Prepare for passion and punchlines celebrating St Dwynwen's Day

by Robert Lloyd

Prepare for passion and punchlines celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day (Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen), the Welsh version of St Valentine’s Day.

Following sell out shows at Toronto, Edinburgh and Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Phil Evans has rallied a varied group of the very best in English language comedy.

With stand-ups, comedy characters and musical comedy greats, there are guaranteed giggles.

‘Love and Laughter with Phil Evans and Friends’ is at The Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Saturday, January 24.

The evening features Phil Evans (Gala Gomedi, S4C), Daniel Glyn (Gwerthu Allan, S4C), Ignacio Lopez (Show Me The Funny, ITV), Ed Holden (BBC Radio Cymru Award Winner), Simon Emanuel (Welsh Unsigned Stand Up Award winner), Paul James, with his cheeky engaging style and a hint of dark comedy and Karen Sherrard (‘Last Mic Standing’, outright winner 2014) a character you will instantly warm to once you collide with her engaging characters and sharp wit.

This will be a showcase featuring the very best comedy performers on the circuit today, together with a few extra surprises.

No expense has been spared for this one-off night of guaranteed laughter and mayhem, which will be jam packed with over 90 minutes of live comedy and variety.

This is a show that you must not miss.

“Phil Evans is true showbiz royalty – not only the Clown Prince of Comedy, but also the King of the Cwtsh. As a comedian, no-one can touch Phil…which sounds a lot nicer than saying he’s the subject of a number of restraining orders at present. With many years experience, Phil isn’t so much a comic, but more like a force of nature. Warm, cheeky, and with an incredible gift for working an audience; the first time you see Phil Evans, you’ll never forget him. The second time you see him…run!” Gary Slaymaker.

www.philevans.co.uk

Tickets £10

Doors open 7.30 pm

Show starts 8.00 pm

Phil Evans is known as one of Wales’s well established comedians.  His act has been described as a ‘non-stop barrage of hilarious stories’, that are told in an easy-going style. Originally from Ammanford, Phil had ambitions to break into show business from the young age of seven, after seeing his first pantomime.

From working as a waiter to delivering parcels as the local postman, Phil found his calling on the big stage, and decided to make people laugh for a living.  His routines have amused audiences from Machynlleth comedy festival to Edinburgh and Toronto, and includes a popular nostalgic childhood routine with which everyone can identify. His comedy experience ranges from working in many top clubs, cabaret venues, hotels and holiday venues, and often adapts his material to suit his audiences, in a way that pleases everyone.

This Welsh born comedian is becoming more known after his successful appearances as an audience ‘warm-up’ artist for BBC Television, ITV One Wales and S4C, a job that requires not only comedic talent, but also great enthusiasm. Phil’s style is an ideal choice for most mixed audiences, particularly those of a more mature nature, and prove to be a winning combination of talent and presentation.

Follow Phil Evans via his Facebook page or via twitter @philevanswales for tour information.

Book your tickets to see ‘Love and Laughter’ on Saturday January 24 via 0845 226 3510 or visit carmarthenshirelyrictheatre.ticketsolve.com.

St Dwynwen’s Day (Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen) is celebrated in Wales on the 25th January.

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, which makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.

Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was one of the prettiest of Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. Dwynwen fell in love with a prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else.

Dwynwen was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice.

God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God’s service for the rest of her life.