Calon Hearts director in Fiddler on the Roof in Penarth

Sharon Owen, founder and director of Calon Hearts, is taking on the role of Golde, the wise and loving mother, in the Cardiff Players' production of the musical.

The show runs from October 30 to November 2 at the Paget Rooms in Penarth.

For Ms Owen, this part is more than just a role—it's a lifelong dream that's finally come to fruition.

Sharon Owen is playing Golde (left) (Image: Richard Williams)

She said: "I’ve always loved singing and dancing, ever since I was three.

"When I was diagnosed with a heart condition as a child, I had to set aside my dreams of becoming a professional performer.

"But I knew I could make a difference by fundraising for charities that support heart health."

Ms Owen was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse at 11 years old, which changed her career path.

She went on to work for the British Heart Foundation before setting up Calon Hearts in 2012.

Since then, she has overseen an impressive range of Calon Hearts’ life-saving initiatives, including screening more than 19,000 people for heart conditions, supporting the installation of 30,000 defibrillators across the country, and training more than 100,000 people in CPR.

She said: "When I was young, I realised how important it was to raise awareness about heart conditions.

Cardiff Players are performing Fiddler on the Roof (Image: Richard Williams)

"Now, with each performance, I’m not only fulfilling my love for theatre but also spreading the word about the incredible work we’re doing at Calon Hearts."

Returning to the stage is particularly special for Ms Owen, who has performed in Fiddler on the Roof five times before, always playing one of Tevye’s daughters.

This time, she’s thrilled to take on one of the leading roles as Golde, the daughters’ mother and a character she’s dreamed of playing for more than 30 years.

She said: "I’m having an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to share this production with our community.

"It’s wonderful to combine my love for performing with my passion for Calon Hearts.

"It’s a way to connect with people on a deeper level and remind them that heart health is something we can all take action on."

Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Katherine Vostok with musical direction from Jeff Howard, brings the classic story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman in the village of Anatevka, to life.

Tevye’s efforts to maintain his family’s traditions are tested as his daughters challenge the matchmaker’s choices, all while political tensions rise in the background.

Ms Owen stars alongside Nick Pratt as Tevye, with choreography by Liam Daly adding to the energy of this timeless musical.

Audiences can expect classic numbers "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Sunrise, Sunset," in a production that celebrates community spirit, love, and resilience—values that resonate with Ms Owen’s journey.

The show runs from October 30 to November 2 at the Paget Rooms, Penarth, with evening performances at 7pm and a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the Calon Hearts website or by calling 02922 402670.

All proceeds from the show will support Calon Hearts’ efforts to provide heart screenings, defibrillators, and CPR training throughout Wales.