Remembering Stan Stennett

The sad passing of Rhiwbina’s Stan Stennett in November 2013 at the age of 88 brought to an end some seventy years of entertaining by the Cardiff based star.

Stan made his name in such classic shows as ‘The Black & White Minstrel Show’, ‘Crossroads’ and countless pantomimes. He had been part of the fabric of South Wales for generations of theatre-goers and it is with pleasure that we announce a tribute show to him. The show is in aid of the ASSET Appeal – a Stroke fund supporting acute and rehabilitation stroke services at the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough. The fund forms part of Cardiff and Vale Health Charity.

Dr Hamsaraj Shetty; Specialist Stroke Consultant: “Stan was a true Welsh Legend, passionate about entertaining people and about our stroke appeal which was close to his heart. Supporting this wonderful remembrance service will help provide specialist stroke services for our patients. We do a lot of work around rehabilitation of stroke patients and your support makes a real difference.”

The show has been put together by his son Ceri, who worked alongside his father in the theatre for the last forty years. All the artists who will be performing were personal friends of Stan’s and it promises to be a great afternoon of variety. Ceri says: “I know that dad would have loved to have been on this bill with so many of his friends. I want everyone to come along to St. David’s Hall and have a great afternoon and to leave with a smile on their face and some good memories of my dad.”

“He never wanted to retire and I am glad to say that I was able to help him achieve that, working on well past most people’s retirement age of 65 for more than another 20 years. He loved the theatre and especially St. David’s Hall, so it is great that the tribute show is there.”

“I am especially grateful to the management of St. David’s Hall who have agreed to provide the facilities free of charge to help us raise money for the ASSET Appeal.”

The list of artists includes the Welsh Prince of Laughter, Wyn Calvin, song and dance man Johnny Tudor from ‘Gavin & Stacey’, Peter Lewis from ‘Phantom of the Opera’, the golden voice of Mandy Starr, the Meggitt Dancers and the Onllwyn Male Voice Choir. The show will be compered by BBC Wales’ Roy Noble and Dewi Griffiths.

Roger Hopwood, Arts & Theatres Manager at St. David’s Hall:

‘St David’s Hall and the New Theatre are very proud to have had a long association with Stan and I am very pleased to have worked with him over many years. Stan was the ultimate entertainer – his mixture of talent, humour and warmth meant he was well loved by audiences and staff alike; a real gentleman who put everyone at their ease and brought pleasure to his many fans. He will be greatly missed and so this concert is a chance to pay tribute to such a stalwart of the entertainment business and remember the star that he was.’

Tickets are now available from St. David’s Hall priced at only £6.50, with concessions £4.50. You can contact the box office on 029 2087 8444. So why not come along to be part of the tribute to everyone’s favourite entertainer, the late Stan Stennett.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation in memory of Stan, please contact Cardiff and Vale Health Charity on 029 2184 1802. You can also make a donation in memory of Stan by sending a text message, all you have to do is text Stan44 £5 to 70070 to make a £5 donation.

Tickets available for the show on the 30th April online at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or at the box office on 029 2087 8444.