Boyce is back in town.

Byline: SARAH BATLEY

IF singer Max Boyce makes a promise he keeps to it - so when he vowed the people of Harlech he'd be back, after a show sold-out within minutes, he was as good as his word, setting up two dates at the seaside resort's theatre. And although he loves the town's golf course, he will be leaving his clubs at home during his visit later this month.

"It's quite a physical show so I need a day to recover, and trudging around a golf course isn't the best way to relax, though Harlech is one of the greats. However, I will go for a walk for the fresh air," he said from his home near Swansea.

"I'm excited about returning to Harlech. Everyone is always so friendly they make me feel so welcome. For our last show the tickets sold out before the local people had a chance really, so I said I'd be back. It's not being recorded to TV, unlike some of my other shows. It's not a big tour, around 14 dates, some small places, some large and ending up at Cardiff."

The last date is Celtfest, coinciding with the Wales v All Blacks on Nov 7.

Also on the bill will be Dafydd Iwan and Rhydian - though Max has bagged an early slot so he can slip out from Cardiff Arena and make it to the Millennium Stadium in time for the kick-off.

However, he's loath to bet that Wales will come true and finally beat New Zealand on home turf after a 50-year record of failure.

His tours have taken him around the world, including the Falklands, where performed in the hangers of RAF Mt Pleasant and stations on the snowbound summits of Mt Alice, Mt Kent and the Byron Heights.

"It's one of the most desolate places in the world, One theatre was simply two lorry containers bolted together on a mountain side, overlooking Argentinian shipping lanes. There were about 40 men from the radar station, but they loved it," he said However, he's yet to make it to Welsh-speaking Patagonia in Argentina, though he's been in South America a few times. "I was in Buenos Aires and due to fly there but it snowed and I missed my chance" he laughed.

He began his climb to Welsh favourite with his Live at Treorchy Rugby Club album, which was snapped up by EMI. More albums, top-ratings TV shows, gold discs and tours followed, plus books.

His battle cry of Oggie! Oggie! Oggie! still resounds around stadiums before games or any challenge.

He is still refining the material for the latest tour. "I try and keep it as topical as I can," he said. It will be a mix of his bright humour, stories and songs, from Welsh folk to snappy singalongs, such as Hymns and Arias to Swansea Town, with help from his own backing band.

Also with him are Colin Price - a former regular on TV's Comedians show - plus singer Maria Lynn.. Max Boyce, Theatr Harlech Oct 29-30. Tickets 01766 780 667 or theatrharlech.com TICKETS MUST BE WON We've a pair of tickets for Max's October 29 show in Harlech.

For your chance to win just answer Who do Wales play at rugby on November 7? Email your answers to [e-mail] by 10am Monday October 26.