Melville Centre Abergavenny

Blues Central
2024-06-14 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
BLUES CENTRAL are a four piece electric, Rhythm & Blues band, formed in 2001 by former RCA records recording artist and studio session musician Pete Hughes.
Since their formation, the band has played on the national blues club and festival circuit, sharing a stage with artists including Nina Simone, Booker T and the MGs, Gary Moore, Chicken Shack and several other global blues luminaries.
The band has also appeared live on the Paul Jones Blues show on BBC Radio 2.
BLUES CENTRAL play an eclectic mix of urban blues from Chicago, Texas and the American “Deep South” all with their unique British interpretation.
A good time is guaranteed for all…..

Just Songs Tour 2024
2024-06-10 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Bike to The Future II – ‘Just Songs’
• A Band Named Brian’s Carbon-Free Song Cycle
• 11 Venues
• 585 Miles
Bath, UK – 24/04/2024. Following their hugely successful tour last year, folk-pop duo ‘a Band named
Brian’ is this year going even further in a bid to spread the word on climate change through songs,
stories, dance and laughter.
Singer-songwriter Brian Madigan doesn’t just write songs: he writes ‘just’ songs: full of passion, comment
and exhortation to strive for better. Accompanied by violinist, bass player and vocalist Rob Whale, Brian
weave’s a narrative through stories and songs, taking his audience on a unique journey into their own
conscience. The style is two-parts Billy Bragg, to one part Levellers, with a hint of Johnny Cash and
perhaps a dusting of Tom Lehrer.
Last summer, the pair cycled from Bath, down to Shindig Festival near Ilminster in Somerset, then out to
Pembrokeshire. Unfortunately – due to a bereavement – the tour had to be cut short mid-way, before
resuming with a further Bath gig and a glorious finale at Glastonbury Festival. Highlights included a
wonderful night at The Pembroke Yeoman in Haverfordwest, the revival of Trehale Farm’s amazing barn
venue (supported by local talent Abbie Jebbers) and a very warm welcome at The Cellar in cardigan.
Once again, Brian will be talking with local deejay B B Skone on Pure West radio, ahead of the
Pembrokeshire gigs, on Sunday 2nd June. That same date sees the pair perform at The Whitehall in
Llandovery, one of the venues missed due to the sad interruption last year. Another was Cwrw in
Carmarthen, where they will appear on Tuesday June 4th. Naturally, both Trehale Farm and The Cellar
insisted a Band named Brian return once again, with gigs on Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th
respectively.
But Brian and Rob don’t just song about change: they embody it. Both are keen cyclists and are
determined to demonstrate this is a viable and enjoyable way of getting about without burning fossil fuel.
The tour will cover some 585 miles and take in hefty climbs along the way. The duo will be carrying
everything they need with them, instruments included, and are grateful that most venues are either
providing or sponsoring overnight accommodation.
“When you travel by bike” says Brian “You really experience the journey. Going by vehicle can sometimes
feel like time-travel, in that you get in a box in one space and time, then leave it at another – more or less
oblivious of what lies in between.”
To catch a Band named Brian live, checkout tour dates on the web site at: www.thinkofasong.com or find
them in your local event listing.
www.thinkofasong.com info@madfmusik.co.uk +44 1225 313082

Myths, Scars & Wanderings
2024-06-08 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Myths Scars and Wanderings
This collection of new work, explores the themes of Greek Myths, the Sea, Human Resilience and Strength. The group have developed this original work together over the past three months, through an exciting creative process, facilitated by Liz Pearce.
Join us for the group’s performance of their own writing, poetry and prose – infused with pathos and humour.
Saturday 8th June at 7.30.
Tickets £12 (including a printed copy of the work)

THE ALCHEMIST by Ben Jonson
2024-05-25 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-23 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Abergavenny’s Suitcase Theatre Company presents a zany, 1960s version of Ben Jonson’s classic comedy, The Alchemist. When a pandemic strikes London, upper-class twit Fabien Lovewit flees the city, leaving his Blackfriars town house in the care of his butler, Jeremy. Immediately, Jeremy changes his identity to Captain Face, and invites two notorious con-artists – Doll and Subtle – to join him in a hilarious campaign to fleece a series of local nitwits: Dapper (who wants to become a high-rolling gambler), Drugger (who wants to open a spanking new mini-market), Sir Epicure Mammon (whose lust for food, drink and loose women knows no bounds), as well as a pair of naughty nuns and a high class lady with a rich niece in tow. The result is sheer mayhem. All of the action and all of the laughs are played out to a soundtrack of the best music from the 1960s. Come along in your psychedelic shirts and tight jeans, with flowers in your hair, to enjoy the full experience!

All you need is Love…

Tickets: £11 (u18s £6). Entry by pre-booked tickets only.
Get tickets@www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com

Georgian Ensemble Amer-Imeri Concert
2024-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Amer-Imeri ensemble from the Republic of Georgia, UK tour
Twelve singers drawn from Amer-Imeri and Mtiebi ensembles are touring the UK during May 2024, teaching and performing beautiful polyphonic songs from the rich and ancient, UNESCO listed tradition of the Republic of Georgia.
Recognised by numerous national and international awards over three decades, Amer-Imeri are dedicated to teaching and performing these unique songs alongside the costumes, dances, rituals and folklore that they traditionally accompanied. Much more than just entertainment, their workshops and performances give a deep and engaging insight into the history and culture of Georgia.
The concert will begin with a support set from Borjghali, Bristol Georgian Choir.
This concert is part of a UK tour, including a residential weekend event, at which singers from across the UK will gather to learn and sing together, and to share a supra, or Georgian feast. Further information and tickets: here

Once a Catholic
2024-05-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Play Group are delighted to present this hysterical comedy by Mary O’Malley. Set in a convent school in 1950s London, we meet 3 girls (all named Mary) from Form 5A , as they prepare to sit their O Levels. Under the watchful eyes of the nuns who teach them, their academic year is peppered with religious lecturing; secret meetings with boys -both suitable and not so suitable; school treats (Mother Basil’s lovely fillum show) and many opportunities to share what they know about the world beyond their cloistered Catholic existence.
Based on the true life experiences of the writer, this award winning play is guaranteed to make you laugh, gasp and grin. Contains adult themes and strong language. Recommended for ages 16+

POETRY UPSTAIRS
2024-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Poetry Upstairs at The Melville Centre for the Arts
2024 Reading Series
Tuesday 30th April 7pm £5 Entry
John Barnie Simone Mansell Broome Nigel Jarret
(Aberystwyth) (Carmarthen) Abergavenny)

John Barnie was born and raised in Abergavenny. He taught at Copenhagen University (1969-82), and was editor of the cultural magazine Planet: The Welsh Internationalist (1990-2006). A poet and essayist, his latest books are Tsunami Days (essays) and Dunes of Cwm Rheidol (poems). He is also a blues guitarist and has played in a number of bands, including Y Bechgyn Drwg/The Bad Boys with Twm Morys, Iwan Llwyd and Nigel Jenkins.
Simone Mansell Broome is a Welsh-born writer. She studied English with American Studies at Sussex University, qualified both as a teacher of Speech and Drama and of EFL Simone’s poems have been read on Radio 4, including BBC’s ‘Poetry Please’, ITV and Radio Wales. Fifty of Simone’s poems were translated into Romanian in 2020 as part of a Bucharest University M.A. dissertation. She has published three full collections of poetry.
Nigel Jarrett is the author of eight books. His first poetry collection, Miners At The Quarry Pool, was published by Parthian. This year Cockatrice Books published his second poetry collection, Gwyriad. Nigel Jarrett is a winner of the Rhys Davies Prize for short fiction and the inaugural Templar Shorts Prize. For many years, he was chief music critic of the South Wales Argus.
He reviews poetry for Acumen magazine and also writes for Jazz Journal (a regular column called Count Me In), Wales Arts Review.

Zoe Gilby Quartet
2024-04-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
This will be Zoe Gilby’s third visit to Black Mountain Jazz – the first being in 2014 when she performed at the wall2wall Jazz Festival on a windy outdoor stage.
We are always delighted to welcome her back, as she continues to make her distinctive mark on today’s music scene. Her compelling original compositions are written with her husband, double bassist Andy Champion.
This promises to be a highly enjoyable and not-to-be-missed event.
The quality of the singing and playing was excellent throughout, as was the original song writing. Jazz Mann’s review of the Zoe Gilby Trio’s performance at our wall2wall Jazz Festival 2020.
Zoe Gilby – vocals
Mark Williams – guitar
Andy Champion – double bass
John Bradford – drums
Website
www.zoegilby.co.uk
Tickets
Standard: £18.00
Friends of BMJ: £16.00
Under 18s: £9.00

Stand up Comedy
2024-04-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Stand up comedy showcase :Featuring the Melville centre comedy students and Noel James.

The Transatlantic Hot Club featuring vocalist Tara Minton
2024-04-21 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Transatlantic Hot Club are delighted to perform at the Black Mountain Jazz Club on their Spring 2024 UK Tour. Featuring Adrien Chevalier (New York) on Violin, Ben Creighton Griffiths (Cardiff) on Harp and Ashley John Long (Cardiff) on bass, the Hot Club line up will be completed by an extra special guest – the wonderful Tara Minton on voice! Expect to hear Swing classics, Django standards, and Latin Bossa Nova explored with a totally unique take on the style of Grappelli and Reinhardt.

The Transatlantic Hot Club was formed by Ben Creighton Griffiths (Harp) and Adrien Chevalier (Violin) in 2013 when they met whilst both performing at ‘Journées de la Harpe’ – a harp festival on the French Caribbean islands of Martinique, Guyane, Guadeloupe, St Anne, and St Lucia. The following year they began an annual tradition of performing in Cardiff and have been expanding this into a full tour ever since. In 2019 they adopted the Transatlantic Hot Club name.
Musicians who have performed in the Transatlantic Hot Club line up include – Franck Billot (Clarinet), Tatiana Eva-Marie (Vocals), Ashley John Long (Bass), Don Sweeney (Bass), Matheus Prado (Bass), Philip Ambuel (Bass), Roberto Gervasi (Accordion), Julian Smith (Bass), Vincent Simonelli (guitar), John Dufosse (bass), Alex Gilson (bass), Edouard Pennes (bass), Adrien Tarraga (guitar), Neil Saidi (reeds), and Jeremy Lohier (accordion).
As well as returning to the French Caribbean in 2016 and 2022 the Hot Club has performed in the UK at Acapela Studios (Pentyrch), Norwegian Church (Cardiff), Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Wales Harp Festival (Caernarfon), Cafe Jazz (Cardiff), Mansion House (Cardiff), Le Quecumbar (London), The Bristol Fringe, Aberjazz Club at Pepper’s Art Gallery (Fishguard), Insole Court (Cardiff), Brecon Jazz Club at The Muse, Elsing Hall (Norfolk) and Oxnead Hall (Norfolk) as well as the Aberjazz, Django in the Bay, and the Brecon Online Jazz Festivals. They also performed at the World Harp Congress in Cardiff in 2022. In France they have performed at the Camac Space and Le Piano Vache in Paris, and at the Conservatoire Zino Franscescatti (La Ciotat) and Le Lido (St Raphael) in the South. In 2023 they recorded their first album at Zoot Studios in Paris to be released in 2024.
Upcoming performances include a residency in Corsica in early April, a UK tour in Spring to Crazy Coqs (London), Teignmouth Pavilions, Insole Court (Cardiff), Black Mountain Jazz Club, Aberjazz Club, and more to be announce, and a tour in the USA including the AHS National Conference in Orlando as well as numerous jazz clubs in New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
Links –
Website – http://www.bjcg.co.uk/transatlantic-hot-club.html
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/transatlantichotclub
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@transatlantichotclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/transatlantichotclub

Maybe Dick
2024-04-19 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
MAYBE DICK
By John Hewer
Based on the novel ‘Moby-Dick’ by Herman Melville
Directed by Bruce Knight
Herman Melville’s classic tale of revenge and retribution is retold in this inventive, comic retelling on the high seas from the company behind ‘Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show’ and ‘Dracula! One Bloody Fang After Another’.
Nantucket, 1841. Ishmael signs on to the Pequod, and witnesses the perils of nature, obsession, punning and physical comedy, as Captain Ahab conducts a reckless pursuit of the savage white whale, Moby Dick.
All plot will be lampooned. All jokes will be harpooned.
“Absolutely brought the house down” – Lincolnshire World
“‘Carry On Moby Dick'” – North West End
“You will be hit with wave after wave of silliness, leaving a warm glow and a great big smile.” – Review Culture
“You don’t need to know Moby-Dick to get the jokes. And there are plenty of jokes.” – Voicebox
“This is fun knockabout stuff; we are never more than 30 seconds from the next punchline and Hewer has excellent comic timing and a winning naïveté.” – North West End
“Hewer manages to play all the parts and maintain narrative coherence along with a stream of jokes and the odd musical interlude.” – Chiswick Calendar
“The jokes came thick and fast. We left with huge, aching smiles.” – TheatreFest
NB: 12 + Age Restriction.

Telyn Tales
2024-03-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Telyn Tales | Trwy’r Tannau
Two friends. Four hands. Telling tales.
Dwy ffrind. Pedair llaw. Sawl stori.
Join Mair Tomos Ifans, a well-known storyteller and folk singer, and Sioned Webb, an acclaimed performer and harpist, for a show full of delightful folktales with traditional and original music celebrating the harp in Wales.
Ymunwch a Mair Tomos Ifans, cyfarwydd â chantores werin adnabyddus, a Sioned Webb, perfformiwr a thelynores, am gyfuniad cyffrous o chwedlau a cherddoriaeth, draddodiadol a gwreiddiol, sy’n dathlu’r delyn yng Nghymru.

SWING FROM PARIS
2024-03-21 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Swing from Paris biography:
Often described as ‘the finest gypsy jazz in the Cotswolds’, Swing from Paris are a UK quartet of violin, guitars and double bass. Inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s, they present their own versions of music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, John Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. They’ve been seen on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers, and have appeared at major jazz festivals including Cheltenham, Brecon and the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing.

Listen:
Spotify Afternoon in Paris (2022) Bandcamp swingfromparis.bandcamp.com

Watch:
Tu vuò fà l’americano https://youtu.be/0vTa94ExdSo La mer https://youtu.be/FNRFiIYRV7U
I can’t believe that you’re in love with me https://youtu.be/9SV0FfE0paw

Links:
Web swingfromparis.co.uk/
Facebook facebook.com/swingfromparis Instagram instagram.com/swingfromparisofficial/

Images: media pack

Reviews:
“Their arrangements are consistently intelligent, interesting and inventive… 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

“Clever interpretations and adaptations … what a performance by this Cotswold-based combo” – Nub News

Audience comments:
“Absolutely wonderful. Don’t miss it!”
“A truly spectacular and accomplished group”
“Fabulous musicians, fabulous arrangements. Can’t recommend enough!” “Highly recommended. Wonderful performance”

Contact:
Fenner Curtis: 07821 049 821 | Andy Bowen: 07922 159 574 Email: swingfromparis@gmail.com

RHOLBEN
2024-03-03 14:30 - 16:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Rholben’s interpretations of the traditional music of Wales are full of tenderness, wit, and
deep emotion. The sublime voice of Siriol Davies, who grew up in South Wales, is
supported by thoughtful guitar, melodic double bass, sweeping, soaring strings, and
sumptuous vocal harmonies.
Siriol takes the Welsh language songs and the tunes of her childhood and, together with
some of the most highly respected and sought after traditional musicians to be found,
creates a sound that somehow feels light and current whilst also feeling as weighty and as
old as the hill from which they take their name.
Ffurfiwyd Rholben yn Rhydychen i berfformio caneuon ac alawon gwerin Cymreig.
Aelodau’r grŵp yw Siriol Davies (llais, obo), John Ruddock (gitâr), Giles Lewin (ffidil),
Jane Griffiths (ffidil a fiola) a Colin Fletcher (bas dwbl)
Dehongliadau tyner, meddylgar ac emosiynol o gerddoriaeth traddodiadol Cymru yw eu
prif repertoire, ynghyd ag ambell i gan Galisiaidd, gan fod Siriol a John hefyd yn
aelodau o’r band Eingl-Gymreig-Galisiaidd, Xogara. Mae Giles yn aelod o’r Carnival Band
a Jane a Colin yn aelodau o’r Owl Light Trio a nifer o fandiau gwerin.
Mae llais swynol Siriol, sy’n enedigol o’r Fenni, yn cyfuno gyda gitâr meddylgar, bas
dwbl cydgordiol, llinynau esgynnol ag harmonïau persain i gyflwyno casgliad o ganeuon
gwerin Cymreig.

An evening with Len Pennie
2024-02-29 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening with Len Pennie discussing her new highly anticipated poetry collection, Poyums!
The event will take place in the Melville Theatre, Abergavenny on February 29th at 7:30pm.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
And I have done more than just simply get by
So much more than escape or survive
Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience
I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.
After life that was seldom what life ought to be
Through laughter and love I’ll be whole
This story is mine from the cover to spine
And the narrative I will control
Whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship, Len’s voice is bold, unashamedly frank and unmistakably hers. The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent.
Moving deftly between English and Scots, poyums is as approachable as it is affecting.

The Marvin Muoneké Quartet
2024-02-25 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Marvin Muoneké, one of the South West’s up and coming jazz artists, is a singer-songwriter and performing artist with a voice that has been often referred to as rich, deep and smooth. Bringing the songs and sounds of mid-20th century jazz and popular music to modern listeners of all ages, Marvin possesses a rare and beautiful presence that can light up any audience of any venue within seconds. In 2015, he did a brief stint with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Mark Armstrong. Over the last ten years, Marvin has performed in several theatres and clubs at home and abroad, including The Weston Playhouse, Southampton’s Concorde Club, Pizza Express Holborn, Theatre Royal Winchester and the Pavilion Gabriel on Champs-Élysées in Paris. Marvin is also a vocalist with award-winning swing band, Down For The Count, Weston-super-Mare based Boulevard Swing Big Band.
His Quartet, consisting of some of the finest jazz musicians in the South West can play hot and cool, bringing a great sound of music tinged with exuberance and excitement. Marvin is extremely excited to come back with his band to Abergavenny after a very successful performance at the 2022 BMJ Wall2Wall Jazz Festival, breathing new life into legendary jazz standards and introducing original songs too.
Joining Marvin on the bandstand is:
Samuel Joyce – Piano:
Samuel is an experienced and accomplished teacher, musician and composer.
After graduating from the Jazz studies course at Leeds College Of Music in 2008 he has gone on to teach, perform and write in many varied roles and capacities.
Federico Leonori – Bass:
Federico is a double bass player based in Bristol, he is often seen playing with various bands throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Federico started playing the bass guitar in his teens. The accidental discovery of Mingus’s music was his inspiration in starting to play jazz and the double bass. He later enrolled for a Master Degree in Classical Double Bass at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory of his hometown Rome, while pursuing an active performing schedule in Classical Orchestras, Jazz Big bands and small groups. He graduated under the guidance of one of the leading European double bass player, Daniele Roccato, in 2014. During his studies, he deepened his knowledge of the jazz idiom by attending masterclasses and workshops. Federico was also lucky enough to have the chance to study with many jazz legends including John Abercrombie, Uri Caine, Cameron Brown, Eddie Gomez & Dave Liebman.
Ryan Thrupp – Drums
Ryan recently graduated with a First from the Royal Welsh College jazz degree course and besides his jazz activities plays with funky festival favourites Cut Capers and appeared on live BBC TV from Glastonbury 2023 with afro-beat balafon player N’famady Kouyaté.
Marvin is extremely excited to come back with his band to Abergavenny after a very successful performance at the 2022 BMJ Wall2Wall Jazz Festival, breathing new life into legendary jazz standards and introducing original songs too.

The BMJazz Collective plus guest Chris Cobbson
2024-02-11 18:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
BMJ Collective involves a number of talented young jazz musicians, drawn mainly from the Cardiff area. They partner Black Mountain Jazz through the year on some of its programmes and workshop projects.
This event brings together the current tutors of our latest youth project BMJazz Katz – Jack Mac (sax and vocals), Ryan Thrupp (drums) and Nick Kacal (bass)
They are joined for this performance by guitarist Chris Cobbson.
Chris Cobbson was one of the original members of Courtney Pine’s Jazz Warriors. He has performed with many national and international musical ensembles, including Osibissa and the Ghanain jazz ensemble Baraka, bringing this ensemble to Black Mountain Jazz Club in 2023.
We currently have 18 students twice a month at Melville Centre-Abergavenny. There is room for more if you know any interested young musicians?
This gig is part of a series, giving an opportunity to INSPIRE these young minds and see their tutors perform in the Theatre and show what is possible if you enjoy the learning journey and make the most of your chosen instrument.
By attending this exciting event, you will be both supporting this new YOUTH initiative by Black Mountain Jazz Club and also help to keep jazz alive in the younger generations of musicians in Abergavenny.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ZIMBABWE
2024-02-10 19:00 - 22:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom

An evening with Keith Temple
2024-02-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
TV writer Keith Temple talks about the pros and cons of novelising the script of his David Tennant era Doctor Who story Planet of The Ood for Penguin/BBC Books in 2023. Along the way he’ll talk about his writing career in television – and the bits of real-life in between! This will be followed by a Q&A session and book/memorabilia signing.
Keith’s screenwriting credits include Doctor Who, Doc Martin and original BBC comedy drama film Angel Cake starring Sarah Lancashire. He has also written extensively for Continuing Drama including EastEnders, Emmerdale, Doctors and Casualty. Recently, he wrote the screenplay for horror feature film, Wyvern Hill. He has also written for the stage and lectures widely on screenwriting and filmmaking.

Under Milk Wood
2024-01-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Jazz Suite Inspired by Dylan Thomas’s “Under Milk Wood” is an album released in 1965 by the English pianist Stan Tracey and his quartet.
The music was written in response to Dylan Thomas’s 1953 BBC radio play – ‘Under Milk Wood’. It has often been cited as one of the best jazz recordings made in the United Kingdom.
Dylan Thomas died in November 1953 and there was a memorial performance of Under Milk Wood in New York later that year. The first radio broadcast of this epic work was on 25th January 1954 – almost exactly 70 years ago.
To celebrate this milestone, Black Mountain Jazz has invited Stan Tracey’s son, Clark Tracey, to bring his quartet to The Melville Theatre to recreate this iconic album, with readings from Under Milk Wood interspersed with the music.
For an interesting read, visit Jazzwise via this link.
This promises to be an exciting and popular celebration and we recommend early booking.
______
Ticket price £20
Friends of BMJ £18
Under 18s £10
https://thelittleboxoffice.com/blackmountainjazz

BMJazz Katz
2024-01-23 17:00 - 2024-03-10 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Black Mountain Jazz launched its youth big band project at the start of 2023. Its future looks healthy for at least another three years with an Abergavenny Town Council Grant that provides much welcomed funding support.
Bringing together a handful of talented and experienced tutors, BMJazz Katz is a workshop project which gives people aged 10 to 19 years (ish) the opportunity to learn to play together in a jazz ensemble.
Open to those who play any instrument, including voice, to a ‘reasonable level’ for their age. The sessions incorporate a mixture of individual and group playing, focusing on rhythm, feel, balance and fun.
All professional musicians, the workshop tutors bring their knowledge and enthusiasm and help students feel comfortable, capable and part of the conversation.
Integral to the programme are three performances, the first of which is being arranged for March.
New members are always welcome and there is an open invitation to come along to one of the workshops and give it a try. The next workshop is on Sunday 7th January (2.30pm to 4.30pm) at Abergavenny’s Melville Centre.
For more information please use the contact form on BMJ’s website – www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk.

Comedy Workshops
2024-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Monmouthshire
Staring January 22nd, for 4 weeks.
7pm to 9pm

Have you thought of becoming a comedian? would you like to just dip your toe in? Perhaps doing a comedy gig is on your bucket list…
This course is for you. Led by Britain’s Got Talent semi finalist, 25 years pro comedian, Noel James, this course provides a safe space with positive, constructive feedback.
Accompanied by a 30 page booklet Noel will guide the student through the different performance techniques, delivery, and writing of material necessary for public comedic performance.
He will touch upon many ways of making the audience laugh: misdirection, reveal, visual humour, puns, and many more guidelines to help overcome the fear of getting on stage.
The student who is interested in joining should come along with the germ of a short set already in his/her mind. over the course of 4 weeks each potential comedian will develop this in front of the group, and at the end of the 4 weeks a showcase comedy show will then be arranged where each student gets to perform around 5 minutes in front of paying members of the public.
Age: 18 +
Price: £30 for the entire 4 weeks, payable on the first night.
or £8 per night.

Auction Valuation Day
2024-01-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
Auctioneer Philip Keith invites you to bring items of interest for a FREE no-obligation valuation.
Please call 02920 708125 to book your space.

Stand-Up Comedy Writing Workshop
2023-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Ever fancied doing Stand-Up?
Noel James is a professional comedian. His stand up comedy workshop does not teach people how to be funny, but instead provides the tools needed by a new act to deliver their material, to sell their performance to the audience, and to overcome fear and anxiety.
Included in this two hour taster session is a 30 page booklet which outlines the history as well as various aspects of comedy.
What techniques can be used to make a joke funny? Misdirection/reveal, wordplay, juxtaposition, transposition.
How should a comedian address a crowd ? Head up, face towards the back of the room, with clear enunciation. plenty of volume and steady pace. All aspects will be covered, from the technical – how to handle a microphone. To the business – what is the comedy ‘ circuit’ and how does one get a ‘gig’?
This taster session will hopefully lead to a longer course where students will be invited to bring in their own written ‘set’, rehearse in the theatre and workshop your material before the group.
The environment provided is creative, constructive and non-judgemental.
This session is conducted in English but Welsh speakers are welcome.
Spaces only £5.00 – Get in while you can!
Everyone’s got to start somewhere, so if you want a laugh, or if you want to make others laugh…please do sign up. Email melvillecentrearts@gmail.com to reserve your space.

FOLK TALES with Taff Rapids
2023-12-08 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
There is a rise in the popularity of Americana in the UK and these seasoned performers have come together to create Cardiff’s newest bluegrass band.
Taff Rapids Stringband brings the skills of Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, Josh Goodey and Darren Eedens together around the mic in the old Bluegrass tradition to share songs of times past.
Lovers of fiddle and banjo will not want to miss their quick pickin’ and high and lonesome harmonies!!
There are no amps or drums here, just acoustic instruments, energy and tradition.
Mae’r poblogrwydd o gerddoriaeth Americana wedi codi yn y Ddeyrnas Unedig a mae’r perfformwyr brofiadol hyn wedi dôd at ei gilydd i ddod a gerddoriaeth bluegrass i Gaerdydd. Mae’r TAFF RAPIDS STRINGBAND yn uno sgiliau Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, Josh Goodey a Darren Eedens er mwyn harnesio’r steil traddodiadol a cyffrous yma mewn ffordd cyfoes. Mae nhw’n chwarae’n gyflym ac yn canu yn gytgord – mae’n siwr fydd cefnogwyr o’r ffidil a’r banjo ddim eisiau eu golli nhw’n chwarae. Does dim amps neu drymiau yma, dim ond egni, angerdd a traddodiad.

Keith James: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
2023-11-30 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
These remarkable songs – stripped back, honest, naked, and sensual.
‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ Cohen’s most memorable and visionary line from his song ANTHEM. If ever there was a sentence in modern poetry to reflect on and give hope and understanding to us all, it is this line. The concert begins with ANTHEM.
Enigmatic, mysterious, and sub textural, songwriter Leonard Cohen was an unflinching character, with an exact sense of prose, wry humour, and the courage to wrestle with the unspoken. He conveyed human frailty and indulgence with the stroke of each word. The chilling announcement of Leonard’s death marked the end of an era. His music befriended an entire generation. Within every line of his writing, he has been challenging us to listen more carefully, speak more thoughtfully, think more deeply, and recognise our own vulnerability. Our World misses him very much.
With a lifetime reputation of performing in this exact way and an undying love of the ‘pure song’ Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material.
In the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable, Keith exposes the solitary inner strength of Cohen’s greatest songs in their original perfect form. Keith has performed an extensive tour of this concert in Theatres and Arts Centres across the UK, giving over 550 concerts to more than 150,000 people. This has proved to be one of the greatest honours in Keith James’ 40 year career.
Included in the concert are Cohen’s well-known songs: Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne, and Hallelujah, alongside his rarer and profound writings, such as If It Be Your Will, Joan of Arc, and Secret Life. Also included are Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. Keith has also transcribed into song one of Leonard’s poems from his collection ‘Book of Longing‘ written whilst on retreat during the 1990s.
Tickets:
Buy online: tickets link is towards the end of this page.
Reserve & pay cash on the door: call 01873 853167 to reserve your tickets, then collect on the door and pay by cash.

BMJ Presents Claire Roberts Trio - Carmen McRae Remembered
2023-11-26 19:30 - 22:30 | Monmouthshire
In this session, singer and violinist Claire Roberts ventures into the bebop vocal style of one of her biggest inspirations, Carmen McRae.
Originally from Carmarthen Claire Victoria Roberts was first introduced to the sounds of jazz by her father, a gypsy jazz violinist. She went on to study classical music and composition at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music and at Bangor University, and remains resident in Manchester.
Roberts is a highly versatile musician who was written for classical ensembles large and small, and also for dance and theatre. She has also worked with Manchester based pianist, composer and improviser Adam Fairhall as part of his “The Imaginary Delta Project”.
A major part of her musical career is as fiddle player, pianist and joint lead vocalist with the busy and popular Manchester based Texas Swing ensemble The Swing Commanders.
Tickets available from blackmountainjazz.co.uk
