Newtown’s Hafren Theatre could soon be reopening after being shut for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Theatre venues in Wales could be allowed to reopen from May 17 following a year that has crippled the arts industry.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: “As soon as Welsh Government regulations allow, and it is financially viable, we want to be ready to welcome customers back in to enjoy a very delayed programme of events.

“Hafren is eager to welcome back customers and clients and is making every effort to make sure that the environment is safe, going above and beyond in many areas to ensure customer confidence.”

During lockdown the venue has taken the opportunity to carry out extensive refurbishment work to freshen up the 556-seater venue in time to welcome back theatregoers.

Local tradespeople have been busy fixing the storm-damaged fly tower, installing new auditorium lights, backstage shower cubicles, dressing room windows.

The Hafren Theatre in Newtown after the work was completed. Pic: Anwen Parry.

The Hafren Theatre in Newtown during renovation work on the storm-damaged fly tower. 

The Hafren Conference Suite has not been missed out either with new tables, chairs, flooring and refreshment machines ready for business meetings.

The theatre has paid tribute to local contractors Ian Jones Electrical, AL Technical, EOM, Vyrnwy Scaffold and Williams Plant hire for carrying out the work.

“This gives our local businesses a boost,” the spokesperson added. “Those who have come in from further afield have provided a welcome income to the local B&B and hotels as they could not accept tourists.”

But there’s still more work to be completed such as upgrading the theatre’s heating and air circulation systems which is expected to take place over the summer ready for this autumn.

The renovation to the storm-damaged fly tower, clearly visible from Newtown Bypass, is expected to finish in early June and has been managed by Cardiff-based contractor A & N Lewis Ltd. The work has involved removing and replacing all the cladding, re-covering the roof, installing new electronically operated smoke vents and erecting new signs and lightning conductors.

“As the project has involved working at height the progress has been a little slower due to the safety difficulties that has posed,” the spokesperson added.