Children can look forward to a fun event at Theatr Clwyd this summer, to celebrate the theatre’s 40th birthday.
Three action packed days of children’s theatre, music, face art, cinema, dance, poetry, crafts and competitions headline the #Clwyd40 Family Arts Festival, for ages two – 16.
Youngsters are invited to dress up for the events at the theatre from Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, sponsored by the Flintshire based company Warwick Chemicals.
Free theatre performances include A Pirate’s Life For Me, Boxy and Sticky, a mischievous theatrical adventure and Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Oddly, featuring puppetry masks and music.
There will also be drumming workshops and storytelling in a magical tent and, in the main bar, HiJinx Theatre Academy will perform Soup, their new physical theatre work.
From Holland, the internationally acclaimed Arch 8 Dance Company present Tetris, a free interactive family dance adventure for aged six and upwards which has been a big hit with audiences throughout Europe and north America.
There’s music on offer, ranging from Welsh rapper and beat boxer Mr Phormula to Sinfonia Cymru’s brass quintet and the North Wales Youth Orchestra.
In the cinema, children’s films include Spirited Away, The Princess Bride, The Iron Giant, Bugsy Malone, Alice Through The Looking Glass and Hugo.
For children aged eight – 11, there are poetry sessions with the award-winning Sophie McKeand, Young People’s Laureate Wales 2016 – 18, and the top prize winner at the National Eisteddfod, Welsh language poet Hywel Griffiths, who was awarded the Chair in Meifod last year.
On Saturday, there are poetry workshops in both Welsh and English from Anni Llyn, Wales’ Children’s Poet Laureate.
A poetry line-up is completed by three of Voicebox’s finest poets, who present a mix of music, beatbox and spoken word for 11-16 year olds.
Comedy for young people age 14 and upwards takes the spotlight in Dear Diary, a ‘work in progress’ sharing of a stand up act by Ellen Groves, based on her actual teenage diaries.
Youngsters can create sound effects in the sound bunker or have a go at using the theatre lighting desks or try some hands-on crafts – making birthday cards or cup cake decorations.
Throughout the weekend there will also be a traditional fun fair for children, including waltzers, small rides, inflatables and side stalls. All rides are just £2.00.
Theatr Clwyd’s artistic director Tamara Harvey said: “When I arrived at Theatr Clwyd last August, I dreamt of the theatre hosting a festival for children of all ages this summer.
“Now, a year later, we’re about to stage that festival and I have a seven-month-old daughter. Every time she comes into the theatre, she waves her arms in excitement. Admittedly that’s probably because she knows it means she’s about to get fed - but her excitement reinforces my hope that one day every child in our community will feel that same joyful anticipation as they enter our doors. This first Family Arts Festival will be a whirlwind of theatre, music, dance, film, comedy and more in every space in our building. It’s the beginning of our 40th Anniversary celebrations but, more importantly, it’s our first step towards that moment in our future when Theatr Clwyd is a space where every child feels truly welcome and truly at home.”
The weekend concludes on Sunday afternoon, August 21, with free drop in cartoons in the cinema and a Birthday Party Disco.
All events are free or cost just £2 with tickets are available from 01352 701521 or www.theatrclwyd.com .
Theatr Clwyd’s 40th birthday celebrations continue with more events on the weekend of September 10 - 11.
