CARMARTHEN’S £1.6million revamped Lyric Theatre is on course for reopening this November.
And it will be a case of coming back with a bang with a Rocky movie on fireworks night.
County arts development manager Phil Alder said good progress was being made and the backstage areas were taking shape.
Plant for air control and heating is being installed and the orders have been placed for the new seating. Lifts, disabled friendly accesses, toilets and all mod cons are being provided throughout.
Mr Alder said: “We are bang on course for opening on November 5th, and a trial running for operating the enhanced venue with an audience will be with a film showing of ‘Rocky’ as part of the Carmarthenshire Theatres ‘Movie Vault’ film series.
The first ‘art film’ performance, will be Sound Affairs’ on November 7th combining live music by Charlie Barber with a screening of the 1923 classic ‘Salome’.
The first live production will be on November 12 by Ysgol Berffformio Dyffryn Tywi Trinity University of Dewin Yr Dros. A welsh language stage adaptation of ‘Wizard of Oz’
County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Carmarthen’s much loved Lyric theatre has a bright future.
“The Authority has invested £1.3million in the project and we are delighted to have received the support of the Welsh Art6s Council to the tune of £300,000.
“The revamp will also see a change of role. It will not be in competition with the multiplex cinema opening as part of the £76million St Catherine’s development. The Lyric has an important role to play in Carmarthen’s activity calendar providing a more select series of film programming and centre for the colourful theatrical culture of the town.
“It will be a bright new building with more leg room for patrons, better facilities to top European standards becoming a theatre of which the community can be justly proud.”
Theatre tickets for all Carmarthenshire Theatres are on sale at Carmarthen Reference Library, or telephone the box office on 0845 226 3510.
Photograph:County theatre’s manager Carwyn Matera-Jones samples the new seats while checking on plans at Carmarthen’s revamped Lyric Theatre. Pic Jeff Connell
