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A new name for Port Talbot’s theatre has been released in a video featuring Twin Town Actor Di Botcher alongside a range of community members from the local arts and cultural scene.

(Scroll down to view the video)

Yr Aelwyd, (pronounced Ur Eye-Loyd) – which means The Hearth in English, has received £18 million investment to create an improved venue for theatre performances, community uses and new meeting and conference facilities. Yr Aelwyd is currently under construction on the site of the former Princess Royal Theatre.

As part of the investment Port Talbot’s Civic Square is also being made into a vibrant and fully re-landscaped community space, transforming the approach to the theatre.

The multi-million-pound project has been made possible thanks to UK Government funding alongside Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. 


Yr Aelwyd 

Traditionally, Yr Aelwyd (The Hearth) is at the heart of the home – a place to gather, share stories and create lasting memories. 

Yr Aelwyd will be Port Talbot’s theatre, a place that local people can be proud of and be part of by bringing them together through the arts and entertainment. It will be a venue with real provenance and a showcase for local talent and stories.

The refurbished theatre is designed to attract audiences to experience Port Talbot’s legacy of performance, creativity and storytelling and as a place for the community and local creative groups to come together.

Yr Aelwyd will also reflect Port Talbot’s own heritage, drawing from the town’s industrial past and the warmth and energy that continues to inspire the town’s creative future.
 

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips said:

“The name Yr Aelwyd beautifully captures what this new venue will represent for Port Talbot – a welcoming place where people can come together to share experiences, enjoy creativity and make lasting memories.

“Yr Aelwyd will be much more than a theatre; it will be a focal point for our community and visitors, bringing people into the heart of the town and supporting Port Talbot’s continued regeneration.

“Thanks to funding from UK Government alongside Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, we are creating a vibrant cultural space and an improved Civic Square, with more green spaces, increased planting and a more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy.

“This is an exciting milestone for Port Talbot, and I look forward to seeing Yr Aelwyd become a place where stories are shared, local talent is showcased and our community is brought together for generations to come.”

It has been a real community effort with contributions to the video coming from across local stakeholders who are looking forward to the launch of the new venue, including:

-    ⁠Richard Hibbard – International rugby player and local business owner who has played the voice of the Giant in pantomimes at the venue.
-    ⁠Joel Oates - Local influencer who’s passionate about singing, dancing and theatre.
-    Stuart Broad - Calon Films, who performed the world premiere of Iniquity Camwedd at the theatre.
-    ⁠Nigel Hunt – Local business owner of San Portablo.
-    ⁠Cassius Walker Hunt – Local business owner of Portablo Coffi 
-    ⁠Margaret Buckingham Jones – A well-known figure in local Welsh language community.
-    ⁠Helen John – From Portablo Arts and former Port Talbot drama teacher.
-    ⁠Afan Dance – A local dance group
-    ⁠Jenks - Graffiti artist, who has produced works for Port Talbot’s Art Walk.

We look forward to welcoming you to Yr Aelwyd - Port Talbot’s brand new theatre - in 2027.