How Theatr Clwyd will open its doors.

By Liam Evans-Ford, Executive Director Theatr Clwyd

It’s been a little over 3 years since our major building project began fully. I can now admit — it was terrifying. Renovating a building of Theatr Clwyd’s age came with huge unknowns. We uncovered unexpected asbestos, faced global supply issues due to the war in Ukraine, and discovered curious construction secrets behind layers of wallpaper and concrete ceilings.

Despite these challenges, we’re in the final stretch.

The building is looking beautiful — astonishing even — and we’re on track to reopen fully very soon.

So, when will we open?

This has been a unique project. We closed in phases, allowing us to continue staging productions while work progressed. When we eventually closed fully, we moved into Theatr Mix and The Big Top — our temporary venues. Though these spaces came with their own challenges — rain, wind cancellations, and icy days — we made it a home, thanks to you.

This phased approach allowed us to work smarter — minimizing closure time, keeping our team together, producing world-class shows, and continuing community work.

Now, we’ll reopen in phases too:

• 2 June: Theatr Moondance (formerly Anthony Hopkins) and our ground and first-floor foyers. Our new workshop will also be active – building our sets for the autumn shows!

• Mid-July: Bryn Williams at Theatr Clwyd (our new restaurant). We’ve had a slight delay with the restaurant — beyond our and Bryn’s control. However, from early June, we’ll offer grab-and-go options from the ground floor – think sandwiches, cakes, and coffee - while final kitchen installation and tests are completed.
• 24 July: Our opening Theatr Clwyd production in Theatr Weston (formerly the Emlyn Williams Theatre) created with and by young people, On Wednesdays We Wear Pink. Emlyn’s name will stay in our building and will be, aptly, the name of our new writers room.
• Late July: Our cinema (possibly earlier — watch this space!).
• Early August to mid-September: Everything else, including public art installations, event spaces and final furnishings.

Final Touches & Snagging

Building work doesn’t end the moment doors open. Over the following months, we’ll tackle snagging — fixing minor issues, assembling furniture, installing fixtures, and adding stunning handmade tiles and public art.

Key Dates for Your Diary

• 2 June: First show — Tick, Tick… BOOM! in Theatr Moondance
• June: Test events (we’ll email details)
• 2 June: Ground & first-floor foyers open
• 24 July: On Wednesdays We Wear Pink opens in Theatr Weston.
• Late July: Cinema & galleries open (possibly earlier)
• Late June – August: North Wales Open
• Mid-August: Playces (our new interactive exhibition)

We’re so close, and our whole team can’t wait to welcome you back to your new Theatr Clwyd!