In this intimate event, actor Luke Evans takes us from his humble beginnings in a quaint Welsh mining village to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, where he starred in some of the biggest films of recent years. Evans grew up in the Rhymney Valley, south Wales, in a Jehovah's Witness family. He felt different from an early age, and as he came to terms with his sexuality, he faced a difficult and uncertain path that he knew could lead him away from his community. 

With tenderness and courage, Evans shares how he decided to leave his home and his religion aged just 17, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his stage and screen career. 

Evans has told his full story in his memoir Boy From the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey, which recounts in details how he discovered his passion for singing, acting and performing. Starring first in the West End productions including Miss Saigon, Avenue Q and Rent, he went on to secure roles in blockbuster films such as The Hobbit, Beauty and The Beast and Fast and Furious. He has also released music and recently starred in Echo 3 on Apple TV+. Evans is in conversation with Welsh broadcaster, media personality, and writer Carol Vorderman.

This event will be shown at The Hive as a livestream from the Hay Winter Festival.