Kev Johns

Panto News

2012-03-08T14:36:00.002-08:00

I am so pleased to have been asked back to the Grand Theatre in Swansea for the next Panto season as it will be the 100th Grand Panto

Here's how the Grand and Qdos Pantomimes announced this year's show!

Following the smash-hit success of Aladdin, last year’s Christmas show at Swansea Grand, the theatre has announced that one of the country’s most familiar household names, Chico, will lead the cast of this year’s pantomime – Cinderella from Friday
14th December to Sunday 13th January.

Chico, born in Bridgend, will take on the role of Prince Charming when he makes his Welsh pantomime debut at Swansea Grand later this year. He is currently charming audiences and judges alike on ITV1’s Dancing on Ice, receiving his highest score yet and certainly proving that he's got what it takes to still be in one of television’s toughest competitions! Since his unforgettable appearance on the X Factor in 2005, Chico’s popularity has grown and he has established himself as a prominent entertainer.

Chico’s numerous television appearances have included Loose Women, Toonattick, The Real Hustle and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. He also came third in the ITV2mile-high reality show Celeb Air, has been the face of Nickelodeons’ anti-bullying campaign and even notched up a blind date with Dame Edna Everage!

The rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella wouldn’t be complete without the Ugly Sisters and no Swansea pantomime would be complete without the hilarious Kevin Johns, who is celebrating 30 years in the business with his 14th consecutive pantomime appearance at Swansea. Joining Kevin on stage and back by popular demand is singer and all-round entertainer, Mike Doyle. This partnership will make for two very outrageous and comic Ugly Sisters.

“We are delighted that Chico will be appearing in the pantomime at Swansea Grand and thrilled that he will be leading the cast of Cinderella,” says Jonathan Kiley, executive producer of the show. “Chico always throws himself so enthusiastically into his pantomime roles and makes a cheeky and very dashing Prince Charming!”

Councillor Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism commented, “After last years very successful pantomime production, we are very pleased to be working with Qdos Entertainment again to produce south west Wales’ premier pantomime. I am sure that with Chico starring in the family spectacular Cinderella, we will all know what time it is!”

Cinderella is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer and features an abundance of comedy, stunning sets and fabulous costumes, and delightful Shetland ponies to transport Cinderella and her coach to the Ball!

Cinderella runs from Friday 14 December 2012 to Sunday 13 January 2013. Tickets can be booked on 01792 475715 or www.swanseagrand.co.uk.

Alway dig deep

2012-02-19T00:06:00.002-08:00

I watched the TV reports of a young couple celebrating after winning a rollover jackpot of more than £45 million in the EuroMillions draw!

The pair, who have not yet been named but who are from Nottingham, banked one of the largest amounts in Britsh history.

Cassey Carrington and Matt Topham have won £45 million on the EuroMillions lottery just months before their wedding.

The prize is seventh on the list of the largest jackpots ever to be won in Britain.

They have more money than pop stars Kylie Minogue and Pete Townshend, whose wealth was estimated at £40 million in last year's Sunday Times Rich List.

Miss Carrington said she has only played the lottery about half a dozen times and put the win down to it being "my lucky day".

Its incredible that for a stake of just £2 they could win so much money but I wish them well!

However, what sometimes does make me cross is that whilst the Lottery makes some people very rich very quickly its very different for many charities for whom many people work very hard to raise sometimes little money for important causes!

This last week I've taken part in four fundraising events, all dinners, three for charities the other a fundraising night for a football club!

All four came about as the result of hours upon hours of hard work put in by local people, all who have families to look after and jobs but are motivated to help a cause that means a lot to them.

The Charities, BHF Cymru, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Penllegaer Splash Appeal all survive because the the hard work put in by supporters and voulunteers who are dedicated in their support to the charity.

I never count how many charity events I go along to as host because I love to play a part in the fundraising but I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of ordinary who dig deep into their pockets for the auction, raffle, heads and tails or whatever fundraisning activity is being used on the night!

People often say well they must have it to give it but sometimes they don't but feel compelled to support the cause for a variety of reasons!

So, this year help charities make a difference! If everyone gave a pound so much could get done.

And you never know, that charity that you say 'I haven't got change to', could be the one that you need in the future!

Wemberlee Wemberlee

2012-02-14T23:47:00.002-08:00

I am having such fun rehearsing 'Wemberlee Wemberlee'!

The play is so well written by Peter Read and its so encourging to hear director Peter Ricahrds chuckle as we rehearse.

I know that Peter Read didn't base the characters as any individual but I could name a number of fans who mirror some of the characters in the play!

Its not been a difficulty play to learn, no complaints there but on Monday every collapsed as Nia Trussler Jones who is always the first to 'come off book' having learnt her lines, just couldn't get one very funny speech right and when she called Manchester Utd, Malchester Utd I just fell over!

Yesterday's rehearsal was a lot of fun and as a comic I am so grateful for some of the brilliantly funny lines that Peter has written for my character Lee 'Chaucer' Davies.

Another treat yesterday was bumping into old friends Clive Webb and Danny Adams who were at the Grand with their 'Circus Hilarious' show.

Clive and Danny are two of the funniest and most talented performers that I have ever worked with!

I appeared with them in Goldilocks and the Three Bears some years ago and can quite understand why their shows are packed wherever they go as they are so funny!

Well, back to rehearsals for Wemberlee Wemberlee today as we have less thsn a week to go before we open and if you are coming to see the play in Swansea then book soon as I know that one of the performences has sold out already!

Come on the Swans! It was our day!

We open at the Grand Theatre Arts Wings next Tuesday

That day in May!

2012-01-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

On Monday I start rehearsals for the new play Wemberlee Wemberlee written by Peter Reid and directed by Peter Richards for Fluellen Theatre.

I'm going to love rehearsals because there are at least 3 Swans Season ticket holders in the company and a number of other supporters in the show.

We started talking about the play quite a time ago, in fact just after the Swans had gained promotion to the Championship, but after that day in May when we won promotion to the Premnier League, all came together!

That was a great day! Watching the Swans at Wembley and to see them gain promotion to the Premiership!

As I drove through a very familiar Wembley (I lived close by for a year and have worked there many times) it felt that the whole of the SA postcode area were there!

I was very lucky to be able to lead the Wonderful Jack Army singing before the game!

I was a little nervous when I noticed the Reading announcer with a clipboard and notes! I had nothing!

I beat myself up about it a bit, 'typical Johns! You never prepare! You're going to look a div in front of nearly 80,000 people!'

When they started to sing Don't stop believing i had the idea of one gag so I started to feel confident but when the moment came!

I made a few comments about the travelling Jack Army which everyone cheered but then I looked at the crowd and started to feel very emotional!

I remembered that it was the same fans that had supported the side at The Vetch, the same fans that had been there for the start of the Supporters Trust. The same fans that had marched through the City Centre protesting against Tony Petty and the same fans had packed The Vetch the day we beat Hull to stay in the League!

All I could think to say was 'this is our day' and every Swans fans felt the same and roared.

I was later told by Reading fans that when I made the joke about Reading choosing a song from Glee that they knew they had lost the battle of the fans,

I could have told them that they had lost that the moment they climbed on the bus that morning as there is no more committed and passionate supporters than Swans Fans - The Jack Army, anywhere in the world!

I watched the game from the press box although The Football League representative did glare at me when I celebrated our first goal! He glared again when the Swans went two up! It was my celebrations at the third goal that almost got me Red Carded!

As the ball hit the back of the net I ran what seemed the full length of the Press Box, high fived the boys from BBC Radio Wales and kissed Lee Trundel.

That got me a right telling off!

I will never forget the walk through the Wembley Car Park at the end of the game!

It really was our day!

However, the most memorable moment came in the tunnel after the game where in a quiet moment Leon Britton and I remembered that game against Hull!

The rest is history and I am so looking forward to reliving that day in Wemberlee Wemberlee over the two week rehearsal period and then the show itself!

The script was put together after talking to supporters and is based on how they spent the day!

We open at the Grand Theatre, in the Arts Wing on Feb 21st

Full details below

Wemberlee! Wemberlee! - Tuesday 21st - Friday 24th February : 7 .15pm, Wed Mat 2.00pm (Arts Wing)

Presented by Fluellen Theatre Company. Starring Kevin Johns

By Peter Read

It's the 30th May 2011 and a fanatical group of Swans fans led by Lee Davies (Swansea's worst ever poet) make their way to Wembley to cheer on their beloved team in the most important match it has ever played. Victory will mean that Swansea City will be the first Welsh football club to play in the Premier League.

Tickets: £9.00, £7.50 Concessions

Who was St Dwynwen?

2012-01-25T01:01:00.000-08:00

Its a very special day in Wales

St Dwynwen's Day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January.

But who was St Dwynwen?

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, which makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.

Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was one of the prettiest of Brychan Brycheiniog's 24 daughters. Dwynwen fell in love with a prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else.

Dwynwen was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice.

God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.

She founded a convent on Llanddwyn, off the west coast of Anglesey, where a well named after her became a place of pilgrimage after her death in 465AD. Visitors to the well believed that the sacred fish or eels that lived in the well could foretell whether or not their relationship would be happy and whether love and happiness would be theirs. Remains of Dwynwen's church can still be seen today.

Have a lovely day! x

And next ......

2012-01-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

Its a week since the curtain came down on Aladdin at the Grand but people are still talking about how much they enjoyed this year's Panto!

I walked into a shop today and before I had time to drop my kitchen roll into my trolley someone shouted 'no jokes about Port Talbot now' a reference to Widow Twanky opening routine in this year's show!

I spoke to the couple and was delighted to hear how much they had enjoyed the show but was intrigued to learn that the lady was the grand-daughter of one of Wales' greatest comedy performers Ossie Morris who starred in several Pantomimes at the Grand and at the Swansea Empire.

There's a lovely article on Ossie Morris on the wonderful Swansea's Grand Website

Here's the link http://www.swanseasgrand.co.uk/ossie_morris.htm

In fact he appeared at the last ever panto at the Empire on Qoxford St in 1956/57

Swansea has a rich Theatre History which is why I love the book Swansea'S Grand written by Ian Parsons which you can buy at the Grand kiosk or from Smiths or from the website www,swanseasgrand.co.uk

Well as much as I miss the Aladdin family its on to the next project and this week I start rehearsing a play about one of the greatest days in the history of Swanssea City Football Club, the play Off Final at Wembley Stadium.

Believe it or not I had the idean for the play sitting in the car park of Tesco in Carmarthen feeling poorly on a very wet and windy day!

I wanted to do a play that told the story of ordinary people following the Swans, which would encourage people to come to the theatre and was funny!

I immediatly spoke to writer Peter Read and director Peter Richards who I had worked with on Toshack or Me and To Hull and Back and Wemberlee Wemberlee was born!

Here's the blurb from Fluellen Theatre Company .......

Peter Read`s great new comedy, very loosely based on The Canterbury Tales, follows a bunch of Swans supporters on a coach to Wembley in order to support their beloved team as it becomes the first Welsh football club to play in the Premier League.

Written with the help of interviews with hundreds of supporters who experienced that great day, WEMBERLEE! WEMBERLEE! brings together the same team that produced the two previous phenomenally successful Swansea City plays (Toshack Or Me! and To Hull And Back) writer Peter Read, director Peter Richards and, of course Kevin ("This Is Our Day") Johns as Lee Davies, who may be the worst poet in the world but is certainly one of the Swans` greatest fans!

Wemberlee! Wemberlee! Tuesday 21st - Friday 24th February 7 .15pm, Wed Mat 2.00pm (Arts Wing)

Presented by Fluellen Theatre Company Tickets: £9.00, £7.50 Concessions

Final Panto Blog 2012

2012-01-14T23:54:00.000-08:00

Later today I shall ride onto stage in Twanky's rickshaw for the final time in this year's Panto season!

My first Panto was at The Grand Pavilion Porthcawl in December 1992, ironically that was Aladdin as well!

Since that first show I have been in some great Pantomime and have been part of some great Panto companies, however I have never been in such a great show and been part of such a great Panto company and known a company to gel so well with the theatre staff who are all part of making the Panto a success.

I have never had so many messages from theatre goers saying how much they have enjoyed the show and some rather special stories of how people laughed when circumstances meant that they had not laughed for a while.

What made the Panto extra special this year was the decision by Qdos Pantomimes and the Grand Theatre to support the Gleision Miners Family Appeal with a bucket collection at the end of every show and an extra performance where everyone worked without payment so that all of the takings could go to the Family's fund!

So far, and there is money still to be collected and counted, the collection raised around £16,000 and a further £11,000 was raised from the special performance!

I have made many new friends this year and the farewell phrase of 'I hope that we work together again' has never been so true.

The casting of Jimmy Osmond as Wishhee Washee was inspired as not only is he an outstanding stage performer but is a legend.

Jimmy has brought so many people to the show that may otherwise not have come to see Panto at the Grand and some of those people have travelled quite a distance to see the show.

Jimmy is also a great company member and I will miss him and the other cast members this year!

This has been the most talanted cast that I have every worked alongside!

I'm looking forward to Jimmy's return to the Grand on April 13th with his brothers as part of their UK tour, it will be good to see Jimmy again!

Still there's one more show to go at 5pm this afternoon - see you there!

Special Panto Performance!

2012-01-08T00:16:00.001-08:00

After today we will be into the final week of the Pantomime, Aladdin, at the Grand Theatre here in Swansea!

If you look at the Panto leaflet today was supposed to be a one show day but as soon as the Appeal Fund for the families affected by the Gleision Miner’s Disaster it was decided that an extra show would be added to raise money for the fund.

With in days Qdos Pantomimes the producers of Aladdin contacted us about the possibility of putting on this extra show for the appeal

Everyone agreed to do that show for free, actors, musicians, crew, front of house, Box Office, everyone who is involved with putting on the panto so that every penny raised will go to the fund!

We’ve also been taking up a bucket collection at every performance and so far around £12,000 had been raised for the Gleision Miners Fund!

I will never forget those dark days of the disaster and the attempts to rescue the miners.

There was so much courage shown by the rescuers , who often risked their own lives in dreadful conditions!

People will never forget the their bravery and my hope is that as many people will come tonight as possible and help the families of the families that lost their lives!

It all starts at 6pm this evening! See you there!

one hundred out of ten!

2012-01-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

I was so proud walking around Swansea Market today as everybody was talking
about the Pantomime,

Everyone that I have spoken to who has seen the show agree that its the best
Panto that has ever been staged at the Grand.

Now that is some claim because over the years there have been some incredible
Panto productions at the Grand starring some outstanding Panto performers!

People are always very kind with their comments but this year has been quite
unique.

I went into Swansea Market today which is something of a daily ritual for me.

I love the Market its been part of my life for all my life!

I went there as a child and as Dynevor School was so close I usually got my
lunch there or nipped in before catching the bus home to Plasmarl,

Today I picked up my lunch there and a lovely journal from The Christian Book
Stall.

I have two weaknesses notebooks and coloured socks!

However, from the minute I stepped into the Market from the Quadrant I was
greeted by people who had seen the Pantomime at The Grand Theatre.

In fact one the first comment came from a lady who said the panto scored 100 out
of 10.

As I queued for my cheese and onion rissole the two ladies on the stall were
talking about their Panto experience and the gentleman on the stall next door
stayed doing my Lady Gaga moves from the Poker Face routine!

By the time I had left the Market I must have had at least a dozen conversations
about how good this year's show, Aladdin, is!

People love the 3D which is an incredible way of bringing modern tecnology into
a traditional story.

I must say how great the crew are! I love to stand in the wings to watch Grand
Stage Manager Steve and his team move huge scenary with great ease,

The sound is second to none as Tony or Splinter as he's known in the industry
produces an amazing array of sound effects and clear sound for actors and band.

Chris 'Bomber' Barrett, the lighting designer in outstanding! His lighting for the
wedding scene is probably the best I've ever worked under!

So all in all a great day today with two great audiences, over 900 in the
matinee, nearly 800 in the evening show and tickets are still selling at an amazing rate as no one wants to miss Aladdin at the Grand Theatre Swansea!

'Programmes' ... 'Get your programmes here@

2012-01-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have always been a fan of a theatre's Front of House as they are usually the first people that patrons encounter on a night at the theatre.

Of course the Box Office staff will do much in advance to make sure that people have a good theatre experience by ensuring they have the best available seats but when we go through the doors of the theatre its the Front of Houise Staff that will greet us!

This Panto season the front of house staff have once again been amazing!

Every theatre goer is welcomed with a smile and on special occasions the team have worked in fancy dress.

This year they have the added task of making sure that everyone has their 3D glasses and that they collect them all in at the end of the show!

Also this season Qdos Pantomimes and The Grand Theatre wanted to support a very important local charity and that is the Gelision Miner's Family Appeal.

We take a bucket collection at the end of every performence and whilst on the off occassion cast members have come to help collect, the maajority of the bucket shaking has been done by the Front of House team!

I don't want to single out any one individual because they are all amazing and do their part in ensuring that everyone's Panto experience is a good one!

On Sunday the Front of House staff will join with the Panto Company and the stage crew and other departments to put on a special Panto performence at 6pm to help the Miner's Family Appeal.

Everyone is working this show for free so that every penny can help the families!

Contact the Box Office at the Grand for more information.

And when the Panto is over that same Front of House team will continue to welcome theatre goers to the Swansea Grand Theatre with the same enthusiam!

New Year's Eve at Panto

2011-12-31T16:35:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely afternoon Panto show at the Grand this afternoon with everyone excited about New Year's Eve!

The Shshow was just short of a sell out!

At the end of the show our stage management and wardrobe teams came on stage to join with everyone to sing Auld lang syne

That was quite a moment as the Front of house team stood on the steps to the stage and linked hands with the cast and the audience as the band struck the opening of the famous New Year Song.

We have a great Panto band with so many years experience between them its incredibe!

Gryff, our MD, Dick, Paul amd Pablo are the best Panto band around and make a great sound!

The Grand is known for the quality of its Panto band!

I was disappointed at missing the Swans v Spurs game at the Liberty today and kept in touch with the score on a radio in my dressing room!

I was a bit downhearted going in to the finale knowing that the Swans were 0ne nil down but then came off stage to be told by the excited stage crew at The Grand that Scott Sinclair had equalised!

Paul Rivers who plays the Emperor's side kick, the Chief of Police was 'gutted' as he's a Spurs fan, his dad had come down for the game!!!!

After the show today a load of us went for a company New Year's meal at Frankie and Bennys and it was lovely to meet other diners who had been to watch the show that afternoon!

People love Aladdin at the Swansea Grand!

Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks for coming to Panto

2011-12-29T23:47:00.000-08:00

I always worry about saying that this is the best Panomime I have ever appeared in and the best Panto company that I have been part in case I offend or upset much loved old friends.

I have loved all the Pantomimes that I've been in over the last twenty years and have enjoyed the company of some smashing friends and very talented performers but this year's show, Qdos production of Aladdin is something very special!

Its the best company I have ever been part of in and every day its a joy to go into work!

On stage its a spectacular show and everyday I get approached by someone who has seen and loved the show!

I get texts, emails, Faceboof and Twitter messages from people heaping praise on the show.

I get stopped in the streets and in the shops and even on a late night Boxing Night journey to Pembrokeshire which resulted in a frantic search for an open garage when my oil light I found someone I someone who have loved the Panto.

It was gone 10opm and in a petrol station between St Claires and Carmarthen I found a petrol station open and a lady who had been to Panto!

Thwe audiences love the 3D and the performences of the actors and I have to say that the casting of Jimmy Osmond was inspiring becasue he has brought a whole new audience to Panto at The Swansea Grand!

Its fun back stage as well as on before the show on Christmas Eve we all gathered in the dancers dressing room for Secret Santa.

I had a beautiful silver Love Spoon which I later discovered came from our Princess Jasmine, Zoe George.

Zoe took great care in picking the Love Spoon as chose it before there was a miner's lamp on the spoon and she thought that appropriate as I do the appeal for the Gleision Miner's Family appeal - we have a collection at the end of every show!

On Wednesday (28th) it was my wife Rosie's birthday and for a birthday treat she came to the Panto>

Jimmy found out that it was her birthday and announced it from the stage just before he and I do the song sheet!

Not only did he mention that it was Rosie .... Widow Twanky's wife's birthday, Jimmy got her to stand up and led everyone in singing Happy Birthday!

Rosie was chuffed and told everyone that Jimmy had sung to her! Jimmy What about me and the other 900 people who put in a tune! It made her day! Thanks Jimmy x

Well it will soon be 2012 and Pantomime continues until Sunday January 15th!

I know that everyone involved in pantomime at The Grand would want me to wish you a Happy New Year! So Happy New Year! See you at the Panto!

Its Christmas Day

2011-12-25T04:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas everyone! Have a fantastic day!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace

Has is been a week already

2011-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

I've been performing in Pantomime for nineteen years! Ironically my first panto was Aladdin at the Grand Pavilion Porthcawl.

I was so excited to be part of that show playing Wishee Washee.

William Boyd who had played James Wilmot Brown in Eastenders was Abanazer and Emma Booth who had represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest was the Princess and a wonderful actor called Norman Robbins was out director and Dame, Widow Twanky.

Since that first Panto I have been in good shows and great shows but none as great as this year's Qdos productions of Aladdin at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.

I have also never encountered such a positive and enthusiastic response form the public as I have for this show.

The public love the 3D but this is a great panto and its lovely to hear young Actor Liam Doyle say in the wings that he was so looking forward to performing two shows yesterday!

I have worked with many great performers but this is the best overall company I have ever worked with!

The wardrobe team of Martin, Nikki and Jennie are outstanding and we have a second to none stage management team of Paul, James, Lucy and Steve plus a great Grand Theatre team of crew, sound and lighting led by Steve, Splinter and Bomber!

On stage i have never worked with such a talented company or had such a great spirit backstage!

Jimmy Osmond is a big star and a great Wishee Washee and Liam Doyle at 21 is incredible! He is an all round performer and has such energy and passion for performing!

I love Zoe George and I'm so proud of a Swansea girl in her first panto she is gorgeous and what a singer!

Gavin Woods is my favourite Abanazer ever - modern but true to the character and he is an incredible actor.

David Lawrence, our Emperor of China, who proposes to me in the end is wonderful and is so funny but when he effortlessly sings 'Love Changes Everything' the whole theatre falls silent!

My big relief is that I never to call the Enchantress by name!

How do you say it? Scherazade! Lauren Pixie Urquhart is wonderful in the 'glam' role and I watch Chief of Police Paul Rivers in amazement as he cartwheels on and off the stage!

Finally what a company of dancers in Luke Bartholemew, Michael Cortez and my favourites Rebecca Galloway, Rachel Alice Griggs, Charlotte Hurry and Helen Marie Ladson!

Plus the Grand Theatre Babes!!!!!

The first week from our Friday night opening through until Christmas Eve has been a real joy!

I hope you get a chance to come and see us but until then A very Merry Christmas from Widow Twanky and all of the citizens of Old Peking!

Good Hearts

2011-12-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

I don't always enjoy the Hotline a talk show that I present on a Sunday morning on Swansea Sound as I often bump into local politicians or council staff who are the subject of criticism on the programme.

Sometimes they are people that I really like and whilst the criticism can be valid its not nice to talked about on a radio show in a negative sense.

However this morning's Hotline was a little different!

The tradition on the last Sunday before Christmas is invite Hotline callers to use the hour to spread a goodwill and Christmas Cheer!

It was one of the busiest programme for a long time with listeners calling about great school concerts and Christmas wishes for family, friends and those who make a difference in the community.

One caller, one of two former Royal Marine Commandos who called followed up his phone call with an email with a poem that I was more than pleased to read out!

Of all the people we should keep in our minds and hearts and prayer this Christmas are the young Servicemen and woman who are away from their families at this time fighting terror!

Here's the poem!

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,

HE LIVED ALL ALONE,

IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,

MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,

WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,

AND TO SEE JUST WHO,

IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,

A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,

NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,

NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,

JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,

ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,

OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,

AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,

A SOBER THOUGHT,

CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,

IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,

I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,

ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,

SILENT, ALONE,

CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,

IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,

THE ROOM IN DISORDER,

NOT HOW I PICTURED,

A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO,

OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?

CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,

THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED THE FAMILIES,

THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,

OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,

WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,

THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,

AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,

A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,

EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,

BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,

LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER,

HOW MANY LAY ALONE,

ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,

IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,

A TEAR TO MY EYE,

I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,

AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,

AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,

"SANTA DON'T CRY,

THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,

I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,

MY LIFE IS MY GOD,

MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,

I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,

I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,

SO SILENT AND STILL,

AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,

FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,

ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,

THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR,

SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,

WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,

IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,

AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT

Some say that this was written by a serving soldier I don't know if it was or not but it touched my heart and my prayers on Christmas Eve will remember the sons and daughtersm fathers and mothers who will be away from their families making the world a safer place.,

Panto Diary Week 1

2011-12-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

What a great first week of rehearsals for Aladdin at the Swansea Grand Theatre.

Our meet and greet gave a little moment of Deja Vu as I net with out director Andrew Lynford!

Andrew and I have done Panto together before and that Panto was ....... Aladdin!

He's a great actor but has become a brilliant stage director!

I love to see old friends succeed and I'm very confident that everyone will like Andrew's work on this show.

This panto company is a great company and everyone enjoys each other's company.

The dancers are lovely and are really talented professionals.

I watch in amazement as our choreographer Richard asks them to do something and instantly they pick it up and are doing it!

We all love our 'Wishee Wsshee' Jimmy Osmond! What a lovely man and a great stage performer who loves panto!

Gavin Woods is one of the best Abanazar that I have ever worked with and this is my 4th Aladdin Panto! SSSSHHHHH Gavin is a Norwich fan!!!!!!

Our Emperor of China is the lovely David Lawrence - A Welshman - No! Sorry! A native of Peking, he's great fun to work with as is my Blackberry mate Paul Rivers.

As well as lovely dancers we have the beautiful Lauren Pixie Urquhart and Zoe George!

I'm so pleased that Zoe is in the Panto and that her first panto is in her home town of Swansea.

Zoe is at the start of what is going to be a very successful career.

I did a musical with Zoe last year and she was amazing and I was so pleased that she agreed to be a guest on 'An afternoon with Kev Johns last summer.

Finally, Aladdin himself! The girls will love Liam Doyle! Liam can do it all! He's a great singer, actor, dancer and he can play gold and has offered to teach me to play!

I am loving working on 'Aladdin' but we have a busy week ahead so that we are ready to open on Friday nights at the Grand Theatre in Swansea! See you there! x

Panto Diary

2011-12-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

I've really enjoyed the promotional work for this year's panto and there are a
few more appearances for Widow Twanky before rehearsals!

Tomorrow I'll be paying a visit to Brynhyfryd Primary School for their annual
Christmas Fayre and then quickly down to Poundffald Farm in Three Crosses where
there have a wonderful Santa Grotto and hundreds of Christmas Trees!

Its an early start on Saturday as Widow Twanky will be at The City Temple Church
on Dyfatty St in Swansea at 10am to open the Craft Fayre!

Widow Twanky will look rather splendid as I'm just on the way back from London
after picking up some new make-up at Charles Fox in Covent Garden!

Its a wonderful store and I did have a look at some Panto Dame eyelashes but
everything they had you cam also but in Mardi Gras and I thought, shop local!

Coming back on the train I was delighted to read in The Stage that advance
bookings for panto are looking very healthy all across the UK!

I think its going to be a great panto season all over the UK especially at the
lovely Swansea Grand Theatre where Widow Twanky will look lovely in her new
makeup and eyelashes!

For more info on Aladdin 01792 475 715

Where did you get that hat?

2011-11-28T23:11:00.001-08:00

I love the annual Evening Post Christmas Cheer Party!

I make the same quote every year 'This is one of my favourite events of the year — it's very important and I wouldn't miss it. There are some really special children who come.

I mean that from the bottom of my heart!

Every year at the party I meet children who battle against illness and disability but have a permanent smile on their lovely faces.

This year the party took place at the Dragon Hotel in Swansea and was a delightful couple of hours for the children who met new friends and ate great food!

The party was held an hour after the Swans game against Villa so it was impossible for some of the regular Swans players to be at the party but Vice Captain and Christmas Cheer Party regular Alan Tate was there along with Ospreys and Wales star Alun Wyn Jones also came along.

The children loved meeting some of their sporting heroes and lots wanted to talk panto as it seemed that everyone there was coming along to see Aladdin at the Grand Theatre.

Alex Frith was there with some characters from the Bumbles of the Mumbles!

Alex is busily preparing for the annual Bumbles of Mumbles Show at the Grand and had raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities over the years!

So well done to everyone who was involved in the South Wales Evening Post Christmas Cheer Party and to all the children and lovely families that came along I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

For the Children

2011-11-27T00:07:00.000-08:00

Its been quite a week as the response to the Fluellen Theatre Company's production of A Christmas Carol far exceeded expectation and bookings for the School's matinee performances were so great that extra shows had to be added to meet demand!

That's a good thing! There can be no better feeling for an actor than to see an audience sitting memorised fully believing the story that enfolds before them!

It was a such a joy to see hundreds of children come through the doors of the studio theatre at The Grand in Swansea to enjoy a great story!

I love the intimacy of a studio theatre particularly the one as the Arts Wing of the Grand.

Its home to the Fluellen Theatre Company and whilst the company tours to theatres all over Wales and produces shows the Main Stage Theatre I know that audience love to watch them in The Studio Theatre and the actors love to work there with a Greggs and Costa Coffee just around the corner!

Thursday was a busy day!

I left the house at 05.45 for Swansea Sound and after a day as Mr Fezziwick and The Ghost of Christmas Present I was at the Dragon Hotel for 10pm to do the fundraising part of the Swansea Sound Cash for Kids Ball.

I host the Ball every and never cease to be amazed by the kindness of people here in South West Wales.

The Cash 4 Kids appeal helps children in South West Wales In recent years the appeal has helped local children's charities such as NPT Crossroads, SNAC, Joshua Foundation, local schools, children's wards of hospitals inc neo-natal intensive care of Singleton Hospital, NSPCC Cymru, Ty Hafan, Barnado's, Stepping Stones, Welsh Dragon Burns Club, Action for Children to name but a few - but all in the area of Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthenshire.

This year one of the charities that we were supporting at The Ball is Harry's Fund.

In September of this year 5v year old Harry Patterson tragically died in an accident.

Harry's Fund has been set up to keep the memory of Harry alive in every ones thoughts.

There were representatives from Harry's Fund at the Ball and Harry's Mum, Michelle gave an inspirational speech at the ball about how much Harry's Fund and the support from the community means to her and her family.

Michelle received a standing ovation from the audience at the Cash for Kids Ball, this was the first time that Michelle had spoken publicly about the tragic events of losing her son, Harry Patterson.

What courage! I've know Michelle and her lovely husband Christian for many year, they are very talented and successful actors but Michelle's words to the crowd was the most courageous speech I have ever heard in 30 years of introducing events such as this!

We raised £7,000 in the hour after Michelle spoke to the guests Thank you!

If you want more information on Harry's Fund then log onto http://www.harrysfund.org.uk/

There are now two on air days of fundraising to come.

On Saturday Dec 3rd from 10am on 96.4 The Wave ( www.thewave.co.uk) and then with us on Swansea Sound on Sunday December 4th from 10am (www.swanseasound.co.uk)

A man who found true happiness

2011-11-22T00:37:00.000-08:00

I love this story!

In an age when people buy Lottery tickets hoping to win a jackpot of millions that will change their lives here's story of a fella who had millions that didn't make him happy!

A millionaire who gave away all his cash to charity two years ago because it didn't make him happy has told how he's finally found contentment.

Businessman Karl Rabeder, 49 - from Telfs, Austria - sold his business, a luxury Alpine mansion, limos and sports cars, a private plane and donated the cash to a charity that sponsors small loans to customers in the Third World who would never be given cash by a bank.

He now lives on £1,000 a month from fees for talks to businessmen about his new life and is buying a modest home.

"Only now am I happy. If you write down the things that really make you happy and their cost, you will realise what I mean," said Rabeder.

"Love, sunshine, fresh air - those are the things that make me happy," he added.
And he thanked the charity for taking his cash and finally letting him enjoy life.

"Having only a little money makes me happier. Seeing pictures of me back then as a millionaire, I look so miserable," he said.

Panto Diary

2011-11-21T22:55:00.000-08:00

Usually at this time of year I'm focussed on Panto and nothing else.

However I've not finished a run of 'A Christmas Carol' so that's taken priority this past few weeks.

However, Sunday was all about Pantomime as I joined with our Panto Princess Zoe George and Aladdin Liam Doyle for the Swansea Christmas Parade.

I've known Zoe for many years and her lovely family and know what an incredible talent she is.

She was a guest on the first 'Afternoon with Kev Johns' shows at the Grand back in the Summer and is a young lady with a very bright future.

Sunday was my first chance to meet Liam Doyle who plays Aladdin and he is a lovely young lad!

I've already had several requests asking for an introduction from the young ladies of Swansea (and the not so young)!

Liam won GMTV’s Search for Troy and made his professional debut in Disney’s High School Musical 2, playing the part of Troy Bolton.

The Christmas Parade was fantastic fun and really put me in the mood for Christmas!

As always thousands of people lined the streets of the city centre from The Dylan Thomas Centre along Wind St, Castle St, College St the along the Kingsway and St Helens to watch the Parade.

I had a ball and was so please that the Pantomime just in front of Samba Tawe!

I had a ball joining the ladies of Samba Tawe (well one of them) in some of the dances along the parade which everyone seemed to enjoy, well everyone of laughing!

This year's Panto script is very funny and I'm very excited about this year's show!

I have a soft spot for the Pantomime Aladdin as it was the first Panto I ever appeared in at The Grand Pavillion theatre in Porthcawl.

That year we opened on Boxing Day as was Panto tradition.

We start rehearsing for Aladdin this year in 13 days and I'm realley looking forward to meeting the rest of the company!

So don't forget to get your tickets soon as they are selling fast!

We open at The Grand Theatre Swansea on Friday December 16th

A Christmas Carol!

2011-11-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

I am so enjoying rehearsals for A Christmas Carol which opens at The Grand Theatre Arts Win on Saturday afternoon at 1pm.

A Christmas Carol was the first play I ever appeared in as a youngster!

Admittedly it was only a Class production performed in front of the school on the last day of the Christmas term but I still have fond memories of my appearance as one of Bob Cratchit's children.

1972 at Plasmarl Primary seemed a million miles away today as we had 30 mins to learn a dance routine for Fezziwig's Ball for this new production by Fluellen Theatre.

This cast is one of the best companys I have ever worked with!

Obviously we are serious about getting the play up and running but today was the best laugh's I've had for many years!

I remember during rehearsals for Amazing Grace in Cardiff in 2006 Mal Pope and Tim Rhys Evans were in hysterics over my dance and how I was moved from the front line of the routine to the back!

In fact Mal made reference to my dance skills in his Amazing Grace diary for the Western Mai!

Well today my dance past was exorcised by Rob Surman's Step Ball Change!

I'm looking forward to the show although in involves 3 shows a day to accomodate the demand from schools to see Charles Dickins famous tale!

More info from www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=38316

Performence times

Performance schedule

Saturday 19th preview matinee performance 1.00pm all tickets £5

Monday 21st Schools Matinee 10.00am

Monday 21st Schools Matinee 1.00pm

Monday 21st 7.15pm

Tuesday 22nd Schools Matinee 1.00pm SOLD OUT

Tuesday 22nd 7.15pm

Wednesday 23rd Schools Matinee 10.00am

Wednesday 23rd Schools Matinee 1.00pm

Wednesday 23rd 7.15pm

Thursday 24th Public Matinee 1.00pm

Thursday 24th 7.15pm

Friday 25th Schools Matinee 10.00am

Friday 25th Schools Matinee 1.00pm SOLD OUT

Friday 25th 7.15pm

Saturday 26th 7.15pm

Don't Give Up the Day Job!

2011-11-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

It promised to be Gorseinon's Social Event of the year and it certainly didn't disappoint!

The event organised by Penny Blyth at Heaven Beauty and Hair Salon promised

'Free Cupcakes, Free Hair & Beauty Demos, Chrsitmas Gifts, Charity Raffle, Kev Johns, Osprey Players Dan Biggar & Ian Gough. Swansea Life Magazine & Evening Post taking photos!! All Proceeds going to the NAS to help Autistic children!

So off I went with a pocket full of change for danoations for plenty of free cup cakes!

I had a blast and ended up doing nail demonstrations and then getting my nails done!

It seemed like a good idea but I forgot that I had to go to Asda and ended up shopping with for beautifully coloured finger nails!

Still it was all for a good cause and a good time was had by all!

I always say however serious the cause fundraising should be fun!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2011-11-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

I have just discovered that today (Monday November 14th) is Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day!

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day is a time to remind everyone of the benefits of joy and laughter! Well theu do say .. Laughter is the Best Medicine

I like it!

Humour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

So a little something to get you laughing a Monday Morning!

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.

One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm, a mother was tucking her son into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mammy, will you sleep with me tonight?"

The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't, dear," she said. "I have to sleep in Daddy's room."

A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: "The big sissy."

Deep within a forest, a little turtle began to climb a tree.

After hours of effort, he reached the top, jumped into the air waving his front legs and crashed to the ground.

After recovering, he slowly climbed the tree again, jumped, and fell to the ground.

The turtle tried again and again while a couple of birds sitting nearby on a branch watched his efforts.

Finally, the female bird turned to her mate and said, "Dear, I think it's time to tell him he's adopted."

Festival of Remembrance

2011-11-13T00:38:00.000-08:00

We have a wonderful concert hall in Swansea called the Brangwyn Hall.

I saw my first ever live concert there when I was 13 and have worked there many times.

I first stood on the Brangwyn Hall stage when I was 16 as a member of the outstanding West Glamorgan Youth Choir - that night we performed Schubert's Mass and the Towards the Unknown Region a lovely choral piece by Vaughan Williams.

Since then I've introduced to many concert's to remember, local groups, International stars and celebrations of Swansea.

I've church events, performed stand up comedy, compered dozens of chariy dinners and given several after dinner speeches!

However, last night was the proudest moments I've experienced at The Brangwyn Hall as I was asked to MC the annual Festival and service of Remembrance.

I don't think I have ever experienced a more emotional evening in all my years as Swansea came together to honour those have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and those who continue to serve on the frontline in the war against terror around the world.

It was particularly emotional to introduce the Parade of Standards and watch old service men and woman march proudly alongside serving soldiers, sailors and those from the RAF.

The Brangwyn was full last night but you could have heard a pin drop as everyone watch a presentation of Afghanistan and then when the poppies fell if was a struggle for everyone to hold back their emotions.

I was very proud of the Swansea Male Choir who sand three songs that were perfect for the occassion and the boys were superb.

I may be a little biased as I am the President of the Choir, but they were outstanding!

We continue to remember those old soldiers who will gather at War Memorials this morning and promise with the rest of the nation WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!

Twanky's Day Out! A fun day out at Admiral!

2011-11-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

How many Twankys!

2011-11-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

I've had to set Panto aside for a little while as I start rehearsing for a production of 'A Christmas Carol' later this month. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=38316

Howvwer I did have time recently to visit (as Widow Twanky) the two local offices of Panto sponsors Admiral Innsurance.

I had such fun judging their Widow Twanky Competition in which teams volubteered one of their number to be dressed at Twanky with the winning Twanky earning Panto Opening night tickets!

I couldn't believe how many entries there were and how hard the team has worked to dress their Twanky!

In fact there were very few people now in fancy dress and some of the Halloween dispklays were amazing!

I knew that Admiral had a reputation for being a great place to work but it was fantastic.

I'm at the Grand Theatre at the moment rehearsing A Christmas Carol and its very exciting to see all the panto preparations underway - there's a great and very unusual Widow Twanky going online shortly - but I love the huge 3D Genie Image on the windon by the Theatre's Box Office!

By the way thanks to everyone who came along to 'An Afternoon with Kev Johns and friends' in the Studio Theatre last Friday! We sold out and it was a great afternoon!

Thanks to my special guests Michael Riseley and the Sir Harry Seacombe Youth Theatre wo were all superb!

Next we're planning 'An Evening with Kev' at The Evening Post Theatre later this month.

Its Mal Pope's Theatre and Mal is planning a number of events for the nights when the Capuccino Girls have the night off.

I'm really looking forward to that as Mal will be part of the evening and we're great friends having worked at the BBC together in the 1990's, toured together in Amazing Grace and we were in school together! We're both proud Old Dyvorians!

Thanks everyone

2011-10-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a week its been as I embarked on my annual Pantomime Schools tour of S.W.Wales.

This year we visited 29 schools in a week with a presentation about this year's Qdos Pantomime's production of Aladdin at the Swansea Grand Theatre.

Oh and guess what! Children love Pantomime! (oh and teachers do as well).

I love the reaction of the children and hopefully our visit will stick in their minds and will inspire them to come and see the panto and that will inspire them to want to see more live theatre.

I still remember many of the shows that I saw as a child that inspired an interest in the theatre as a child and as a teenager and I hope that Panto will help nurture a life long interest in theatre for the children oof South Wales.

There were some real highlights on this year's tour especially a visit to Ysgol Crug Glas in Dyfatty a ver special school for very special young people with incredible staff!

I've promised the staff there that I will help them raise money to help renovate the changing rooms for their pool which provides great therapy for the children.

Danygraig is always one of my favourite school (bwcause there are so many Swans' fans in the school! I love going to the Danygraig and Port Tennant area because thats where I did my first variety show as a 13 year old!

It was in a community centre on Ysgol Street in a time that remember with great fondness (Whatever did happen to Suzy?)

The funniest moment came during a visit to Craig Felin School in Clydach!

I asked how Aladdin flies acroos the sky! Answer from a litle girl ...... On a skateboard!

I had great fun on the schools' tour this year - It was probably the best one I've done and looking ahead to this year's panto, I've got a feeling it will be the best one I'vee been in!

We are Premier League

2011-10-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

I wonder how often Swansea City fans pinch themselves to make sure that we are not dreaming and really are a Premier League team.

When we got promotion following the Play-Off final the media constantly reminded us of the time that we needed to win against Hull to stay in the Football League!

In fact i appeared in a very successful play about that season called 'To Hull and Back'. I will never forget that day the tension and the sheer joy and relief at the final whistle.

I remember introducing the team into the Director's Box at the end of the game with the jubilant fans having invaded the pitch and standing next to manager Brian Flynn as he shouted at a fan who he knew to have been critical about his management 'I told I'd do it, I told you I'd keep us up'

The bizarre moment of realisation of how lucky we are came for me came on a train reading the Conference table to check on the fortunes of Wrexham, a club that, having lived in North Wales I have great affection for!

Do you realise how many familiar football league there are in the conference?

In recent seasons the Swans have played league games against Wrexham, York City, Luton Town, Mansfield, Cambridge Utd, Stockport, Grimsby, Darlington, Lincoln, KIdderminster and of course Newport County!

In turn they've been replaced by some very unfamiliar names to fans of League football such as Crawley Town, Morecombe and Burton Albion and good on them!

I'm not a football snob and during that sojourn in North Wales I spent 3 happy seasons watching Colwyn Bay in what was then the North West Counties League!

So many people commented that I must pleased, when the Swans won at Wembley.

Pleased I was over the moon but whatever league this great club was in I would follow them and most Swans fans would do the same!

However, we are no longer in the lower leagues!

We are Premier League and as much as I enjoyed games against Mansfield, Cambridge Utd and Stockport, now bring on Liverpool! Everton and Manchester Utd!

Panto Diary 2

2011-10-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Great fun today as I started the annual pantomime schools tour! The tour lasts for 5days and altogether I'll visit 28 local schools.

Panto is very important to theatres for many reasons but for many children its their first experience of live theatre.

If we can get children excited about coming to the theatre and ensure that they enjoy their experience then they will want to come back and see children's shows, plays, dance shows and more!

Thats why I enjoy being a part of Pantomime at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.

Now only is the Grand Panto always a good show but the whole experience is good.

From the minute that Theatre goers come through the doors at the Grand the theatre staff do everything they can to make sure that people enjoy themselves.

Today was a bit mad as I was driven around Swansea in an Automatic People Carrier and if I'm honest neither of the staff from the Grand's Marketing Department were accomplished Automatic Car drivers.

We laughed all day as what went on in the car was more of a Panto than anything I did in the schools!

We started off at 10.30 in Gwyrosydd Primary School where they were having a Pirate Day and the whole school, staff and children were all dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow and the crew of the Black Pearl.

By lunchtime we'd been to Clwyd Primary and then Clase when red was the colour of the day as everyone joined in 'ear Red for Wales Day to support the Welsh Rugby team!

This afternoon more red in Terrace Rd then off the the LC2 to have a photo taken by the pool with Tommy the Turtle and the LC2 support this year's panto Aladdin

I hope that the schools' visits help in that process of building the anticipation of that visit to the theatre and gets families talking about Pantomime.

I was so pleased to get the following message just after I got back home this afternoon ..... My daughter came running out of school today shouting Kev Johns, Kev Johns! She then proceeded to tell me that you have given ME (ok and all other parents) HOMEWORK!!!! lol!! My homework was done months ago!! I expect a gold star!! lol x (You made her day and her friends)

Great stuff! The tour continues on Tuesday! I hope they practice driving the car between now now and then!

If you want more info about this year's Panto which also stars Jimmy Osmond, Zoe George contact the Grand Theatre Swansea www.swanseagrand.co.uk

Who would have thought it!

2011-10-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward to speaking at the annual Prize Giving Evening at Bryngwyn School in Llanelli this evening (Thursday 13th)

Many of my Dynevor School teachers may be surprised to hear it but I often speak at school prize giving evening and is one of my favourite events.

Its great to honour the achievements of young people in all areas of school life!

Young people don't always get good press and that is so unfair because the majority of young people are good, caring and hard working members of the community.

I remember my school days with great affection, particularly at Dynevor and I'm proud to be a member of the Old Dyvorians.

I may not have broken any of the school's academic records but I learnt some incredible lessons for life from teachers such as David Taylor, my English teacher and John Morris, the school's music teacher.

The Dep. Head Ossie Morris was probably one of the most influential people in my life!

In Dynevor I discover the joy of voluntary work and a love for literature and the arts and many skills which I rely on today!

I'm really looking forward to this evening and I'm expecting to be really impressed by the stories of the lives of those who will receive awards!

Following this year's GCSE results Bryngwyn Ranks 1st in Carmarthenshire and 9th out of 222 Comprehensive Schools in Wales - How good is that!

I hope that I've done something in life to make Dynevor proud of me and for those teachers who remember my more difficult moments at school I share this poem that I will be reading at the end of my speech this evening

Kids Who Are Different Author: Digby Wolfe

Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids who don’t always get A's,
The kids who have ears
Twice the size of their peers,
And noses that go on for days.

Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids they call crazy or dumb,
The kids who don’t fit,
With the guts and the grit,
Who dance to a different drum.

Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids with a mischievous streak.
For when they have grown,
As history has shown,
It’s their difference that makes them unique.

Widow Twanky's Diary!

2011-10-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

I made my first appearance as Widow Twanky last night ahead of this season's Qdos Panto, Aladdin at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.

'Early', you say!

Not really, as from late Summer the Panto promotion machine starts to move as the hundreds of British Pantomimes are launched!

In fact, next Friday I'll start the annual Pantomime Schools Tour visiting up to 25 schools over a week bringing a little Panto magic to the Schools Halls of South Wales.

Last night was a wonderful night! Widow Twanky and 150 ladies in Ynystawe Cricket Club to raise money for Ty Olwen.

For the last two years, Ty Olwen Staff nurse, Karren Roberts, has organised the pamper parties in her own home and raised £2,050 for the unit. This year she wanted a bigger ‘Pink Pamper Party.'

The money raised this year will go to buy the nice things for the unit that the NHS simply can’t afford.”

Last night raised over £3000.

Well done everyone!

I'll let you know what schools I'll be visiting on the Panto Tour later early next week but Widow Twanky will be in the Swansea Christmas Parade in November!

For more info wwww.swanseagrand.co.uk

Jimmy Osmond and Swansea Grand Theatre show their support for the families of the Gleision Mining Disaste

2011-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE

As soon as Qdos Entertainment, producers of this year’s pantomime Aladdin at Swansea Grand Theatre, saw coverage of the recent Gleision Mining Disaster, they immediately got in touch with the theatre to see if there was anything that they could do to support the families.

Following discussions with the pantomime’s star Jimmy Osmond as well as other cast members, Qdos Entertainment and Swansea Grand Theatre decided to add an extra performance of the pantomime at the City & County of Swansea managed venue in aid of the Swansea Valley Miners Appeal Fund.

“When I heard about what had happened we were very keen to do something to support the families of this tragic disaster and I am pleased that everyone working on the show and in theatre is helping us to raise funds for the Appeal,” says Jimmy Osmond.

The extra performance has been added on Sunday 8 January 2012 at 6.00pm. The full company of Aladdin and Swansea Grand Theatre staff, from the cleaners and crew, through to box office and front of house staff have all agreed to work for free for this performance, to raise as much money as possible for the Appeal.

Paul Hopkins, Programming, Marketing and Development Manager, says

“Having spoken to the Miners Trust we thought that an extra performance was a good way of raising funds for this cause. We will also be making bucket collections after the performances during the pantomime run to raise as much money as possible for the Appeal.”

The extra show will be on Sunday 8 January at 6.00pm and tickets, from £8.50 to £21.50, are available now from box office on 01792 475715.

Happy Birthday Swansea Sound

2011-09-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

September 30th is a big day in the history of Radio Broadcasting in Wales.

Swansea Sound was launched in 1974 as the first commercial radio station in Wales and the first commercial radio station to broadcast bilingually in the Welsh language.

I remember first tuning in on my mam’s car radio as I had a lift home from Dynevor School – I had only been at Dynevor for a few weeks and can even remember that we were stopped at the traffic lights by the old City Centre Police Station

Nothing has changed – we still get stuck by traffic lights in Swansea City Centre!

I never dreamt that I would work at Swansea Sound or that I would present The Breakfast Show and I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent here.

So Happy Birthday Swansea Sound and thanks to everyone who listens in every day on 1170mw, DAB Digital Radio and www.swanseasound.co.uk

Proud Dad!

2011-09-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to seeing Fluellen Theatre Co's production of William Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline'

I love working with the company and its Artistic Director Peter Richards having worked with him on ten very different productions over the last 6 years and I love watching Peter's work.

The other reason I'm really looking forward to seeing Cymbeline is that my daughter Bethan is playing the role of Imogen.

Beth graduated with an Acting degree from The Trinity School of Performance at The University of Trinity St Davids in Carmarthen and is one of four Trinity graduates in the play.

The publicity says .......

This is a rare production of Shakespeare`s wonderful late romance which skillfully combines menace and horror with comedy and melodrama in a moving story of two young lovers driven apart by deceit and self-doubt. This exciting endlessly inventive fairy story, partly set in Wales, has a wicked Queen, two villains, and the most charming of heroines.Directed by Peter Richards with music composed and performed by Delyth Jenkins.

The dates

4-6th October at The Grand Theatre Swansea, matinee on Wed 5th.
8th October at The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl
13th October at the Gate Theatre, Cardiff
14th October at Theatre Gwaun, Fishguard

Swansea has a new theatre!

2011-09-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

High St was a wonderful place during my childhood and teenage years!

First stop on the journey into the City Centre would be Edwards the Sport Shop!

It was an Aladdin's Cave of sport and its where I bought my first football kit - sssshhhh - it was a Chelsea kit and I wore it to bed that night, boots and all!

Edwards was where I got all my Subbuteo teams and accessories! All the FIFA PlayStation games in the world will never beat the excitement of a perfect flick and the ball hitting the back of the tiny net! Gooooaaaaallllll !

Some of the retail world's biggest names were on High St!

Fine Fare, Liptons, Eynons, Littlewoods, W H Smiths and the best two floor Woolworths you could imagine with a brilliant record shop where I bought my first single and whatever my mam says it was not Rolf Harries and Two Little Boys!

The reason I'm on my sentimental journey along High St is that this week a new performance space 'The Evening Post Theatre' opened on High St.

Its fair to say that High St has seen better days and whilst some excellent stores have continued to trade there its become a place better known for pubs than retail trade!

However this exiting new project is part of a new regeneration project set to breathe new life into High St.

My old friend Mal Pope is reason for the opening of the new theatre has he searched high and low for a venue for a new production of his show Cappuccino Girls!

Mal and I were in Dynevor School together and have tried to support and encourage each other since I returned home to Swansea in the late 80's.

One of the proudest moments of my career was to tour in Mal's show Amazing Grace and continue to be proud of my fellow Old Dyvorian as he churns of success after success!

I was looking forward to attending the Gala opening of Cappuccino Girls on Saturday but was particularly honoured that he asked that I make a small cameo role at the start of the show for 'One Night Only'!

Mal believes that the opening of Cappuccino Girls and The Evening Post Theatre will bring more people onto High St and he's right!

Cappuccino Girls is a great show and it runs until Christmas and is perfect for a girl's night out or as a part of an intimate romantic date!

Cappuccino Girls runs until Christmas Eve!

Well done memory walkers!

2011-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well done to everyone who took part in the 'Memory Walk' in Singleton Park in Swansea yesterday afternoon to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society!

The weather was dreadful but the atmosphere was fantastic!

It was the windiest day for ages and someone tied a bunch of balloons to our trailer!

Have you not seem the film 'Up'?

Nevertheless we survived to welcome the walkers back from their two mile stroll around the lovely Singleton Park

So well done to all of the walkers some of whom had come from Brigend!

There are so many good people in the world, always willing to dip their hands in their pockets and do their bit when it come to raising money for charity!

Another Big Fundraising weekend

2011-09-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

The Memory Walk is taking place this Sunday at 2pm with the Alzheimer’s Society in the lovely setting of Swansea's Singleton Park.

Here's the info from the Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society's Memory Walk in Swansea will take place in Singleton Park on 11th September 2011. The walk will be suitable for people of all ages and will be signposted around the park. The route will take you between the trees and around the grounds of the park, allowing walkers to take in the views. There will be entertainment and Kev Johns will be there to encourage everyone and start the race!

Swansea Sound will be providing entertainment and broadcasting from the Walk

Registrations can be made on the day.

The money raised from Swansea's Memory Walk will be used to support people with dementia and their families in the local area. There are currently 750,000 people with dementia in the UK and, with this figure set to rise to more than one million people by 2025, it is vital that we continue raising funds to support people with dementia in our local communities. For more information about Swansea's Memory Walk and details about sponsorship and how to raise funds, please contact Alzheimer's Society Swansea on 01792 891691

So hopefully I'll see you on the day! Oh and ......... Enter the park through the north entrance on Sketty Road and follow the path right as it forks. The meeting point will be a few hundred yards down the path. You'll hear me on the PA!

There's a great article in the Evening Post about the walk and the work of the Alzheimer's Society today (Friday) www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

See you on Sunday!

Family Fun

2011-08-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

What a lovely way to spend a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon! On a beach in the wonderful Swansea Bay!

Today was the first Sand Castle Building competition for Shelter Cymru on Swansea Beach.

It was a joy to watch families come together to build sandcastles of all shapes and sizes to help the homeless of Wales.

Shelter Cymru had over 5,000 requests for help in the region where I live alone and any event to raise support and awareness of the work of Shelter Cymru has my support!

Well done everyone - win or lose in the competition, today you did a good thing!

Cheer Up Tatey

2011-08-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

Thoughts this morning with Swansea City's Alan Tate who managed to break his leg in a "bizarre golfing accident".

The defender was a passenger in a golf buggy at a club in south Wales on Sunday when the buggy "lost control".

Tatey is 100% Jack and is one of the nicest guys in the game and is loved by Swansea City fans!

He's is not the first footballer to suffer a freak golfing accident, though: Kasey Keller once knocked out his own front teeth when pulling his golf clubs out of the boot of his car. And as freak injuries go, Tate's is hardly up there.

Top spot must go to the former Croatia striker Milan Rapaic once missed the start of Hajduk Split's season after poking himself in the eye with his boarding pass at an airport.

I'm done a little research and present for you 'The top 10 bizarre sporting injuries'

1 Camille Jenatzy Famous Belgian (excuse the oxymoron) racing driver was on a hunting trip with friends in 1913. But with no wild boars about, he and his friends retired to the hunting lodge for a few drinks. When the rest of the group started to snore, Jenatzy attempted a practical joke, creeping into the bushes, grunting and snorting like a boar. He was too good — one of his guests opened the shutters and shot into the dark. “The Red Devil” died within minutes

2 Sam Torrance is a top golfer!. But in 1993 he withdrew from the English Open there after bruising his chest sleepwalking into a flowerpot. Torrance, infamous on the Tour for wandering round hotels naked in a daze, says: “I remember waking up and seeing this thing, and I thought someone was in my room. I ran at it and cracked my ???????”

3 Mistar Fisticuffs on Premiership training grounds may generate apocalyptic tabloid headlines, but Mistar, an Indonesian footballer, offers some perspective. As he was fine-tuning his game on the eve of a 1995 domestic cup tie, the training pitch was invaded by wild pigs and Mistar was trampled to death

4 Steve Sparks The pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team dislocated his left shoulder after being led astray — by motivational speakers — at a 1994 spring training camp. “They were bending iron bars and ripping phone books in half,” Sparks recalls. He tried to repeat the trick with the Yellow Pages. “Me and a couple of guys were trying to see how the speaker had torn the phone book in two. I got mine started, but my shoulder just slipped out”

5 Dave Beasant In 1993, when a jar of salad cream fell out of a cupboard, goalkeeper Beasant fumbled the bottle, and as it slipped through his grasp, he stuck out a foot to stop it shattering on the floor. It cracked his right toe, ruptured ankle ligaments, and Beasant was out for several weeks

6 Chris Lewis The former England cricketer has had more breaks than a KitKat; it was once said he has spent so much time under the X-ray machine that the easiest way to find him is to switch on the Geiger counter. On a 1993 tour to the West Indies, Devon Malcolm shaved Lewis’s head, and – believing his dark pigment would protect him from the sun – Lewis spent the day without a hat. He suffered sunstroke and missed the first warm-up game

7 Roger Craig The manager of the San Francisco Giants entered baseball legend when it was leaked to the media how he had injured his hand. Craig had sliced his fingers on a bra strap as he tried to remove the garment. But this was a moment for high praise rather than mockery. For Craig is a hero – the man is rumoured to have shut out the pain that night. He carried on regardless

8 Steve Morrow Scored the winner in the 1993 League Cup final against Sheffield Wednesday, but everybody left Wembley feeling sorry for the Irishman. He fell off his donkey. He was hoisted on to the shoulders of Tony Adams, but the captain dropped him. Morrow fell awkwardly and shattered his collarbone, leaving him unavailable for the FA Cup final several weeks later

9 Derek Pringle The former England allrounder is now a full-time cricket writer, but writing hasn’t always been so rewarding for him. He once pulled out on the morning of a Test with a back strain. The niggle was, er, sustained while writing a letter. Reclining in his chair as he crafted his prose, Pringle somehow aggravated the old injury

10 Derek Hills Who says darts is not a sport and just a pastime for lardy blokes with a pint and bag of pork scratchings in hand? A tough, hardened physique is a must. Somerset player Hills was at a 24-hour darts marathon in a local boozer when he tore his arm and wrist ligaments. He was getting in a round at the bar.

Prayer for the Swans!

2011-08-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Swansea City start the Premier League Season tomorrow against Manchester City so I thought that I would write a prayer for the Swans at the start of a new era for Wales' only Premier League team!

I wrote some at the end of last season and for the Play-Off's.

I was quite surprised at how they were received and enjoyed talking to The Evening Post, Radio Wales and Sky News about the Prayers.

I certainly wouldn't want to make light of something as important as prayer and maybe it really did help!

So the prayer for the opening of Swansea City Premier League game ....

Our Father who's love is never dated
We feel a bit like the Shepherd Boy David

He fought Goliath, we Manchester City
No-one expected an end that was pretty

With no weapons or training, he felled a giant
And with an army of Jack the Swans are just as defiant

Our sling is Tatey, our stones are Leon
And once again its your support we rely on

This time I don't ask that we net four
Just whatever they get let us score more

And if they wonder about David and whats the connection
Well when he found Goliath he had your protection

For the Jack and young David your love is so deep
And he was a Shepherd boy and the Welsh ...... We love sheep!

I reckon that the Swans will win 1 - 3 and I'll be watching the game on Sky News with the volume turned down so I can listen to Anthony O'Connell excellent commentary on Swansea Sound,

This is our Season!

2011-08-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

How strange to see the News and sport channels to be running features on Day 1 of the Premier League season and after all the local hype and excitement Swans' fans gave to wait until Monday before we play.

However, that's the Premier League!

I am very optimistic about the Swans' chances in the Premier League! We are there on merit and will give every team we play a game!

I've gone for a 2 - 3 for the Swans against Manchester City which may seems a little bold when everyone is talking about Man City as a top 2 team this season but we have a quality side and I feel that I have every reason to feel positive!

We do have one secret weapon and that's the Jack Army!

Every team from the Premier League down to the Unibond has passionate fans but none more passionate than the Jack Army!

For example during the Play-Off Second Leg against Forest I have never felt an atmosphere like the one at The Liberty that night!

I'm a football fan, a Swans fan but I have been to big rugby games with Wales home and away but I have never heard Hymns and Arias sung the way it was by the homes crowd in the East , West, South and .......... North (cause there were a few of ours in there as well! Undercover!)

I always felt we needed a memorable Swans game at the Liberty that would ensure that the Stadium became as big apart of our hearts as The Vetch! That was night!

And now they sing ....

'take me to the Liberty, way down by Rossi's
where you can buy a bag of chips for £1.33

Good luck and a safe journey to all Swans' fans travelling to the City of Manchester Stadium on Monday evening and we'll all be together for the big game next weekend as Wales' only Premier League team, Swansea City take on Wigan at the Liberty!

Wembley was our day! This is our season!

Taffy Shakespeare

2011-08-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am having a ball rehearsing 'Taffy Shakespeare' with director Peter Richards.

Its great working with Peter as he is also a Swans' fan, a season ticket holder of many years standing.

The play is great, and writer Frances Hardy has written a very funny play!

Its hard to tell the story without given too much away but its a great story that weaves yarns with fact!

Its a big learn for me and whilst I've done a one man play before this is the biggest and most challenging role I've tackled as an actor!

I get my costume tomorrow from the wonderful Beryl Thomas and the tour opens at The Grand Theatre Arts Wing on August 24th and then onto the Grand Pavillion Porthcawl, The Tenby Festival and The Savoy Monmouth!

London Calling

2011-08-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello London! I like that!

Its been great this week to talk to Late Night listeners of London Based Station Premier Gospel!

However, thanks to the internet, Premier. just like Swansea Sound can be listened anywhere in the world!

Its been great fun chatting to Gospel Tonight's award winning presenter Muyiwa.

I worked with Muyiwa and his band Riversong at Ablaze 2010 with me doing Stand Up and Muyiwa singing with The Band!

It was a great night.

I loved being a guest on his show this week on Premier Gospel as Muyiwa this week broadcasts from Swansea chatting about Gospel Music in Wales and about The Swans in the Prmier League!

Its beginning to feel a lot like ...............

2011-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely chat with Jimmy Osmond on the phone this week and he is so looking forward to coming to Swansea for Panto this year!

Its been a strange week as right in the middle of July I've been talking about Panto and about a production of A Christmas Carol in November!

I am very excited about the possibility of being involved with the Dickens Classic as it was the first ever School Play I ever did whilst in J4 (Sorry! That's' Year 6 today) at Plasmarl Primary School in 19 ........... That's' for me to know!

Thanks to everyone who came along to my show at the Grand Arts Wing on Wednesday Afternoon, we sold out!

My guests were Michael Riseley and Zoe George, two very talented performing at the start of their careers.

Both did solo spots and sang a duet together from the musical 'The Last Five Years'. Michael and Zoe will perform what I believe is the first production of the The Last Five Years in Wales in Swansea this September! I can't wait!

Taffy Shakespeare is coming along nicely! I had my first costume fitting with Beryl on Friday and got quite excited when I picked up a brochure for the Tenby Festival today.

I'll be performing 'Taffy Shakespeare' on the opening day of the festival in September as part of the tour which starts the last week of August in Swansea and at The Grand Pavilion Porthcawl!

Panto Poster

2011-07-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! Its a great Panto poster this year and now I can't wait for the launch later in the year and then rehearsals at the beginning of December!

Its crazy as I've got three plays, two of which are touring to worry about before we start Panto but its my favourite time of the year.

The Grand Theatre is a great Panto Theatre as for the theatre goer the fun starts as soon as Panto goers go through the door1

The Front of House staff at The Grand are fantastic and do everything they can to make sure people enjoy their visit to the theatre even putting on fancy dress on Christmas Eve!

I'm looking forward to meting and working with Jimmy Osmond as everyone says he's just one of the nicest of people on and off stage!

Widow Twanky is my favourite Dame role alongside Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk so I'm looking forward to seeing the script and the list of songs especially as our Princess this year Zoe George is a great singer!

Don't forget that Zoe is one of my guests in An Afternoon with Kevin Johns at The Grand Theatre Arts Wing on July 21st.

Call the Grand 01791 475 715

Proud Dad

2011-07-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

What a day! It was my daughter Bethan's Graduation Day today, having obtained a 2.1 degree in acting from the Trinity School of Performance which is part of the University of Wales Trinity St Davids.

It was a real joy to watch Beth and her fellow students many of whom I'm come to know really well wear their Cap and Gown and received their degree from the Vice Chancellor of the University!

It was a lovely Bilingual Ceremony which reminded me of the great traditions of Wales and the beauty of our language!

I would like to wish the Trinity Acting Class of 2011 all the very best as they start out on their journey and promise that we will be there to share their highs and support them during their lows!

Already two groups are heading off to Edinburgh in August to perform at the Fringe Festival.

Bethan and the rest of the Quad Theatre Company will be performing 'Random' at Greenside on Royal Terrace August 22nd - 27th.

Glorious Day Out

2011-07-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

I live in a beautiful country!

Wales is a glorious place today with a beautiful coastline, wonderful countryside and the friendliest of people!

I had the rarest of days today ....... A day off! So I decided to head west to Tenby and take a boat ride across to Caldey Island.

Caldey is one of Britain's Holy Island with a monastic history going back some 1500 years.

Today a community of Cistercian Monks occupy the monastery but there's much more to Caldey than aimply an Island with a monastery! There are many things to see and do and its just a twenty minute boat ride from Tenby.

I did visit with Caldey's Monastic culture in mind today, although I did spent a bit in the gift and yes I bought Chocolate.

But the thought of a quiet peaceful setting did appeal to me and my day was everything I hoped it would be!

I headed straight for the Abbey Church and St David's Church and did spend moments in prayer and reflection and greatly benefitted from it. Both churches are plain simple buildings but I found a real peace in both.

I did enjoy bumping into a lady from Port Talbot who had seen me in Hamlet and is coming to see Taffy Shakespeare in August!

Its funny isn't it. we travel all over the world and there are beautiful days out on our doorstep!

Its July 1st

2011-06-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

Pinch Punch its the first of the month!

I found this earlier and it made me smile!

At midday today it will officially the halfway point of 2011! At midday we'll have had 182 days and 12 hours and we'll have 182 days and 112 hours until 2012!

Which means its almost Panto time!

Proud Dad

2011-06-24T14:59:00.001-07:00

I am a proud dad today after hearing that my daughter Bethan got a 2.1 for her Degree in Acting at The Trinity School of Performance at the University of Wales.

Beth has also had two auditions this week so she's certainly not letting grass grow under her feet!

After watching several shows in recent years I've got to know most of her fellow students and I'm delighted at their success and wish them all well especially Carys May, Nia, Steph, Caroline and Nikki!

I've worked in this industry for 30 years and whilst true talent will always rise to the top most success comes from hard work, its not always about 'who you know' or 'being in the right place at the right time'.

Beth and a number of Trinity Graduates are taking one of their final year productions to this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

Fathers Day

2011-06-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Its a very special day today - Father's Day!

Billy Graham once wrote, ' A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.

I may never find myself quoted as one of the world's most influential preachers but my dad is one of the best!

He taught me about caring, compassion and much of what I am today comes from his example!

I have never doubted his love and I learnt that hard word brings its rewards!

Happy Father's Day dad! x

I want to ride my bike!

2011-06-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

I do love riding my bike! I'm very lucky because here I'm very close to a number of great cycle tracks.

Through Gowerton to Dunvant and down through Clyne is the best but for the beginner there's a great path from Gorseinon to Grovesend near the ASDA store, well actually the Asda store is near the path because the cycle track was there first!

Another favourite is to cycle down to Bynea and then pick up the track down the Coastal Path.

I've not been the best cyclist this year but thanks to Action Bikes in Swansea my bike was fixed today and now there's no holding me back!

Get on yer bikes!

Proud Dad

2011-06-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am a very proud dad today as my daughter Bethan has finished her degree in acting at The Trinity School of Performance.

I watched her last student production 'Holey Matrimony' last week which was a very exiting production!

I have been very proud today as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is published as Bethan and a group of fellow students have formed The Quad Theatre Company to perform another student production 'Random' at the festival.

Random was certainly one of the best student productions I've ever seen and I've sure that it will be a huge success at the Fringe!

You can find out more in the Fringe Festival programme on page 293

You can catch Random at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival from August 22nd, for one week at The Greenside 1b The Royal Terrace EH7 5AB

All the best everyone!

People are great

2011-05-28T06:34:00.001-07:00

I love people! Its people that make somewhere a great place to live whether that somewhere is an area of outstanding natural beauty or an inner city coomunity miles from the coast.

Everyday this job brings me into contact which wonderful folk!

This morning for example I was asked to open a fete for the Neath Branch of Neath/Port Talbot Hospital League of Friends.

Theee was a time when hospital fundraisers would raise money to buy treats for the patients such as television sets for the day room and things for the visitor's room!

Things are very different today as the League of Friends regularly buy new and essential equipment for hospital wards and departments.

The Neath Branch raised over £27,000 for the hospital! Well done!

Swansea is great today

There's a real buzz in the air as everyone looks forward to the Play-Off Final at Wembley against Reading on Monday.

There are flags everywhere as the City Centre shops get behind the Swans as the Premier League is just one step away!

Come on the Swans!

Panto Announced

2011-05-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

It may seem a long way until Panto season but preparations are already underway for this years Panto season at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.

I'm really pleased to be back for my 14th Grand Panto as Qdos returns the Grand with a spectacular production of Aladdin with a 3D Genie.

Jimmy Osmond stars as Wishee Washee and I'm delighted to be playing Widow Twanky which is my favourite Dame role and the lovely Zoe George will make her Grand Panto debut as the Princess.

Zoe is a lovely performer, I worked with her on the musical 'Swansea Woman' last year and she is also appearing in An Afternoon with Kev Johns and Friends at the Grand Theatre Arts win in Swansea on July 21st

Everyone has a good word for Jimmy as a performer and a person so I am really looking forward to working with him!

Its never too early to book for Panto! We open on December 16th. Call 01792 475715 for ticket info!