Penarth three generation family to perform at gala concert

The gala concert is being performed by the Penarth Operatic and dramatic Society (PODS).

It is taking place at the Pier Pavilion from September 19 to 21, 2024.  

PODS is a theatre group for adults and children who perform plays, musicals and pantomimes.

The group has a number of families including one of three generations.

The family includes Neil, Lucy and Ollie Clevett who will be taking part in the gala concert later this month.  

Neil, Lucy and Ollie Clevett, part of three generations of one family who are members of one of Wales’ oldest community theatre companies (Image: POD Productions)

Lucy joined PODS in 1999, aged 12, and has performed in a whole variety of musicals, plays and pantos over the past 25 years as well as working as choreographer.  

Lucy Clevett as one of the Kit Kat Girls in PODS award winning production of Cabaret in 2011 (Image: POD Productions)

Lucy’s mum Gill was wardrobe mistress for many years when she also joined PODS to work backstage and her stepdad Mike also helped backstage and with publicity. 

Neil joined the Society in 2006 and has also performed roles in all types of shows including the character of Jerry Lukowski in PODS production of The Full Monty. 

Neil Clevett as Jerry Lukowski in PODS 2022 production of The Full Monty (Image: POD Productions)

This performance won the theatre group the Glamorgan Drama Leagues “Best Musical” award in 2022.  

Neil’s daughter Rhianna also joined shortly after him and performed in various shows. 

Lucy and Neil met during Robinson Crusoe in 2006 and became good friends.  

They started dating in 2011 while rehearsing for PODS production of Cabaret and married a few years later in 2014.  

“Cabaret is mine and Neil’s favourite musical that we’ve performed in to date. It’s a wonderful show to have been a part of and it brings back such lovely memories,” said Lucy. 

“We get to perform in some incredible shows and work alongside brilliant production teams. We have made such amazing friends that we’re sure will be friends for life. PODS will always be our second family,” said Neil.

Ollie Clevett, a third-generation member of PODS, in this year’s production of the musical Bugsy Malone (Image: Sian Owen)  

In 2015, their son Ollie was born, and he is now a member of Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Youth Society (PODyS) as the third generation of his family’s involvement with PODS. 

Earlier this year, Ollie took part in PODyS production of Bugsy Malone at the Paget Rooms where he played the role of Fizzy.  

“I love PODyS, it’s so much fun and I’ve been lucky to have some amazing parts so far. I love singing and dancing and making friends,” said Ollie about his involvement with PODS. 

Lucy added: “PODS means the world to us as it’s where we first met, where we get to share our hobby with each other and now Ollie also. 

“Being in PODS means we get to perform shows we love, with friends and family and have so much fun while doing it. PODS will always hold a special place in our hearts.”