THE countdown is on in Carmarthen to enter that world of pure imagination!

Carmarthen and District Youth Opera members are busy preparing to stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

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.

The pure imagination theme is part of the DNA for 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 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.”

For a very important stalwart member of Carmarthen and District Youth Opera, the production will mark the end of an era.

‘Charlie’ will be the last show for the company’s very talented Director, Daniel Williams.

Dan has been Director for the last eight years but has been an integral part of the Youth Opera family for much longer than that.

Dan first joined the company in 1999 for the production of Guys and Dolls and then went on to play many leading roles, winning the President’s Shield in 2006 and 2015.

Dan’s ability to bring out the best in young cast members has been a joy to see and he has inspired many to pursue careers in the arts.

The comedy and energy he has always infused into the shows have made them unforgettable, and his vision and direction have produced some of the company’s most successful productions.

Dan will be sorely missed by everyone at Carmarthen Youth Opera.

In other news, the countdown is also on to a series of special St David’s Day concerts in west Wales. Events include –

• St David’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 1, at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. Two award-winning choirs, Dunvant Male Choir and Morriston RFC Male Choir, will join forces for what promises to be a memorable evening. They will be joined by two guest soloists – soprano Lauren Elizabeth Williams and tenor James Oakley. The evening will also feature the talented youngsters from Ysgol Gymraeg Ffwrnes school choir. The evening will be hosted bilingually by award-winning BBC Wales journalist and presenter Garry Owen.
• An A Cappella Community Choir Concert in Narberth, on March 8 (7pm). The venue will be St Andrews Church, Narberth, and tickets are £12.50 and £8.50 (concession).
• A concert at Ammanford’s Miner’s Theatre (now known as Glowyr) on Friday, February 28 (7pm). Topping the bill will be Osian Clarke, from Tycroes, a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. Young harpist Awel Grug Lewis will also perform and the choral element of the programme will be provided by the exceptional harmonies of Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm, led by Catrin Hughes.
• A concert in aid of the Burry Port RNLI lifeboat station at Tabernacle Chapel, Burry Port, on Saturday, March 1 (7.30pm). It will feature three young Welsh tenors – Ceri Davies, Rhodri Prys Jones and local favourite Osian Wyn Bowen. Male voice choirs from Burry Port, Carmarthen, Mynydd Mawr and Dyffryn Amman will also take to the stage.
• Côr Meibion Pontarddulais Male Choir’s St David’s Day concert at Capel Hope Siloh on Saturday, March 1 (7pm). Special guests include soprano Ros Evans, a choir from Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and Penclawdd Junior Band.

Finally, Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre will be rocking to the sound of The Guilty Men on Sunday, March 2, at 7:30pm, as the band visit the town as part of their UK tour.

The Guilty Men are a true modern-day supergroup, featuring five of the finest musicians from the northwest of England, with more than 10,000 gigs, thousands of recordings, and countless radio and TV appearances between them.

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked online at www.theatrausirgar.co.uk and with the box office on 0345 2263510.

THEY might be checking the roof of Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli before Carmarthenshire’s premier St David’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 1.

More than 100 voices will take to the stage to conjure up a powerhouse sound which will celebrate the patron saint’s day in style.

Two award-winning choirs, Dunvant Male Choir and Morriston RFC Male Choir, will join forces for what promises to be a memorable evening.

They will be joined by two guest soloists – soprano Lauren Elizabeth Williams and tenor James Oakley.

The evening will also feature the talented youngsters from Ysgol Gymraeg Ffwrnes school choir.

The evening will be hosted bilingually by award-winning BBC Wales journalist and presenter Garry Owen.

Tickets are £18 and £16, with the show starting at 7pm.

The Dunvant choir will be under the baton of musical director Jonathan Rogers.

After attaining a BA (Hons) in Music and PGCE from Bristol University, Jonathan returned to south Wales to begin his teaching career and within three years was promoted to Head of Music at Penyrheol Comprehensive School.

Since Autumn 2014, he has held the position of Curriculum Leader of Music for Gower College Swansea and this led to his appointment as Associate Lecturer with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and as an examiner with the Welsh Joint Education Committee.

Jonathan has occupied the role of Musical Director of the Dunvant Male Choir since 2007 has worked in some prestigious venues across the world.

His excellent reputation as a conductor, arranger and soloist has grown in recent years and he continues to combine his work in education with his busy life as a conductor in the Swansea area.

In 2021, Jonathan was awarded a Silver Prize in the National Pearson Teaching Awards and was the sole Welsh practitioner to be successful in the Further Education category.

The Morriston RFC choir musical director is D Huw Rees, who also enjoys an association as an accompanist with the Dunvant choir.

Huw, a native of Swansea, studied music at Cardiff University where he studied piano under Stephen Price, voice with Clifford Bunford, organ with Robert Court and composition under Dr Richard Elfyn Jones.

During this time Huw became a member of the National Youth Choir of Wales and accompanist to several choirs in the Cardiff area.

Huw has been associated with Morriston RFC Male Choir since 1990, first as the choir accompanist and in 2004 as its Musical Director.

These commitments were honoured in 2005 with life membership and in May 2022 for his 32 years of service as accompanist and Musical Director.

Huw also has other duties as an accompanist to Parti Llwchwr and is in significant demand elsewhere to organisations such as Urdd Gobaith Cymru, S4C’s Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol and others.

Huw’s long-standing commitment to the Urdd organisation stretches back to 1993 as an accompanist, Vice Chair of the 2018 Urdd Eisteddfod and adjudicator. He is Chair of the Music Committee in 2025 when the Urdd Eisteddfod will be held in Margam, Neath Port Talbot.

Other St David’s events in west Wales include –

• An A Cappella Community Choir Concert in Narberth, on March 8 (7pm). The venue will be St Andrews Church, Narberth, and tickets are £12.50 and £8.50 (concession).
• A concert at Ammanford’s Miner’s Theatre (now known as Glowyr) on Friday, February 28 (7pm). Topping the bill will be Osian Clarke, from Tycroes, a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. Young harpist Awel Grug Lewis will also perform and the choral element of the programme will be provided by the exceptional harmonies of Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm, led by Catrin Hughes.
• A concert in aid of the Burry Port RNLI lifeboat station at Tabernacle Chapel, Burry Port, on Saturday, March 1 (7.30pm). It will feature three young Welsh tenors – Ceri Davies, Rhodri Prys Jones and local favourite Osian Wyn Bowen. Male voice choirs from Burry Port, Carmarthen, Mynydd Mawr and Dyffryn Amman will also take to the stage.
• Côr Meibion Pontarddulais Male Choir’s St David’s Day concert at Capel Hope Siloh on Saturday, March 1 (7pm). Special guests include soprano Ros Evans, a choir from Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and Penclawdd Junior Band.

In other news, the team at the Curtain Up theatre company in Llanelli are gearing up for their next performance.

‘West End to Broadway’ will be staged at Llanelli’s Diplomat Hotel on Thursday, February 6 (7pm). The evening will feature favourite songs from classic and modern musicals.

The concert will be in aid of the Stroke Association and tickets are £10.

Curtain Up’s John-Paul Jones said: “The evening promises to be a treat for all the family, featuring popular songs from The Lion King, Chicago and The Jersey Boys – and many more!”

If country music is more your style, then The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen will be the place to be on Friday, February 7.

It’s billed as ‘An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Ward Thomas’, with Beth Rowley providing the support act.

Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas are touring the UK in January and February with a special show featuring stripped-back versions of songs from across their career.

Support act Beth Rowley is known for her rich, effortless vocals and is influenced by Gospel Spirituals, Americana and Blues.

Tickets are £35.50, £30.50 and £26.50.

In Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre on February 8 (7.30pm), Fleetwood Bac, the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, take the stage.

Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, the Fleetwood Bac are the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic Rumours line-up.

Tickets are £21.50.

IF I had a fiver for every time I get asked the question, then I’d be a very rich man.

There’s probably some exaggeration there, but I still reckon it would provide a steady supply of beer tokens.

My earnings would be spaced throughout the year, but would rise sharply during the rugby season and hit a peak at the start of the Six Nations tournament.

The question I refer to is (of course!): Why are Llanelli people nicknamed Turks?

My response can vary – from a short and sharp reply to a lengthy monologue.

Experience has taught me that the person asking the question is disappointed by both responses.

The question often pops up in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Take last Saturday evening, when I was attending the wedding party of some good friends at The Village Hotel in Swansea.

Among the guests were several nurses from Morriston and Neath-Port Talbot hospitals. One, ‘Swansea Gill (with a G)’, revealed she is a regular reader of this column.

Five minutes into our conversation, ‘The Turkish Question’ popped up.

My standard ‘short’ response to ‘Why are Llanelli people nicknamed Turks?’ is “They are not.”

As mentioned above, most people are unsatisfied by such an answer, so I usually have to launch into my standard speech on the subject.

It goes something like this . . .

There are theories as to why Llanelli people are nicknamed Turks (by some misguided people!) . . .

Theory One revolves around tinplate workers. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Llanelli was a major centre for tinplate production. Many will still refer to the town as ‘Sospan’. The work was hot and sweaty and workers often wrapped towels around their heads to absorb the sweat. This made them look they were wearing turbans, leading to the nickname ‘Turks’.

Theory Two puts Turkish sailors (or a Turkish boat) into the mix. The story goes that during the 1920s, a Turkish ship docked in Llanelli when Swansea dockers were on strike. Swansea dockers were unhappy at the scab workers and called the Llanelli workers ‘Turks’. Another version of this yarn has the Llanelli dockers bussed into Swansea to break the strike.

Theory Three centres around the 4th Battalion of the Welch Regiment. During World War One, the 4th Battalion of the Welch Regiment, which included many soldiers from Llanelli, fought against the troops of the Ottoman Empire. And, so, it followed that the returning Llanelli soldiers were called ‘Turks’.

Down the years, I managed to talk to many celebrated Llanelli historians (most of whom have now departed to the great reference library in the sky) and all were agreed the theories were rubbish.

There are no references in the history books to Llanelli people being called ‘Turks’. In fact, the nickname is a relatively modern-day invention.

All my research points to it appearing to gain some traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the rivalry between the Scarlets rugby team of Llanelli and the All Whites of Swansea was reaching a peak.

My theory does require adding in the question: Why are Swansea people known as Jacks?

The origin of that nickname has two probable sources –

In the early 19th century, local sailors were known as Jack Tars. Swansea was a centre of the copper-smelting industry and Swansea sailors were known for navigating the dangerous Cape Horn to trade with Chile. The nickname may come from the reputation of those brave sailors.

The dog theory: Swansea Jack was a black retriever who walked Swansea’s docks in the 1930s. He saved at least 27 people and two dogs from drowning in the River Tawe and Swansea Docks. The nickname may come from the dog’s fame.

It’s a case of ‘You pays your money and you takes your choice’ on the Swansea Jack theories, but the nickname has been about for the best part of a century.

As for ‘The Turkish Question’, I’m sticking by my theory that it started with media banter around the rivalry between the Scarlets and the All Whites. Swansea’s players were known as ‘Jacks’, so it followed that the media guys needed to find a simple name to slap on the Scarlets.

Many moons ago I asked some old rugby players for their take on ‘Llanelli Turks’.

Llanelli Wanderers club member and former All Whites fly-half Jack Marker (now sadly departed) was adamant that the Turks nickname was nonsense, had no link to historical events and was just “pub banter from the 1970s”.

Norman Gale *, another sadly departed rugby great, was of the same opinion.

Norman was probably better placed than many to know if the name ‘Turks’ had any historical significance. He played for Gorseinon, the All Whites and the Scarlets. Never known for using two words when one would do, Norman dismissed the Turks nickname as “rubbish”.

Finally, mention must be made of yet more pub banter dating back to the 1970s and ’80s.

Around the time the ‘Turks’ name started being weaponised by Swansea fans, another question started to be asked in pubs across west Wales –

‘If Swansea people are Jacks and Llanelli people are Turks, does that make people living in Loughor ‘Jerks’?

Having been a resident of Loughor for many years, I can declare that this, too, is nonsense.

And, having put ‘The Turkish Question’ to bed, I want to hear no more on the subject. I certainly don’t want to hear Llanelli people labelled ‘Turks’ and I certainly don’t want to have to answer the question again.

On reflection, however, I guess the last bit is wishful thinking on my part!

* Norman Gale is probably worth a thousand words of this column in his own right. He captained Wales twice in 1967-68 and earned a place in Welsh rugby history when he became the last hooker to score a penalty in an international, when he kicked one against New Zealand in 1967.

TO state the blinking obvious, it’s not so much a mid-life crisis as a spot of ‘old-life’ bother.

This week saw something of a landmark birthday. I’ve had my lovely letter from the taxman at HMRC and my state pension is kicking in.

As I clutched a small dry (cooking) sherry to celebrate the occasion, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’m turning into something of a penny-pincher.

The warning signs are there already – a habit (bordering on OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder) of switching off lights and electrical appliances when they are not needed, and an evening routine of cwtshing up under a rug (in preference to putting the central heating on!).

Call it thrift, call it being a Scrooge. Or call it being a miser, tightwad, cheapskate or a penny-pincher.

Truth is, I’m now worried that I’m turning into the sort of person I used to laugh at during my younger days.

Bit by bit, I’m becoming obsessed with seeking out bargains.

The Head of the Household, aka Mrs Lloyd, is convinced it started when I received my free bus pass (next to free prescriptions, the single greatest achievement by our Senedd/Welsh Government).

In the Kitchen Cabinet charged with running the Lloyd household, Mrs L has always been in charge of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), but her position may be under threat if the current bargain hunt trend continues.

For example, this week I discovered the wonders of the Asda meal deal.

At Asda cafes (our nearest is Parc Trostre in Llanelli) the winter warmer deal runs until the end of February.

It offers hot soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee for just £1. It’s available to anyone aged 60 or over.

Ker-ching! As we pensioners now say.

Meanwhile, this week’s other treat was finding out that Brewers Fayre restaurants have a £6 meal deal.

We rocked up at The Sandpiper at Sandy Water Park in Llanelli to enjoy fish and chips (and mushy peas!) and Gammon (double egg!), peas and chips.

Ker-ching! Again! Another score for penny-pinching pensioners.

My delight at the Brewers Fayre offer was tempered by the (later) discovery that some BF restaurants in England have their meal deal offer priced at £5.

So far, I have resisted the temptation to point out this discrimination to the Managing Director of Brewers Fayre, but I wouldn’t rule out a stern letter (just as long as I can afford the price of a stamp!).

This week’s other bargains have included a ‘pensioner loyalty card’ from my local pub and a 10 per cent discount on a haircut at my barber.

This last one is interesting because ‘Mike The Barber’ reckons that, with declining hair growth, I now have 10 per cent less hair to cut.

And talking of cuts, another (developing and worrying) habit has been identified in cutting out money-off coupons from every leaflet that comes through the letterbox.

This is also a trend in online activity, where hours can be spent trawling internet sites and Facebook pages for discount deals.

When does a habit become an obsession? I’ll let you know . . . if I have time between bargain hunting!

PS: Other supermarket cafes and restaurants are, of course, available. Just let me know if they are running similar bargain deals!

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BLIMEY! Was there a time when Wind Street in Swansea only had four pubs?

Hard to believe when you look at the street today, but that was the case back in 1851.

There are always surprises to find on the People’s Collection Wales website, probably one of the most satisfying rabbit holes you’ll find on the internet.

This week, I was sidetracked by an Excel spreadsheet showing the results of the 1851 census for Wind Street.

Only four pubs are listed – the Duke Tavern (No3 Wind Street), Mackworth Arms (No10), Plume of Feathers (No31) and the George Inn (No44).

Of these, the Mackworth was plainly the busiest at the time of the census.

A total of 13 people were registered to the address – including an innkeeper, charwoman, chambermaid, waitress, kitchen maid and people whose occupations were noted down as ‘Boots’ and ‘Hostler’.

There were five ‘commercial travellers’ under the roof on the day the census was taken. They specialised in the drapery trade, soap trade, woollen trade and ‘chemist and druggist’.

The census return listed a diverse range of occupations –

Dealer in furniture, army lieutenant, confectioner, fruiterer, draper, errand boy, scholar, milliner, pianoforte maker, bookseller, stationer and printer, silversmith, fund holder, chronometer maker, wheel wright, the (part) proprietor of The Cambrian Newspaper, professor of dancing, ship and commission agent, block maker, basket maker, mariner, doctor, corn factor, cordwainer and saddler.

The weirdest job title was ‘dealer in Gutta-percha’. Apparently, gutta-percha is a material used to fill a tooth after a root canal procedure.

I’m going to file that one away for the next pub quiz!

You can find the People’s Collection Wales website at – https://www.peoplescollection.wales

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The Glowyr Theatre, Ammanford (previously known as The Miners’ Theatre) is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new Comedy Club, promising evenings packed full of laughs and the best up-and-coming stand-ups on the circuit.

Building on the success of the popular Ffwrnes Comedy Club in Llanelli, this exciting new night out will bring the same vibrant atmosphere and quality acts to Ammanford, with its launch on Friday, 7th February 2025.

Winner of ‘English Comedian of the Year 2014’, Jack Campbell will kick off the bill. Jack has toured internationally, including Australia, Germany, and Finland, and is known for his sharp wit and relatable humour.

A local favourite, David Arnold is a Welsh comedian with over seven years of experience. With accolades from competitions like ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ and ‘South Coast Comedian of the Year’, David brings a warm charm and razor-sharp timing that has audiences roaring with laughter.

Completing the line-up will be Jessie Nixon. Bristol-based Jessie is making waves on the comedy circuit with her dynamic stage presence and quick wit.

A finalist in the ‘BBC New Comedian of the Year 2021’ competition and nominee for ‘Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2021’, Jessie is one to watch.

Following the opening night, the Glowyr Comedy Club will continue with shows on 7th March and 25th April, with more dates to be added soon. The night will featuring fresh line-ups each month, showcasing the best up-and-coming comedians from around the UK.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to host a fun night out for the people of Ammanford and sounding areas. We’ve seen the incredible reception that our Comedy Clubs get in Llanelli over the years, and we can’t wait to bring those laughs to Ammanford in 2025!” –  A Theatre spokesperson.

The Comedy Club has a minimum age of 16, with tickets priced at just £10. Tickets can be booked online at www.theatrausirgar.co.uk or with the box office on 0345 2263510

Scarlets will take on RC Vannes for the first time in their history on Saturday, playing for a place in the knockout stages of the EPCR Challenge Cup (5.30pm S4C).

Head coach Dwayne Peel has made five personnel changes to the starting XV that took the field in last weekend’s defeat to Gloucester.

Wales international Tom Rogers – one of seven Scarlets named in Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad – has recovered from a groin issue and will wear the No. 15 jersey. He is joined by Ellis Mee and Blair Murray in the back three.

There is a change at centre with Joe Roberts coming in to partner Eddie James.

With Sam Costelow ruled out because of the shoulder injury he suffered at Kingsholm, Ioan Lloyd switches to fly-half and the experienced Gareth Davies is recalled at scrum-half.

There is one change in the front row. Alec Hepburn swaps with Kemsley Mathias at loose-head and will pack down alongside Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas.

Sam Lousi returns to the starting line-up and partners Max Douglas in the second row,

There is a reshuffle in the back row with Taine Plumtree wearing eight and Vaea Fifita named at blindside flanker.

On the bench, Efan Jones and Charlie Titcombe come in to cover the half-back positions.

Tight-head Gabe Hawley, who made his competitive debut last weekend, is again included among the replacements.

Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Vannes’ position in the Top14 isn’t reflective of how competitive they have been this season and they pushed Edinburgh last week having made a few changes from their Top14 side the week before. We have to get ourselves right mentally to be in that physical battle.

“It is a straight shootout, the pool is definitely the most competitive in the competition and hopefully we can finish well this week. We are home with our supporters behind us and qualification is in our control.”

Scarlets team to play RC Vannes at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, January 18 (5.30pm;  S4C)

15 Tom Rogers; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Blair Murray; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Taine Plumtree.

Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Efan Jones, 22 Charlie Titcombe, 23 Ioan Nicholas.

Unavailable because of injury

Sam Costelow, Johnny Williams, Ben Williams, Archer Holz, Sam Wainwright, Dan Davis, Ryan Elias, Harri O’Connor, Josh Morse.