Theatr Clwyd reopens with a boom
- Richard Evans
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Even though Theatr Clwyd has maintained its reputation with seasons in a large theatre marquee in Mold over the past four years, we have missed the steady stream of thoughtful, original productions from within the building while it has undergone its major refit and renovation.
But now it's back: the current production of Jonathan Larson's Tick, Tick... Boom! is the first in the newly-finished theatre, on which around £50 million has been spent, setting it up for the next 40 years.
Back in 2010 a survey revealed the building, constructed in 1976, was reaching the end of its working life. Structurally it was becoming unsound and increasingly expensive to maintain. In 2016, a water pipe burst, flooding dressing rooms; in 2017 snow fell through the top-floor ceiling. Catering facilities needed upgrading, since the kitchens weren't suitable for a working restaurant - and the loos needed improvement. Visitors joked about finding a skeleton in the lift as it had taken so long to reach the top floor.
After the appointment of Tamara Harvey as artistic director and Liam Ford Evans as executive director, an ambitious project to save the theatre was developed. The plan was to update and future-proof the building and diversify its usefulness. There would be an extension to the front, a new terrace and restaurant on the first floor, with stunning views of the Clwydian Hills; a new double-height rehearsal room, renovated production spaces for costumes and sets, and updated backstage facilities to attract the highest quality talent. The outdoor performance space would be moved to the front of the building.
As you can see from these pictures, the newly-reopened building more than lives up to its promise to be the theatre North Wales deserves.
Theatr Clwyd has built strong links with the community in recent years and the renovation sought to reinforce that element of its work. The theatre has a new arts and health suite, suitable particularly for young families, with play areas both inside and outside. There's a "wellbeing" landscaped garden too. A programme of activities will use the arts to support people with various health conditions. The theatre has also become a titular "Theatre of Sanctuary", supporting those seeking refuge or asylum.
There is great attention to detail throughout the renovation. The building has been refurbished in an environmentally-aware fashion, and is gas free, harvests rainwater and works towards carbon neutrality. The shape of the main auditorium hasn't changed (there wasn't a bad seat in the house anyway) and the acoustics are great, but the seating, staging, orchestra pit and wings are all new. There is a safe viewing space for neurodivergent customers and a dedicated youth hub area in which young people can rehearse, learn or play.
The plans couldn't have been achieved without the support of the Welsh government, Flintshire County Council and the Arts Council of Wales, which have collectively have poured millions into the project.
The money came on top of millions more in private donations and the theatre's own share of the cost - a daunting £5million. Such was the affection held by the public for the theatre, the home-grown fundraising hauled in around £5.3 million - a record for a Welsh theatre. Experts had suggested £2 million might be a stretch...
But you haven't missed out if you have gained a new enthusiasm for the project: for £100 you can name a seat for yourself or a loved one.
It's great to have the theatre back.
More info here
