Words by Caitlyn Morris. Images by Kelsey Roberts and Caitlyn Morris

Blaze of Glory! is the newest addition at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Taken from the Wales Millennium Centre:
“Set in a 1950s Welsh Valleys’ community, Blaze of Glory! follows the fortunes of a small group of miners who embark upon a musical escapade by reforming their male voice choir to raise spirits following a mining disaster.
Led by their heroic chorus master and supported by the strong-willed women who stand by them, the men embark on a series of adventures. They kidnap a yodeller, take part in the historic trans-Atlantic link-up with Paul Robeson, and blaze a trail to the Eisteddfodau and beyond.
Blaze of Glory! celebrates the land of song and how community spirit can triumph over adversity. Traditional Welsh harmonies blend with the a cappella sounds of the 1950s, operetta, gospel and big band as our intrepid band of gleemen Lindy hop their way to glory. Join our men in blazers for a feel-good performance which will make your heart sing.”

Blaze of Glory! was a mixture of intense, funny and mesmerising. The realistic costumes and acting transports you to a whole new world which I haven’t experienced before. The atmosphere was very professional with both the actors and backstage management such as lighting, stage crew and more. When the play starts you will notice straight away the amazing stage set up. There were lots of times throughout the opera where the stage set up changed, one particular being the miners underground as it seemed so realistic, giving you a historical look at what it would be like for a miner in the 1950s.

Blaze of Glory! is now playing on the 23rd of February, 10th and 14th of March at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. The opera is both sung in English and Welsh and the running time is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

You can buy tickets here: https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2023/welsh-national-opera-blaze-of-glory