Teacher has Elvis fans all shook up in Welsh
BEING a science teacher at a Cardiff high school by day, Mark Adey’s second job may come as a surprise to some.
That’s because his hobby sees him perform as an Elvis tribute act in a very unique way.
Mark, from Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd, channels the spirit of the King like no other – by speaking to his fans in Welsh.
He has made a name for himself by replacing the famous “thank you very much” slogan with “diolch yn fawr”, and uses the Welsh language for up to 90% of his shows between songs.
It all started when dadof-two Mark was at an Elvis tribute show 12 years ago and the act failed to turn up.
Mark, 47, who teaches at Llanishen High School, said: “My kids’ childminder was running a local community hall and there was a big show going on that night with an Elvis tribute act.
“She asked me to go and although I love Elvis, I was very sceptical about even going to a tribute show.
“The next thing I know, my childminder comes up to me and tells me the act hasn’t turned up.
“She asked me if there was any chance, as I was a big fan, of me doing the show, and I thought she was joking but she said ‘no, I’m serious.’
“So I went backstage with the band and did a couple of songs and they just said ‘sing the songs and we will follow you.’
“Amazingly, it went really well and people had no idea what had happened and that the act hadn’t showed. The rest, as they say, is history.”
And how do Mark’s pupils react to their teacher’s talent?
“It’s just a fact of life for the kids at school,” he explained.
“I don’t think they think anything of it. In the initial stages when I started growing the sideburns and my hair got longer there was a bit of interest.
“Even now kids sometimes shout can up the corridor and say ‘sir, you’re all shook up,’ but it could be a lot worse than that.”
“Because I have done it for 12 years, it’s something that’s always been in the background.
On his children’s reaction, he said: “I wouldn’t say embarrassed is the word – far from it. They are not massive fans as their taste in music is more modern, but I think they are quite supportive to be fair to them.”
Mark studied Welsh at school, but started going to lessons at Pontypridd Library four years ago.
“It was a strange experience being a pupil again, but I’ve really enjoyed the experience. It’s important to me now to use the language as much as possible.
“When I performed in Carmarthen, I used Welsh 90% of the time when I spoke between songs. But sometimes I just say ‘iechyd da’ or ‘diolch yn fawr.’
“I think everyone in Wales is proud of where we come from, and I feel the majority of people like to hear a bit of Welsh.
“People often come up to me at the end of a performance because they’ve appreciated it, and when they speak Welsh to me, I get to practice.
“Once, as a result, I was even invited to sing with the Llanelli Male Voice Choir who were performing some Elvis songs.”
Mark’s interest in Elvis began aged seven when his sister bought Elvis’ Christmas album.
“I love his music, and what I do now is a tribute to him.
“I’ve had some great experiences. I was even lucky enough to perform in a festival opposite Elvis’ home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee.”