Newtown's Theatr Hafren gets a whole new look

Newtown's Theatr Hafren has re-opened after a £900,000 refurbishment which will increase the number of shows it can host.

The theatre, which will now be known simply as Hafren, has been closed since the spring to allow workmen to carry out the work. It opened last night, with a performance of Madame Butterfly by Mid Wales Opera.

The majority of the money from Powys County Council has gone on a new "fly tower", which will help move pieces of scenery.

Other work carried out has included a full refurbishment, which has also seen the theatre's box office moved to a combined reception area with Coleg Powys, along with improvements to the bar area.

The college has also spent £200,000 upgrading some of its facilities at the same time.

Sara Clutton, Hafren's administrator, said the new fly tower had cost £800,000 and was seen as essential in attracting a variety of new shows.

She said: "The old mechanism was quite outdated. It was 30 years old, it needed replacement urgently, so we've now got this new system of mechanised winching.

"It means we can fly sets and scenery, lighting, in and out to cue. It just opens up a whole new world of entertainment for Hafren."

Councillor Wynne Jones, Powys County Council's cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said: "This development means Hafren will be able to put on far more ambitious shows than it's previously done and appeal, therefore, to a wider audience and provide a much better service."

He also defended the decision to invest capital funding in the theatre after the closure of Theatr Powys in Llandrindod Wells in April.

By Anwen Evans