Although we had planned to see in the start to 2022 with a full programme, sadly the year started off similarly to 2021 with show cancellations and an increase in Covid regulations. Thankfully the increased restrictions were only a temporary measure and by the end of the month social distancing measures has been removed once again allowing the final weekend of the month to launch the spring season with a range of full house performances, as we welcomed our audiences back to The Riverfront!
Shows
The shows scheduled to take place in early January were rescheduled to later in the Spring season so performances in January were fewer than originally planned. However, this didn’t stop the month from being a success as it ended with a wonderful weekend of performances all taking place on newly relayed stage flooring thanks to the hard work of The Riverfront tech team in early January.
On Friday 28th Comedy Shed made a welcome return for the first comedy evening in almost two years. Audiences were treated to a highly entertaining evening with comedians Peter Rethinasamy, Daniel Foxx and Jason Patterson who managed to bring the laughs and entertain both regular Comedy Shed attendees and some new faces, a huge thank you to our audiences for their lovely feedback both on the night and the days following Comedy Shed. Comedy Shed continues throughout spring on the last Friday of the month.
Saturday 29th saw show Frankie take to the stage for the very first time in an evening which celebrated the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a wonderful night was had by one and all, with audiences enjoying their evening, spending time at the Riverfront with a high-quality performance.
On Sunday 30th, Fireman Sam was LIVE! With three sold out performances throughout the day, over 1,500 people enjoyed a fun filled time as many families from Newport and beyond took to their seats to experience and Fireman Sam and friends try to save the circus in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. With amazing family shows coming to the Riverfront throughout 2022, Fireman Sam kicked off our family programme with a bang! Make sure to visit our website to explore the other wonderful family shows coming up over the next few months.
Cinema
The Riverfront Cinema was jam-packed with films for all ages during January! Saturday continued to be family film day as all ages got the opportunity to take part in Craft Saturday free arts and craft activities before taking to their seats for Clifford the Big Red Dog and Encanto. The film programme also showcased a range of films nominated this awards season, Dune, King Richard and House of Gucci. This January The Riverfront Cinema continued its monthly foreign language feature with a screening of French language Petite Maman.
Workshops
January saw both the return of The Riverfront’s regular termly workshop programme, Hubble Music & Movement, Youth Theatre and Ceramics for Adults, but also the introduction of some new workshops.
After a break enforced by the pandemic, Rubicon Dance sessions returned on a Thursday with a range of sessions for all ages. Over 60s have two sessions, dance and seated dance, perfect to get participants of any fitness ability active and having fun. Young people aged 7-11 and 11-16 have the opportunity to join classes which combines different dance styles including jazz, street, contemporary and creative and building skills for technique and performance.
Thanks to funding received from Newport City Council, two Welsh language workshops began. On a Monday evening ages 11-14 can join Clwb Creadigol and take part in a series of creative projects delivered in the medium of Welsh including photography, film making, song writing, craft, script writing, and much more. For ages 16+, on a Tuesday evening there is Canu Casnewydd a friendly singing club learning some traditional and some not so traditional Welsh Language songs. No singing or Welsh speaking experience is necessary for participants to join this workshop which will teach you to sing the National anthem, Calon Lan and many more.
As part of The Riverfront’s bring-baby series (Aftermirth comedy club and For Crying Out Loud Cinema), during January a new workshop was introduced, For Crying Out Loud Ceramics. Taking place weekly of a Wednesday lunchtime, the session aimed specifically at new parents/ carers of young children (up to 18 months) allows adults time to explore the therapeutic qualities of using clay. Led by experienced ceramicist Stephanie Roberts, participants will create colourful and ornamental decorations or wall hangings for their home using objects from nature and still-life studies as inspiration.
A final new workshop for January was Take a Breath Wellbeing Choir on Wednesdays. Take a Breath is a free workshop open to anyone who would like to come together and sing for the joy of singing. Led by community musician Laura Bradshaw the group come together and sing to enhance their own wellbeing and that of others around them.
Other Activities
During January The Riverfront welcomed Gemma Durham into post as the new Head of Theatre, Arts & Culture. On the appointment Gemma commented “It is so great to be working with the team at The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre and to create fantastic opportunities for people across Newport to get involved in arts and creative activities. Whilst January didn’t start as we had planned, it’s been great to see so many new and returning faces, and we have plenty more exciting events coming up!”
Keep up to date with everything that’s coming up at The Riverfront and find out how you can get involved in upcoming events or workshops online at newportlive.co.uk/Riverfront.
