"The South of England has many attractions including the West End theatres. Just a long haul up a motorway, ten miles of crummy suburbia and an NCP (National Car Park) a long walk away from where you want to be.
Eventually you arrive with your expensive tickets amidst the throng of strangers crowding into the theatre. Programme sellers thrust glossy programmes into your hands, kids clamour for show souvenirs, queues for loos and everything else and the all important pre-ordering of mid-show refreshments.
After battling through the foyer, surviving the security checks and settling into your seat you can at last settle down to enjoy your chosen show along with a coach load of Americans and visitors from just about everywhere.
Having escaped briefly into a fantasy world the journey home is a cruel shock to the system.
Contrast this with a visit to Harlech's Theatre Ardudwy - our West End on the doorstep.
A summer evening's drive down the estuary and along the coast is a feast to the eyes and you're unlikely to pass more than a couple of cars along your way. Take your pick of the parking places just 50 metres from the theatre, stroll in feeling totally relaxed, collect tickets from people who really know you, walk out onto the West End verandah and take in a glorious sunset over the Irish Sea.
Settle down in a small theatre where there's no need for opera glasses and you can really feel part of the show. Bump into friends and acquaintances in the interval. Applaud the show and wend your way home.
With so many great acts staged at Harlech it's difficult to ration yourself to just a few shows per year. But at the great value prices and low stress location there's little need for rationing.
Which makes it such a shame that so few people take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. During recent months we've seen Ballet, Balkan Music and Celtic Music and been part of audiences that even well spaced out don't make the place look 25% full.
Just recently we watched a great play put on by a touring theatre group from Cardiff. Our family of four made up 44% of the audience ... altogether just 9 people to watch the efforts of 4 actors, back stage staff and several theatre personnel. The theatre was just 2.6% full or 97.4% empty!
What a waste of such a wonderful facility."
your comments
James from Barmouth
Yes, it's a shame that not many people appreciate the wonderful facilities of Harlech Theatre and efforts that are made to bring such variety of productions. I am so excited to see the Bollywood event at the end of the month by our local Bollywood star Raj Mayur who is making so much effort to create a buzz in the area and has really inspired the youth (including me) to participate, appreciate and get encouraged. Hats off to him for really acting so fast in creating an interest in so many creative activities. I am so glad that he chose Harlech Theatre that has such great potential. I don't know how well this Bollywood event will be received by such laid back people around us, who are so apprehensive about experimenting or exploring something new. But surely in times to come Harlech will make its mark as one of the top entertainment venues!
Wed Feb 20 09:04:21 2008
Paul Foskett from Watford
A few years back i attended Coleg Harlech next door to Theatr Ardudwy. Having done casual work for many theatres in and around London i was keen to get a few hours in at Ardudwy. I now work full time as a deputy Technical Manager in a theatre just outside London and it's now that i realise just how special that theatre is. Not only in absolutely gorgeous surroundings, but the theatre is a fantastic venue for a great night out.
Tue Apr 24 09:16:36 2007
Ray Lewis; ex. Maentwrog
Well done Huw. Theatre Ardudwy is a marvellous place to see and hear first class music, drama, films - such a shame that it is not much better supported by local people.
'Use it or lose it' is a commonly heard phrase these days. I say, use it, don't lose it. The staff are wonderfully helpful. The bar is open for drinks and coffee etc.
Where I live now, in the Peterborough area, we often have to pay double what you pay in Harlech for very similar events.
Go to the theatre in Harlech and enjoy a good night out at marvellous value for money.
Sat Nov 12 15:29:16 2005
