#kevjohns — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Wider seats and a new cooling system for the Grand this summer

Theatregoers at Swansea Grand Theatre will find wider seats with more legroom when the autumn season opens, the council has announced.

A new cooling system is also being installed, which the council says will make the Victorian auditorium more comfortable for audiences and performers in warm weather — the sort of weather Swansea is having right now.

New handrails are going into the Upper Circle, the council said, making the climb to the cheaper seats easier.

Further improvements to the Grand Circle will take place in 2028, the council have said.

It lands on a venue that is filling up. The council says more than 84,000 people have been through the doors since January.

There is plenty booked to sit in those seats for: Al Murray and Leo Sayer both play the Grand this autumn, and West End hit Operation Mincemeat arrives before Christmas.

Then comes Snow White, with Owain Wyn Evans, Rebecca Keatley and Suzanne Shaw — and Kev Johns returning as the Dame in the Mirror, a specially created role after the stroke that kept him off the stage this year.

The year’s biggest booking so far was Welsh National Theatre’s Our Town, the company’s first production, starring Michael Sheen.

The theatre’s resident company delivered the other landmark. Grand Ambition’s Physical Education, set in a sixth-form boys’ changing room and drawing on life for young men in the city, took five-star reviews from The Guardian and The Stage.

Our own reviewer called the cast “quite simply phenomenal”, in a play studded with Wind Street and Langland references that could only have come from Swansea.

Written by Gorseinon writer Jonathan Houlston and directed by Richard Mylan, it ran in the theatre’s Arts Wing this month.

Last winter’s pantomime, Aladdin, has since been named Event of the Year at the Swansea Life Awards.

Councillor Elliot King, cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for Swansea Grand Theatre.”

He said there was “so much to celebrate”, pointing to “the critical acclaim surrounding Our Town”, the Swansea Life Award for Aladdin, and “investing in improvements for our audiences”.

“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal patrons, partners and staff who continue to support the theatre,” he said.

Cllr King added that the theatre “plays such an important role in delivering the council’s priorities, making Swansea a destination of choice for arts, culture and entertainment”.

The council has timed the announcement to the Grand’s 129th birthday. The theatre opened in 1897 and is one of the few Victorian theatres in Wales still in full-time use.

The Grand is not the only theatre in the region getting attention. Along the coast, Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre is being rebuilt in an £18m project and will reopen this autumn under a new name — Yr Aelwyd, the Welsh for The Hearth.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Quite simply phenomenal’ — Physical Education lays bare life for Swansea’s teenage boys at the Grand
Five-star reviews for Grand Ambition’s home-grown hit.

SWANSEA: ‘Swansea still gets to see me in a dress this year’ — Kev Johns returns to Grand panto as the Dame in the Mirror
How Kev keeps his place in Snow White this Christmas.

THEATRE INTERVIEW: Gorseinon writer Jonathan Houlston on Physical Education and finding his voice
The writer behind the five-star play.

REVIEW: Our Town, Swansea Grand Theatre
Michael Sheen and Welsh National Theatre on opening night.

SWANSEA: ‘Honour of my life’ — standing ovation as Kev Johns awarded honorary doctorate

Kev Johns brought Swansea Arena to its feet on Thursday, as the city’s best-loved entertainer was made an honorary doctor — with the therapists who helped him walk and talk again watching from the audience.

Swansea University awarded Kev Johns MBE an Honorary Doctor of Letters at its graduation ceremony, celebrating alongside hundreds of new graduates.

His speech left few dry eyes in the house. “Sharing the stage with you today has been the honour of my life,” he told the graduates. “Whatever I have done in the past, and whatever I will do in the future, nothing will match today — because you people are the best.”

The physiotherapists and speech therapists who supported his recovery were in the audience to hear him thank them, and the Arena answered his address with a standing ovation.

Kev has fought illness in public before: in 2023 he thanked the NHS after cancer treatment, vowing to make the show go on. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer — and in February came a stroke, announced by Swansea City as the club wished “our very own Kev Johns” all the best, prompting tributes from fans who called him the voice of the stadium and part of the fabric of the city.

Friends rallied round. A fundraiser launched to support Kev and his wife Rosie — by his side “day and night” — while he was unable to work carried a promise Swansea has watched him keep: “We want Kev back doing what Kev does best — and he absolutely will be.”

By May he was back, cutting the ribbon at the new CK Foodstores in Bynea in an emotional first public appearance. Earlier this month came more welcome news: he will be part of the Grand’s panto this Christmas after all — returning virtually as the Dame in the Mirror in Snow White, a specially created digital role he called “the next best thing” to being on stage.

Reflecting after the ceremony, Kev said he had never been so proud of anything in his life, and that watching the young people collect their degrees and start their journey “was amazing”.

The university holds a personal place in his recovery too. “I’ve had cancer, and I’ve had a stroke, and so many of the wonderful nurses and people that have looked after me have trained at Swansea University,” he said, pointing to the university’s reach into Swansea life — from Technocamps to its connection with the Swans and the Taliesin theatre, where he has performed many times.

Born in Swansea in 1961 and raised in Plasmarl, Kev started out as a children’s entertainer and comedian — Clown Kev, to those with long memories.

He is best known for more than 30 years as the Grand’s panto dame, a run stretching back to 1992 — at the theatre he grew up watching panto in, which he has said still makes stepping out there feel like a dream come true.

The dame’s trade has its rules, fiercely kept: a make-up kit he says is bigger than his wife and daughters’ put together, and a firm belief that “you can’t be a Welsh dame unless you enjoy cockles and lava bread”. His stage maxim has carried him through three decades: “It might be your last show of the season, but for the audience, it’s their first.”

At Swansea City he is woven into matchday itself, serving as both club chaplain and the stadium announcer whose voice supporters know by heart — drawing on his ministerial background to provide pastoral support and represent the club at community and remembrance events.

His broadcasting years at The Wave and Swansea Sound made him a fixture of the city’s airwaves along the way.

The honours have stacked up: an MBE in 2013 for services to charity, and in 2022 the Honorary Freedom of the City of Swansea.

The university said the doctorate recognises his outstanding contribution to Welsh entertainment and community life, and his dedication to the city.

Swansea still gets to see him in a dress this year, just as he promised — beaming from the magic mirror when Snow White opens at the Grand this Christmas.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

‘Swansea still gets to see me in a dress this year’ — Kev Johns returns to Grand panto as the Dame in the Mirror
The digital role keeping Kev in this Christmas’s Snow White.

Kev Johns makes emotional first public appearance since stroke
The moment Swansea had been waiting for, at the opening of CK Foodstores in Bynea.

Kev Johns on life as Swansea’s panto dame — 30 years of sparkle at the Grand
Three decades of quick changes, cockles and lava bread.

SWANSEA: City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke
How friends and fans backed Kev and Rosie through his recovery.

SWANSEA: ‘Feels Like Home’ — grandad and granddaughter star in new Swans mural on Salubrious Place

A grandad and his granddaughter watching the Swans are the stars of a new mural on Salubrious Place in Swansea city centre.

The football heritage artwork is the work of street artist Hasan Kamil, commissioned by Swansea City, and depicts lifelong fan Salvatore Rullo in the stands with his granddaughter Rosa Allen, surrounded by fellow supporters.

“Feels Like Home” runs across part of the wall — alongside “Since 1912” and a section of the old yellow gate that led to the players’ entrance at the Vetch.

The mural is the first in Kamil’s Muriau Mawr project, which aims to bring five large-scale paintings and five smaller ones to the city centre — an ambition the artist describes as turning Swansea into the street art capital of Wales.

Chosen by the fans

Muriau Mawr is community-led, with people across the city invited to shape the artwork’s themes. Members of the Jack Army joined Kamil, Mioe creative productions and Swans legends Alan Curtis and Kev Johns to discuss what they wanted to see.

The theme that came back overwhelmingly: fans and family.

“Football is a huge part of Swansea and its culture and it needed to be one of the themes,” Kamil said. “We wanted it to be a community piece working with the community and showing the community, and we decided on a grandfather and granddaughter. Salvatore and Rosa fit that bill perfectly.”

“There were lots of words and phrases that came out of the consultation. But really ‘feels like home’ was my favourite and the group’s favourite.”

Kamil said he felt the pressure of the brief. “I just wanted the fans who had been consulted and been part of the process to like it, and I think we’ve done that. I wanted to have integrity behind the artwork, but also I wanted the fans to feel like they have ownership over the mural.”

“Football goes in unison with family”

For Rullo, seeing himself on the wall representing supporters across the city is a source of pride.

“To be a part of the modern Swansea and the new architecture and artwork like this is absolutely awesome,” he said.

“Football goes in unison with family, and Swansea City is a family-orientated club so this is amazing. I’m so proud to have been part of this process, and hopefully this mural will last for years to come.”

More to come

Kamil’s connection with the Swans goes back to last summer, when the club commissioned him to paint a Snoop Dogg image in a stairwell of the Swansea.com Stadium’s West Stand. His work can also be seen in The Swansea Jack.

Muriau Mawr will bring artwork themed around the Welsh language, poetry and women’s voices to walls around the city in the coming months — with a map and trail to follow once all ten are complete.

The new mural arrives a fortnight after Briton Ferry’s much-loved Brunel mural disappeared under white paint, following an ownership dispute — as one wall in the region loses its artwork, another gains one.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

BRITON FERRY: The whitewash begins — town’s Brunel mural disappears under the roller
The gateway artwork lost to an ownership dispute this month.

SWANSEA: Kev Johns makes first public appearance since stroke at Swansea City home match
The Swans stadium announcer’s return to the ground in May.

OSPREYS: CEO Lance Bradley departs — months before the St Helen’s move he steered the club towards
Change at the top of Swansea’s other big club this week.

SWANSEA: ‘Swansea still gets to see me in a dress this year’ — Kev Johns returns to Grand panto as the Dame in the Mirror

Kev Johns will be part of Swansea Grand’s pantomime this Christmas after all — returning as a digital “Dame in the Mirror” as the theatre unveiled a star-studded cast for Snow White.

The much-loved entertainer suffered a stroke in February, and made an emotional first public appearance in May — but was determined not to let his panto fans down.

He said: “I am delighted to have a very different role in this year’s panto playing the Dame in the Mirror. Panto is so special to me, so although I can’t be there giving my usual performance this is the next best thing, and I am thrilled to still be involved.

“The people of Swansea still get to see me in a dress this year! Snow White is one of my favourite stories and this will be another fantastic production. There’ll be a few surprises, with a great script and lots of boos and cheers.”

The role caps three decades of panto sparkle at the Grand for Kev — and there’s a neat symmetry to it, as he starred in the theatre’s last Snow White in 2021.

Kev has been doing panto since 1992, and told Swansea Bay News last Christmas that stepping out at the Grand still felt “like a dream come true” — because it was the theatre he grew up watching panto in.

That day-in-the-life interview revealed the staples of the dame’s trade: a make-up kit “bigger than my wife and daughters put together”, lightning quick-changes in the wings — and a firm rule that “you can’t be a Welsh dame unless you enjoy cockles and lava bread”.

He also shared the maxim that has carried him through more than three decades on stage: “It might be your last show of the season, but for the audience, it’s their first.”

He’ll share the bill with a cast led by BBC presenter Owain Wyn Evans, CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw, Swansea-born actor Christian Patterson and comic Steve Walls.

Evans — the Ammanford-raised presenter who wakes the nation with his Early Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, appears daily on Homes Under the Hammer and fronts Wales Home of the Year — takes on the role of the Spirit of the Forest in his first panto at the Grand.

He said: “Drumroll please! I can’t wait to be spending Christmas in Swansea for Snow White! The Swansea Grand has always had a place in my heart, and to be taking to the stage there for Panto this year is going to be very special.”

The drumroll is no idle boast — Evans famously went viral drumming along to the BBC News theme from his attic in 2020, then raised more than £3.8m for Children in Need with a record-breaking 24-hour drumathon the following year.

He is also a Celebrity Mastermind champion — specialist subject: the musical works of Britney Spears.

The homecoming caps an eventful stretch for the presenter, who was back on air within weeks of emergency surgery last autumn — and who went public in March with a hearing scare, warning he had been “missing conversations”.

Rebecca Keatley — who grew up in Port Talbot, and is one of the longest-serving presenters in the CBeebies House with twelve CBeebies pantomimes to her name — plays the title role.

“I am thrilled to be heading to Wales this Christmas and returning to the stage at The Swansea Grand Theatre as Snow White,” she said. “I am super excited to be working with such an incredible cast and crew.”

Her voice will be familiar to CBeebies households too — she narrates the Bafta-winning shows Time for School and My Family, and has presented the CBeebies Proms from the Royal Albert

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Kev Johns makes emotional first public appearance since stroke
The moment Swansea had been waiting for, at the opening of CK Foodstores in Bynea.

‘I was just hooked’ — the Kev Johns podcast that’s become even more poignant since his stroke
A lifetime of Swans memories, in his own words.

Star-studded midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence at Swansea’s Copperworks Distillery
The night Welsh stars including Owain Wyn Evans gathered in the city.

Swansea Grand prepares for festive panto adventure Aladdin
Last year’s award-winning production, with Joe Pasquale leading the bill.

Kev Johns makes emotional first public appearance since stroke — to open new CK store for community he loves

It has been three months since Kev Johns MBE suffered a stroke that left Swansea holding its breath. On Thursday, the city got the moment it had been waiting for — Kev was back.

The much-loved entertainer, radio host, panto star and Swansea City matchday announcer made his first public appearance since his stroke in February at the official opening of the new CK Foodstores in Bynea — a store that carries the message “Proud to serve Bynea” above its entrance, and a community the store says it is proud to be part of.

Kev cut the ribbon at noon and made what those present described as a wonderful address to the crowd gathered to welcome the new store.

The occasion had all the hallmarks of a proper community event — including an appearance from Mr Leek, the CK Foodstores mascot, who was on hand to welcome shoppers to the new store alongside Kev and the team.

Siany Martin, drivetime presenter on Swansea Bay Radio and a long-time colleague of Kev’s from their days together at The Wave and Swansea Sound, said it had been an emotional day. “Just look at this incredible man — who even through recovery is still here for the community,” she wrote.

The pair’s radio history runs deep — Kev has hosted a Sunday morning show on Swansea Bay Radio, and the two go back years to the former sister stations The Wave and Swansea Sound, where Kev built much of his broadcasting reputation alongside a generation of local talent.

Siany said Kev had been determined to be present for the opening because he had been part of the store’s story from the beginning — and that she echoed his words about the Bynea community and how much the store was needed there.

CK Foodstores said they could not have been more thrilled to welcome Kev to their newest store. “Kev, we’ve missed you,” the company said — adding thanks to Kev and his partner Rosie for making the effort to be there.

Kev himself described the occasion as a great honour. “Very honoured today to cut the ribbon that officially opened the excellent new CK store in Bynea,” he said.

The outpouring of warmth that followed on social media showed how much Swansea has missed him. Fans and friends described him as a legend, a miracle man and a community superstar — with one noting that a 12-year-old in their family had asked out of the blue that very evening how Kev was getting on.

One long-time supporter wrote that their first memories of Kev were as Clown Kev, then his radio shows on Swansea Sound, and his pantomime performances at the Grand Theatre — a career spanning decades that has woven him into the fabric of Swansea life.

Kev is one of Swansea’s most beloved figures — a man who has given the city his voice, his humour and his heart for more than 30 years. He is the long-serving club chaplain and matchday announcer at Swansea City, a veteran of dozens of pantomimes at the Grand Theatre, and a tireless charity champion.

In 2022 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Swansea in recognition of his decades of community service. He has also been open about previous health challenges — in 2023 he thanked the NHS after undergoing cancer treatment, saying he was determined to keep performing.

When news of his stroke broke in February, the tributes and messages of support were immediate and overwhelming — from Swansea City supporters, from the entertainment world and from ordinary people across the city whose lives he has touched.

Thursday’s appearance was a first step — and those who were there say he looked well and was clearly moved by the warmth of the reception. The road back continues, but for one afternoon in Bynea, Swansea got its Kev back.

The new CK Foodstores opened its doors at 9am on Thursday, with the first 50 shoppers receiving a free Brace’s Bakery loaf. Suppliers including Felinfoel Brewery and Daisy Bank Dairy were also in attendance.

Kev is expected back at the Swansea.com Stadium — where he has been the voice of matchdays for years — when he is ready. Those who saw him on Thursday said he was on his way back.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea favourite Kev Johns recovering after minor stroke
Much-loved entertainer thanks supporters as he begins his recovery.

Swansea City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke
Fans and friends unite to support Swansea’s best-loved entertainer as he recovers.

Kev Johns on life as Swansea’s panto dame — 30 years of sparkle at the Grand
Kev reflects on three decades of pantomime, community and what Swansea means to him.

Dr Sian Williams announced as ambassador for cancer charity Maggie’s

The BBC presenter, who hosts the Radio 4 programme Life Changing and is also a counselling psychologist, has been involved with the cancer care charity for 10 years.

She joins the likes of broadcaster Mark Chapman, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley and recording artist AJ Tracey as Maggie’s marks its 30th year of supporting people with cancer.

The Swansea branch of Maggie’s, located on the grounds of Singleton Hospital, offers free practical, emotional, and social support to anyone living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.

Having opened by then, First Minister Carwyn Jones on December 9, 2011, to address the critical need for holistic cancer support in South West Wales, Maggie’s in Swansea sees approximately 3,000 new cancer diagnoses every year.

Locally, Swansea City Football Club has been associated with Maggie’s as its charitable partner since August 2023, with a campaign titled “Tackling Cancer Together”.

The club chose Maggie’s due to the charity’s direct impact on the local community and the personal experiences of club figures with cancer. 

They launched an eye-catching pink third kit for the 2023–24 season dedicated to the partnership. The design featured coloured spots representing common types of cancer, with £3 from each sale donated to Maggie’s.

Swansea City legends Alan Curtis MBE and Kev Johns MBE have long-standing ties to the charity, serving as ambassadors for the Swansea centre following their own cancer diagnoses.

Dr Sian Williams said: “I am delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for Maggie’s. I know how brilliantly and compassionately they deliver expert and holistic care to those going through cancer and their family and friends.

“I’ve worked at Maggie’s and had a cancer experience too, so I know what an enormous difference that support can make. I am looking forward to working even more closely with the charity to make sure they can reach as many people as possible at what is potentially the hardest time of their lives.”

After many years as a news presenter on the BBC, including on BBC Breakfast, Dr Sian studied for a Master’s Degree in Psychology, followed by a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. 

During her training as a counselling psychologist, she undertook a placement at Maggie’s West London at Charing Cross Hospital, where she spent 18 months facilitating support groups and delivering one-to-one therapy. 

Since then, Dr Sian has, amongst other things, spoken at a carol concert to raise funds for Maggie’s, hosted a panel discussion on men, cancer and mental health in the Senedd for the charity, and taken part in Maggie’s campaigns to raise awareness of treatment induced crash menopause. 

Dr Sian has personal experience of cancer after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 in 2014. Her treatment included a double mastectomy. The author has since expressed how her experience made her realise what a difference the right support can make. 

Dame Laura Lee DBE, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “We are so pleased to announce Dr Sian as an ambassador for Maggie’s. As a psychologist and someone with lived experience of cancer, I know she truly understands our support and the needs of our centre visitors.

“We are marking 30 years of transformative cancer care this year  and are more committed than ever to making sure everyone with cancer, and their family and friends, has access to our free expert, practical, emotional and psychological support. It’s wonderful to welcome Dr Sian to the Maggie’s family during our 30th year.” 

Maggie’s has been providing free, expert emotional and practical support for people with cancer for 30 years.

[Lead image: BBC]

SWANSEA: ‘I was just hooked’ — the Kev Johns podcast that’s become even more poignant since his stroke

A podcast recorded with Kev Johns before his mini stroke has been shared by Swansea City, giving fans a chance to hear the club’s beloved matchday host reflect on a lifetime of memories at the heart of the Jack Army — in his own words, in his own voice.

The 78-minute episode of the club’s official podcast Way Down by the Sea was recorded at the Swansea Jack in January 2026. Weeks later, Kev suffered a mini stroke. A GoFundMe campaign has since raised thousands for him and his family — and now the Swans have released the podcast, which takes on an added poignancy given what followed.

Speaking with characteristic warmth and wit, Kev — who holds an MBE for his services to the club and the community — traces his connection to the Swans all the way back to the age of seven, when his father and uncle Jack took him to his first game at the Vetch.

“I’ll never forget coming up the little slope in the North Bank and catching the sight of the pitch with the floodlights on it,” he said. “I was just hooked.”

His early heroes included Herbie Williams, Geoff Thomas and Tony Millington — but one name stands out above the rest. Vic Gommersall, a left-back who became far more than a boyhood idol.

Kev said Gommersall had become a genuine friend in later life, with the two hugging on the terraces when the Swans scored. “My boyhood hero became a friend,” he said. “And the last thing I could do for my dear friend Vic was officiate at his funeral service. It was an incredible honour — but it broke my heart.”

Kev’s path to becoming the voice of the Vetch came almost by accident. He had been working as a commentator on a fans’ football tournament when a brief mention in the Evening Post caught the club’s eye. The phone call that followed changed everything.

“I had a phone call from the Swans saying, ‘You’re doing halftime at Wembley,'” he recalled. “I said yeah. They said, ‘Why don’t you do that for us?’ I said, ‘Well, you’ve never asked.’ They said, ‘Well, we’re asking.’ I said, ‘I’ll do it.'”

The first game he hosted was against Exeter — with Uri Geller in tow. “I had to introduce Uri Geller at halftime and he bent spoons in front of the North Bank,” Kev said. “Who’s going to see a spoon at that distance? And I was going, ‘Oh, it’s incredible, the spoon is bending.’ I had a background in comedy magic — I knew exactly how he did it.”

For years, Kev received no fee — just three match tickets. It didn’t matter. “I’d be there anyway,” he said. “It’s not a money-making thing, it’s not a job. I love the club. I really do love the club. If we win, lose or draw, I’m just proud to be a Jack.”

Among the many memories he shares, the Hull game — when a Swansea win kept the club in the Football League — stands out as one of the most electric. “It was not just on the day,” he said of the tension. “It was the whole week leading up to it. It was almost like a cup final. And when that fourth goal went in — my goodness, it was incredible.”

He also played a central role during one of the darkest chapters in the club’s recent history — the Tony Petty era, when supporters feared for the club’s very existence. “Everything was done for the sake of the football club,” he said of his decision to lead the march through the city and then straight onto the pitch. “Orient were playing and their supporters joined us in the march, which is why we will always respect Orient Football Club.”

He later had Petty on his radio phone-in the following morning. “Man, I had to take him upstairs for a cup of tea afterwards because he was visibly in shock,” Kev recalled. He reserved particular praise for Nick Cusack, the club captain who put his job on the line to support the supporters’ campaign. “He stood out and he stood tall and it was remarkable what he did,” Kev said.

The podcast also takes in some of Kev’s more personal memories — including a moving service he held at the Vetch before it was demolished, for supporters whose ashes had been scattered on the pitch. And his recollections of Terry Coles, the young Swansea supporter who died following a match at the Vetch in 1994, are deeply affecting.

“Terry and the boys from Morriston had just got in — they’d been in town, no trouble whatsoever,” he said. “And he didn’t stand a chance.” Days later, Kev was asked to lead prayers at the memorial game. “I looked around the circle,” he said. “Gareth Southgate, David James — John Gregory had brought the full cup final team down to play that game. He would have been excused for using a few squad players. But he brought a full team down.”

Even now, decades on, it is clear the weight of that day has never left him.

The full episode of Way Down by the Sea is available on Spotify and YouTube.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke
A fundraising appeal was launched to support Kev and his family following his mini stroke.

Swansea favourite Kev Johns recovering after minor stroke
Much-loved Swansea entertainer and Swans matchday announcer Kev Johns is recovering well.

Kev Johns on life as Swansea’s panto dame — 30 years of sparkle at the Grand
Kev lifts the curtain on his extraordinary four-decade career as Swansea’s panto dame.

Swansea Grand prepares for festive panto adventure Aladdin
Kev Johns joined Joe Pasquale for Swansea Grand’s Christmas 2025 pantomime Aladdin.

SWANSEA: City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke

Jessica Rice, a close family friend, has set up the fundraiser to help ease financial pressures on Kev and his wife Rosie as he begins his recovery — with more than £2,200 already raised.

Known affectionately as “our Kev”, the much-loved entertainer has been a fixture of Swansea life for decades — from the panto stage at the Grand Theatre to the airwaves and the Swansea City stadium.

Now, the man who has spent a lifetime lifting others is being backed by the community he has given so much to.

In a heartfelt message on the fundraiser page, supporters said: “Kevin Johns MBE has been the heart of Swansea for decades… always showing up, always supporting others, and never asking for anything in return.

“Now, Kev needs us.”

Kev suffered a stroke and now faces a period of recovery where he is unable to work — coming after what friends describe as an already difficult few years.

Throughout it all, his wife Rosie has remained by his side “day and night”, with the fundraiser describing her support as the “true meaning of marriage”.

The page adds: “This fundraiser is our chance to give back to someone who has spent his life giving to others.

“We want Kev back doing what Kev does best — and he absolutely will be — but he needs the space and freedom to heal properly first.”

The appeal has struck a chord with many across Swansea, where Kev’s voice and personality have become part of the city’s identity.

Swansea Bay News previously reported that Kev was recovering after a minor stroke, and has also highlighted his incredible career — including more than 30 years as Swansea’s iconic panto dame and being awarded the Freedom of the City.

Supporters say this latest appeal is a chance for Swansea to “come together for Kev — just as he has always come together for us”.

Donations, big or small, are being welcomed to help Kev and Rosie focus fully on his recovery and return to the stage, the mic and the city he loves.

Swansea favourite Kev Johns recovering after minor stroke

Swansea City posted the update on social media, wishing “our very own Kev Johns all the best” and saying he is recovering well. The club added it looks forward to welcoming him back to the Swansea.com Stadium soon.

The news has prompted a wave of support from fans, performers and people across the city who have grown up with Kev’s voice, humour and warmth — whether on stage, on air or on the terraces.

A giant of Swansea culture

Kev is one of Swansea’s most recognisable figures: a radio host, panto star, charity champion and the long‑serving club chaplain at Swansea City.

In 2022 he was awarded the Freedom of the City, recognising decades of work in the community, on stage and in local broadcasting.

He has also been open about his previous health battles. In 2023 he thanked the NHS after undergoing cancer treatment, telling Swansea Bay News at the time that he was determined to keep performing and “make the show go on”.

‘Get well soon, Kev’

Messages of support have poured in since the club’s announcement, with fans calling him “a Swansea legend”, “the voice of the Liberty” and “part of the fabric of the city”.

Kev is understood to be recovering well following the stroke last week.

Swansea City said:

“Wishing our very own Kev Johns all the best after suffering a minor stroke last week. He is recovering well and we look forward to seeing him back at the stadium soon.”

A community figure who means a lot to Swansea

From Christmas pantomimes to charity fundraisers, school visits and matchday announcements, Kev’s presence has been a constant in Swansea life for more than 30 years.

His absence from the stadium this weekend was immediately noticed by supporters — and his recovery will be watched closely by a city that has taken him firmly to its heart.

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Kev Johns on life as Swansea’s panto dame — 30 years of sparkle at the Grand

Swansea’s favourite pantomime star Kev Johns is back in the spotlight this Christmas, starring in Aladdin at the Grand Theatre. With nearly three decades of panto under his belt, Kev gave Swansea Bay News a glimpse into the glamour, chaos and community spirit that make the festive season so special.

7:00 a.m. Rise and Shine

My wake-up call is 7am. To be honest it’s a bit hard for me to believe I’m now an early riser. Back in college, I was always the last to get out of bed! These days, I like to get up early, I check the news, enjoy my breakfast, and then it’s on with the day…

7.30am. On the Road

I like to leave early as I’m always wary of traffic and I hate the idea of getting stuck and being late even though I only live a few miles away from the theatre. Also, I actually LOVE my dressing room and make it’ home’ for the season, so getting in early suits me fine. For a 10am show I like to be in the theatre just after 8am.

8:30 a.m. A festive wander

If I do arrive early, I love nothing more than a walk around town, soaking up the atmosphere.  I love Swansea all the time, but I particularly love it at Christmas. I’ll take the chance to pop into the Market and pick up my cockles and lava bread (You can’t be a Welsh dame unless you enjoy cockles and lava bread – it’s a staple part of the panto diet!).

I’ve been lucky enough to perform in panto in Swansea for most of my career, so a lot of people know me and I like to stop and chat to them. Everybody you see in the city talks about the panto… if they’ve seen it, when they’ll see it, what their favourite bit is!  Its brilliant so it can take me quite some time to get through town!  

9:00 a.m. Getting into character

Panto is my one chance in the year to be ‘glamorous’ my makeup kit is bigger than my wife and daughters put together! After all these years I’m actually pretty quick at getting my ‘face’ on – shattering the myth that ladies need a long time to get ready.  But then I am a natural beauty!

9:30am Dressed to impress

On a three-show day, if we’ve got a 10 a.m. performance I like to be in costume early. The wardrobe team is brilliant, But I try to do as much as I can myself before my dresser knocks. Costumes this year are incredible. My opening number is Barry Manilow’s Copacabana “yellow feathers in my hair”… it’s very Carmen Miranda. For someone who outside of panto usually wears football gear and Doc Martens, stepping out in these costumes always gets a brilliant reaction just in itself!

I have so many different costumes and I have a little area in the wings where I do my quick changes some of which are lightning fast. Each costume has been lovingly crafted and I love to give each one it’s moment.

Funnily enough I don’t struggle with heels. I’m surprisingly natural in them. They wouldn’t let me onto the football pitch in them, mind you! But they’re part of the transformation, and I enjoy that moment when the look comes together.

10:00am – SHOWTIME

Before I go on stage, I always take a quiet moment to focus. Even after all these years and I’ve been doing pantomime since 1992 (not just at the Grand but all over) there’s still that little bit of fear. I think once you lose that, you lose your edge. You can’t be too confident. I always remember an old producer telling us, “It might be your last show of the season, but for the audience, it’s their first.” Every single performance is unique; things happen in panto that don’t happen in any other show, and you have to give 100% every time. I can forgive many things, but never ‘walking it’. You have to be warm, committed, and generous in every performance. And for me, that starts with taking a moment to focus and say a little prayer before I go on – that’s really important to me.

The show itself is a mixture of magic and mayhem – everyone is different and every time I walk onto stage at the grand it’s like a dream come true for me because that’s the theatre, I grew up watching Panto. And you know, the saying is true, there’s no place like home and there is NOTHING like performing in panto. It’s just magical.

12.30pm – A quick break

Some days we have three shows others its two, but I tend to stay in the theatre and don’t see the outside again til I leave!  I’ll probably eat my lava bread and cockles and relax with a bit of telly.  On days like Christmas Eve, when we have a 1 p.m. and a 5 p.m. show, I love a quick wander around town. Grab tea, say hello to people, feel the festive buzz. Sometimes I’ll pop out through the front of house just to hear the chatter about the show. Or I just look out to the empty auditorium – it’s such a beautiful theatre!

2pm – We’ll have to do it again then won’t we!

We are off again! The orchestra strikes up and I’m ready to meet a whole new lot of friends. I love to see the theatre full of children, parents, grandchildren, sometimes four generations. of a family, watching a show together, knowing that this could be the start of their love of theatre and what will keep the industry going. That gives you all the energy you need to do the shows.  I’m quite annoyingly energetic but maybe that’s because I love life and I love what I do.

10:00 p.m. – Heading Home in Glitter

Even after a good wash there’s always a little leftover sparkle around my eyes, so I have extra glam on for Christmas  My wife just looks at me and tuts. But it feels right. A bit of magic from the Grand!

Kev Johns is joined on stage this year by panto legend Joe Pasquale and Welsh singer Celyn Cartwright, promising a magical family adventure full of laughter, music and sparkle.

Aladdin runs at Swansea Grand Theatre throughout the festive season.
🎟️ Tickets are available at swanseagrand.co.uk.

Swansea Grand prepares for festive panto adventure Aladdin

The countdown is on at Swansea Grand Theatre as rehearsals finish for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, which runs from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The production is billed as a festive highlight for families across South West Wales, continuing the Grand’s long tradition of seasonal pantos.

Familiar faces return to the Grand stage

The cast features well‑known performers including Joe Pasquale as Frankie Mankey and Kev Johns as dame Mona Mankey. Welsh singer Celyn Cartwright appears as the Spirit of the Ring, while JG Daniels‑White and Freya Humberstone take on the roles of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Andrew Fleming plays the villain Sven Gali, with a supporting ensemble and local young performers completing the line‑up.

A modern take on a classic tale

Producers say the show will combine slapstick comedy, audience participation and toe‑tapping tunes with a digital set designed to bring the Cave of Wonders and magic carpet ride to life. The production is written by Andrew Pollard and directed by Joe Pasquale, with choreography by Jared Hageman and musical direction by John Quirk.

Theatre’s festive tradition

Swansea Grand Theatre, which marked its 125th anniversary this year, has long been a centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations. Owned and managed by Swansea Council, the venue continues to host major touring productions alongside its annual pantomime.

The show is produced by Imagine Theatre, part of the Trafalgar Entertainment group, which stages pantomimes across the UK. The company says it is proud to bring “innovative and immersive” productions to audiences while maintaining traditional panto elements.

Event details

• Dates: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
• Location: Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ
• Tickets: swanseagrand.co.uk or 01792 475715

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#Aladdin #AndrewFleming #CelynCartwright #FreyaHumberstone #GrandTheatre #GrandTheatrePantomime #ImagineTheatre #JGDanielsWhite #JoePasquale #KevJohns #panto #pantomime #Swansea #SwanseaGrandTheatre #TrafalgarEntertainmentGroup

Swansea’s Christmas Parade lights up the city — and earns national recognition

Organised by Swansea Council, the event kicked off at the Guildhall where Santa illuminated the building in red and green before launching the first of two fireworks displays. Crowds gathered at the entertainment stage to enjoy live performances, with professional acts and community groups bringing the city centre to life.

This year’s parade followed a new route, travelling down St Helens Road and the Kingsway before arriving at the main stage supported by Specsavers Swansea and Mumbles. Kev Johns MBE kept the crowd entertained before Santa’s grand arrival, where he lit the towering Christmas tree and switched on the city’s festive lights, followed by a second fireworks display.

The procession featured illuminated floats, marching bands, and larger-than-life characters. Highlights included Spark! the light-up band, the Winter Wonderland Birds, and a new addition for 2025 — the Living Snow Globe, complete with a Snow Queen in a swirling wintry scene. The Witches of Oz float also made a magical return, with the Good Witch in pink and the Wicked Witch in green.

More than 40 local community groups took part, including Mellin Theatre Arts, One Heart Drummers, and Bonymaen Kids Play Initiative — showcasing the depth of Swansea’s creative talent and community spirit.

The parade has now been shortlisted for a prestigious national award by the National Outdoor Events Association, recognising its impact, creativity and community engagement.

Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“Swansea truly came alive as thousands joined us for our spectacular Christmas Parade. This event is a highlight of the festive season, and I’m incredibly proud of the effort and creativity that made it possible. It was a wonderful celebration of Swansea’s community spirit and a fantastic way to start Christmas together.”

View our photo gallery of the parade highlights, featuring illuminated floats, performers, and the moment Santa lit up the city.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea’s Christmas Parade shortlisted for national award
The city’s festive spectacular has been recognised nationally for its creativity and community impact.

New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade
Find out how this year’s parade took a fresh path through the city centre.

#christmas #christmasLightSwitchOn #christmasLights #christmasParade #cllrRobStewart #fatherChristmas #featured #floats #kevJohns #santa #sionCorn2 #spark #swansea #swanseaChristmasParade #swanseaChristmasParade2025

Swansea panto stalwart Kev Johns MBE has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City.

Mr Johns was honoured for his charity work and for being an ambassador for the city at a ceremony at the city's historic Guildhall on 8 December 2022.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/panto-star-kev-johns-gets-freedom-of-the-city/ #KevJohns #Swansea #FreedomOfTheCity

Swansea panto stalwart Kev Johns MBE has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City.

Mr Johns was honoured for his charity work and for being an ambassador for the city at a ceremony at the city's historic Guildhall on 8 December 2022.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/panto-star-kev-johns-gets-freedom-of-the-city/ #KevJohns #Swansea #FreedomOfTheCity

Swansea panto stalwart Kev Johns MBE has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City.

Mr Johns was honoured for his charity work and for being an ambassador for the city at a ceremony at the city's historic Guildhall on 8 December 2022.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/panto-star-kev-johns-gets-freedom-of-the-city/ #KevJohns #Swansea #FreedomOfTheCity