Theatr Colwyn Friends

	Older News.................

*December 2010* PROGRESS AT THEATR COLWYN Phil and Joann are making weekly visits to Theatr Colwyn to see the work progressing. The box office has been demolished which will create the space for the café/bar and seating area. The creation of the pass door, which will connect the front of house to backstage, is almost complete as several walls in the old garages have been pulled down, to allow a link corridor to be made. Work is now being done at basement level to prepare for the creation of a lift shaft. Phil Batty, manager of Theatr Colwyn said: “Workwise, it is progressing nicely, particularly in the basement area, where many of walls have already been removed, in preparation for steelwork to be inserted.”

*October 2010* A RALLYING CALL FROM THE PEN OF JOHN WILLIAMS (COMMITTEE MEMBER) They have started refurbishing Theatr Colwyn...great news for the supporters of the Theatre and more importantly for the town of Colwyn Bay. We know already that we are the oldest working theatre and cinema in the UK (no other claims to that distinction have yet emerged) so we can look to the future with great enthusiasm. However we must keep at the forefront of our minds that we haven’t finished yet...we still have a good way to go before Theatr Colwyn is fully refurbished so continuous support of the aims of the Friends of Theatr Colwyn is of great importance. We all have potential marketing abilities....talk with your friends and neighbours and local residents about the developments going on in Theatr Colwyn. Tell people what the end result will be, the need to encourage support of the Theatre in any way possible. The need to ensure that the Theatr will be there for our children and our grandchildren...a place to start a potential career in entertainment or showbusiness in general. The Friends of Theatr Colwyn have worked very hard over the last decade and as a result the image of Theatr Colwyn locally and throughout Wales has been greatly enhanced. Many local businesses and local organisations have pledged their support for Theatr Colwyn in the past and continue to do so. Please play your part in spreading the need for support of Theatr Colwyn to continue and create as much enthusiasm as you can. Watch out for progress reports on refurbishment and and let us all look forward to spring 2011 for the grand re-opening of the New Theatr Colwyn. Click here for the press release from the Theatre Management.

*September 2010* Sponsored Walk/Run/Bide Ride - Thankyou Everyone! Thank you to everyone who came to support the Friends Sponsored Event and a massive thankyou to Ray for once again organising this event.The rain came and went, as did the wind, and the sun came out. It was all happening but it didn't stop our intrepid band. Amount raised: £521.

August 2010 A NOTE FROM SARAH ECOB GENERAL MANAGER TO THE FRIENDS OF THEATR COLWYN “After many years of working on a redevelopment plan we are delighted to be able to announce that we have been successful in securing a £500,000 grant from SRA funding. Work will commence in the next few months. A press release is attached for your information. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for all your hard work and dedication in raising additional funding. The current project will see the Front-of-House areas refurbished and we continue to raise funds to allow us to improve the backstage areas.” PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release. Theatr Colwyn \| Bae Colwyn/Colwyn Bay Media enquiries only: Joann Rae – 01492 532643 joann.rae@conwy.gov.uk GRANT AWARD FOR THEATR COLWYN A VICTORIAN theatre and cinema in Conwy is to get a facelift after receiving Welsh Assembly Government funding. Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay, owned and operated by Conwy County Borough Council, has been awarded £500,000 by the North Wales Strategic Regeneration Area Programme, part of the Bay Life+ Programme. Match funding from the local authority means a project to completely redevelop the front of house area will start shortly. The venue, which is 125 years old, the oldest cinema in the UK still operating and the oldest theatre in Wales still operating, will be closed until spring next year. The front of house redevelopment will see the upstairs bar relocated to the foyer, the creation of new box office, office space, a community room and disabled access to all floors. Phil Batty, manager of Theatr Colwyn, said: “This is a very exciting time and we are very much looking forward to seeing these enhanced facilities benefiting our patrons and the wider community as a whole. “Theatr Colwyn has been at the heart of Colwyn Bay since it first opened as a venue in 1888 and our long-term aim is continue redevelopment work until we are at the stage when we can accommodate larger productions and offer more to our loyal audience. “A very big thank you to everyone who has helped us to get here.” Sarah Ecob, general manager, said: “We are delighted with this absolutely wonderful news. The redevelopment of Theatr Colwyn has been planned for many years and it is terrific that we have finally reached the stage where we can set a date for the project to begin. “As custodians of this charming and much-loved Victorian venue we are very much looking forward to giving the building the care and attention it needs and to bringing the Front of House facilities up-to-date to meet the needs of our customers. “We are very grateful to the Welsh Government for giving us this opportunity through SRA funding for Colwyn Bay and also to our colleagues in Conwy County Borough Council which is joint-funding this project. “Fundraising continues to allow us to achieve the full scope of the project that will, eventually, include the rear of house facilities. We would like to thank everyone who has donated so generously to date.” Terry Jones, former Monty Python and patron of Theatr Colwyn, said he was ‘so happy’ to hear of the funding award. He visited the venue in April to launch a fundraising appeal on behalf of The Friends of Theatr Colwyn. Terry, who was born in Colwyn Bay, said: “Thank you to the Welsh Assembly Government for recognising the importance to my home town of Theatr Colwyn. “This is a great step forward for the community. I hope the restored theatre will be bringing excitement and fun to the town for years to come.” EDITORS NOTES: Bay Life+ Programme Bay Life+ Programme is more than just physical regeneration. It aims to improve and bring together all the things that make up a community. There are six key themes to be addressed - Environment and Transport, Sustainable Economy, Space for Living, Health and Wellbeing, Education and Skills and Community Cohesion. The Bay Life+ Programme covers the same geographical area as the Assembly’s Strategic Regeneration Area; it includes the Colwyn Bay focused work of Bay Life AND the work taking place in Conwy East. The following organisations are represented on the Bay Life+ Programme Board: Conwy County Borough Council North Wales Police Welsh Assembly Government – Department of the Environment & Transport and Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills Conwy Voluntary Services Council Llandrillo College There is also representation from the Town and Community Councils within the structure, alongside various departments of Conwy County Borough Council. Other organisations involved include Chamber of Trade, Conwy Access Group, Civic Society as well as the local community.

*April 2010* Major Fundraising Campaign As you will be aware, Theatr Colwyn management are trying to secure funding for much needed re-development of the facilities. The re-development plans include a new cafe, bar, improved access ramp, lifts, etc and generally will bring parts of the venue into line with modern standards. It is now hoped that money is going to be found to cover a large proportion of the building costs but at this point there is a considerable shortfall in funding. The Theatre Management have therefore asked the Friends to work with them to launch a serious fundraising campaign to raise a predicted shortfall of £100,000. The Friends Committee discussed the proposal and have pledged their full support for this challenge. A separate Friends account has already been set up to receive the funds raised and it is our every intention to keep our members fully informed about the monies raised. Campaign Launch The Management have told us that Terry Jones, Patron, has agreed to spearhead the campaign and he officially launched it on 12 April when he visited the Theatre and spoke to the audience before and after the showing of the Life of Brian. Approximately 300 people attended the film and proceeds from ticket sales will be credited to the Friends fund. Over £500 was also collected on the night through the big red buckets from the audience and so approximately £3,500 was therefore raised on the night. In addition, the event attracted much media attention and was covered by local and national papers as well as receiving television coverage. All in all, it was a very healthy start to a very tough challenge. The Theatre is planning more events, and we will keep you all informed of events as they are announced. Ray Herbert, one of the Friends Committee, has also kindly offered to arrange a show to raise funds and we will let you know of the date as soon as possible. The Friends stated aims, as on our Membership cards, are: • To support and promote Theatr Colwyn • To put the Theatre at the heart of the Community • To provide a social and cultural focus for our Members • Make the whole experience enjoyable With this in mind, we would ask for your full support as we work with the Theatre Management to make a concerted effort to raise these much needed funds. Yours sincerely The Friends Committee

*April 2010* MONTY PATRON’S FLYING VISIT A fundraising evening for Theatr Colwyn with Terry Jones. Terry Jones, comedy legend and former Monty Python, will make a special appearance at Theatr Colwyn on April 12. Terry, patron of the venue, will be guest of honour at screening of the Python film ‘The Life of Brian’ – which he directed and starred in. Following the screening, there will be an opportunity for fans to find out more about Terry’s career in a 30minute question and answer session. TERRY JONES BIOGRAPHY Best known as part of Monty Python, Terry and the other Pythons got together in 1969 and wrote and performed Monty Python’s Flying Circus until 1974. Terry, who was born in Colwyn Bay, co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam in 1975 and directed Monty Python’s Life of Brian in 1979 and Meaning of Life in 1981, which won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes. His other film direction credits include Personal Services with Julie Walters and Erik The Viking. He wrote, directed and played Toad in The Wind In The Willows (1995) which won the Chicago Children’s Film Festival and the Wisconsin Children’s Film Festival and he wrote the script for the fantasy film, Labyrinth, which starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connolly. Terry has presented numerous TV documentaries: The Crusades (BBC 1993) Ancient Inventions (Discovery, 1997) Hidden Histories (Discovery, 2002), Medieval Lives (BBC 2004) and Barbarians (BBC 2006). He co-wrote the libretto and directed Evil Machines, his first foray into the world of opera, based on a collection of his short stories, which premiered in Lisbon in 2008 and is currently working on a short opera with Anne Dudley for the Royal Opera House.

*March 2010* THEATR COLWYN: THE OLDEST OPERATING CINEMA IN THE UK! Staff at Theatr Colwyn have discovered that the theatre was granted its first cinema licence 101 years ago, in January 1909, and therefore believe that Theatr Colwyn could claim the crown of the oldest operating cinema in the UK. Back at the start of the 20th century, Harry Reynolds, a well known face on the West End stage, took over The Public Hall - as the venue was then known - and immediately had the auditorium revamped, which included the installation of electric light. The first films he screened included Hunting Crocodiles on The Nile and The Naughty Little Princess. The cinema side was revived in 2000, after receipt of grants from Colwyn Bay Town Council and Conwy County Borough Council to purchase a projector and screen. During our Coffee Morning on Tuesday 2 March, a TV team were in the theatre filming a feature about Theatr Colwyn being the oldest operating cinema in the UK. Friends and others attending were asked to role-play being an audience and of course, everyone was more than happy to oblige. And still providing value after all this time: Under 15s: £2.50, Over 15s: £3.50 A family of 4 can watch a film for £12

*February 2010* COMMUNITIES FIRST TRUST FUND APPLICATION We are thrilled to announce that the Friends application to the Communities First Trust Fund has been 100% successful. After liaising with Phil Batty Jnr, Theatre Manager, the Friends requested £4612.77 for amplification equipment and a haze machine (which is already at the theatre, ready for use). The plan is for the Friends/Theatre to be able to hire out a powerful amplification system for community events, at a much lower cost than is currently being charged by private businesses. It is felt that this will enable the Theatre to serve the local community and help local groups, especially in the Rhiw and Glyn wards, to put on events which would otherwise have been too expensive for them to consider. Well done to all those involved in the successful application! Communities First is a scheme funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).

*December 2009* TERRY JONES AT THEATR COLWYN Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, and patron of Theatr Colwyn featured in programme called Coming Home on Monday 14 December on BBC1 Wales. Terry spent his early childhood in Colwyn Bay and was returning to check out his ancestral connections to the area. During his visit Terry called in to Theatr Colwyn and was given a tour around by Phil Batty, Theatre Manager. You will have seen the wonderful Fire Safety Curtain which has a number of adverts dating back decades and the rich colour of our auditorium, in red and gold.

*October 2009* CERYS MATTHEWS AND OUR STARCLOTH In October 2009 Cerys Matthews performed to a sell-out crowd at Theatr Colwyn. Extracts from her performance were shown on the S4C programme Nodyn on Friday 11 December during an interview with Elin Fflur, the show presenter. Cerys said that the starcloth at Theatr Colwyn provided the best backdrop to her tour. Diolch i ti, Cerys.

September 2009 THEATRE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING A massive thank you to everyone who has supported the theatre in any way as it makes an application for funding to the Strategic Regeneration Fund. As well as letters of support delivered to the theatre for passing on, there have been * newspaper articles about the application and about Terry Jones’ (our patron) support, * contact from councillors and local assembly members and * also a group on Facebook (a social networking site) has been started and currently boasts 227 members. Suffice to say that support has been fantastic and very encouraging. The application was submitted in June and it is understood that it has to go through a few board meetings before it is finally presented to the Welsh Assembly Government for approval. We will let you know of any developments as soon as we hear them. So a massive thankyou to everyone and we would also like to thank the Bay Life Initiative and its Coordinator, Shane Whetton, who have been very helpful to the theatre and the Friends with this very important application.

September 2009 STARCLOTH AND THE FRIENDS Thanks again are in order to everyone who came along to our last Coffee Morning for the photoshoot. The picture was kindly taken by our very own Barry Boyle and then submitted by Helen Jackson from Communities First, along with the following article, to the press. The news was published in the local Pioneer and also in the Daily Post at the beginning of September. “Following Successful Bid, Theatr Colwyn Unveils Star Cloth Following a successful application to the Communities First Trust Fund the Friends of Theatr Colwyn invested in a ‘star cloth’. The star cloth will provide productions with a backdrop of fibre optic lights, creating an incredible visual effect. As part of the same application booster seats were also purchased so children can sit more comfortably. The Friends of Theatr Colwyn unveiled the star cloth at a recent coffee morning. The well supported event was attended by Darren Millar AM, Cllr Abdul Khan, Mayor of Colwyn Bay, and Cllrs Alice Robinson, Janet Griffiths, Laurette Danson MBE, and Mary Doyle. Barbara Hawley, Chairperson of the Friends of Theatr Colwyn said ‘The star cloth will be a real asset to the theatre. Seeing the children’s faces as they performed the winter scenes from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, with the star cloth in the background, was magical. This year the theatre celebrates its 125th year. The theatre is in the process of applying for SRA funding which is vital to keep it at the heart of the community’. Darren Millar AM, said,It’s fantastic to see so many people coming together to support such a worthy cause. I look forward to seeing the theatre benefit from the regeneration which is happening in the town’. Abdul Khan added ‘It is so important that Theatr Colwyn is supported because it keeps the community united. Through the work of volunteers it has lasted 125 years. It’s high time that financial backing is given to this worthy venue.’ The Communities First Trust Fund is a Welsh Assembly scheme which aims to support small, community-led organisations in Communities First areas. £20,000 is available this year to groups who benefit the community in the Colwyn Bay Communities First area. To find out more contact Communities First on 531996.”

July 2009 NEW THEATR COLWYN WEBSITE For those of you with internet connection, do check out the excellent new Theatr Colwyn website – www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk It has an olde worlde look about it and is fully bilingual with details of all the upcoming shows.

July 2009 Communities First Funding Update All the items listed in our application to the Communities First Trust Fund have been purchased and there is now an abundant supply of mugs in the bar for Friends and Theatre events, as well as pump pots, baby changing facilities, and booster seats. What will take your breath away is the starcloth which has already been used on a number of occasions to enhance shows. When you see it, you will be really impressed ... of that we are sure.

June 2009 Well Done to the Theatre Staff Conwy County Borough Council hold a ceremony entitled "Celebrating Excellent Achievement Awards". Theatre staff were nominated for all 9 Awards but were shortlisted in 1 - the Customer and Community Category. Although they did not win the top spot, it was great to have the nomination and were given a small glass trophy as a memento of the event.

*Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2009* Colwyn Blues Festival Barry Townsend, one of the Friends committee, has been busy working with the theatre management to put on the 2nd Colwyn Blues Festival. It is hoped that this Festival will develop over the years and bring in much needed revenue to the town. Peter Gibson, the Friends Secretary, has made 2 successful applications for funding for this event and £1500 has been received - £1000 from Colwyn Bay Town Council and £500 from the Welsh Church Acts Fund (administered by Conwy County Borough Council). We are hoping to use the funds to make a big advertising impact. Visit the Festival website for more information: www.colwynbluesfestival.com

*March 2009* Communites First Funding Success It is with the greatest of pleasure that we can report that our funding application to the Communites First Trust Fund for £3,270 has been 100% successful. After liaison with the theatre mangement, a list of items which we wish to purchase was drawn up - 1) a starcloth costing over £2,000, 2) some catering urns, 3) a baby changing platform, and 4) booster seats to raise children up for better viewing. With the funding we can now go on to buy all the items. The fund was set up to help deprived areas of Wales and two are in Colwyn Bay, Rhiw and Glyn wards - deemed areas of special deprivation. The theatre is in Glyn ward and it is encouraging to noe that the fund administrators seem to have recognised the theatre's central role in the town's regeneration. Joann Rae, Marketing Officer, has helped us prepare a press release so look out for the photo above in the local papers.

February 2009 Friends Annual Dinner On 6 February 69 brave souls ventured out on a bitterly cold night for the Friends Annual Dinner. The buffet was delicious and we were entertained nobly, not just by Charlie and Mel (pictured) but by our honourable Chairman Barbara. Thank you to everyone who came (2 from near Chester and 1 lady all the way from Lancashire!). Thank you also to everyone who brought raffle prizes and helped with the raffle, and we hope that the few who were poorly and had to send their apologies are now on the mend.

*December 2008* Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs This year's productions was the theatre's most successful pantomime to date. It exceeded all expectations, particularly considering the recession and people having to tighten their belts and watch the pennies. Phil Batty, theatre manager, said, "People travelled from places like Bangor and Chester in the freezing cold weather to watch our traditional family show and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it - especially the entrance of the seven drawfs who made their first entrance through the auditorium!"

*June 2008* Friends in the Country The Friends Day in the Country, via feedback received, was voted a roaring success. All enjoyed Hazel's sumptuous buffet, Heather's expertise behind the bar, and music supplied by Tony Hudson added to the already happy atmosphere. Thank you to all who helped the day to flow with ease, and of course the biggest thank you of all goes to the person who made it all possible by opening up her spacious home located in such wonderful surroundings. Vera, we couldn't have done it without you. The occasion was made more exciting for Mike and Sandra who won the star prize from the raffle, 2 tickets for Fiddler on the Roof, kindly donated by Venue Cymru. Numerous other prizes went to very good homes. Vera, dare we say same place, same time next year!!! Love Barbara

May 2008 COLWYN BLUES FESTIVAL Well, it was a grand day all in all with a variety of great bands and a relaxed atmosphere. All the staff were dashing about making sure all was in order, Barry (our eminent organiser) was in his element, and the stewards looked wonderful in their black tee-shirts welcoming everyone to the event. The Festival was headlined by the Smokehouse Blues Band who are an internationally well known band and are used to performing at the highest level including the “home” of the Blues – Chicago, USA. Local bands included The Slowhand Blues Band, Moving On, Comfy Chairs, Blue C, and Badger Bells - all blues bands but with vastly different styles. Basically the music is described as “Hooker to Hendrix with a bit of BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan thrown in”. Well done everybody - and we look forward to another great event next year!

May 2008 THE BIG GIG! The Big Gig was part of a project being worked on by employees at Theatr Colwyn and The Arts Council of Wales to create a recording studio and rehearsal room. Eight local bands, with members no older than 18 and resident in Conwy/attend full-time education in the County were given the stage and an opportunity to show the judges what they could do. Used as we are to seeing young girls dancing, singing and generally looking pretty, it was great to see the young men give it their all to an enthusiastic and encouraging audience. One group’s lead singer jumped on and off the stage and then played his guitar lying down, whilst his mate threw off his sunglasses and woolly hat with great aplomb! The winning band was called The Prestige who won £600 worth of gig gear, followed in joint 2nd by Guru Kane and Failed and Forgotten who each won £100 worth of vouchers.. A big well done to the theatre management and technical staff for arranging the event and helping the 8 bands get on and off the stage with all their gear in the smoothest of operations.

September 2007 RECORDING STUDIO AT THEATR COLWYN A rehearsal room/recording studio will open at Theatr Colwyn within the next few months. The theatre will be offering band rehearsal space and Pro Tools computer technology to lay down tracks on CD. Whether you’re a garage rock band, a harpist or a barbershop quartet, the theatre can help! Contact the theatre for more information. This project has been funded by the Arts Council of Wales. See the latest copy of the North Wales Weekly News for a request for building supplies to help fit out the studio.