There is an endless list of things to do in Cardiff, from food, drink, nightlife, and entertainment. But if you’re looking for something relaxing and cheap, then the Royal Welsh College may have some events that you’re interested in.

Situated by Bute Park, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is a national conservatoire, training more than 900 actors, musicians, designers, and technicians. This thriving hub of the arts describes itself as attracting the best talent from around the globe. And, thankfully, they are willing to share this talent with the rest of Cardiff or the public to enjoy. From live music, opera, and stage performances, there is something for everyone, if you’re looking for a night away from studies.

“After attending a free jazz night at the college, the passion and talent was evident in the performers and the crowd.”

With no cost of entry required, I was able to enjoy jazz music while watching the sun set over Bute Park. With a bar serving drinks, snacks and food to go alongside exquisite music, it was the perfect way to escape from the stress of studies. These jazz nights are every Friday at the College and purely an avenue for students at the conservatoire to perform their music. A mix of original songs and some classic tunes, was a wonderful accompaniment to showcase both talent for performing, and for original song writing. Alongside jazz, on Thursday evenings classical music is available to listen to for free. Opera nights are available, with tickets being as little as £9 to see talented performers display their passions. It is a wonderful break away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If live music isn’t quite your cup of tea, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama also host a variety of plays all year round. For only £9.00, I was able to see Hamlet with the Richard Burton Company, which is the conservatoire’s inhouse theatre company. The plays are described as “classics through a modern lens” which “reflects society today”. Other upcoming performances include Pomona, Tartuffe, The Imposter, and The Adventures of David Copperfield. After watching Hamlet, it was evident the range of talent that is on offer. For only £9.00, I was able to see incredible acting, sharp sets, and a polished all-round performance. The small and atmospheric theatre added to the intense ambience and allowed full immersion into the performance. Despite never seeing a Shakespeare play in the flesh, I left feeling cultured and moved. Don’t feel daunted by the idea of Shakespeare; the play was presented in a digestible tone, with modern quirks added to bring a renowned play like Hamlet into the modern day.

Whether it be live music, opera, acting, or even just to grab a drink and admire the view of Bute Park in autumn, the Royal Welsh College for Music and Drama is more than just a conservatoire.

“If you’re looking to have a cultural evening enjoying the arts from little to nothing, I couldn’t recommend it more.”

You can cosy up with a hot chocolate while listening to classical or jazz music, before watching an extremely well performed play. What more could you want?

Image provided by Wikimedia Commons (Outisde the Dora Stoutzker Hall, RWCMD, Cardiff)