Sell Out Shows as Audiences Return to Theatre Brycheiniog

Theatr Brycheiniog is celebrating finally being able to welcome people back to live performances and is already selling out shows as they open with their highly anticipated and much missed seasonal programme. 

On 5 August, one of the best-loved and most swinging bands on the South Wales scene Easy Street gave a show to remember as they eased audiences back into the the theatre’s Summer Season of live events with some great jazz and live entertainment, a sight that has been missing from Theatr Brycheiniog for most of 2020 and 2021.

A week later live comedy delighted audiences as Little Wander returned to Theatr Brycheiniog with their ever popular Comedy Club! This sell out show featured Leila Navabi, Robin Morgan and Michael Fabbri were all outstanding and audience members were keen to reserve tickets to see Nish Kumar (The Mash Reprt, Q.I., Mock The Week & Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Taskmaster) at Theatr Brycheiniog in April 2022.

Comedy was not the only show to sell out as Brecon Festival Ballet was also thrilled to be back in Theatr Brycheiniog once again, with all tickets sold out as audiences took a “behind the scenes” look at how professional ballet dancers train, rehearse and perform. Accompanied by wonderful pianist, Phillip Feeney the audience had a sneak preview of a few of the highlights of BFB’s forthcoming December performances, and were treated a new short ballet “Plea”, created by Katy Sinnadurai during the first lockdown to express the frustration, sorrow and loneliness experienced by so many of us in 2020. 

Each show has had special measures put in place to prioritise the safety of audiences and theatre staff. David Wilson, Director at Theatr Brycheiniog says “To have audiences back in the building and hear the joy that live performance brings is just what the theatres have been waiting for. We’ve had such positive feedback, everyone enjoyed being able to watch a live show again and have been happy to follow our Covid safety guidelines. At Theatr Brycheiniog we are committed to the safety of our audiences, performers and staff and appreciate that this is still an anxious time for some people. We continue to follow track and trace protocols, respect social distancing and continue to wear masks, and encourage people to use our hand sanitiser stations when they enter and leave the building. As ticket numbers remain limited per event we encourage people to book early to make sure they don’t miss out on these great events. We have already sold out a number of shows but will continue to keep audiences limited to ensure people feel safe. ” 

One of the supporters of this local venue stepped forward during the pandemic to offer their support and ensure Theatr Brycheiniog was ready for audiences once again was local artist, writer and theatre director Phil Clark. Phil said “The purpose of any theatre building is to provide a public platform for the numerous and diverse creative voices within its’ community. There is no doubt that as a consequence of the COVID epidemic the world as we experience it has been brutally damaged and as history has proven, creativity and cultural expression must play an important function when healing our damaged and fragile world. Throughout the last two years Theatr Brycheiniog has engaged with its community through invention in so many ways ensuring that Artists, Actors, Designers, Dancers, Film Makers, Poets, Playwrights and numerous other creatives have continued to have a platform of expression and celebration. We must treasure and nurture our cultural organisations and ensure that the generations of tomorrow inherit a positive and inclusive culture that encourages everyone to confidently find their public voice. Thank you Theatr Brycheiniog for all that you have done to nurture creativity across generations and the expressive art forms throughout these troubled times.”

All current shows take part in the newly created Cultural Café installation; a celebration of the wonderful myriad of people who would usually utilise the space at Theatr Brycheiniog which turns from a vibrant cafe space in the day to a unique theatre experience in the evening which can easily rival venues in Cardiff, London or Edinburgh. A space which has been possible thanks to creative planning and input from Phil during the height of the pandemic while Theatr Brycheiniog was forced to remain closed. 

While much of the building remains closed, local theatre goers are still able to enjoy a specially curated menu of food and drink bespoke to each event via table service, which can be ordered ahead of time online or via a new app on the night from bottles of wine to a bucket of beer.

A packed schedule of comedy, drama, music and community performances continues with family friendly show The Great Insect Games on 25th and 26th of August which features a gloriously bug infested opening ceremony in a fun packed show for all the family. 

On September 2nd, Theatr Brycheiniog invites you to join Kevin Walker, author of “Nature of the Brecon Beacons” as he takes the audience on journey of discovery through the National Park and appreciate the exquisite detail of the nature that surrounds us, and to consider the past, present and future of this most scenic of areas.

Theatr Brycheiniog is now planning the next season’s programme now which includes beautiful music from the excellent Mid Wales Opera in October, along with the highly acclaimed Brecon Baroque Festival later in the month. The Autumn Season will also see the award winning dance company, Ballet Cymru, bring their previously postponed extraordinary new ballet to Brecon as they tell the story of Giselle, a young girl who falls in love with the wrong person and pays a terrible price. In November Speakers From The Edge are back with the finest motivational speakers from the world of adventure, exploration, extreme sports and endurance, who have, quite literally, pushed themselves to the edge.

Tickets for these events can be booked at theatrbrychieniog.co.uk, or by calling the Box Office on 01874 611622.

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