It was announced today that the Theatr Bryn Terfel will not have been completed in time for Chwalfa this month.
Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru said:
“An important part of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s vision is to work with communities to create a powerful and suitable piece of theatre. Artists and professional theatre workers, in addition to the local community, have worked tirelessly to create this incredible production over several months. On behalf of the company, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for their enthusiasm and of course for the welcome we’ve received in this area. The buzz created around the production has been very evident and while it is disappointing that we won’t be able to stage the production later this month, I am extremely pleased that we will be able to stage the production in the New Year. What’s important for us now is that this production gets to see the light of day in the future.”
Pontio will contact everyone who has booked a ticket for Chwalfa.
This follows a statement from Chair of Pontio’s Arts Advisory Board, Bangor University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Jerry Hunter said:
“We sincerely apologise to our audiences, the local community, our partners, and
in particular Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, and we share their disappointment.
“We have been working intensively with the contractor over the last six months
and the schedule has been tight, but we believed that it could be met. We have
however today reluctantly concluded that it will not be possible to open as planned
with ‘Chwalfa’.
“We are now going through a detailed process of review with the contractor,
Miller, to establish a revised timetable for opening. Pontio, Bangor University’s Arts
and Innovation Centre, is due to open in phases, with the theatre opening first.
“We will announce the new dates for Chwalfa at the end of this month. Everyone
who has bought a ticket will automatically be transferred to the corresponding
performance when it’s rearranged, or alternatively will have the option of
receiving a full refund. In addition, to compensate for the inconvenience,
customers will be given a £5 gift voucher to use against any other performance in
the Theatre. Pontio box office staff will be in touch with customers directly.
“We would like to thank Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru for their cooperation in this
matter meaning that we will be able to stage this fantastic production in the new
year.
“The detailed discussions with the contractor regarding the opening date will take
time. Only when these are completed will we be able to confirm the revised date.
“There are certainly lessons to be learnt from this but our priority at this moment
is on working with the contractor to complete the building, and deliver a high
quality artistic opening programme. As soon as we have our revised schedule we
will make a further announcement.”
