So, when was the last time you treated yourself to a good old night out at the theatre? Theatre performances are ever popular during the busy festive season with the traditional Christmas pantomimes, but there’s a gem of a theatre right here on the doorstep of the Oakeley Arms that we think deserves to be celebrated and enjoyed all year round.

Theatr Harlech is a stone’s throw across the estuary from the Oakeley Arms Hotel, in the small town of Harlech. Overlooked by it’s domineering castle and famed for having one of the best stretches of beach in the area, Harlech is a seaside town with bags of history. As well as the medieval castle, the town is linked to the stories of the Mabinogion – some of the oldest folk tales in Wales. Theatr Harlech sits among the history and legend of this town, overlooking the wild dunes and beautiful seas of Cardigan Bay.

A trip to the theatre has long been a popular form of entertainment, that dates as far back as the Classical Greek period (about the 5th century BC). Theatre traditions like festivals, poetry, plays, singing and dancing began in Athens but soon spread to the rest of Europe. By the 16th century, the idea of watching plays and dramas on a stage was thriving in Britain. Enter stage left one of the greatest playwright’s in history, William Shakespeare, who is often credited with bringing theatre into popular culture and making it affordable even for the poor.

Today, theatre encompasses a hugely diverse range of acts from serious drama to outrageous comedy, fast-paced musicals to lonely monologues, stand-up comedy to beautiful ballet and awe-inspiring opera to family friendly panto and everything in between.

Sadly, our local Theatr Harlech became a victim of the economic downturn a few years ago when it was announced that funding from the Arts Council of Wales was to be withdrawn. A huge campaign was launched to save the theatre, backed by celebrity and local resident Russell Grant, and so far the theatre has been saved from closure.

So why not support a brilliant local theatre, as well as enjoying a fantastic night out. Upcoming events at Theatr Harlech include the Monteverdi Singers, an homage to William Shakespeare, a Sherlock Holmes play, a tribute to pop sensation The Beatles, as well as blockbuster films like Iron Man 3. For more information, listings, tickets and prices check out Theatr Harlech’s webpage www.theatrharlech.com

Find out more about the Save Theatr Harlech Campaign at https://www.facebook.com/savetheatrharlech/info

It’s showtime!
Image by Avolore on sxc.hu