World-class Cabaret Stars Join Welsh Talent for ‘Castellana’ as part of Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival

12 October 2022

• Spellbinding new show takes place in a stunning Spiegeltent in Cardiff Castle’s grounds from 2 December 2022 – 1 January 2023
• Performers include Welsh actress and singer Vikki Bebb; burlesque goddess Didi Derriere; circus act Yann Leblanc; fire artist Angie Sylvia and Brett Rosengreen- the ‘naked cowboy’
• Creatives include Swansea writer Richard Hurford and Welsh music director Nathan Jones working with award-winning Director Damian Cruden
• Tickets on sale now! thecastle.wales

A brand new, jaw-dropping entertainment show is coming to Cardiff this December, featuring an incredible line-up of world-class performers who will amaze and amuse as they deliver the ultimate Christmas Night Out. Acts include a gravity-defying aerial act, a fire-eating cabaret sensation, a juggler serving drinks, a spinning muscle man, and a hand-to-hand balancing duo, to name just a few.

Castellana, one of three shows that form part of the Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival, is a sensational blend of circus, burlesque and cabaret acts sprinkled with comedy and naughtiness, set to live music. The story is set in the magical mystical Welsh world of Annwn, which is filled with intrigue and suspense. The fair maiden of Castell Annwn – Ana – is played by Vikki Bebb (Tiger Bay the Musical, Wales Millennium Centre) with her comedic lover played by Alex Phelps (CBeebies). West End performer Ian Stroughair (Chicago, Cats, Rent) plays the Master of the Castle.

The international cabaret acts performing in Cardiff, many for the very first time, are:

Fancy Chance – The Hair Hanger; Brett Rosengreen – the Naked Cowboy; Angie Sylvia – The Fire Fox; Didi Derriere – the Burlesque Goddess; Florian Brooks – the Gentleman Juggler; Klodi & Yann – the Hand Balancers and Joe Keeley – The Flying Man.  Their artistry and daredevil skills are set to leave audiences spellbound.

The creative team for Castellana includes former Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre in York and former York Theatre Royal Artistic Director Damian Cruden; Swansea-born theatre, radio and outdoor arts playwright Richard Hurford; and Welsh musical Director and conductor Nathan Jones. For full biog details please visit https://www.thecastle.wales/castellana/cast-creatives/

The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival is a spectacular new entertainment attraction being staged inside a beautiful 570-sear Fortuna Spiegeltent in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. It’s produced by Cardiff-based live events company Live Under the Stars and Jamboree Entertainment. Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival presents three incredible shows offering something for everyone. The shows include Nutcracker – the Christmas ballet with a Welsh twist; Santa’s Wish – a brand new magical musical adventure for the whole family; and Castellana.

The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival is a wonderful addition to Cardiff’s existing Christmas programme, which includes Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Bute Park and Cardiff’s Christmas Market. It is created and produced by Richard Perry and John Manders, joint directors of Live under The Stars, whose most recent credits include the recent Cardiff Castle Jubilee Celebration Concert, and the Live Under the Stars Concert series.

Vikki Bebb said: “I’m totally thrilled to be performing as Ana in Castellana at Cardiff Castle – just a stone’s throw from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where I studied. I can’t wait to get started on this incredible show, performing alongside some of the finest cabaret acts from around the world”.

Producer Richard Perry of Live Under the Stars added” “We are beyond excited to be bring such a world-class show to Cardiff for its premiere.  The combination of these astounding acts and the magical intimate setting of the exquisite Spiegeltent will make it a night audiences will never forget.  Castellana is a wonderfully wicked show which will titillate, amuse, and astonish you!”

Images of the Castellana performers can be downloaded here

For tickets and further information to www.thecastle.wales

Tickets range from £24.50 to £44.50 for VIP Ringside, with Booth tickets (min 6 people) priced at £34.50. Booking Fees Apply.

The venue is accessible for wheelchairs. Please message the team with any specific requirements.