Doctor Who Venue Hosts Spectacular Concert with The Welsh Rusty Players and People’s Show Choir

Newport and Cardiff branches of The People’s Show Choir(TPSC) are hoping to inspire with their performance as they sing accompanied by The Rusty Players from Barry Island and Carmarthen for their next mass concert in the Welsh capital.

One of the thrills at being a member of The People’s Orchestra (TPO) family is getting the chance to perform in historically important venues. And that’s open to everyone from amateurs to semi-professionals across TPO’s community choirs, orchestras and bands.

It will certainly be true for members in Wales in the coming months as their new line-up of shows for spring includes an iconic, art deco landmark that was designed to be a “place of inspiration”.

Marble Hall inside Temple of Peace

The location of their concert is inside the striking Grade II listed Temple of Peace in King Edward VII Avenue in Cardiff. Those from further afield may recognise its elegant features as the building has even appeared in episodes of Doctor Who and BBC series His Dark Materials.

It’s not long now until the People’s Show Choir and Rusty Players Orchestra Spring Showcase takes place inside the hallowed walls of The Temple Of Peace on Saturday March 28 from 3pm to 4.45pm.

Jo Leighton, Choir Leader for TPSC in Cardiff and Newport, said: “It’s always great to do big concerts where our different groups come together and this time it’s in a really big venue too.

“The People’s Show Choir singers from Newport and Cardiff will be performing with the Rusty’s orchestra members.

Choir Leader Jo Leighton and TPSC Newport during their weekly rehearsal

“I’m really excited about it especially as doing it with the Rusty Players is always really good fun. Together, they’ll be performing their full spring repertoire at the stunning Temple of Peace in Cardiff.

“The building is well known and historic, so being able to perform in it is special.”

Cardiff’s Temple of Peace.

Opening in 1938, the building was originally called the The Temple of Peace and Health and created by David Davies as a memorial in Wales to those that died during World War One, but also so much more. Former soldier Davies had himself fought from the trenches and been “left horrified by the carnage of war”, according to Cymru Global, which runs the Temple of Peace.
While down in the crypt lay the Welsh National Book of Remembrance, upstairs, good deeds that inspired continued with aims to preserve peace worldwide.

The United Nations Association even founded the National Garden of Peace at the Temple in 1988.
“The Temple has played an instrumental role in the founding of the United Nations, Human Rights frameworks and international institutions of justice and cooperation,” said a Cymru Global spokesperson.

“To this day, the Temple continues its founding mission through Cymru Global and our work on Climate and Nature, Global Learning, Heritage, Peace and Peacebuilding and Volunteering.”

Tours still take place to see the interior of this landmark and it will be among the columns and architectural gems that TPSC and the Rusty Players will be able to say they have performed.

It follows on from the Welsh groups from TPSC, Rusty Players and The People’s Orchestra(TPO) performing in stunning Dora Stoutzker Hall in Cardiff for their Christmas concert in December.

Rusty’s Carmarthen performing at Dora Stoutsker Hall in Cardiff, Xmas 2025

While nationally, members have the chance to perform in world famous venues including Symphony Hall in Birmingham and Duke’s Hall at The Royal Academy of Music in London. All the more reason to get involved with TPSC, TPO or The Rusty’s.

Welsh Spring Showcase concert

The Welsh amateur musicians and singers will perform uplifting, sing-along favourites at the concert on March 28 in Cardiff. The soundtrack includes Love Shine a Light by Katrina & The Waves to Make Your Own Kind of Music by Cass Elliott. Tickets cost £9.60 adults and £6 for under 16s and concessions from here.

It’s a busy week for the Welsh branch of The People’s Show Choir as the Cardiff and Newport singers will also come together to sing at Newport Music Trail on March 27. You can read more about it here.

Get involved

If you’re interested in joining The People’s Show Choir in Newport or Cardiff. The Newport choir meets every Wednesday in term time at Stow Park Community Centre in Brynhyfryd Road, Newport, from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.

The Cardiff branch of TPSC meets on Tuesdays during term time at Bethel Baptist Church Hall, in Penlline Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

If you play an instrument but have grown a little rusty then the Rusty Players orchestra could be for you. Rusty’s for Barry Island meet on Fridays in term time at Barry Island Community Centre in Friars Road, Barry Island, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The Carmarthen branch of Rusty Players meets every Thursday in term time at St Mary’s Parish Centre, in Union Street, Carmarthen, from 7pm to 9pm.