"Each year we put on two shows; one in the Spring and a second in the Autumn. These shows are performed at Theatr Hafren in Newtown and we have a dedicated following of supporters who enjoy attending the shows. Shows we have put on include Fiddler On The Roof, The Mikado, The Boyfriend, My Fair Lady and Guys and Dolls to name but a few.

Apart from this we also take part in other events. A few of our more recent appearances have been at The Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, Theatre Hafren with Peter Karrie, Plas Crae Crwn Residential Care Home and Theatr Hafren as part of a show put on for the benefit of friends and relatives of the residents in Plas Crae Crwn.

We attended the opening of the Millenium Centre in Cardiff and took part in the concert organised as part of the celebrations. This was filmed by the BBC.

Despite the pouring rain we had a great time. Many of us have returned there on a regular basis to see many excellent shows being staged there. We have also been asked back to peform in the Foyer.

A memorable performance for us was the occasion at Theatr Hafren with Peter Karrie, most famous for his portrayal of The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's, Phantom Of The Opera. We sang with him on stage and were invited to sing songs of our own choice whilst he watched from the side of the stage.

We are often asked to sing at local events and were happy to accept an invitation to the Plas Crae Crwn Residential Home for the Elderly, when they were holding an exhibition "The Celebration of the 40's". We sang for an hour - half an hour of forties songs and half an hour singing a song from each decade from the 1930s to the present day.

Each summer members can take up the opportunity to go to Summer Schools and Masterclasses. Recent summer schools have been Les Miserables, Mama Mia, Cats and Titanic which were attended by several members.

These are so valuable, not only for the excitement of appearing with professionals on a professional stage but for the wealth of experience that our members gain and bring back to share with the company.

For each show we hold a photoshoot as a Publicity Event. We always try to match the the venue with the show. For example, We have visited the seaside for "The Boyfriend", a local farm for "Oklahoma!", Hafren Forest for "Brigadoon", Portmeirion for "Kiss Me Kate", The American Adventure in Derbyshire for "Annie Get Your Gun" and a wonderful trip to Paris for "La Vie Parisienne".

We are members of NODA - the National Opera and Dramatic Association founded in 1899. NODA help and support us, enabling us to achieve the highest standards and best practice for our performances. They provide advice and information on all aspects of a production. In 2006 through NODA we won a National Award for our Souvenir Programme for Guys and Dolls.

Our company would be lost without the support of the unsung heroes, the backstage crew, the front of house staff and the programme sellers, the wardrobe mistresses, the committee who (hopefully) keep it all together.

Also our cast members do not just sing and dance. We make and paint scenery, help make costumes, delve in to our cupboards and attics for props, give lifts for those without transport and make the tea at rehearsal.

We have some talented amateur choreographers and two professional choreographers who give their services freely whilst also learning parts and performing in the shows.

Many of us attended Tap Dance Lessons organised within the Company and went on to gain a dance qualification. Currently two choreographers are giving ballet lessons.

A number of us have vocal coaching from another member who has a degree in Music. Several members have now passed their exams at various grades.

Many of our younger members leave to take up places at Universities studying Drama, Dance and Music. At the moment one young member helps run Salsa classes in Welshpool and Newtown.

One of our other younger members has just rejoined the company after gaining her professional qualification in Dancing and Choreography. Another member is spending the Summer at Aberystwyth working Backstage for the National Youth Theatre of Wales.

NMTC is a company which grows and moves with the times. We call on our experience from the past and utilise the latest technology and ideas. We all work very hard and always help and support each other.

Our aim is to put on the most professional performance we can and we would not be able to do so without the hard work and dedication of our members and unpaid helpers."

Article by Frances Western