Professional theatre, opera of the highest quality, visiting ballet, classical music, and contemporary circus acts all mingle in Cardiff to make the city a well-rounded venue for entertaining and evenings out. Combine that with world-class comedians, traditional Welsh entertainment and free lunchtime concerts, and you've got a capital city bursting with culture.

Theatres & Musicals

The city’s most iconic venue is the Wales Millennium Centre (WMC)  which has just celebrated its 5th birthday. This lively performing arts venue, also serves as a home to among others the Welsh National Opera and Diversions, the contemporary dance company of Wales. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales has also taken up residence in this showpiece Centre. Recent WMC programmes have featured Circus Oz, Scottish Ballet and the 50th anniversary West Side Story production.  Free lunchtime concerts in the foyer also attract a crowd.

For entertainment ranging from Oklahoma to Calendar Girls, book into the New Theatre, a stately old venue that was actually new in 1906. It also stages the city’s annual panto, along with old favourites such as Buddy, the Rocky Horror Show, and The Producers.

St David’s Hall hosts regular classical music performances, including lunchtime concerts, and is the home of the Welsh Proms. You’ll also find an impressive series of tribute acts, bands, and comedians.

Right in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre, in the stunning parkland grounds of Cardiff Castle sits the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; a great hub of creative activity where the work produced is open for everyone to enjoy. The College stages over 300 performances every year, ranging from vocal recitals to master-classes, from drama productions to brass bands, musicals and opera.

For a light-hearted evening of Welsh music and light humour, Cardiff Castle holds regular medieval banquets, combined with entertainment, in the castle’s 15th century undercroft.

For a full listing of Cardiff's theatres and venues, click here, or use the search tab on the right hand side. To see a full list of Cardiff's theatre events click here.

Comedy

The Wales Millennium Centre has a history of hosting big names from the comedy world. Russell Howard recently sold out the 1900 seat capacity in the Donald Gordon theatre and Rhod Gilbert, Wales' home grown comedian, has also taken to the stage.

Cardiff's Indoor Arena, (CIA) is located right in the city centre, and is one of Cardiff's largest venues. As well as hosting international pop and rock acts, their comedy line-up is just as impressive. Recently showcasing brand new tours from Eddie Izzard and Michael McIntyre, the big names just keep coming.

In recent years St David’s Hall has played host to an ever-increasing list of big-name comedians, as well as showcasing up-and-coming talent. Last year alone saw Tim Minchin, Simon Amstell and Dara O' Briain, as well as classics such as Ken Dodd & Jethro.

Chapter, the city's recently refurbished arts centre, plays host to comedy on the first and third Friday of each month. Check the events pages for up-to-date listings.

In Cardiff Bay, you'll find comedy at The Glee Club, in Mermaid Quay. Featuring a range of national and international comedians on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, if you're lucky you'll catch a big name, preparing material for their next tour. Previous acts have included Lee Evans, Dylan Moran and Andy Parsons.

For a full list of Cardiff's comedy events, click here.