I explored Cardiff’s Christmas pantomime, discovering the vibrant magic of theatre with stars Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans
Cardiff: I have to admit, I had never been to Cardiff’s New Theatre before. I was always a fan of the Wales Millennium Centre. So, when I got the chance to check out the Christmas pantomime with Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans, I was super excited.
With all the streaming options these days, it’s easy to think theatre magic is fading. But let me tell you, I was wrong. Being backstage showed me that the magic is alive and well. This place has seen countless stars and performers, and the energy is still buzzing.
This Edwardian theatre has been around since 1906, and it looks just like you’d imagine a classic theatre would. It’s a bit old-school, with winding corridors and staircases that seem to pop up out of nowhere. It’s like a maze back there!
The dressing rooms were just as lively as I expected. There were costumes, makeup, flowers, and snacks everywhere. I saw Gethin, Owain, and the legendary Mike Doyle chatting with their dance captain, Sinéad Courtney. You could feel the camaraderie among the cast; they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
We arrived an hour before the show, and the excitement was palpable. Last-minute rehearsals were wrapping up, and the set was coming together beautifully. The air was filled with the scents of perfume and hairspray, and people were buzzing around, making it all feel like a well-oiled machine.
One moment that really hit me was when we went down to see the band just before the show started. I looked up and saw the packed audience, and wow, it was a bit overwhelming! So many people had come to see the show, and I felt a rush of pressure, grateful I wasn’t the one on stage.
Watching from the wings during the first act, it was clear how much love everyone had for the theatre, especially Mike. Their passion was infectious, and after my backstage experience, I felt the magic of theatre restored in me. Cinderella is running at the New Theatre until January 5, and I feel lucky to have had a glimpse into this enchanting world.