Review: Conclave (2024)

The pope is dead, the throne is vacant, and Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is left in charge of finding a worthy successor. This is the main conflict of Edward Berger’s two-hour epic Conclave, a pressure-cooker concept where the natural progression of a religious institution may lead to its destruction.  Two years ago, Berger became a household name with All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), … Continue reading Review: Conclave (2024)

Cheeky Habibis playing at Club Ifor Bach

The Cheeky Habibis: Tuning into Cardiff’s Music Scene

CLWB IFOR BACH. January 25th 2025. I stood in a dimly lit room, surrounded by the community of Cardiff’s underground music scene. The crowd, large and diverse for the setting, included not just alternative students and young adults, but also parents, loved ones and friends of the performers. All eyes focused on the band performing on stage, who were illuminated by a neon glow of … Continue reading The Cheeky Habibis: Tuning into Cardiff’s Music Scene

Maple and Bean cafe

The Maple and Bean, a Cardiff Cafe Review

Cliché Cuteness? Cute sounding and in a cute spot in the Morgan Arcade. The Maple and Bean is a neat little cafe that’s tucked away in the tunnels of Cardiff.  But cute might just be about all I can say about the place. Don’t get me wrong the place was absolutely lovely. There’s a definite aesthetics and two stories of little tables that allow you … Continue reading The Maple and Bean, a Cardiff Cafe Review

Concert

Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales

Never forget where you’re coming from! The Welsh certainly don’t. Take That returned to Swansea once again in 2024, where they had one of their first Welsh concerts all those years ago. Take That’s return to Swansea wasn’t just another stop on their tour- it was a powerful nod to the places that shaped their rise to stardom. Back in the ’90s, cities like Swansea … Continue reading Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales

A Review of the York & Whitby GIAG Trip

I recently joined a two-day “Give It a Go” trip to York and Whitby, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, the trip was well-organized and stress-free, with a comfortable coach ride that allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey. In York, I had the chance to explore some incredible attractions. The York Chocolate Story was a sweet highlight, where … Continue reading A Review of the York & Whitby GIAG Trip

Guaranteed Good Times with The Overtones!

I was kindly given the opportunity to attend The Overtones Good Times Christmas Tour in October. As someone who has briefly heard of the group, but isn’t incredibly aware of them, I went into this show quite blind and was pleasantly surprised with my evening. The opening act, Tom Ball, was incredibly notable for me, as his stage presence, crowd control, and voice were all … Continue reading Guaranteed Good Times with The Overtones!

Act One’s The Small Mermaid: A Horny Whirlpool of Eco-Conscious Crustaceans

Under the sea, it is certainly wetter. Act One’s sin-soaked panto The Small Mermaid plunges us into the deep end of a very wet (fever) dream; think Rocky Horror meets Sea World meets Am-Dram.  Directed by Millie Quarm (Twelfth Night), the plot is anchored in the upcoming erections, I mean elections, of the human world – of which Just Stop Oil leads the polls – … Continue reading Act One’s The Small Mermaid: A Horny Whirlpool of Eco-Conscious Crustaceans

Cardiff University’s Winter Showcase: A Night of Unforgettable Talent and Community Spirit.

Cardiff’s University’s winter showcase was an electric evening of singing, dancing, drama, and excitement. The show ran for just under three hours, broken into three parts with ten minute intervals. I found every single performance captivating, and at times I even had goosebumps. The evening demonstrated the immense amount of artistic talent amongst Cardiff’s students. Shriya Aaytee, the president and performance coordinator of Bollywood Dance … Continue reading Cardiff University’s Winter Showcase: A Night of Unforgettable Talent and Community Spirit.

Winter Showcase Review: A Medley of Musical Masterpieces

Kicking off the festivities and celebration, Cardiff University recently hosted their first Winter Showcase of 2024. A three-act performance made up of a variety of society’s prepared five-minute pieces, I was lucky enough to watch alongside two members of the Quench Team. The showcase was organised meticulously by Cardiff student union staff who made the audience feel welcome and prepped for a night of fun. … Continue reading Winter Showcase Review: A Medley of Musical Masterpieces

Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

Charles Dickens is renowned for shaping our Christmas experience, so when I went to watch A Christmas Carol, I had high expectations. The show appealing to everyone, brings the festive magic to life with it’s charming humour. Debuting back in 2021, it has now returned and become a performance worth watching repeatedly. Staged at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and adapted by Gary Owen, this … Continue reading Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

That’ll Be The Day: So this is Christmas Review

I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to watch That’ll Be The Day: Christmas Special. The show itself has been running since 1986 and has only grown in popularity since. The performance takes you on a journey through the mid-20th century with famous Christmas songs from several iconic eras. Oddly enough I had no prior knowledge of the show before, and I decided that it would best to … Continue reading That’ll Be The Day: So this is Christmas Review

Credit- Olivia Nilsen

Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head!  Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights … Continue reading Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire

The lights dim and the familiar opening twangs of ‘Love Story’ echo out across Cardiff’s Temple ofPeace. It is through this unexpected fusion of the Swiftian and Shakespearean that Act One DramaSociety’s production of Twelfth Night transports us into the mystical realm of Illyria. Directed byAmelia Quarm and produced by Luke Knights, the production premiered in February for a three dayrun; starring students across years, … Continue reading Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire

Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

A night of naughtiness, raucous laughter and pure queer joy, Student-run drag show Sly landed with a bang on the 25th of April in the Student’s Union. The university’s first-ever drag show and held in support of Mind Mental Health Charity, Sly’s triumph represented a landmark feat for Cardiff’s queer communities. Creative polymath Josh Salisbury created, hosted and performed as a part of Sly. Since … Continue reading Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Distinguished magician and producer, Oliver Tabor is celebrated for his captivating performances and innovative contributions to the world of magic. His flagship production, West End Magic, is London’s longest-running magic show. This theatrical spectacle combines mesmerising illusions, comedy and a diverse lineup of talented performers. From being president of the IBM British Ring or FISM Champion, in this interview, he shares insights into his journey … Continue reading Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Cardiff cake: the bike lock

Cardiff’s Bike Lock: a review

The doorstep toast While searching for a Cardiff cafe, I was stopped by the phrase “doorstep toast” and knew I needed to visit whatever establishment served this. So off I headed to The Bike Lock, with its miss matched tables and chairs and mellow lighting. All which emulate cosy, Gilmore girl vibes, and the pleasantness of everyone makes it one of the friendliest cafes around. With a system for storing bikes … Continue reading Cardiff’s Bike Lock: a review