10 Theatres in Wales

A regional performing arts centre for North Wales, Theatr Clwyd in Y Wyddgrug (Mold) is an imposing complex of 1970s- era brick and glass. Inside you'll find two theatres, a cinema and studio spaces offering performances of all sorts. Dance, movies, art displays and live music all feature on the bill, but it's theatre that's the biggest draw. Theatr Clwyd is home to one of Wales' major drama producing theatre companies, staging productions throughout the year.

Find out more about Theatr Clwyd

A vast complex right on the seafront in buzzing Llandudno, Venue Cymru hosts shows of all sorts. It has a large main theatre with seating for 1500 people and an arena which hosts high profile rock and pop acts. Stand up comedy, opera, ballet and a host of creative and dance workshops with a particular focus on kids are all part of the events timetable. If you're looking for something more offbeat there are story circles, a graffiti club and vertical dancing. (You have to see it to believe it!)

Find out more about Venue Cymru

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Mwldan in Aberteifi (Cardigan) is a buzzing not-for-profit arts and cinema venue. If you want to catch a movie you'll have plenty to choose from as there are three screens. But there's far more than cinema on offer. Mwldan puts on an eclectic range of entertainment year-round including music, drama and dance. It's particularly strong for live music with a focus on world and folk music. It even has its own in-house record label called Bendigedig. Of course Bendigedig is Welsh for 'wonderful'. But you knew that, didn't you?

Find out more about Theatr Mwldan

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Just in case you didn't know, Ffwrnes is Welsh for 'Furnace'. Llanelli was once home to a thriving tinplate and steel industry with huge blast furnaces, but the name feels apt for the town's creative hub too. In this crucible of creativity, theatre, opera and dance all take place with room for over 500 people. The historic Zionist chapel next door provides an atmospheric space for workshops and classes, whilst comedy and jazz nights take place in the intimate Stiwdio Stepni. The Ffwrnes is run by Carmarthenshire County Council which also looks after the Lyric in Carmarthen and the Miners’ in Ammanford.

Find out more about The Ffwrnes

Grand is definitely the right adjective. In front is the original old palace of entertainment, a classic domed Victorian theatre with red velvet seats and gilded carved balconies. It's the ideal venue for spellbinding theatre from the in-house professional and youth theatre groups. In complete contrast the modernist hulk of the Arts Wing rises behind - a thoroughly modern entertainment space where comedy, live music and more are on offer. In former days, Abertawe's (Swansea's) Pavlov Ballet was based here. You'll still find excellent ballet performances on the programme.

Find out more about Swansea Grand Theatre

This cosy little venue in friendly Abergwaun (Fishguard) is located in a former Temperance Hall building. Don't worry though, you can buy a beer or glass of wine in the bar these days! It's a really intimate performance space, seating just 180 people, offering cinema screenings, theatre, jazz and even opera. What makes the place special though is that it's community run. Many staff are volunteers who are really passionate about the arts and cultural life of their town - so much so that when the Theatr was threatened with closure they rallied round to save it.

Find out more about Theatr Gwaun

The Torch is run on a not-for-profit basis and it's right at the centre of all things cultural in Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven). There's a full performance professional theatre company, so you're guaranteed drama of the highest quality with a minimum fuss. Since its inception in 1977, the company has staged over 200 shows. The main theatre is an atmospheric space with just 300 seats and the acoustics are exceptional. Alongside there's the smaller 102 Studio Theatre, an art gallery and friendly bar and café.

Find out more about Torch Theatre

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Half the delight of visiting the Savoy in Trefynwy (Monmouth) is the building itself. Walk through the surprisingly understated entrance and it's like arriving in a time warp. Inside you'll find red velvet seats, curvaceous plasterwork on the vaulted ceilings, golden ironwork around the ticket booths and ornate chandeliers providing the lighting. The Savoy is right at the heart of the community with an eclectic range of shows on offer. You'll find comedy, movies, drama and live music on the bill.

Find out more about the Savoy Theatre

If you're a fan of Strictly, you'll love the Grand. The striking Art Deco-style white octagonal pavilion has one of the best sprung dance floors in Wales and there are frequent dance performances. Aside from dancing, there are live music and comedy shows. In the basement, there's a more intimate performance space hosting art and dance classes and theatre workshops. Even if you don't come for a show, stop by the café for a coffee and take in vast views across the sparkling Bristol Channel.

Find out more about the Grand Pavilion Theatre

Europe’s first immersive arts venue, CULTVR in Caerdydd (Cardiff) combines digital arts, XR (extended reality) performances and fulldome cinema under one roof. The programme includes immersive exhibitions, film screenings, live music and contemporary dance, making it an ideal indoor attraction when the weather isn't playing ball.

Find out more about CULTVR

Search for more theatres in South Wales

Hynt is a national access scheme that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with an impairment or specific access requirement, and their Carers or Personal Assistants. Find out more about Hynt, who it’s for; what it provides; and how to become a member on the Hynt website.