Poetry Upstairs - June 2024
2024-06-25 18:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Robert Sheppard has been publishing poetry since 1979, and he has two retrospective collections, Twentieth Century Blues (Salt 2008) and a selected poems History or Sleep (Shearsman 2015).He has published collaborative work with Bob Cobbing, Patricia Farrell, Pete Clarke. Robert is also a critic and an editor. Robert Sheppard lives in Liverpool.
Abigail Parry’s poems have been set to music, translated into Spanish and Japanese. She has won the Ballymaloe Prize, the Troubadour Prize, and an Eric Gregory Award. Her first collection, Jinx (Bloodaxe) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize and the Seamus Heaney Centre First Collection Poetry Prize. Her second collection, I Think We’re Alone Now, is also published by Bloodaxe Books.
Gareth Writer-Davies was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize (2014 and 2017); commended in the Prole Laureate Competition (2015 and 2021) and Prole Laureate for 2017. He is a winner of the Wirral Festival Poetry Competition (2023) and publications include: Bodies (Indigo Dreams) The Lover’s Pinch( Arenig Press) He was a Hawthornden Fellow.

ALBINO FROGS
2024-09-06 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
SIMPLY KNOWN AS
“THE FROGS”
THEY WRITE AND PERFORM THEIR OWN TUNES, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM SUCH
GREATS AS STEELYE DAN, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, HEW AND CRY, TO NAME A FEW OF
THAT MUSICAL JANRE’.
THEY PUNCH OUT SWING FILLED FUNKY GROOVES WITH CATCHY HOOKS AND
HUMMERBLE MELODIES, WHICH GET YER FOOT TAPPING AND EARS LISTENING. FOR
A FOUR PIECE BAND CONSISTING OF DRUMS, BASS GUITAR AND SAXAPHONE
THEY MAKE A SURPRISINGLY POWERFULL AND TIGHT SOUND.

The Taste of Things
2024-09-20 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Abergavenny Film Society presents
The Taste of Things
Friday 20th September 2024
France 2023 136 minutes
Director: Tràn Anh Hùng
Juliette Binoche Benoît Magimel

In the Loire Valley in 1885, celebrated gourmet Dodin lives on an idyllic estate alongside Eugénie, his cook and cooking collaborator of over 20 years. Normally, Dodin devises the dishes while Eugénie executes them to perfection and when she finally allows him to cook for her, their carefully calibrated relationship takes an unexpected turn.
Adapted from the novel by Marcel Rouff, this is a story about love and food, emotional connection and shared obsession. With lavish scenes of food preparation that are sensual, detailed and moving, The Taste of Things is a tender and romantic true visual feast.
French language with English subtitles.
The film will be screened without an intermission.
Ticket prices: £7.00 (£5.00 for people aged 25 and under)
Tickets may be available on the door (Cash or Card) if not sold out online.
Please check Melville Centre for The Arts website or Abergavenny Film Society website on the day of screening. https://thefilmsociety.co.uk/
Doors open 6.30pm.

Rona Mac ~Album Release Tour
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Having recently played support for Willy Mason, Billie Marten, Katy J Pearson, Bess Atwell and Dan Mangan, Rona Mac is beginning to get the recognition she deserves. A truly independent DIY, grass-roots artist from the most westerly tip of Wales, Mac is a prolific songwriter carving her own pathway as a queer alt-folk artist. For 4 years she swings seamlessly between stripped back sounds of Elliott Smith and Laura Marling, to the textures, rhythm and overdrive of Ben Howard or Phoebe Bridge. Recorded, produced and mixed by Mac in a caravan-studio, her music comes raw and unfiltered, aching with nostalgia that comes with rural, rugged places.

Funded by PRS foundation, Help Musicians and Horizons Launchpad (Arts Council Wales), upcoming album ‘Honeymilk and Heavy Weather’ is tenderly written for a lost friend, and her best work to date. For 3 years she has carved these 11 tracks with love, grief and determination, pulling everything into alignment with what lies at it’s core. There’s a dense and heavy story behind this Album, intertwined with themes of love, loss, mental illness, suicide and water. Mac uses the sounds of fire, rivers, ocean and wind amongst these tracks, as well as voice notes, spoken word, and all manner of strange and satisfying sounds. Always in-keeping with honest lyrics, strong melodies, harmonies and riffs that are a trademark of her work, getting her recognition on BBC’s Radio 1, 6 and Wales.
Mac’s grass-roots approach to music is tangible and real, and her live performance is both impressive and transformative.
She will be touring this album around 13 decentralised locations around the UK to move music away from big cities, as well as connecting with like-minded people. Could that be you?

An evening of James Taylor
2024-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
James Taylor is the encapsulation of the best of American songwriting.
His music has touched millions worldwide over his ongoing 55 year
strong career and his music still stands up to the test of time.
‘How Sweet It Is’ focuses more on Taylor’s early songwriting career,
featuring much loved songs, such as ‘Sweet Baby James’, ‘Something
In The Way She Moves’, ‘Fire and Rain’ but also includes more recent
classics like the evocative ‘Frozen Man’. Vernon James performs the
songs true to how they were written and in the spirit of James Taylor
himself, with a soulful lilt. During this two hour show, you will be taken
on journey back to simpler times and happily lose yourself in the dulcet
tones and sweet melodies of the finest songs written in the last half a
century.

HOWLIN MAT
2024-11-09 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Howlin’ Mat is a BLUES musician who has performed everywhere from the Arctic Circle to
the Sahara Desert. He performs up to 200 shows a year and his escapades include him
opening for the Happy Mondays, spending an evening with Led Zeppelin legend John Paul
Jones on an Island 130 miles inside the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter and having a
birthday party being thrown by a notorious biker gang.
Armed with his guitars and a slide on his finger, Mat follows in the footsteps of his musical
heroes such as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Muddy Waters and onstage he combines
his musical talents with hilarious tales of his time on the road.
The blues has made a deep and everlasting impression on Mat’s life.
Mat recalled: “Elmore James – Dust My Broom was the first blues track I heard. I had
never heard anything like it in my life – the hairs on my arms stood up and I was hooked.”
In addition to his admiration for other blues legends such as John Lee Hooker and Hound
Dog Taylor, Mat’s style is as much developed from the trance-like style of Mississippi Hill
Country players – particularly R L Burnside. He added: “As I have grown older, hypnotic
rhythms have taken precedence over flashy guitar playing. The music of the North
Mississippi Hill Country is the coolest of all the blues forms and R. L is the daddy of it all.”
Very early on in his professional career, Mat was introduced to the Cigar Box guitar. It was
love at first sight and has now become a staple of all his shows. And he is proud to be
acknowledged as one of the UK’s foremost performers of this amazing instrument.
Mat’s been touring for 17 years now. His great guitar playing and singing combined with
his sense of humour and storytelling make his shows a unique experience that truly
entertains audiences worldwide.

GROTTO
2024-11-16 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
A legendary figure has signed into the GROTTO for some out-of-season rehab. Is he the real thing, or another otherwise unemployed actor between Santa gigs? That’s the set up for a brand-new award-winning character stand-up by the critically acclaimed, Monmouthshire writer and performer Terry Victor – a jolly, white-bearded, fat man who has definitely seen the GROTTO from the dark side.
At heart GROTTO is a powerful, comic celebration of diversity; a stockingful of juicy namedrops, super-salacious Santa secrets and Xmas rapping, dragged up with a bijou touch of gorgeous zhoush. We all know that there can only be one Santa but as more and more diverse personalities escape into the GROTTO it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas will never be the same again.
Grotto is UNSEASONABLE UNREASONABLE AND UNSUITABLE FOR BRATS.
Some review quotes from X and Facebook:
“This is truly what the Fringe was created for, a creative and wonderfully
batsh*t performance that I will struggle to forget any time soon. A must see!”
“so much gayer than I expected”
“hilarious and twisted”
“mad but funny and brilliant”
“Some very clever jokes interwoven throughout ”
Grotto was winner of the Show Chugger Award at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023 & Starburst Magazine’s pick of the Greater Manchester Fringe 2024

David Grubb - CIRCADIA TOUR
2024-11-22 19:00 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
David Grubb
Artist, string arranger, composer, performer.
David Grubb has become a sought-after musician, renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend musical styles. Primarily a violinist, he has shared the stage and studio with notable acts including Novo Amor, Jim Ghedi, Hailaker, Toby Hay, and collaborated with producers Ali Chant, Neil Davidge, and Ed Tullett. His work has taken him to North America, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand, performing in iconic venues such as The Barbican Centre (London) and Bowery Ballroom (NYC).
Perched on the Firth of Forth overlooking Edinburgh and East Lothian, David grew up in the small village of East Wemyss on the east coast of Scotland. It was here where he first picked up his grandad’s old fiddle and discovered his passion for music. Influenced by the Scottish traditional scene, his classical training, and his parent’s eclectic musical palette, he found inspiration in musical experimentation and sonic innovation. Now, firmly rooted in Cardiff, Wales where he has proudly called home for 15 years, David has become an integral part of the vibrant UK music scene, leaving an indelible mark on a multitude of projects.
An instrumental story teller, David’s musical prowess goes beyond traditional boundaries, crafting compositions that weave together seemingly disparate musical elements into conceptual journeys. His original offerings challenge the conventional perceptions of genre, inviting audiences into immersive sonic landscapes where each note tells a story. David’s upcoming release Circadia explores the human subconscious, leading listeners through a typical sleep cycle and encountering weird and wonderful phenomena along the way.
True to his genre hopping credentials, David’s musical endeavours extend to diverse projects, including his membership in the Welsh trash-trad ensemble, NoGood Boyo, and his role as a founding member of the burgeoning bluegrass sensation, Taff Rapids.

ROPE
2024-11-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-30 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Tickets are now on sale for our next production, Patrick Hamilton’s “Rope”, a psychological thriller full of twists and turns that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Secure your tickets now: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suitcase-theatre-company

Keith James - The Songs of Nick Drake
2024-12-06 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE PERFORMANCE IS UNFORTUNATELY CANCELLED DUE TO SUDDEN ILLNESS OF PERFORMER.

Keith James
A haunting and immaculately crafted concert
The Songs of Nick Drake
Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country’s Singer-
Songwriters. He has given us timeless songs that shed all the tears of life
within their fragile yet perfect lines. He recorded three cherished Albums
between 1969 and 1972 but was almost entirely unknown in his day. After
his tragic death in 1974 aged only 26 his music almost disappeared into
obscurity. Now, thanks to a massive resurgence of interest and a worldwide
re-evaluation of his genius Nick Drake has become a national treasure.
Several meticulously compiled Biographies look at every aspect of Nick’s life
and music, throwing light on many shadowy corners of mystery and
supposition.
Two decades have now passed since Singer/Guitarist Keith James first
paralysed the whole Country with his stunningly beautiful series of concerts.
He was the first artist ever to bring this intriguingly fragile music to Theatres
and Arts Venues across the UK in its pure live concert form. The result was
six years of highly acclaimed tours amounting to over 1000 concerts in
venues across the UK, Ireland, Holland, France, Italy and Spain including all of
Nick’s Schools and Colleges – even Glastonbury Festival.
‘Musicians brave enough to make the music they really believe in. Keith James is one of these’
Bob Harris
‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’
The Independent
‘A fresh and powerful approach to these wonderful songs’
Patrick Humphries – Nick Drake biographer
“An absolute must” Mark Radcliffe – BBC Radio
www.keith-james.com

A Christmas Catalogue
2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
What is included in the price of your ticket for “A Christmas Catalogue”?

1. A full evening of comic entertainment on a Christmas theme.
2. A GOODY BAG for every audience member.
3. A smug sense of self satisfaction from the knowledge that you’ve done your bit for charity. ALL profits will be donated to Velindre Cancer Care.
4. A chance to hear some unusually rude Christmas songs.
5. An aching face from the smiling and laughing.

Not bad for £15! Get your tickets now from www.theplaygroupabergavenny.co.uk

(This performance includes some swearing, therefore we suggest an age suitability of 16+)

Louby Lou Stories - A Snow Dream
2024-12-21 11:00 - 15:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
You can now purchase your seats to our festive show ‘A Snow Dream’ at the lovely little Melville Centre-Abergavenny on Saturday 21st December.

Book: www.ticketsource.co.uk/loubyloustories

Tickets are all priced at £10 per seat for both adults & children as there is only a limited capacity within the theatre itself.

The recommended age is 3 to 10 years.

Running time is approximately 45/50 minutes.

BMJ Collective and guest Gethin Liddington celebrate
2025-02-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
BMJ Collective and guest Gethin LiddingtonSunday 9th February 2025: 7pmMelville Centre, Abergavenny

Our mid-month early start event sees BMJ Collective welcome special guest Gethin Liddington on trumpet, with a Gerry Mulligan/Chet Baker set.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVLfFXbgsy4
The Gerry Mulligan-Chet Baker Quartet revolutionized jazz in 1952 with its piano-less, counterpoint-driven style. Mulligan’s compositions and Baker’s natural interplay created the foundation of the West Coast sound. Their recordings, like “Bernie’s Tune,” showcased simplicity, subtlety, and innovation, defining cool jazz.
This exciting session includes guest Gethin Liddington who studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama between 1989 and 1993 and now teaches trumpet there.
His versatility and wide experience has seen him working with a number of top musicians, including (to name a few) the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Blue Harlem, Keith Tippett, Paula Gardiner Katherine Jenkins and the Welsh National Opera.
He has also performed on radio and TV sessions, as well as featuring on film soundtracks.
This event will be an exciting an interesting collaboration.
Jack Mac – sax and vocalsRyan Thrupp – drumsNick Kacal – bassGethin Liddington – trumpet

BMJ presents : Eddie Gripper & Alex Clarke Quartet
2025-02-16 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
A date for your diaryMusic link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tizKFYvY7tE

After a short stint of gigs in 2023, the quartet reunites for a swift, heavy hitting UK tour of hard-bop and feel good swing.
BMJ are delighted to welcome two rising stars back to Abergavenny and the club where these two fine musicians first met.
As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex Clarke is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a variety of styles, Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of swing and bebop, “leaving the listener captivated by every phrase and nuance” (Jazz Views).
Having “already garnered comparisons with the greats” (Jazzwise) after the release of his debut album ‘Home’, Eddie Gripper has been rapidly establishing himself as another young contender on the national jazz circuit. He has worked as a performer, promoter and producer alongside top musicians in his field, including Huw Warren, Iain Ballamy, Laura Jurd, Alex Merritt and Yuri Golubev. As a composer, he has collaborated with Welsh folk artist Angharad Jenkins in a handful of projects, exploring the various aspects of folk, jazz and contemporary classical traditions.
The quartet itself also features Nick Kacal (Double Bass) and Partrick Barrett-Donlon (Kit).

Benefit night featuring Skylark, The Quiet Ranters & The Bodhi Medlars
2025-02-23 19:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
This is a Benefit Gig for the Welsh Refugee Council.
Having fled devastating and dangerous conditions in their own countries, refugees often face hostility and hardship in the countries they hoped to find sanctuary in.
The Welsh Refugee Council works to support Asylum seekers and Refugees in Wales to build their lives here.
“Welsh Refugee Council is the beginning of the end of the trauma. It is where the running stops and recovery starts”
WRC help people to find a place to stay, work to support themselves, access to English classes, legal advice and so forth.

Performances by:

The Quiet Ranters

The Quiet Ranters are a 4 piece acappella group blending styles and languages.
They sing songs of Revolution, Hope, Peace and Humour in an engaging and uplifting performance .

The Bodhi Medlars

The Bodhi Medlars are a saxophone, fiddle and accordion Trio playing Eastern European songs from Hungary to Turkey and Greece. Fast, furious and fun!

Skylark

Skylark are sax, vocals and guitar playing jazz and world music grooves, including Latin and African.

Grandma's Gingerbread Tale
2025-02-25 11:30 - 15:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Think you know the story of the Gingerbread Man? Well think again, as we bring you a brand new twist on this classic tale. Grandma is busily baking in her kitchen, when one of her Gingerbread unexpectedly springs to life. After chasing it down, the pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to outsmart the cunning Mr Fox.

Tickets will be available to purchase via our ticket website…

www.ticketsource.co.uk/loubyloustories

St David's Day Tour with Aidan Thorne & Jason Ball
2025-03-08 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Aidan Thorne – Double bass/ambience machine

Jason Ball – Guitars /ambience machine

Jason and Aidan have worked together in different settings for over 15 years. To celebrate St. Davids Day this year they are releasing their first album together ‘Expanding upon Tradition : Ehangu’r Traddodiad’ on Cambrian Record. The music is en exploration of Welsh folk tunes using elements of improvisation, jazz and minimalism under an ambient backdrop.

“Aidan Thorne’s cascading notes on the bass were enough to give you pause, make you hold your breath. ”
Nation Cymru

“A versatile and imaginative soloist with a contemporary jazz guitar style that is very much his own” Ian Mann

The BMJazz Collective and Guest jazz pianist/vocalist Hilary Cameron
2025-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Singer, pianist, and Manhattan School of Music, New York graduate Hilary Cameron blends Latin jazz with the soulful style of Joni Mitchell. In-demand across London and the US, Hilary has performed at top venues like Ronnie Scott’s and Smalls NYC. Known for her role as an accompanist, this rare performance with the BMJazz Collective at Black Mountain Jazz gives audiences a chance to see her shine as the featured guest. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear why Hilary is so highly regarded in the jazz world!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRMaF78B6Jo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ncFh2Ap1c

Swing from Paris
2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Swing from Paris are a quartet inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s: Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian meets Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. Their Parisian-flavoured jazz and gypsy swing has been delighting audiences for over 15 years: from major jazz festivals including the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine, to the BBC’s Hairy Bikers and the opening of the award-winning Gloucester Services. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing. They enjoy creating and playing their own arrangements of music they love, mostly inspired by the swing era: including music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. The band started out of a chance meeting of Andy Bowen and Fenner Curtis, when they both sat in at a Birmingham University jazz club jam session. Already fans of the music of the guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, they started a group and began playing regularly across their home county of Gloucestershire. Following formative years as a dedicated Django Reinhardt ensemble, they widened their repertoire to include many other greats of the era and beyond – and welcomed members Sam Hughes on guitar and Tomasz Williams on double bass in the late 2010s. Their latest recording together is I Love Paris (2024), available digitally and on CD. Audience comments: “A truly spectacular and accomplished group” “Fabulous musicians, fabulous arrangements. Can’t recommend enough!” “Highly recommended. Wonderful performance” Reviews ★ ★ ★ ★ “their love for, and knowledge of, their chosen material is wide and deep, but nevertheless they put their own stamp on it” – THE JAZZ MANN “Excellent band … diverse numbers, smart arrangements … symphonious violin, soulful guitar and heart-rending bass” – Jazz Journal “awe-inspiring…The band members have real rapport” – Swindon Link

BMJ presents Al Swainger's Pointless Beauty
2025-03-30 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
With a genre-fluid approach that blends spacey atmospheres, head-bobbing grooves, and immersive soundscapes, this ground-breaking ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional music to create a fresh, modern sound that captivates and inspires.
Described as ‘Cinematic Fusion for the Emotionally Curious,’ Al Swinger’s Pointless Beauty aims to do more than entertain – its mission is to gently restore mental health and emotional independence through the transformative power of music and art.
Feel the rhythms, surrender to the soundscape, lose yourself in a tapestry of deep groove and ethereal texture.
Al Swainger – Bass and Electronics
Jon Clark – Drums and Triggers
Gary Bamford – Keys
Gary Alesbrook – Flugel
‘Musically ambitious, adventurous and imaginative…played with style and panache’ – Theo Travis (Soft Machine, Steven Wilson)
‘Swainger has a knack for writing catchy melodies with great rhythmic hooks…blown away…highly recommended’ – Nick Lea (Jazz Views)
‘An eclectic range of jazz styles…musically adventurous…’ – London Jazz News

Allan Yn Y Fan
2025-04-26 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Since their formation in 1996 Allan Yn Y Fan has carved out a reputation as one of
Wales’ foremost traditional bands, with an impressive catalogue of concert, twmpath,
festival and recorded work, as well as a number of European tours to their credit.
The multi-instrumental sextet, as famed now for their ‘beautiful vocals’ as for their ‘fiery
instrumentals’, breathe life into the traditional songs and music of Wales as well as
writing their own tunes inspired by their homeland and travels.
Internationally Allan Yn Y Fan has performed at Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany,
and at venues in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria, as
well as successfully touring in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Festival appearances in the UK include Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, Trowbridge
Village Pump, Bromyard, Beverley, Fylde, Middlewich Folk & Boat, Tredegar House,
Fire in the Mountain, Shepley Spring and Fishguard as well as the world-famous
Llangollen International Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show. Along the way they
have also made a number of radio and television appearances. Since 2003 Allan Yn Y
Fan has released 6 albums and one EP on the Steam Pie Label, all of which have
received terrific critical acclaim.
Allan Yn Y Fan has undertaken major theatre tours of Wales supporting the release of
their ‘Pwnco” and ‘NEWiD’ albums and in 2014 they received a PRSF/St David’s Hall
commission to compose new music with fellow Welsh musicians DnA (Delyth &
Angharad Jenkins) performed at the first Folk Day at the Welsh Proms that summer.
While concert and festival work is the band’s main focus they haven’t forgotten their
roots and still enjoy playing for twmpaths, as well as for private, corporate and public
events. In 2016 they even had 20,000 people dancing in Cardiff’s Bute Park as part of
the mammoth Roald Dahl centenary ‘City of the Unexpected’ celebrations and in 2022
worked with National Dance Company Wales on PARTi, their community celebration of
dance production.
ALLAN YN Y FAN is – Scott Baker – guitar, bass ukulele; Emma Farnsworth – fiddle;
Chris Jones – accordion, flute, low D whistle, vocals; Catrin O’Neill – lead vocals,
bodhran, guitarlele; Linda Simmonds – mandolin, octave mandola, bodhran, vocals;
Kate Strudwick – flute, alto-flute; recorders, whistle, vocals.

Tributaries, Monk and Beyond
2025-04-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The ensemble will explore Monk’s iconic harmonies and rhythms, adding a contemporary twist to his timeless music. This performance promises bold improvisations and fresh interpretations, making it a must-see for jazz lovers.
Released in 1959, Straight No Chaser is a landmark album in jazz history, showcasing Monk’s unique approach to harmony, rhythm, and improvisation.
The ensemble will delve into tracks like the titular Straight No Chaser and In Walked Bud, infusing these timeless pieces with their own creative twists while honouring Monk’s ground-breaking sound.
Elliot Warburton: Piano
Coren Sithers: Saxes
Sabina Turvey: Bass
Liz Exell: Drums

An Enemy of the People
2025-05-01 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Suitcase Theatre Company presents “An Enemy of the People” on Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd May, 7.30pm. This production will feature a new version of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, created by William Gilbert. Set in a small market town in Wales (not very different from Abergavenny) the play tells the story of the local GP, Dr Tomos Hopkins, whose patients start to present with all the symptoms of a waterborne disease. He tests the local river and the lab reports reveal the truth – sewage in the water. But when he tries to bring this health hazard to the attention of the local authorities, he finds that whistleblowers are not always appreciated, let alone supported. In his fight to bring the truth to light, Dr Hopkins realises that those in positions of power in the town see him as an enemy of the people.

Tickets (on sale from the start of April) are available from the company’s website: www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com. Adults: £12. Under 18s: £6. Entry by pre-booked tickets only.

TangleJack
2025-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
After three decades of making music together, John-Paul Davies and Duncan Leigh have perfected their unique, acoustic, double-duet sound. Through tight two-part harmonising and intricate, interweaving guitar lines TangleJack conjure an extraordinary four part texture. And it is on stage that the chemistry behind the TangleJack sound can really be seen.
Sharing a history that began some 30 years ago, as the arty outsiders in the brass bands of the South Wales valleys, John-Paul and Duncan formed a friendship that outlasted their teenage rock band years, as well as the jazz and classical meanderings of their studies, to return to their folk rock roots as musicians well-travelled. Having spent their lives becoming the band, and the people, they were always supposed to be, John-Paul and Duncan are preparing to share the experiences of friendship and love with their ever growing audience as they perform their live classics and new songs from The Ragged Edge.
TangleJack’s latest album, The Ragged Edge, was received as “a work of genius” (Fatea) that “fused together the brilliant complexities of folk with the wondrous harmonies of vintage pop.” (Aldora Britain Records)
Now, following a tour of intimate gigs, the South Wales duo is taking their songs of quiet contemplation and rousing roof-raisers to new venues across the UK.
This is a band that can really move an audience and keep them engaged and involved. I highly recommend heading out to one of their live shows.” ABABAC Magazine
“If Simon and Garfunkel had grown up in contemporary South Wales, this might have been the music they produced” folking.com

Poetry Upstairs (Phil Bowen & JLM Morton)
2025-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Phil Bowen is a poet, performer, biographer and playwright.
Salt published Nowhere’s Far – New & Selected Poems in 2008. His biography of the Mersey Poets, A Gallery to Play To was republished by Liverpool University Press also in 2008. His plays include A Handful of Rain, (an imagined meeting between Bob Dylan and Dylan Thomas), and Anything But Love, an adaptation of the writings of Dorothy Parker and the lyrics of Dorothy Fields. His poem ‘Blue Docs’ won The Quaterly Prize for the 2023 Spring Issue of The Lyric (est 1921) Recent work includes ‘Love Somehow’ – a multi award winning film about Caitlin Thomas and the long poem ‘All the Stuff ‘, recently curated by The Poetry Archive.

JLM Morton is from Gloucestershire in the west of England.
Her poetry has appeared in Poetry Review, Rialto, Magma, Mslexia, The London Magazine, Berlin Lit, Anthropocene, Bad Lilies, Modron, The Sunday Telegraph and elsewhere. Highly commended by the Forward Prizes, she is also a Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of the Laurie Lee, Geoffrey Dearmer and Poetry Archive Worldview prizes. Her first poetry collection is Red Handed, a Poetry Society Book of the Year out now with Broken Sleep Books (2024). Juliette has collaborated with musicians, artists and field recordists and held residencies at the Cotswold Water Park, Stroudwater Textile Trust, Corinium Museum and Sladebank Woods.

METTLE
2025-05-31 19:30 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
“Mettle”
Written and performed by Nicholas Collett and directed by Gavin Robertson.
Following the performance of “The Ghost Of A Smile”, award-winning solo performer
Nicholas Collett (British Arrows Best Actor, Special Performance Award World Duo
Festival, Seoul South Korea, Best Theatre Award Adelaide Fringe 2023) tells the
story of his father’s service during the Atlantic Convoys of World War Two. A true
odyssey, that takes us from Sheffield to Liverpool to Nova Scotia, Boston to West
Africa and home again, amidst the constant threat of U-Boat attack and treacherous
weather. Physical theatre and storytelling, with a dramatic soundscape and 40’s
music, this is a tribute to those who served, those who were lost – and those who
lived to tell their story.
In association with the Daparian Foundation – committed to those on trauma
journeys, supporting veterans and blue lights personnel.

Poetry Upstairs with Michael W Thomas & Emily Cotterill
2025-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Monmouthshire
Michael W. Thomas’s latest poetry collection is A Time for Such a Word (Black Pear Press). His latest novel is The Erkeley Shadows (KDP / Swan Village Reporter). His work has appeared in, among others, The Antioch Review, Critical Survey, The London Magazine and the TLS. He is on the editorial board of Crossroads: A Journal of English Studies (University of Bialystok, Poland).

Emily Cotterill is a Cardiff based poet, originally from Alfreton in Derbyshire. Her debut collection Significant Wow was published by Seren in February 2025. The collection explores themes of celebrity, story-telling and pop culture. The collection follows the 2019 pamphlet The Day of the Flying Ants (smith|doorstop) which was part of Carol Ann Duffy’s Laureate’s Choice selection. Her work has appeared widely in print and online including in The North, Poetry Wales, bath magg.

ReVibe Fest - ReLaunch, ReFresh, ReVive
2025-06-13 18:00 - 2025-06-15 22:00 | Monmouthshire
Program of events & activities:
FRIDAY 13th JUNE
6.30pm – Poetry Cafe – Open mic with Ric Hool – (Free Entry)
6.30pm – Youth Circus Cabaret @ Dance Blast – Monmouthshire Youth Circus Company will amaze you with their skills in this cabaret of circus.With Trapeze, Hoop, Rope and Silks in the air and acro on the ground, there will be something for everyone. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-lnqnvop
8.30pm – Gin & Karaoke Cafe – Feel like a star on our mini stage: Fun 4 all
9.15pm – Bliss out with the Harp by Josie Felce. A late session relaxing with improvised sounds on the 34 string folk harp. Please bring a mat or blanket to lie on to make yourself comfortable. This aims to really relax you, taking you to the ‘island of the self’ within you. (Donations accepted for Entry/Participation)
10pm – Fire Side Fables – Stories around the camp fire (Bring along your marshmallows, a stick and a scary story)

SATURDAY 14th JUNE

Dance Blast’s Aerial Rig (Give it a Go) and Aerial Demonstrations from 11am to 5pm.

11am – Mad Hatter fun, games and activities – Aimed for children under eight, but fun for all the mad amongst us… (Free Entrance)
11am – Creative Drop in: Join us for a relaxed, creative drop-in session where we’ll co-create a large, shared artwork that explores the question: What do the arts mean to you? This is a space for everyone — all ages and abilities — to take part in a collaborative drawing. You can doodle, write words, add colour, draw memories, symbols, or simple marks. Whether the arts have inspired, comforted, challenged, or connected you, this is your chance to express it visually – together with others.

No art skills required — just bring your curiosity and imagination. 🎨 Materials will be provided. 🤝 Come for five minutes or stay for the full two hours — your contribution matters.

12pm – Stories to change your life (Theatre) by Josie Felce. Open to all ages. Come and hear stories that will amaze and surprise you! In stories you can find the way to sort out your challenges in life, meet kindred spirits, realise that everything is possible if you are inspired. (Donations accepted for Entry/ Participation)
2pm – Family Dance Session – A family dance session for parents and their under 5’s. Come and have fun, moving together. Led by Dance Blast’s wonderful Zoe 🙂
This session is under the tent on the front lawn of The Melville Centre – Saturday June 14th at 2pm. The session is free. However numbers are limited so please book ahead to guarantee a place. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-vvrxxpn
2pm – Textile Rosettes Workshops with Emma Bevan: Celebrating special moments – Join Emma Bevan for an enjoyable and relaxed workshop, making your own ‘rosette-brooch’, inspired by The Community Shawl and using pre-loved and recycled fabrics. This is a free workshop; donations welcome towards materials.
We will use needle-felting and/or sewing to create your own rosette, with the intention of commemorating an achievement or celebration of your own, or of a woman you admire, such as a family member, a friend, or a public figure, for example. No prior experience or skills are required, and the workshops are suitable for anyone aged 14 years old (all minors are to be accompanied by an adult). The maximum number for the workshop is 8 participants. You will have the fabulous opportunity to also view The Community Shawl in person, and find out more about its history. The workshop will run for 2 hours, from 2pm to 4pm. You are very welcome to bring a favourite button, shell or other treasured object, including a scrap of fabric, to include in your rosette. We will take some photos of your creations at the end, and then you can take home your rosette, to wear, to display, or to gift to someone you love. To book, please email Emma at communityshawlproject@gmail.com
3pm – Rock Choir on the lawn – Rock Choir Abergavenny, Monmouth, Chepstow and Newport (led by Karl Montgomery-Williams) is a contemporary choir experience with no auditions and no sheet music requirement. We focus on fun, friendship and community. We aim to create a life affirming experience for our members, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence through singing. Our Abergavenny choir meet at The Priory Centre every Wednesday.
4pm – Suitcase Showcase – Enjoy scenes from our latest productions and get the inside scoop on Suitcase Theatre – how we work and why we love it, and why we think theatre is for everyone. (Free Entrance) www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com
5pm – “Film & discussion – “Dawn” – Tickets £5 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/revibe-fest-dawn/
6pm – Story Slam Cafe – With Andy North – The Monmouth Story Slam is inspired by the long running ‘Moth Hour’ (https://themoth.org/) broadcast across the US and UK on public Radio. And also by our friends in Boston, Massachusetts who founded the Story Slam in the City of Newton and regularly attract an audience in the hundreds.

Volunteers from the audience share true stories about themselves, their friends, families (pretty much anything) that can be funny, uplifting, sad or touching.

Often you will find that a story inspires you to tell your own and you can submit your name at any point in the evening.

The rules are….

You get FIVE minutes (and no more)

Notes are allowed (but it’s much better without)

Enjoy yourself (The great thing about story telling is that the crowd will ALWAYS be with you)

7.30pm – Albino Frogs (Funk) – Be prepared for Funky Grooves – Tickets £8 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/albino-frogs-are-back/
7.30pm – Space to Dance – with Keef Wesolowski-Miles aka Hummingbird Dreamer. Eclectic music, partly guided, sober space to dance, connect and awaken the wild dancer in you. Liberating structures designed for freedom and unity. From 7:30PM to 10:00PM – £14 in advance / £20 on the door https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-rpmpxjx
10pm – Fire Labyrinth – Face your fears and Face the Fire! Hummadruz, Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, are known throughout the Festival scene for their Ultraviolet Fire shows and Labyrinths. Combining UV and Fire spectacle and circus with the finest DJ mixed soundtrack, this half hour show is an exhilirating experience as our performers do death-defying tricks and light our fire labyrinth. Everyone is then invited to walk, dance and party through the labyrinth! Great music and great vibes! Suitable for ages 7 and above (under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult) All tickets: £5 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/hummadruz-uv-fire-labyrinth/

SUNDAY 15th JUNE
10:30am – Creative/Contemporary dance class for Adults & Teens @ Dance Blast. This is an open, creative class for all abilities, Led by Fran. Participation is Free… Reserve your space at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-jzozqxp
11am – Soundings – Acoustic music on the lawn (Free Entrance)
12pm – An introduction to Flamenco (Workshop) – Bring along your shoes and skirts and enjoy some Flamenco time.
1pm – Cinders Lost their Dance Shoes (Adults), Dance workshop with Joon Dance https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-krkrozj
2pm – Ukelele on the Lawn
3pm – Cinders Lost their Dance Shoes (11 – 18 yrs), Dance workshop with Joon Dance https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-vvrvepj
3.30pm – BMJ’s Improv Workshop – This workshop, which has been specially arranged for the Revibe Fest, is designed for people of any age who would like to explore playing and improvising jazz. All instruments are welcome – including voice. https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/playing-and-improvising-jazz-workshop-1
6pm – Gin & Karaoke Cafe – Feel like a star on our mini stage: Fun 4 all
7.30pm – Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix Presented by Black Mountain Jazz (Free Entrance) https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/jazz-pick-n-mix-at-the-revibe-fest
