Paget Rooms, Penarth – July 4, 2026
The historic Paget Rooms in Penarth provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and nostalgia as The Sundaes brought their touring production, Diva Las Vegas, to South Wales on Saturday, July 4. Supported by the wonderfully irreverent FLABBA, the audience was treated to a night of first-class entertainment that combined comedy, cabaret and exceptional live vocals.
Opening the show, FLABBA proved why they are rapidly building a reputation as one of the UK’s most entertaining comedy cabaret acts. Their unique blend of ABBA-inspired humour, audience participation and musical talent had the audience laughing from the opening number. The group’s infectious energy immediately set the tone for the evening, with many audience members singing and dancing along long before the interval arrived.
Among those attending were members of the Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS), a cornerstone of local theatre since 1924. The society has helped develop generations of performers and creatives over the past century, including S4C and BBC presenter Llinos Lee, who was spotted in the audience enjoying the evening’s entertainment.
After the interval, the lights dimmed and The Sundaes took to the stage, transporting the audience straight to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Fronted by the three distinct personalities of Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla Sundae, the show delivered a celebration of iconic female artists through dazzling vocals, comedy and larger-than-life characters.
For creator and leading lady Cerys Lea, however, this performance carried an added significance. This was not simply another stop on a UK tour; it was a homecoming. Cerys first appeared on the Paget Rooms stage at the age of just one year old, dressed as a Smurf in a PODS production. The venue has been part of her life ever since, and returning to perform there with her own production clearly meant a great deal.
That emotional connection reached its peak during Cerys’ moving rendition of Celine Dion’s Because You Loved Me. Having spent many years performing on the Paget Rooms stage alongside her late father, Peter Lea, the song took on a deeply personal meaning. As she delivered the ballad, there was a sincerity and emotion behind every lyric that resonated throughout the room. The audience could feel the significance of the moment, creating one of the most powerful and memorable performances of the evening.
The show itself is a celebration of some of the greatest female vocalists of all time, featuring songs made famous by legends including Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross and many more. The carefully selected setlist ensured there was something for everyone, blending powerhouse ballads with uplifting anthems and crowd-pleasing classics.
Each member of The Sundaes brought her own unique character to the stage. Chocolate commanded attention with confidence and wit, Strawberry provided playful charm and flirtatious humour, while Vanilla’s sweet innocence created a perfect contrast. Together, the trio demonstrated excellent chemistry, keeping the audience engaged throughout with both their vocals and their comedy.
Vocally, the performance was outstanding. Harmonies were tight, solos were delivered with confidence and conviction, and every song was performed with professionalism and passion. The performers clearly enjoyed every moment on stage, and that enthusiasm proved infectious among the audience.
What sets Diva Las Vegas apart is its ability to blend theatrical storytelling, cabaret-style comedy and high-quality live music into a single polished production. The show never takes itself too seriously, yet it remains musically impressive throughout. The result is a feel-good evening that celebrates great songs, great performers and the joy of live entertainment.
By the time the finale arrived, the audience were clapping along, singing with the cast and rising to their feet in appreciation. The standing ovation that greeted the performers was thoroughly deserved and reflected the warmth and affection felt throughout the venue.
As a homecoming performance for Cerys Lea, and as a showcase for the talent and charisma of The Sundaes, this was a truly special evening. Together with FLABBA’s hilarious support set, Diva Las Vegas delivered a night that was glamorous, heartfelt, uplifting and enormously entertaining.
★★★★★
“A sparkling celebration of iconic divas, delivered with humour, heart and exceptional vocals. The Sundaes brought Las Vegas glamour to Penarth while giving one of its own a fitting and emotional homecoming.”
