Pontardawe Arts Centre and Mark Watson
I have been very slack due to illness again and I keep saying I’m back from outer space.
The truth is, I have not ever been to space and as I am not a million or billionaire. If anyone wants to donate to my cause feel free. I want a house in Barbados and a ticket to space.
Anyway as always I digress.
Last night we went to a comedy gig in the Pontardawe Arts Centre (Website below).
I am ashamed to say I have driven past it many times and not really noticed. Turns out it is an excellent and beautiful venue with lovely staff. I will always praise good staff because when you get bad customer service, whether you are disabled or not it can ruin an experience.
I booked the ticket using my Hynt card (link below to previous article on this wonderful scheme). I booked the tickets over the phone and the staff member asked me a few questions on what my needs were so she could find the best seats for us. That is such a big thing if you have a disability. You don’t want to sit there and be uncomfortable at any time, especially when you are there to have fun.
I also asked about parking so I could find out if I needed to be dropped off or if there was somewhere to park. The staff member gave me advice which was helpful to arrive early so I wasn’t standing and waiting too long.
We sat in the bar when the doors opened and waited to be let into the theatre. When it was time I will admit the first thing I saw was the folding chairs and I groaned. My bad because they were surprisingly cushioned and comfortable, laid out in a way that gave me enough room to move about. My seat was in a good location for me to get up and stretch and access the disabled toilet.
cy Lighting
The theatre is stunning and regency looking, with gold crown mouldings and sky blue ceilings. (I’m old now, I notice these things). The place is really a gem.
Now onto the main event…
Mark Watson
I’ve known of him from a few things on TV but really came to like him when watching Series 5 of Taskmaster. He came across to me as genuine, funny and charmingly flustered. He tried so hard on many tasks and crashed and burned in the most endearing way, making him one of my favourite ever contestants. “Fiddly. V Fiddly” (in joke for Taskmaster fans, you get it).
Well it’s not an act. His comedy is similar in that it’s genuine, charming and funny but he doesn’t crash and burn. He interacts brilliantly with the audience and had us in fits of laughter. It went fast because it was so good. It was one of the hottest days of the year and though the venue is beautiful it’s lack of air conditioning isn’t! The man kept us entertained enough to almost forget that sweat was dripping down our faces.
At the interval people were out in the street cooling down. I went to the car and took advantage of the aircon. (Thank you Ford, you can sponsor me if you like). The second half was even funnier. It was easy to enjoy. I wasn’t disappointed.
At the end of the gig he was sat in the bar signing stuff. I bought his new book “Contacts” which I am currently enjoying, and took an instant pic with ye ol’ Fuji Instax and had a little chat. Really nice guy and actually interested in people. He loved the idea of the instant pic so we took another and I gave it to him cause I’m good like that (or odd like that). The night ended with some chips from Charlo’s on the way home.
I would say that the amount of laughter that came from us and the audience means a great night was had by all. Definitely by Me and Daniel
Hints, Tips and Summaries
- If you or the person you are going with has a disability I would advise you to apply for a Hynt card 10 days in advance of your event
- Ring the venue to book and discuss your needs
- Ask about parking and transport
- Make sure there is fast food available for before/after
Links
Mark Watson’s website: https://www.markwatsonthecomedian.com/
Pontardawe Art Centre: https://pontardaweartscentre.com/
My Hynt Card Article: https://access-to-all-areas.com/2022/03/02/let-me-give-you-a-hynt/
Hynt Card: https://www.hynt.co.uk/en/
Access to All Areas 