YOU’VE probably heard tell that what you imagine sometimes comes true.
That’s definitely the case for Carmarthen and District Youth Opera as they prepare to stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory next month.
The musical will be staged at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen from February 26 to March 1 (7.30pm), with matinee shows at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 27, and Saturday, March 1.
Tickets, price £20 (concessions £15), are now on sale and available online via https://www.theatrausirgar.co.uk, at The Lyric Box office, or by ringing 0345 2263510.
They’ve got some imagination at Carmarthen and District Youth Opera, so you can expect the spectacular from the cast and production crew.
A spokesman for the Youth Opera said: “This year will be a first for us to be using a full-scale digital screen as part of the scenery on stage.
“We are confident that everyone will enjoy our performances and interpretation while also appreciating the huge input by our young cast and our small army of adult volunteers.”
Auditions were held in September, and since then rehearsals have been held three times a week.
There are 64 cast members, but as the performance schedule is so demanding many of the principal roles will be ‘double-cast’.
The show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine memorable songs from the original 1970s motion picture (The Candy Man and Pure Imagination).
For those who don’t know the story, the musical is based on the Roald Dahl tale.
It is a comedic and fantastical story following young Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Jo as they join a small group of Golden Ticket contest winners who get to tour the magical and mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka.
When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five Golden Tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams.
But, beyond the gates, they discover more than just remarkable edible delights.
As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived.
The Youth Opera spokesman added: “This is a show for all the family and for all ages, with ticket demand likely to be high.
“We want you to experience the “Charlie” environment throughout your visit to the theatre and, afterwards, leave for home having experienced its magic.
“To celebrate the magic of “Charlie”, and its storyline, we are offering a unique opportunity for you to enter a Grand Golden Ticket Prize Draw.
“Envelopes at £1 each will be on sale in the theatre foyer area before the show starts, and during the interval.
“Those lucky enough to reveal one of only 60 Golden Tickets will be entered into a prize draw that will take place after the final performance on Saturday, March 1.
“The winner will enjoy a family trip to London, including train tickets, and a two-night stay in a family room for up to four people at the Hilton Hotel, Kensington.
“There will be other prizes as well for ‘lucky envelope’ holders. The more envelopes you hold, the better your chances of a win. Mwynhewch y sioe. Enjoy the show!”
In other news, there’s a musical treat coming up at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen this Saturday, January 18 (7.30pm), with a special charity concert being organised by the Carmarthen Tywi Rotary Club.
The concert will feature the world-famous Cory Band and the popular Bella Voce female vocal group. The compere will be the author of this weekly column.
A spokesman for Carmarthen Tywi Rotary Club said: “This is a big chance to ring in the New Year with a dazzling performance by the Cory Band and the incredible sound of Bella Voce.
“Tickets for this concert are sure to be in great demand as the Cory Band are the current Welsh Brass Band champions. This is your chance to witness brass band music at its finest. All monies raised from the concert will go to help local charities and worthy causes.”
Tickets are £22.50 and £20 and are available from The Lyric box office or the Theatrau Sir Gar website, or by phoning 0345 2263510.
The Carmarthen Tywi Rotary spokesman added: “You can prepare to be electrified by one of the very best brass bands of the 21st Century.
“The Cory Band has won the European, British Open, National Championships of Great Britain, and Brass in Concert titles on many occasions and for an unprecedented 16 years (from 2007 to 2023) the Cory Band was the world’s No1 ranked band.
“Experience their magic first hand as they perform their latest scintillating, entertaining and engaging repertoire, which will appeal to all musical tastes and all ages.”
Originally known as Ton Temperance, the band was formed in 1884. In 1895, Sir Clifford Cory, the local colliery owner, offered financial assistance, resulting in the band’s name change to Cory.
Since 2012, the band has been conducted by Philip Harper, winning numerous European, National, Brass in Concert, and British Open titles. The band has also toured Australia, the USA, and South Korea, and won the inaugural winner of TV Channel S4C’s Band Cymru programme.
Aside from their impressive competition history, the Cory Band has also made significant strides musically. The band was appointed as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s resident ensemble in 2000. Cory Band is proud performing artist for Besson Musical Instruments and Rath Trombones.
The Cory Band is dedicated to new music, raising the profile of the brass band genre, and keeping music alive in Wales. The band’s current ‘Composer in Residence’ is Christopher Bond.
The band’s numerous CD recordings and live concert performances have received worldwide acclaim. In 2022, the band was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for their dedicated work within the Brass Band movement, further cementing their status as one of the finest and most innovative music ensembles in Wales.
Vocal group Bella Voce are based in Pembrokeshire and led by musical director Sarah Benbow and accompanist Seimon Morris.
Bella Voce is made up of busy, professional women who have a deep and rich musical heritage, which includes 27 grade 8s and multiple music degrees.
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