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Spotlight on Brecon Little Theatre
Brecon Little Theatre (BLT) have pushed the boat out for their production in their 94th year. As a community theatre group, and registered charity, they are delighted to be bringing their largest ever cast and crew together for Oliver! Featuring 70 performers aged 8-80 on stage alongside an amazing 12 piece orchestra - this is a show not to be missed!
This classic musical is full of songs that’ll live rent-free in your head for days on end - “Food, Glorious Food”, “Consider Yourself”, “Pick A Pocket Or Two” and “Oom Pah Pah” to name a few! Freely adapted from “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, “Oliver!” has been a well-loved show for decades.
Brecon Little Theatre’s chair, locally based actor Chris Rankin says “BLT’s goal is to give members of the local community the opportunity to experience and take part in performing arts. We are unbelievably proud of the hard work all our team put into our productions. We’re incredibly lucky to be able to work with professionals who, like myself and the rest of the team, give their time for free to enable BLT to provide the very best experiences not only for cast and crew but for our audiences as well”.
Brecon Little Theatre believe in keeping theatre affordable and accessible to all. “Going to see a full-scale musical can be incredibly expensive” says Chris. “Of course, they’re also expensive to produce, but we believe that keeping our ticket prices affordable is vital to making sure that live theatre and the performing arts are able to survive”.
“We hope you’ll Consider Yourself part of the BLT family over the half-term break and join us at Theatr Brycheiniog for a wonderful production!”
Book Now!
Brecon Little Theatre return to Theatr B! with the family classic!
Oliver! | Thursday 30th May — Sunday 2nd June
Family Friendly Performance: Thursday 30th May 4pm - £35 Family of 4 Ticket Available
Under 2s Attend for Free: No need to book a seat for children under 2 as long as you are happy for them to sit on your lap, babes-in-arms are free!
Meet the cast!
Chris Rankin - Chair & Fagin
Can you tell us a little about your background in BLT?
I got involved with BLT in 2016 when our previous chair, Rosie asked me to step into a revue they were rehearsing called “Shakespeare Undone”. I took over the chair’s position in 2019 just when we were granted charitable status, and I’ve been honoured to be in the role ever since. My professional background is in performing, directing and producing - so BLT is a busman’s holiday for me - but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I usually stick to the producing and directing these days, as I work away quite a lot - however I’ve been roped into performing in “Oliver!” and I’m loving every second of it!
What is it about BLT and the creative community that drives you?
When I was a kid, it was amateur dramatics and community theatre that gave me the passion, and ultimately the opportunities I’ve had to work professionally in this industry all over the world for the last 24 years. The talent we have in Brecon Little Theatre, and around the area is amazing - I love that we can give people both young and young at heart the chance to be involved in creating exciting live theatre as performers, and also as audience members. It’s not just about putting on shows, it’s also really important that we consider the commurimty as a whole, and find ways to make sure that Brecon and the surrounding areas are getting the chance to see a variety of fun, quality and most importantly affordable theatre. I’m really proud of our little charity that we can, and do provide that!
What can people expect from BLT’s version of Oliver?
BLT’s production of Oliver is our biggest yet. We have a company of over 100 people on and off stage that are involved in bringing this show to life. 70 cast aged 8-80 on stage, 13 amazing musicians in the orchestra pit, and our backstage crew, chaperones, costume, hair and make up artists - the list goes on! Audiences should expect a rousing, funny, moving and visually spectacular production featuring a wealth of local talent!
Nia Roberts - Vice Chair
Can you tell us a little about your background in BLT?
I first became a member of BLT when I was about 15 and appeared in a few shows such as Under Milk Wood and Scrooge before I moved away to study drama at university. I moved back to Brecon 10 years ago and quickly got involved in local theatre again. It wasn’t long before I joined the BLT Committee and started Musical Directing, Directing and even writing shows. I still occasionally get to perform too.
What is it about BLT and the creative community that drives you?
I am always blown away by the amount of talent we have in and around our little town and I feel so proud watching members of all ages working together and putting on an amazing show. I’m so glad we are able to offer these opportunities to people in the local area and of course we have a fantastic venue in Theatr Brycheiniog to perform in.
Can you give us a hint about other projects that BLT have coming up?
Oh I couldn’t possibly… I do know there are one or two very exciting ideas in the pipeline though. Watch this space!
Angharad Allen - Director
Can you tell us a little about your background in BLT?
My first show with BLT was in "Alice in Wonderland" where I helped out with props backstage. I then went onto “ A Midsummer Nights’ Dream" where I played Titania.
I've been part of BLT onstage and offstage.. I love both just as much because we get to make it fun and the love and support that everyone shows each other is unconditional. Now, I'm going onto directing "Oliver!".
What is it about BLT and the creative community that drives you?
I have the best team by my side and have enjoyed spending time and coming up with some great ideas with my partner Penny Price (assistant director) it really does take a team to create something as wonderful as “Oliver!" and I couldn't have done it without everyone. I really hope you all enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed being part of this. I'm so proud of everyone on and off stage to bring something fantastic to the stage for you to come and watch.
I look forward to seeing you all enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed the past 4 months.
Ava Clark - Oliver
How many BLT productions have you been in?
This is only my second production with BLT - I was in “Return to the Forbidden Planet” last year, but I’ve also performed with BLT at events such as Brecon with Bells, Brecon Pride and BLT’s “A Night at the Musicals”.
What do you love the most about being in BLT and starring in Oliver?
What I love most about BLT is that it treats us like one big community and a family, and nobody gets left out. Come see us at Theatr Brycheiniog!
Fun fact about Ava Clark
My cat might be getting a “Brecon Pride” award! She’s also got 500 followers on Facebook!
Ness Beecroft - Nancy
How many BLT productions have you been in?
This will be my eighth year of being involved in BLT and my eighth time on stage with them. My first production was “A Christmas Carol” in 2016, where I played Belle.
What do you love the most about being in BLT and starring in Oliver?
BLT really is a family, everyone supports each other and I'm very lucky to have made so many amazing friends over the years. BLT is a registered charity and as such relies entirely on your donations - please do consider donating so others can enjoy BLT productions for years to come!
Fun fact about Ness Beecroft
I'm playing Nancy in BLT's production of Oliver! I love animals and have 2 dogs and a horse that I love to be out and about with. I've lived in Brecon most of my life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Dylan Matthews - Bill Sikes
How many BLT productions have you been in?
The first time I recall performing in a BLT production was when I played Tweedle Dee alongside my brother in a performance of Alice in Wonderland.
Since then, I have had the pleasure of performing as Captain Tempest in last year's Return to the Forbidden Planet, and singing later that year in A Night at the Musicals.
What do you love the most about being in BLT and starring in Oliver?
I enjoy being a part of a creative process, and it continues to be a pleasure to see the creativity that flows through BLT. Watching the efforts of people - young and old, side-by-side, working to perfect the moment-to-moment is inspiring. I myself can't wait to portray Bill Sikes, and I'm very excited to perform alongside my cast mates!
Fun fact about Dylan Matthews
I am a published Poet.
Ellimae Mills-Brown - The Artful Dodger
How many BLT productions have you been in?
I’ve been in around 5 BLT shows, one of my first ones was “Alice in Wonderland” where I played the dormouse - I was 9 years old! I’ve also helped backstage with hair & makeup, one of the really fun parts of that was designing the make up for “Ariel” the robot in last year’s show - “Return to the Forbidden Planet"
What do you love the most about being in BLT and starring in Oliver?
The thing I love the most are the people because everyone is so amazing and talented and I have made so many new friends.
Fun fact about Ellimae Mills-Brown.
I went to London to train in the west end once a month for about a year.
Dinner and a Show at Theatr B! Café
Make your theatre experience truly unforgettable with a delicious meal before the show at the Theatr B! Café. Our evening menu is available an hour and a half before the curtain goes up. Indulge in a delectable meal while anticipating an incredible performance. For a unique and flavourful experience, we offer meat, cheese, and vegan Antipasti Platters before shows, featuring a delightful selection of locally sourced ingredients. Please contact our Visitor Experience Team at 01874 611 622 to pre-order.
Don't forget to visit Theatr B! Bar, which opens an hour before each show. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and choose from a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can even pre-order your drinks for the show intervals by speaking to a member of our bar team .
Thank you for reading! We hope that you love Theatr Brycheiniog as much as we do... It’s an amazing place after all! To stay up to date with what is happening at Theatr Brycheiniog sign up to our newsletter
As a registered charity working to serve the community, the Theatr is always in need of extra support, whether for improvements to the building or to support community projects. Want to support us? you can donate by text, simply text THEATRB followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. Thank you for your support.
For further information on all of our upcoming performances and events, and to book tickets, please contact our Box Office on 01874 611 622
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