses.
Audiences will be treated to nights out with three of the world's greatest performers when Clive Baldwin invites you to Give My Regards to Jolson, Dieter Graham asks you to Crocodile Rock along with Elton John's greatest hits, and Suzette Dorsey in Simply the Best as Tina Turner.
For all music lovers, the 'Stute has plenty on offer. Performer Paul Child brings his special tribute to local singer David Alexander with special guests, The South Wales Burma Star Male Voice Choir and Cor Y Hen Blwyf Maesteg.
A fantastic evening of musical entertainment is guaranteed when last year's panto favourite, Kelli Marie returns to Blackwood for a summer spectacular.
For those who know what they like and like what they know, Blackwood Amateur Operatic Society are on hand to present their own production of Broadway classic Annie. Phil Dando's Big Band makes two visits to the 'Stute this season delivering unforgettable renditions of jazz standards and big band classics, and in a celebrations of the golden era of song, they will be Putting on the Ritz with the music of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin among others.
Jazz fans can also travel down memory lane with Chris Dean and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers.
Lovers of classical music have the choice of going for the local option with a trip to see Mynyddislwyn Male Voice Choir or Markham and District Colliery Band's Russian Spectacular or the traditional option with an evening in the company of the Locrain Ensemble for Mozart by Candlelight.
Why not take the opportunity to sample some oriental classes with Japanese group, Ensemble Tozai?
Also worth a look are Ruth, a modern day cantata exploring the life of one of the Bible's most endearing characters, and the Stute's regular free lunchtime concerts. Folk and Roots' fans can look forward to five fantastic events in the Valleys Roots programme with Celtic sounds from Shetlands band Drop the Box, Irish Group Danu and Welsh language group Ar Log.
Add to this an evening with the delightful Isla St Clair and an entire day devoted to the guitar, with workshops, masterclasses and a concert and there should be something at Blackwood Miners for all folk lovers this autumn.
This season also has a dramatic side that kicks-off with Ystrad Mynach College's new production of Vickery favourite, Breaking the String.
Theatr Y Byd present their new production exploring the life and work of Welsh composer and heart-throb Ivor Novello in Inside Out and Cardiff-based Hijinx Theatre present Charles Way's III Met by Moonlight, celebrating love's magical ability to overcome all obstacles.
Puppetry, masks and ultra violet lighting will fill the stage when Horse and Bamboo visit Blackwood with The Girl Who Cut Flowers.
Dance is provided by India Dance Wales, with their new piece Tempest, a reworking of Shakespeare's classic, and by the national dance company of Wales. Diversions. Literary appetites will be whetted by a great selection of events in the 'Stute's Hearsay programme. This season includes reading by poets Gillian Clarke and Val Bloom, a Poetry Party to celebrate National Poetry day, and an evening of bilingual poetry with Grahame Davies and Lloyd Robson entitled Cymru Cut.
Last but not least, the smallest members of the family cannot fail to be entertained by this season's offering of children's entertainment.
Roger Hargreave's fantastic creations are live on stage in The Mr Men and Little Miss Show and the Sherman Theatre Company come to Blackwood with their adaptation of Roald Dahl classic The Enormous Crocodile.
Not to forget, of course, the culmination of this year's autumn season at the 'Stute, Cinderella. Pantomime fun for all the family, Cinderella will star Welsh favourite Owen Money, along with a number of other distinguished Welsh entertaining including playwright Frank Vickery and children's star Fireman Sam!
For further information or to book tickets contact the box office at Blackwood Miners Institute on 01495 227206.
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