THE END OF 'BEING HUMAN'

BBC Three's highly popular drama, Being Human, came to an end on Sunday evening (March 10) after three series.

Created by Toby Whithouse in 2008, Being Human quickly became a cult hit as it told the story of a ghost, a werewolf and a vampire living together in a flat as they try to blend in with humans. Over the course of the show, our heroes faced many deadly foes from zombies to the Devil to themselves.

Commenting on the open-ended finale, creator Toby Whithouse said:

"I wanted the ending to be slightly open-ended so there is something there for the fans to imagine... I wanted there to be room for further adventures and further journeys and so on, I want the future of the characters to belong to the fans."

Being Human often used the Old NatWest as a filming location. The cast and crew were always a pleasure to work with and we are sorry to see them go.

The cast of Being Human - copyright BBC

MAKING MUSIC IN THE OLD NATWEST

Resident video production company Candy Jar Films have been busy filming their latest project and the Old NatWest Bank Building has played its part.

The team are working with local singer/songwriter talent Michael Mosindi on a music video for his latest track, "Just Let It Go".

Filming took place over three days around Cardiff in a variety of the city's hotspots such as Sophia Gardens in the city centre and the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay.

The Grand Hall

The second day of filming was located in our Grand Banking Hall (pictured above) as Michael and a team of talented dancers performed a modern and energetic routine for the video creating an impressive blend of old and new.

Michael on set

Michael and his dancers

Watch out for the video which we will be posting soon!

www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

PHOTO EXHIBITION AT THE OLD NATWEST

We are pleased to announce that our Grand Hall will be used this Friday (18th January) for a photography exhibition. Arranged by students from the University of Wales, Newport, this event is part of their 2nd year project.

The project entitled 'Money & Communities' aims to bring to light both the positive and negative effects that money has had on our communities. The exhibition opens at 6pm this Friday in the Old NatWest Building, 113-116 Bute Street. Entry is free for all – so if you fancy seeing some wonderful photography and are interested in  how our economy has affected us, please come down.

http://www.theoldnatwestbuilding.co.uk/

 

OLD NATWEST BUILDING WELCOMES BUDDING AUTHORS

The Old NatWest Building played host to aspiring authors yesterday as Candy Jar Ltd, a publishing and video production company based in the building, held a self-publishing workshop.

The twenty-strong group were inspired as they entered the marble hallway before being taken up to the 2nd floor conference room for their introduction to one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The workshop took place between 10am and 3pm and covered everything from cover design to editing to self-marketing. Including talks from former HarperCollins editor Rebecca Lloyd-James, ex-WAAF Officer and author Eileen Younghusband, former boyband member and author Terry Cooper, and along with other industry professionals, the workshop was an enormous success.

The day concluded with a short networking session, allowing those in attendance to ask questions and meet the authors.

From left to right: Carly Holmes,
Laura Foakes, Stella Wells,
Jane Fraser, Noelle Bryant

Several entrants and winners of the South Wales Short Story Competition also attended the event including overall winner Laura Foakes who, along with the other winners, will have their entries published in an ebook anthology soon, with a paperback to be released next year.

Overall competiton winner
Laura Foakes and her prize

Everyone was extremely satisfied with the day's events, whilst their only criticism was that they wanted more. With their heads filled with information and inspiration, the soon-to-be authors left the building happy and some even sneaked a peek of the Grand Banking Hall on their way out.

The Old NatWest Building has a range of rooms available for events such as this self-publishing workshop. We can cater to all your needs and offer extremely good rates. For more information about what we can do for you, please head to our website http://www.theoldnatwestbuilding.co.uk/

CASUALTY AT THE OLD NATWEST

The cast and crew of 'Casualty' descended on to Bute Street yesterday on the doorstep of the Old NatWest.

Emergency services vehicles, a large scaffolding rig and Kathleen 'Dixie' Dixon (Jane Hazlegrove) were all present for the shoot. We have no details as to the plot of the episode but what we can tell you is that it looks sure to be brilliant.

Our resident concierge and newly appointed building photographer, John Munton, managed to take a few snaps of the set before landing himself a photo with 'Dixie herself'. Check out the photos below.

John and Jane 'Dixie' Hazlegrove

Be sure to catch 'Casualty' every Saturday on BBC One at 8.55 pm.

DISCOVER WHAT THE OLD NATWEST CAN DO FOR YOU

If you need an office space with fantastic rates or need a venue for an event then look no further than The Old NatWest Building.

An Example of our Office Spaces

We have a variety of offices available at different sizes but all at competitive rates. Currently operating from our building are several high-profile charities such as Communities First, Race Equality First, Ace Cardiff, along with Candy Jar Ltd, a video-production/publishing company and Screaming Dreams, also a publishing company.

Our terms are extremely flexible whether for short-term or long-term and facilities include:

- Full concierge service

- Air conditioning

- Full disabled access and facilities

- Easy access to local shops, restaurants and public transport links

Also within the building is our magnificent and fully refurbished former Banking Hall. Boasting high ceilings, Grecian-style pillars and marble walls, our hall is the ideal location for a wedding or an event. Able to accommodate up to 250 people seated, this stunning space will make your day one to truly remember.

A Panoramic View of the Hall

Situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay, The Old NatWest Building is located within easy walking distance of Mermaid Quay and the Millennium Centre as well, as a bus stop close by and a short walk to the Cardiff Bay train station.

If you would like to find out more about our services and what we can do for you, please call ExpertLease on 02920 666623 or 07753 827886 or email us at info@expertlease.co.uk

Alternatively you can always visit our website at http://theoldnatwestbuilding.co.uk/

We look forward to hearing from you.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Here at the Old NatWest Building, we love theatre. It’s a part of our history (with the Sherman Theatre being based here last year) and so we’ve decided to tell everyone what is on and where. And how much of course.

From the Bay to Cathays there is a show for all to enjoy.

 

Last night (Tuesday 18^th September) saw the opening of the sure-to-be brilliant Fawlty Towers Dining Experience. For£35 you can enjoy a three-course meal inside the perfectly recreated set of the Fawlty Towers restaurant whilst Basil, Sybil and the linguistically-challenged Manuel perform some of the most memorable moments from the short-lived but still-loved British sitcom. Tickets are available from the Millennium Centre website, www.wmc.org.uk – and hurry as they are almost sold out!

Also opened last night at the Millennium Centre was the Welsh language version of William Shakespeare’s, The Tempest. Translated by Gwyneth Lewis, Y Storm follows Prospero as he is haunted by faces from his past whilst he musters all of his strength to face his brother, Ariel, whose revenge has cast a hurricane of fire and water over the land. Sure to be a fresh and exciting take on Shakespeare’s final piece, over the land. Sure to be a fresh and exciting take on Shakespeare’s final piece, Y Storm is only open until this coming Friday (21^st September). Please see the Millennium Centre website for full details and how to book.

Finally, at the Sherman Theatre in Cathays, former Coronation Street actor Craig Gazey is showing he can act as well live on stage as he did in your little box at home. Gazey plays Carl, an unpredictable and potentially dangerous young man from the wrong side of the tracks. Joining him are Harry Ferrier as Michael, a quiet and calm young man, and Lisa Palfrey as Gloria, Michael’s alcoholic mother. When a cat gets nailed to a neighbour’s door, these three different characters collide in this gritty and beautiful tale from Katherine Chandler.

Beginning its run in Cardiff on the 25^th September, Before It Rains will be open through to the 6^th October. Tickets are priced at £14 with £12 for concessions and half price for under 25s.

We’re sure there is enough here to keep you entertained for a while and we are in no doubt that all will be enjoyed.

Watch this space for more news on what’s happening in Cardiff, coming soon.

BANKING HALL HOSTS FANTASTIC EVENT

The Old NatWest Building Banking Hall opened its doors to the Public Affairs Cymru Summer Reception yesterday – and what a wonderful reception it was!

Mick Antoniw AM, Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee, was the guest speaker and further entertainment was provided by the fantastic Cardiff-based Keith Little Jazz Band, who made the evening go with a swing!

Everybody seemed to have a great time and all agreed that the refurbished venue looked stunning.

If you would like to hire the Banking Hall for a similar event contact us on 07753 827886 or email info@expertlease.co.uk



MULTICULTURAL MELA IN CARDIFF BAY

Cardiff Multicultural Mela 15^th July 12pm - 6pm

Every summer since 2007 Cardiff Bay has hosted a multicultural festival also known as a Mela. 

The festival is a free and aims to attract a diverse cultural mix. Music, dance, food and other aspects of mainstream culture can found at this popular summer event. 

There will be a number of stalls with information to benefit Cardiff’s diverse communities. These stalls include Health, Wellbeing, Housing, Training, Employment and more.

The aims of the Cardiff Multicultural Mela

To act as a showcase for the arts, particularly performing arts such as regional dance and music. To be a platform for local artists of all ages and cultures.

To further racial and cultural harmony by celebrating the cultural diversity of all of Cardiff's cultural and ethnic communities.

To advance general public understanding of ethnic and cultural values by providing an opportunity for exploration and learning about traditions, beliefs, art & music.

To provide a forum for business enterprises to exhibit and promote a wide variety of goods and services.

To organise other musical and community events.

We are looking forward to this annual celebration at Cardiff’s Bay Roald Dahl Plass. Hope you enjoy it too!

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS CANCELLED!

It was recently announced that the remake of the 1970s BBC show ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ has been cancelled. The unfortunate news came after a wave of negative critical responses and a low performance in the ratings.

Upon being revived, the first season of the Victorian drama managed to attract an impressive 7.5 million viewers. However, this success was not to continue as the second series closed to a slimmer audience of 4.5 million, 6 million behind ITV rival, ‘Downton Abbey’.

Here at The Old NatWest, we are genuinely saddened by the news. After playing host to the show on many occasions, it is a shame that we will no longer be working together. Both the cast and crew were a joy to work with and we are sorry to see them go.

It’s not all bad news though. This August will see Matt Smith return to charm us in the seventh season of Doctor Who. All of us here are preparing ourselves for what we are certain will be an emotional goodbye from Amy and Rory. After two seasons assisting the Doctor, it has been announced that they will depart from the show halfway through the new season.

Filling the large void that will be left by the quirky couple is former Emmerdale actress, Jenna Louise-Coleman. There is no footage of Jenna in the Whovian world as of yet, only an on-set pictures and a rumoured name of Clara. Despite the lack of information we are still really excited about the return of the Doctor. The series seven premiere will be held at the Edinburgh International Television Festival.

THEATRICAL EXPERIMENTS WITH MEDIALAB

Before the Banking Hall could get cold and empty after filming had wrapped on the Olympics inspired film, ‘Dancing Parallel’, the National Theatre Wales Community began work on a new art project. Over the course of this week the building has been playing host to MediaLab, a group within the National Theatre Community.

The focus of MediaLab is to help emerging artists who want to create their own pieces, in their own way, with their own styles. The small selection of creatives currently working here are part of the Fertilisation project. This consists of a group of individuals working together for a week somewhere in Wales to develop initial ideas. It is unsure as to what they will produce at present but we are certain it will be brilliant.

OLYMPIC DANCING IN BUTE STREET

With the Olympic Flame heading to Cardiff Bay the Old NatWest Building has been involved in an Olympics inspired dance film, ‘Dancing Parallel’. The film features 12 young dancers between the ages of 14 and 18 and will be shown in theatres throughout the UK to support the forthcoming Olympics. ‘Dancing Parallel’ is a groundbreaking collaborative effort from Scottish Ballet, English National Ballet and National Dance Company Wales.

Filmmaker, Nic Sandiland, filmed the routine in the disused vault and Banking Hall of the former bank. Student, Theo Llewellyn, 16, said: “The film is a fusion of different dance styles, from street – like myself – to more traditional forms like tap and ballet. We have all collaborated and come up with something we think is quite cool and unique.”

Overseeing the production is National Dance Company Wales Participation Officer, Isabelle Drummond. After filming had wrapped in the Old NatWest Building, Isabelle was thrilled with the results. She said: “We had a really great weekend filming in the bank – it is such an incredible space. I am really looking forward to seeing the end result.”

Although intended to promote the Olympic games, the film is also hoping to encourage young people to explore their cities and environments through dance and the free-running style – parkour.
In addition to bringing their own styles and influences to the piece, the dancers have also helped raise money for the project. Since being chosen for ‘Dancing Parallel’ 19-year-old Hannah Maloney, from Cwmbran, has raised £806 through a variety of methods including a duck race, sponsorships and donations from Dance World. She said: “I was quite shocked to be chosen, but it is a fantastic opportunity.”

By utilising the Old NatWest Building, the team working on ‘Dancing Parallel’ is aiming to send an Olympic message – that polar opposites can come together to create something truly special.

John Munton, concierge at the Old NatWest Building, feels the banking Hall’s Grecian-style pillars reflect the true spirit of the Olympics. He said: “The building has a sense of history. It has been used for many TV shows in recent times such as Upstairs Downstairs, Doctor Who and Being Human. It is gratifying to see the building used to celebrate such a world wide event.”

CALL TO ARMS

The BBC is hoping to make a documentary about the work of the Filter Room –  part of Fighter Command, during World War II. They already have some excellent potential interviewees and archive footage. However they need some help finding the programme's presenter.

As such, they are looking for a well-known woman with a mother or grandmother in the WAAF. Are you an actor, presenter or journalist with such a background?
Or are you a WAAF veteran who has a famous relation in the media. If you can help please contact Dina Mufti on 02920322143 or 07976 599212

THE OLD NATWEST BUILDING JOINS FACEBOOK

The Old NatWest Building has launched its very own Facebook page. Please visit http://www.facebook.com/TheOldNatWestBuilding and 'like' our page.

RYAN KEEN FILMS AT THE OLD NATWEST BUILDING

The Old NatWest Building has recently assisted Andy Shackleford with the production of his stop-motion video for up-and-coming recording artist, Ryan Keen.

The video has been watched by over 12,000 people so far. Why not take a look? Better still, you could pop along to iTunes and buy the track.

BBC CHOOSES THE OLD NATWEST BUILDING

The Old NatWest Building was alight with stars last Monday as the cast and crew of ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ took to the banking hall for their latest shoot.
Former Spooks star Keeley Hawes was present, filming her scenes in the grand banking hall, which had been restored to a glimpse of its former glory, thanks to the talented set-design team who had transformed the space into a 1930’s Berlin cafe.

These pictures show the terrific work of the production team and remind us of the hall’s grandeur and fantastic architecture.

The stars of ‘Casualty’ also visited the building recently for a shoot outside, demonstrating the attraction of the site as a versatile filming location. They will be returning again in January to film additional scenes inside.

OLD NATWEST BUILDING TV DOCUMENTARY

Candy Jar Films have recently finished production on a documentary about the Old NatWest Building.Featuring interviews with former staff and customers, this documentary takes and in-depth look at the history of Bute Street's most iconic building. The documentary is presented by up-and-coming Welsh actor, Matt Doman.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Sherman Cymru recently staged a new presentation of Shakespeare’s classic, Measure for Measure at the The Provincial (the new name for the Old Natwest Bank).

Directed by Sherman Cymru’s Associate Director, Amy Hodge, this production was an electric take on Shakespeare’s powerful social satire.

Measure for Measure is set in a society which is in turmoil. Its political leader appoints his hard-line deputy to rid the city of its sexual corruption. However, while the leader is away, we come to see that the deputy’s strict iron hand approach may not be the solution to the city’s problems.

Designer, takis comments:
“The imposing neo-classic building of the bank and its location (the old Red Light District of Cardiff) set the perfect environment for the staging of Measure for Measure, emphasising the main themes of the play, ‘sex’ and ‘power’. By deconstructing the old bank and creating a sex club we aim to offer the audience a multi-sensory experience through the Shakespearean text, enriched with live music, original composition, lights and movement. The multi-layered costumes underlining another theme of the play, the power struggle between the sexes.”

PUTTING THE BUILDING IN THE PICTURE

Local artist Holley Davey recently used 113-116 Bute Street as a location for her latest piece of work.

She will be exhibiting Friday April 16th in the main banking hall. "You smile, I wave" is from 6-8pm, with a performance at 6.30pm.

The Old NatWest Building is available for a range of events - short or long-term hire. Please get in touch to find out how we can meet your requirements.

CARDIFF BAY LOCALS WANTED

A local production company, Hubbub Media, is looking for past and present residents of Cardiff Bay to come forward as interviewees for a not-for-profit documentary film about the Old NatWest Bank – the bank where the first ever million pound cheque is believed to have been presented.

The building, more formally known as 113-116 Bute Street, is currently owned by Saeed Shad, owner of Jupiter Properties, who acquired it in 2002. He said: “The architectural features are so unique and well-preserved I couldn’t resist buying it. As you step inside you really do feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.”

The film, due to be released online later this spring, is almost half way through production. Over the last few months the Hubbub team have collected footage and photographs of Cardiff Bay spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century up to the present day. However, their collection is still incomplete and they are keen to hear from anyone with information about the Old NatWest building.

The film’s director, Shaun Russell, is hoping to include as many local residents as possible in the making of the film and is looking for anyone with an interesting story to tell. He said: “We've already interviewed former NatWest employees and the present owner, but we still to speak to customers of the former bank. We hope to capture the sense of community that was an important part of the building’s character for so many years.”

The building boasts a number of distinctive architectural features including a spectacular banking hall, populated by columns of French Echaillon marble, as well as extensive underground vaults. Originally the Cardiff Docks branch of the National Provincial Bank, the building continued as NatWest until 2002, and is now used as office space for charitable and community-based organisations.

Excitingly, its unique features have also led to it being used as a filming location for a number of Doctor Who and Torchwood episodes for the BBC.

If you think you might be able to help with the making of the documentary, please contact Shaun or Justin at Hubbub Media on 029 2115 7202 or 07766 227 171.

THE BRECON CHALLENGE

Congratulations to the Safer Wales’ two Brecon Challenge Teams; both teams completed the demanding course in under 12 hours!

All the money raised by the Brecon Challenge Teams will go to support the work of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in their work in 30 of the poorest countries in the world. VSO is a key partner in the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Wales for Africa’ Programme, which supports the delivery of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals through action by Welsh people and communities.

For more information please visit www.vso.org.uk/what-we-do/

THE BUILDING IS ON TRACK

Filming has recently taken place at The Old NatWest Building for the S4C drama, Ar Y Tracs(On The Tracks). The building was dressed as a railway station and looked extremely authentic. The film is written by and features Ruth Jones (of Gavin and Stacey fame) and will be shown on Christmas Day.

The cast include:

Ruth Jones, Richard Elis, William Thomas (Belonging, Dr Who: The Unquiet Dead), Rebecca Harries, Mari Ann Bull, Mali Harries, Rhys Griffiths.

Producer: David Peet
Director: Ed Talfan

The film has been produced by Tidy Productions.

OUR JOHN GETS POLICE GONG

We are proud to announce that John Munton, services manager at The Building With No Name, has been named the Community Safety Volunteer of the Year by South Wales Police Authority.

John received his award in recognition of his long standing involvement with Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers. John said: “I am very proud and overwhelmed to have won this award. It really is unexpected. I do not do the work for any recognition, but it warms my heart to know that I am making a difference in the community.

Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “John has been the epitome of a community safety volunteer. He works alongside the police in tackling local issues and is a key contact for the officers. I congratulate John on receiving this well-deserved prize.”

AN AMERICAN EYE IN BUTETOWN

BBC Two Wales is running a short 'Butetown' season, commencing with An American Eye on Butetown at 10pm on Tuesday 12th October. The programme features American director Dee Rees as she presents an outsiders view of activities in the area. Her film Butetown's Colonial Gods follows on Wednesday at 10pm.

Also this week on Thursday at 10pm is Tiger Baywatch a nostalgic look at the 1990s series, Tiger Bay.

DOCTOR WHO'S FAN FAVOURITE FILMED HERE!

Doctor Who episode 'Blink' has been nominated as the second best episode of all time by fans in the latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine. Beating off Daleks, Cybermen and other time travelling tales of adventure, Blink came second only to 'The Caves of Androzani' starring the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison.

The Old NatWest Building has had the honour of standing in for a police station in the episode.
Blink tells the story of Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan) who unwittingly becomes involved in a race to save the Doctor (David Tennant) and his companion (Freema Agyeman) from the 'Weeping Angels'. These statue-like monsters can only move when nobody is looking, which is why the Doctor warns Sally "...the angels are coming for you but listen; your life could depend on this. Don't blink, don't even blink! Blink and you're dead. They're fast, faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink!..'

Written by Steven Moffat, Blink was well-received by critics and won the BAFTA Craft and BAFTA Cymru awards for best writer and a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.

WELCOME

Welcome to the Old NatWest Building website. We will soon be adding stories to this blog. In the meantime, why not have a look around the website.