Blog: 1000 People!
More than 1,000 - that’s the number of people it has taken to get Theatr Clwyd to the point where it is nearly ready to reopen its doors to the public. Now that the architects, bricklayers, roofers and joiners have finished their work, we are looking forward to the day we get to welcome back our audiences.
While it’s impossible to name all 1,000 people involved in the redevelopment, here are some who are working behind the scenes to ensure Theatr Clwyd will be better than ever.
David Powell, Deputy Lighting ManagerSeeing the work of the creative teams behind Theatr Clwyd’s in-house productions is what most makes David Powell cherish his job. He became Deputy Lighting Manager last year after a decade of working here - initially as a relief worker, after graduating from Wrexham (then Glyndwr) University, and later a permanent member of staff. David says: “It is truly remarkable the amount of commitment and dedication all company members put into creating our shows, and I am glad to have the opportunity to work closely with the best teams in the industry. The process itself demands long hours and hard work, but seeing all that realised on stage on our opening nights makes me very proud.” David’s job involves collaborating with a range of different teams at Theatr Clwyd, and visiting companies, to ensure the lighting designs for each show are realised on stage. He is excited to be getting back into the building, with all the new features it will offer audiences. He adds: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all of the support I have received here. I’m glad to be a part of that family and will always cherish what Theatr Clwyd has offered so far.” |
Andy Reilly-Price, Senior Experience Manager
The moment you step inside Theatr Clwyd’s new entrance you will experience a warm welcome from Andy Reilly-Price’s team. As Senior Experience Manager, he and his staff are responsible for your visit - from your very first impression, through finding your seat in one of the auditoria or cinema to your interval drink in the bar.
He says: “My favourite thing is meeting our visitors, hearing their excitement for what they are about to see on stage or on the screen. My favourite moment is when a performance is about to start, the lights are lowered, silence falls and the story begins - it’s magical.”
Andy, who joined Theatr Clwyd in 2017, says the organisation is special to him because of how much it means to so many people.
He says: “I can’t wait for our visitors to see the refurbished building for themselves. It’s harmonious with our natural surroundings, and it’s a modern Arts building that our visitors truly deserve. It is a building full of memories waiting for more to be made.”
Eleanor Brick, Marketing Co-Ordinator
Stories are what attracted Eleanor Brick to the marketing department at Theatr Clwyd and its Wrexham venue William Aston Hall, which she joined more than three years ago.
“The organisation has so many strands and threads, and I love sharing the work we do,” she says. “Whether it’s a new show that we’re making or a workshop group for young people, or a training programme we’re running, or someone working for the venue for a long period of time - there are so many stories to share.”
Her role includes writing press releases, booking photographers, arranging interviews with journalists, planning social media campaigns, helping to create show programmes and more - all of which ensures audiences find out about productions and have enough information to decide which ones they’d like to see.
Eleanor adds: “The organisation’s mission statement is ‘To make the world a happier place one moment at a time’ and I see people working to achieve that every single day.”
Daniel Lloyd, Associate Director
When Daniel Lloyd directs Theatr Clwyd’s rock ’n’ roll panto each year, he knows what it’s like to be in the shoes of the actors he’s guiding. His first job here was starring in Dick Whittington back in 2005, with no idea of where the “dream come true” role would eventually lead him.
He says: “I grew up nearby, in Rhosllanerchrugog, and Theatr Clwyd has always been a second home to me. Watching shows here as a child cemented my ambitions to work in the arts and I’ve been blessed to appear in many shows here. Now I get to make them here and it’s such a privilege.”
Collaboration is key to his role of Assistant Director, which he has held for the past two years.
“It takes a lot of people to bring a show to life - writers, actors, designers, choreographers, producers, fight directors, production managers, technicians and engineers,” says Daniel, who as a Welsh-speaker leads many of Theatr Clwyd’s Welsh language projects.
“Each day is different. I direct the rock ’n’ roll panto but also judge the Drama Medal for the Eisteddfod, develop new Welsh writing and am currently the creative lead on a community show to celebrate the theatre’s reopening. I can’t wait to see how the building’s evolved, how beautiful it will be and how it can become an inspirational home for many more people for years and years to come.”
Written by Laura Davies
