It's been a wet and windy month but we're finally emerging from the storm we've all been weathering and starting to plan for the future, looking for new ways to inspire and impress Wales and the world. Here's what's been happening in November...
To kick things off we have some exciting news about some of our rescheduled shows. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Ranulph Fiennes and Rhod Gilbert are all confirmed for 2021 and we'd like to thank everyone who bought a ticket and has waited patiently for the new dates.
The #WorkWelsh badge celebrated its 15th birthday this month. We’ve always encouraged our Welsh-speaking staff to wear the badge, and it’s been a great way over the years for us to encourage conversations to begin in Welsh and for enquiries to be made in Welsh. And we continue to make improvements wherever we can.
"Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're the leader of the local Scouts group or the PM, you're influencing someone young and impressionable.
Molly Palmer
Molly from our Radio Plafform team was selected to represent us as a Future Generations Ambassador and recently graduated. This is exactly why we're so passionate about supporting young people and putting them at the heart of everything we do and we couldn't be prouder. You can read her inspirational blog here.
This month we also gave a warm, Welsh 'Croeso' to Frân Wen with whom we've had the pleasure of developing a new, Welsh language co-production. The team have just started an R&D phase with us in one of our rehearsal spaces so it's an exciting time for everyone - back doing what we love, and making great theatre.
On 14 November Diwali celebrations took place here (socially distanced of course), led by our friends at Wales Tamil Sangham who created a beautiful Rangoli in our foyer.
Our Black History 365 celebrations continue around the building with Butetown photographer, Zaid Djerdi's Black Lives Matter photo exhibition. It's now on display in our windows and looks fantastic with some beautiful, bespoke floating frames designed by Katharine Richards.
And coming soon is an eye-popping new mural created by local artist, Kyle Legall so keep checking our social media for news on its installation
Radio Platfform continue to be busy with their bedroom broadcasts. They've recently started a new series of radio interviews and blogs featuring young local artists from all walks of life, covering all kinds genres - from film to dance and more, so keep an eye out for those.
The first interview features local actor/ musician Gabin Congolo who is starring in the new British Grime film, 'Against All Odds' which premiered on 20 November 2020 and features Richard Blackwood, Ty Logan and plenty of big-name Grime artists.
You can read the blog here. and listen to the full-length interview on Radio Platfform.
Our Arts and Creative Senior Producer Jason Camilleri recently took time out to chat to the director of Valleys Kids, Miranda Ballin about our ongoing partnership, future plans for Together Stronger and our ongoing partnership – all of which we'll be sharing with you next month.
Our operations team continue to be busy, preparing the site and ensuring we support and enable the safe re-emergence of the arts. This month alone they've supported over 11 organisations, ensuring rehearsals can take place safely as well as arranging for various media companies to use the building for their location work. Our fantastic security team have also helped with over 260 site visits.
As an organisation we've had to adapt. We've now got 18 COVID Champions in place and a site document ensuring that all our work is done safely, and our spaces and activities are used in line with Coronavirus guidance.
Our Capital Expenditure projects are also underway including community seating and solar power. We've also been supporting the emergency services throughout; the Police have been using our building fortnightly for specialist and critical Coronavirus training.
And last but by no means least...we're thrilled to announce that we'll be presenting Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, produced by Lyric Hammersmith and Pins & Needles, online.
You'll be able to purchase a ticket to access a high-quality digital recording of the production, which will be available to view 9 - 24 December 2020.
And if you're looking for Christmas present inspiration this year...we've got some lovely gift ideas for the theatre lovers in your lives, including membership, gift certificates and naming a seat.
Many of the activities we're still able to carry out are a direct result of your kind donations, membership renewals and grant funding. We'd also like to thank the Arts Council of Wales, Moondance Foundation and Garfield Weston, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity and The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust for allowing us to continue supporting the creative talent, young people and communities that need creativity now, more than ever.