The May-August 2018 artistic programme for Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre goes on sale today, 28 March 2018 at 10:00.
Highlights include a visit by Shakespeare’s Globe, Irish legends, The Fureys, Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, Gwenno, Ballet Cymru, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Welsh National Opera, first rate contemporary circus, children’s shows, as well as our ongoing programme of cinema and live screenings.
Opening the season this May will be Bangor University with their Symphony Orchestra and Chorus concert, the Dance Societies’ Summer Dance Showcase and the School of Music present their End-of-Year Gala Concert at the end of the month.
Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru returns with Estron (Alien) by Hefin Robinson, Soho Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company present a dark comedy, Half Breed and Little Wonder brings some of Britain’s best comedians to the Comedy Club. BLAS, Pontio’s youth participation programme will create and perform their own devised show, The Upside-down World and later on in the programme present a special event which explores further the power of conversation between young people and those living with dementia, Our Voices.
A season highlight will be a visit by Shakespeare’s Globe at the beginning of June. Theatr Bryn Terfel will be transformed into a space that resembles the Globe itself – with space to stand in the middle, and the audience will be given a choice of three plays, The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew & Twelfth Night, and will vote on the evening to determine which play will be performed before them.
It’s Visit Wales Year of the Sea, a theme that seems to run through or Summer programme, and we’ll join in with the celebrations as we host sea themed creative family activities over the May half term. Theatr Iolo and Pontio will present a new piece of theatre being developed collaboratively at Pontio with families and Hikapee Theatre will entertain our Pontio Family audience with an aerial circus, physical comedy and magical story telling show called Moonfall.
Music from all around the world includes The Fureys perform some of their classics and new material, Catrin Finch (Wales) & Seckou Keita (Senegal) perform their long-awaited new album, Soar which takes light on the wings of the osprey, which makes its annual 3,000-mile migration from the coasts of West Africa to the estuaries of Wales. There will also be an opportunity to see Gwenno perform her sea-warped psychedelic music live in a stand-up gig with support by R.Seiliog.
Gandini Juggling return with a new adventurous and kaleidoscopic show, Spring and Casus Cricus from Australia present their only performances in Wales of a unique acrobatic display, Driftwood. If you’d like to give circus a try yourself, there’ll be plenty of opportunity in various workshops.
Ensemble Cymru returns with their Anniversary Finale concert, Welsh National Opera with a Summer Opera Classics concert, Ballet Cymru present Cinderella and Ysgol Glanaethwy perform a colourful and original show, Camllisafu.
Gwyn Llewelyn will be in conversation with Charles Duff about his newly-published, exquisitely vivid memoir, and brand new for 2018 Bardd is the latest creative output for North Wales Hip Hop Legends Martin Daws and Ed Holden/Mr Phormula.
Closing the Summer season is a Centenary Concert of Remembrance with The Band of the Welsh Guards and the Military Wives Choir from RAF Valley, Carnival Dream by Bangor Dance Studio and NHS70: Touch, an interactive piece to soothe the soul, marrying the therapeutic, healing powers of dance and touch by National Theatre Wales & Migrations.
Elen ap Robert, Pontio’s artistic director said, “As we look towards the summer season, we’re delighted to welcome back a number of national companies as well as present some truly unique theatrical experiences!”
Tickets on sale from 10am Wednesday 28 March from pontio.co.uk or 01248 38 28 28. For a copy of the programme, visit pontio.co.uk or call in at the centre.