As Wales Millennium Centre’s Blysh Festival [19 Jul – 4 Aug] celebrates its 5th birthday, summer looks to be more mischievous and frolic-filled than ever before. And new for this year, an impressive baroque-themed Spiegeltent will play host to many of the performances from across the opulent mix of circus, cabaret and street art.For three weeks beginning the 19 July, Blysh is to welcome a diverse array of guests, ranging from the risqué world of cabaret to the gravity-defying stunts of seasoned circus performers. The Spiegeltent, combining intimate, cosy booths with lavish fabrics and ornate wooden carvings, promises to be the perfect venue, transporting the audience to a world where spectacle and glory reign supreme. Wales Millennium Centre and the surrounding areas will also be playing host to the spectacular mix of hand-picked performances. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Cardiff’s waterfront, Blysh is sure to continue its favour with audiences of all ages, proving why it so warrants it’s positioning as one of Cardiff’s central summer festivals. And it seems that Blysh is as popular with performers as it is with audiences. This year sees the return of various Blysh favourites including the gloriously quirky Frisky and Mannish, who’ll be accompanied in the Spiegeltent by the innovative “neo cabaret” act Bourgeois & Maurice, and also by David Hoyle, winner of the best Alternative Performer award in the 2013 London Cabaret Awards [Blysh at the Speakeasy 20 & 21 Jul]. Also this year, the ever-popular regulars Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club present Hitch [31 Jul – 3 Aug], commissioned by Wales Millennium Centre. Crafted exclusively for Blysh, Hitch offers a mind-bending expedition into the extraordinary mind of Alfred Hitchcock. Other highlights include the immersive theatrical experience that goes by the name of The Great Spavaldos [19 – 21 Jul]. Blurring the line between dreams and reality, this show plunges two participants into a world where nothing is ever quite as it first appears, and where confusing ambiguity morphs into profound truth in the blink of an eye. Blysh also boasts an impressive range of family-orientated activities, guaranteed to leave the whole family revelling. Be prepared to venture into the gargantuan jaws of a great silver whale [3 +4 Aug], or watch as intrepid stuntmen brave the daunting Wheel of Death [26 + 28 Jul]; wherever you are, there’s sure to be a selection of walkabout acts and performances to shock, fascinate and inspire in equal measure. A Blysh summer wouldn’t be complete without an evocative soundtrack to capture the event’s quirky vivacity, and the acclaimed musical acts brining the festival to life this year include 1990’s inspired electro pop aficionado Rod Thomas, aka Bright Light Bright Light [24 & 25 Jul], and Oompah Brass [20 Jul], who provide a show stopping display of bravado through an unexpected collaboration between rock’n’roll and brass instruments, all accomplished whilst clad in lederhosen. Maintaining the level of spectacle and splendour is Latin Lothario Mario, Queen of the Circus [27 & 28 Jul], whose Freddie Mercury-inspired act is the kind of magic you will not want to miss. Gareth Lloyd Roberts, Producer of Blysh Festival at Wales Millennium Centre, said “Five years on, the festival is bigger and better than ever before and we’re very proud of it…I really want people, children, young people, students, families, professionals and everyone with a sense of humour to come and join us, raise a glass or an ice cream and help us celebrate Blysh’s 5th birthday.” Blysh is kindly supported by Arts Council of Wales. Combining the grandeur of the circus with top-notch comedy, topped with a dollop of wholly unique music, this one-of-a-kind summer festival is sure to make you Blysh. For further information or to book tickets visit www.wmc.org.uk/blysh or call 029 2063 6464 |
| Wales Millennium Centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk/blysh |
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Wednesday, July 3, 2013 |
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