After a summer full of sun, it’s time to plan ahead to a cosy autumn.
From the premiere of our brand-new co-production with Welsh National Theatre to family musicals, classic operas to cheeky cabaret and incredible immersive experiences, let us help you fill your diary for the next few months.
Donald Gordon Theatre
Dog Man: The Musical
16 + 17 October
This hilarious new musical is based on the worldwide bestselling book series by Dav Piley, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Suitable for children aged 5+, this is a ‘pawsome’ fun show for the whole family.
Owain & Henry
5–28 November
Written by Olivier Award-winning Welsh playwright Gary Owen, this Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh National Theatre co-production is an historical epic charged with poetic power. It brings to life one of Wales’ most defining stories, where the fight for the existence of a nation hangs in the balance.
Matilda the Musical
9 December – 17 January
With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Bring the whole family to this funny and heartwarming show – you’re bound to leave with a smile humming several of the catchy songs.
ONE NIGHT ONLY
An evening with Liverpool legend Ian Rush MBE
12 October
Hosted by Jed Stone, this evening will give you a full insight into Ian Rush’s career, including two spells at Liverpool, becoming the highest goal scorer in history of the club and winning countless trophies along the way.
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
15 October
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present. Over two hours of hits by artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, ELO, Deep Purple, Free, AC/DC, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few!
Leroy Brito – Halftime
6 December
As seen on Netflix's smash hit Baby Reindeer, and with tour support slots for Rhod Gilbert and Mo Gilligan, Leroy Brito is back with his biggest and most ambitious show to date.
Halftime is his hilarious new stand-up show about turning 45, accepting that you're officially middle-aged, and stepping into your DILF era.
WELSH NATIONAL OPERA
Bluebeard’s Castle and Oedipus Rex
20 + 25 September, 2 October
In this powerful double bill, two extraordinary works of the 20th century are brought together in a shared world of ritual, mystery and psychological intensity.
Gothic, atmospheric and visually striking, this unified staging draws powerful connections between two timeless myths.
La bohème
27 September, 1 + 3 October
Puccini’s deeply moving masterpiece captures the passion of youth through some of the most beautiful and recognisable music ever written. It evokes the spirit and intensity of bohemian life: the joy of falling in love, the pain of letting go, and the fragile of it all.
This acclaimed production reimagines this beloved story with striking clarity and emotional power. Set in a stark, monochrome world inspired by 1930s Paris where shadows linger and the presence of death is never far away.
LLAIS
7–11 October
Global rhythms. Soulful voices. Unmissable performances.
Experience the sounds of the world at Llais 2026. From the spiritual power of gospel and the creativity of contemporary jazz to the rich musical traditions of India, Cuba and West Africa, extraordinary artists are bringing unforgettable live performances to Cardiff this October.
Don’t miss Laurie Anderson, performing in Wales for the very first time; Blind Boys of Alabama and London African Gospel Choir performing Paul Simon’s Graceland; Sirens: Hosted by Lisa Hannigan featuring Landless, Bess Atwell, Charlotte Church and more; and Buena Vista All Stars with Orchestra Baobab.
CABARET
From high-octane drag extravaganzas and laugh out loud comedy acts to sultry burlesque, live bands and avant-garde gig theatre, our Cabaret stage is where surprise meets spectacle.
Our autumn picks include the improv comedy show with a live band Giant Steps, Cardiff Comedy Club's September edition with Leroy Brito and Robin Morgan, the award-winning musical comedian Tracey Collins with her bold double bill Audrey Heartburn and Moody Judy, and Gagged!, a queer comedy night hosted by Lee Peart.
Barrylesque: Oh! It’s a parody!
16 December – 2 January
Hold on to your paper hats and fizz...
This Wales Millennium Centre drag cabaret spectacular takes the beloved world of Gavin & Stacey and gives it the full Barry Island treatment. Featuring all your fave characters, reimagined as larger-than-life drag and burlesque performers for a night of live vocals, lip sync, comedy and chaos. Expect iconic catchphrases, outrageous characters, and a singalong finale that'll have the whole house on its feet. Tidy.
IMMERSIVE
VR Cinema
30 September – 11 October
Step inside a different kind of cinema and experience six extraordinary VR works, from immersive dance and digital art to stories that blur the line between memory and reality.
Framerate: Pulse of the Earth
27 October – 10 January
Created from thousands of daily 3D time-lapse scans of British landscapes, the work observes change on a scale impossible to see with the lens of traditional cameras. The hypnotic imagery bears witness to landscapes in flux. The impact of human behaviour and the immense force of nature unfolds around you across an array of screens.
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