Coffee on the radio in Rhondda

Community radio station Rhondda Radio is back on the airwaves – and local people turned out in Treherbert to celebrate.

South Wales singer/songwriter Mal Pope (pictured) took the chair as guest presenter on the first day of broadcasting at the radio station, and had an opportunity to talk about his new musical, Cappuccino Girls. The show will be performed at the Park and Dare Theatre, Treorchy, from Wednesday November 18 to Friday, November 20, 2009, with a matinee performance on Thursday, November 19 at 2pm.

The musical tells the story of three women and is described as ‘Friends meets Sex and the City set to a fabulous score’. Costumes have been designed by David Emanuel and the set is by Edward Thomas, production designer of Doctor Who and Torchwood.

Tickets for Cappuccino Girls are priced from £12.50-£15.50, available from the Park and Dare Theatre by calling 01443 773112

For more information, go to www.cappuccinogirls.com and www.rct-arts.co.uk

Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "I am pleased that community radio is alive and well in the Rhondda. We are fortunate to have a wealth of culture on offer on our doorstep, from local radio to performances at the Park and Dare such as Cappuccino Girls."

Sharon Morris, outreach worker for Rhondda Radio, said: "The launch day at the station was fabulous and the response from the local community has been fantastic. We are community-run and have to fund ourselves, so we are holding a fundraising night on November 25 at Ynyswen Hall with cabaret artist Johnny Bevan. All are welcome."

Leighton Andrews AM joined local residents at the launch of the station based in Bute Street, Treherbert. Listeners in the Valleys can tune in to Rhondda Radio on 87.8 FM For more information, go to www.rhonddaradio.com