Latest news with #TheatrGwaun
Western Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Actor Michael Sheen visits Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard
The award-winning actor, director, philanthropist and activist Michael Sheen, popped into Fishguard's Theatr Gwaun last week, which he described as a 'beautiful' venue'. He came to the theatre in his new role as and now artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, to find out what the theatre offered and what its audiences were interested in as well as to discuss possible future collaborations. Seated in the venue's Martha's Bar he said that the community owned theatre was 'such a beautiful theatre, it's wonderful'. 'With this new company, Welsh National Theatre one of the most important things you can do to begin with is see what's out there,' he explained. 'Go and look at what's going on in the country and visit all the theatres that are out there. Find out what you're doing, what you're excited about, what's interesting to you. How we can work together.' He added that Welsh National Theatre wanted to make 'shows that are there that are meaningful to Welsh audiences and telling our stories' that could be played on the biggest stages in the world, including the Millennium Centre, in Cardiff but also wanted to work in 'beautiful little theatres' like Theatr Gwaun. 'So you need to get out there and see what's out thee to be able to start doing that,' he said. 'To see what the audiences are into as well, what your experience is in this community and to find out what people are watching, what people would like to watch, what would be meaningful to people and see how we can serve that. 'It's such a beautiful theatre this, it's wonderful.' Michael Sheen announced earlier this year that he was setting up Welsh National Theatre to fill the gap left by National Theatre Wales, which closed after Arts Council Wales made £1.6m in cuts to its core funding. He has self-financed the company initially, saying that he wanted it to 'be something that represents the rich culture that we are and always have been in this country'.
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Pictures from this weekend's Fishguard Folk Festival
Fishguard Folk Festival returned for its 24th year last Friday, May 23, with its vibrant four-day celebration of folk music and culture going through until tomorrow, Monday May 26. Set in the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard, the festival aims to preserve, share, and develop the folk traditions of Wales and beyond. Fishguard's Royal Oak staged a weekend-long session. (Image: Western Telegraph) Alongside timeless traditional sounds, the festival highlights the exciting evolution of folk music — reflecting Wales' dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Rona Mac played a tear-jerking set in Ffwrn. (Image: Western Telegraph) With top-quality musicians, artists, and educators, the festival has offered performances, sessions, and workshops for all ages and abilities. Meinir Mathias is exhibiting her paintings in Trove. (Image: Western Telegraph) This year has included bilingual programming, family-friendly activities, and open spaces for learning and creativity — from Welsh singing workshops and storytelling, walks to open mic slots and Tiny Twmpaths for little ones. Heb Enw Morris entertained in Lower Town. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival is mainly free, with just three ticketed headline concerts and donations welcomed for other events. UK festival favourites Three Daft Monkeys delivered a cracking gig in Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Western Telegraph) Claire Quinn, festival development manager, said: 'What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture—whether you're enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Enjoying a twmpath in the Town Hall. (Image: Western Telegraph) 'It's a welcoming space to have fun, connect with others, and create lasting memories.' Tonight's concert by Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin is now sold out, but there's plenty going on this afternoon and evening, as well as in the daytime tomorrow, Monday May 26 – check out the programme at Julie Murphy ran a singing workshop in Trove. (Image: Western Telegraph) UK festival favourite, Three3Daft Monkeys, from Cornwall, headlined on Saturday at Theatr Gwaun. Alongside lots of free performances, there has been the Barti session trail - featuring live music sessions at 11 venues across town,; engaging talks, an art exhibition at Trove from Meinir Mathias and Quayside festivities in Lower Town featuring local food, music and environmental activities. Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative served up the goods on Lower Town Quay. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival committee thanked all sponsors, supporters and volunteers who make the festival possible, including main sponsor The Royal Oak (home to the festival's famous all-weekend session), Fishguard Folk Singers, Barti Rum and Stena Line. The cobbles of Lower Town echoed to the sounds of clog dancers from Cardiff. (Image: Western Telegraph) Support this year has also come from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, The Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council.
Western Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Selfless Fishguard volunteer honoured with citizen award
The Fishguard and Goodwick Citizen of the Year award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community through hard work and volunteering. This year's finalists were Neeve Hallett, Blanche Giacci, Brian Millard, Christopher Smith and Vivien Millard. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Neeve runs the popular Pembrokeshire Performing Arts which has recently put on Jesus Christ Superstar and Peter Pan as ell as a sold-out production of Annie last year. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Blanche is a trustee of Fishguard's community theatre, Theatr Gwaun. In her role at the theatre she has put on events raising thousands for Women's Aid, the Pembrokeshire women's refuge, men's mental health charities and Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Christopher Smith gives his time to help maintain both the Ocean Lab and Theatre Gwaun and recently helped create Sea Trust's Gardd y Mor on Goodwick Parrog. He is also a stalwart of Goodwick gardening club, offering a warm welcome and gardening advice to members. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Vivien Millard is a trustee of Fishguard and Goodwick Cat and Dog rescue, a charity shop that raises money to help the needy pay vets fees and makes regular donations and food supplies to local animal sanctuaries. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) The winner of this year's award was Brian Millard. Brian gives up his time every week to run the Fishguard Thunderbolts, a multi sports club for adults and young people with disabilities which meets at Fishguard Leisure Centre. Since its inception in 2017 the Thunderbolts has gone from strength to strength. Its members enjoy a range of sporting activities and a Thunderbolts football team has also been formed. The team has also competed in the Rotary Disabled Sports Team Championships in Cardiff where it has won a raft of trophies for basketball, curling, shotput and boccia among others. 'I'm very grateful and appreciate the citizen of the year award 2025,' said Brian. 'A huge thank you, everyone, on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council and anyone who nominated me Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council said Brian's work with Fishguard Thunderbolts 'makes a huge difference to young people and adults'. Town clerk, Rachel Thompson added: 'The winner of Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council's Citizen of the Year award for the Civic Year 2024-25 was Brian Millard, for his outstanding contribution to the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick. 'He was nominated for his commitment and work with the Fishguard Thunderbolts, the multi-sports club for disabled young people and adults.' Brian was unable to attend the presentation event so mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw presented his award at one of the weekly sessions of the club. The other finalists were all presented with certificates of appreciation for the outstanding work they all do for the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Selfless Pembrokeshire volunteer honoured with rare citizen award
A local sports enthusiast who gives up his own time to run an all-ability sports club for young people and adults has been named his town's Citizen of the Year. The Fishguard and Goodwick Citizen of the Year award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community through hard work and volunteering. This year's finalists were Neeve Hallett, Blanche Giacci, Brian Millard, Christopher Smith and Vivien Millard. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Neeve runs the popular Pembrokeshire Performing Arts which has recently put on Jesus Christ Superstar and Peter Pan as ell as a sold-out production of Annie last year. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Blanche is a trustee of Fishguard's community theatre, Theatr Gwaun. In her role at the theatre she has put on events raising thousands for Women's Aid, the Pembrokeshire women's refuge, men's mental health charities and Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Christopher Smith gives his time to help maintain both the Ocean Lab and Theatre Gwaun and recently helped create Sea Trust's Gardd y Mor on Goodwick Parrog. He is also a stalwart of Goodwick gardening club, offering a warm welcome and gardening advice to members. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Vivien Millard is a trustee of Fishguard and Goodwick Cat and Dog rescue, a charity shop that raises money to help the needy pay vets fees and makes regular donations and food supplies to local animal sanctuaries. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) The winner of this year's award was Brian Millard. Brian gives up his time every week to run the Fishguard Thunderbolts, a multi sports club for adults and young people with disabilities which meets at Fishguard Leisure Centre. Since its inception in 2017 the Thunderbolts has gone from strength to strength. Its members enjoy a range of sporting activities and a Thunderbolts football team has also been formed. The team has also competed in the Rotary Disabled Sports Team Championships in Cardiff where it has won a raft of trophies for basketball, curling, shotput and boccia among others. 'I'm very grateful and appreciate the citizen of the year award 2025,' said Brian. 'A huge thank you, everyone, on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council and anyone who nominated me Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council said Brian's work with Fishguard Thunderbolts 'makes a huge difference to young people and adults'. Town clerk, Rachel Thompson added: 'The winner of Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council's Citizen of the Year award for the Civic Year 2024-25 was Brian Millard, for his outstanding contribution to the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick. 'He was nominated for his commitment and work with the Fishguard Thunderbolts, the multi-sports club for disabled young people and adults.' Brian was unable to attend the presentation event so mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw presented his award at one of the weekly sessions of the club. The other finalists were all presented with certificates of appreciation for the outstanding work they all do for the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick.
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Welsh film Oed Yr Addewid to be re-released in cinemas
Oed Yr Addewid (Do Not Go Gentle), a politically relevant Welsh language film from 2000, will be re-released in cinemas. The film will be shown at Theatr Gwaun on May 11. Directed by Emlyn Williams, Oed Yr Addewid is set in 1997, as Britain reaches a political crossroads following 18 years of Conservative Government rule. The film stars Welsh acting giants, Stewart Jones, Arwel Gruffydd, Gwenno Elis Hodgkins, and Gwyn Vaughan. The story follows William Davies, a widower, socialist, and retired quarryman, who feels angry and bitter towards a government that has more or less forgotten him in his old age, so he puts a desperate and absurd plan into action. Mr Gruffydd, who plays Alun in the film, said of the re-release: "I am very pleased that the Screen and Sound Archive of The National Library of Wales and Film Hub Wales have worked together to create a new digital print of Oed Yr Addewid. "It was an immense privilege to play a central role in this film 25 years ago, and I have very fond memories of that period, not least of working so closely with the inimitable, late, great Stewart Jones." The original 35mm film has been re-scanned to 2K quality by R3store Studios, then digitally restored by Gorilla Post Production and prepared for cinema screenings. With the support of Matchbox Cine, English and Welsh descriptive subtitles will also be added for the first time, making the film accessible to a wider audience.
