Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A Broadway-inspired show was held at Deri Community Centre this June – paying tribute to a close friend. 

Broadway Lights took place on June 25 and was produced and directed by Gareth Edward Evans, with money raised going to Velindre. 

The show was not only about Gareth’s hopes of bringing west-end standards to rural places like Deri but also about paying tribute to the life of Ceri Williams, a close friend of the production who passed away earlier this year. 

“The cause is in Ceri’s memory because she was linked to Velindre,” said Gareth, “that was my inspiration for doing the show.”

Gareth, 46, continued: “I wanted tonight to be all about the happiness she brought.

“She was beautiful inside and out.”

The hall was transformed into a glitzy venue filled with pink round tables, covered in lights with vases filled with pink and black feathers. 

Performances came from four main vocalists – Nia Poynter, Rebecca McKernan, Richard Poynter, and Wayne Perrett. 

Though the group are amateurs with jobs ranging from welder, photographer and energy consultant to voice-over artist they all “gel” well together. 

Richard, 40, spoke about how the group wanted people to enjoy the show and said: “There’s so much rubbish in the world isn’t there at the moment? 

“We can bring a little bit of joy for…a short amount of time.”

There was a selection of songs from musicals such as Wicked, Funny Girl and Dear Evan Hansen as well as a section dedicated specifically to Ceri. 

Additional entertainment was provided by Affinity Female Voice Choir – chosen by Ceri – guest vocalist Claire Rooke and compère Peter Williams. 

Peter, 77, who is chairman of Blackwood Musical Theatre Society said people would reflect during the show and said: “They’ll think about Velindre.

“[And] they’ll think of Ceri. Just have a nice night, enjoy themselves but also with a tinge of sadness, maybe, that she’s not here anymore.”

Gareth added that Ceri was present in the planning and performance of the show: “She’s very much part of it.”

More information about fundraising for Velindre Cancer Centre can be found here.