In The Spotlight - Update 2023

We have lots to be excited about at Theatr Clwyd this summer, particularly that soon we welcome our new Artistic Director, Kate Wasserberg, to the team. Starting in October we cannot wait for her to join Theatr Clwyd and lead the artistic direction of the company.

Back from its time in the West End our immersive production of The Great Gatsby ran throughout the summer at The Dolphin Pub in Mold and of course the redevelopment of the building itself - which started fully onsite in January this year – is moving apace and major changes can be seen as you walk to our temporary theatre facilities on site.

We are delighted to say that we have now raised over £4 million in private fundraising towards the capital redevelopment and the public fundraising campaign was recently launched. There are plenty of ways that you can play your part to help deliver this amazing building and together we will create a Theatr Clwyd for future generations to be able to enjoy.

I look forward to seeing you soon.
Liam Evans-Ford | Executive Director

The Big Give is Back

The Big Give is back and this year it will be bigger and better than ever.

With every donation made during the week doubled we will be able to raise some much-needed funds for the redevelopment. Plus there will be competitions, an auction and coffee morning.

This is a week not to be missed.

Big Give Week 28 Nov - 5 Dec

Interview: Kate Wasserberg

Q: Welcome Kate, what were your first thoughts when you saw that we were looking for our new Artistic Director?
I thought - that’s my dream job! Theatr Clwyd has always been home to me, and reading the job pack I was blown away by the vision - a place for everyone, creative ambition, kindness, inclusion, fun.

Q: We have just had work experience week, when did you know you wanted to be a director?
I was six - my dad (a teacher) was directing a school play and I went to a rehearsal. I came home and said to my mum - I want to do that, what Dad was doing. I remember exactly the feeling - that there was a space where you could build worlds with people and all believe together. It seemed like magic. It still does.

Q: You were previously an Associate Director at Theatr Clwyd, what was your favourite part of the building?
I love every brick!

Both theatre spaces are just perfect, and I’m so happy they will be staying as they were - the relationship with the audience is so direct and warm. I’m also very fond of the gorgeous view that used to be only seen from the stairs, and will soon be gloriously available from the whole front of the building!

Q: You are joining in the middle of a major redevelopment, which space are you most looking forward to working in?
I’m extremely excited to make shows in our theatres, and thrilled to fill front of house with magical, welcoming treats for everyone. Our community spaces are going to be thrilling and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.

Q: Finally what is your favourite type of theatre?
I love anything with a good story. It can be straightforward or incredibly strange, but if the story is exciting, I’m there. I also really believe there should be some redemption in every piece of art, and I’m a sucker for a musical!

Want to own part of Theatr Clwyd?

By the end of August we will have completed all strip out of the internal spaces. Stripping back the building has revealed the underneath of the main theatre. We are not able to keep it like this in the fully redeveloped building but we’re sure you will agree, it’s an incredible structure to see.

As part of the redevelopment, we are adding a new air handling system to the building and all theatre spaces, improving ventilation and comfort. To do this the builders have removed concrete cylinders from the main theatre, and we have collected these so now you can own part of Theatr Clwyd.

An unusual door stop with a novel history?
With only a limited number available – you’ll need to get in quick if you would like one. Keep an eye out on our website on how to get one.

What is happening onsite?

The building is a hive of activity as the builders transform Theatr Clwyd. With the front width the size of The National Theatre, London, a survey in 2010 found that the building was falling apart and without major investment would have to close. With the support of Welsh Government, Flintshire County Council and Arts Council of Wales we will save Theatr Clwyd and make sure that it can remain open and be a home for everyone in the community and safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

Before the redevelopment we were “make do and mending” but it was no longer fit for purpose and becoming increasingly unsafe. There was even one winter when bracing the elements, we found that it was snowing - inside!

Every company member has their own stories about the building and the challenges they faced working in it, but there is a lot of affection for the building and Theatr Clwyd has a deep impact on the lives of people living in North Wales, and as one of only four theatres in the UK with all of its making facilities in house, it is a vital resource for the UK theatre industry.

This month the piling has begun at the front of the building. The main extension to the redevelopment will take advantage of the incredible views of the Clwydian Range and there will be a brand-new restaurant, shop and indoor and outdoor play area for families.

The theatre will also have a new dedicated youth hub and an arts, health and wellbeing suite so that we can support people living with health conditions through the arts.

We are currently 12% through the build and on schedule and what is most exciting is that due to our waste management plan of the 955m³ of waste from the building - none of it has gone to landfill.

Want to read more?

Liam, our Executive Director, has written a long-read blog post about the redevelopment with loads of photos, videos and insight about the project and the difference it’ll make to everyone! Click here.

Play Your Part

We have launched the public fundraising campaign for the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd and we need your help. We have had fantastic support from our private donors but we still have some way to go and there are plenty of ways to be involved.

Next time you visit - we have a unique donation tree in our temporary foyer area. Donate in the box of at the contactless terminal, then add a flower to the branches and watch it bloom. For more information click here

Name a tile - £15

Name a cinema seat - £50

Name an Emlyn Williams theatre seat - £100

Name an Anthony Hopkins theatre seat - £100

Name a dressing room mirror - £350

From £500 - The viewing gallery - There will be a brand-new viewing gallery where you can watch our scenic designers work their magic to create the incredible scenery and props that you see on our stages. This viewing gallery will honour the Artistic Directors of the past, the present and the future - who dream big for our enjoyment.

Or carry out your own fundraising - From hosting a coffee morning to taking on an adrenaline filled challenge, there are plenty of ways that you can raise funds for the redevelopment. For more ideas click here

To find out more about how you can support the redevelopment please contact our team:

• Claire Pilsbury – claire.pilsbury@theatrclwyd.com
• Janine Dwan - Janine.dwan@theatrclwyd.com

Work Experience

We were delighted to welcome 12 students from across schools in North Wales to join us for work experience. During the week they shadowed every department of the organisation and had a talk from our corporate member Bad Wolf who are the TV studio behind programmes His Dark Materials, Dr Who and Industry.

The Great Gatsby

This summer we went back to the 1920’s and there was lots of fun to be had at Gatsby’s party. We followed the characters from room to room as they told their stories. From Gatsby’s library to Daisy’s boudoir, secrets were shared, worries unleashed and cocktails drunk!

“keeps the jazz age alive with song, dance and spectacle” The Guardian

Belong

This summer all our community companies came together to create Belong. A three-night performance that was their interpretation of the scripts from Truth or Dare. It was brilliant to see everyone working together and for some it will have been the first time that they have performed on stage to an audience. Congratulations to everyone involved.