A FREE, not-for-profit play with a focus on accessibility is coming to Welshpool.

Next week, a production of ‘Around The World in Eighty Days’ , made possible with a grant from the town council, will come to Welshpool Town Hall, Ponthafren and the Anne Holloway Day Centre.

Why this choice in venues? To bring theatre to an audience who may not otherwise be able to access it, organiser ClaudiaWhitby-Tillott says.

“Having gone to lots of theatre, it can be quite limiting financially and physically.

“It’s fine if you can afford it and get there, but there’s not a lot out there if you have little money or if you have accessibility needs,” she said.

Claudia said: “I want it to be a show which makes people feel included.”

Claudia set up her own theatre company, The Land Rovers Theatre Company, to launch the play.

“The aim of the company is to bring work that is usually on in big venues in cities into smaller communities who would not usually have access to this type of theatre,” she said.

The play is completely not-for-profit. Tickets are free, to make it as accessible as possible, and everyone involved, whether in providing costumes, creating promotional material or acting in the production itself, is doing it for free. The grant the theatre company received from Welshpool Town Council, of £250, was just for the playwright fees for the performances.

Claudia said: “Half of the venues are used by people who find accessing the theatre hard so we are bringing the show to them. I think it is an exciting time to be making works in the arts. More and more doors are being opened and I am incredibly excited that this project has gained so much support and time from so many talented individuals.”

Performance dates/times:

Welshpool Town Hall: Thursday, March 14, 7pm start and Saturday, March 16, 3pm start.

Welshpool Anne Holloway Day Centre: Wednesday, March 13, 9.30am start

Ponthafren Welshpool, Wednesday, March 13, 4pm start.

Tickets free and are available from the tourist information centre.