FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS AT THE RISING

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

■ The Redhouse – Comedy at Merthyr Rising, 8pm

To kick off the Merthyr Rising Festival, have a right laugh with some of Wales’ best comedy talent. The line-up – award winners Mike Bubbins and Bethan Roberts, supported by Drew Taylor and Liam Schewitz. Hosted by Paul James.

■ Theatr Soar – OMG! 8pm

The writers and director of the hilarious play The Wizard of Gurnwah, which debuted at last year’s Merthyr Rising Festival, proudly return this year with a brandnew original comedy OMG! Also showing on Thursday, June 2, at 8pm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

■ Theatr Soar – The Waun Common Debates, noon-1pm

John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and political right- hand man of Jeremy Corbyn, talks about the ‘New Economics’ and alternatives to neoliberalism and austerity.

■ Siop y Ganolfan/The Redhouse – The Best Of Welsh Poetry

Starting at Siop y Ganolfan, High Street, where local novelist Thea Hartley will be in conversation with Phyl Griffiths. This takes place at 11am and is free. For £2 (free with a weekend ticket), you can enjoy a whole afternoon of entertaining and punchy political poetry at Redhouse. The afternoon ends with a special red flag parade to mark the Rising.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 ■ The Redhouse – Beverley, 11am-noon

A showing of Cass Pennant’s new short film Beverley. Followed up by a Q&A with Cass Pennant, director Alex Thomas and awardwinning actress and Vicky McClure.