ONE of Powys’ most popular entertainment venues is excited to announce that it will finally be reopening this month.

The Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells will throw open its doors for the first time in 15 months on July 10 for a re-introductory day where they will be able to welcome back members of the public and talk about what they’ve been able to do over the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as discuss the upcoming programme for the rest of 2021.

The ‘Tour and Tea’ welcome back event will be taking place between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, July 10.

“During the past 15 months, we’ve been busy inside the theatre and we’re giving you the first chance to come and take a look,” said theatre chiefs on their Facebook page.

“So come and join us on the 10th, take a tour, have a piece of cake and cup of tea.

“The Albert Hall has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic. We’re finally ready to reopen so why not come and see what we’ve been up to during lockdown.

“Take a tour of your community theatre, hear about our upcoming shows, learn about the Albert Hall Friends and enjoy a free tea or coffee and slice of cake, everyone is welcome.”

Covid regulations will be observed and face coverings need to be worn.

Despite the fact the theatre has faced a tough crowd in coronavirus, with Wales’ various lockdowns meaning there’s been no shows or any events on as streets throughout Powys have resembled ghost towns for much of the last 15 months, theatre bosses have at least had that time to address other areas of concerns, including starting a fundraising campaign to pay for a much-needed refurbishment of the toilets at the Ithon Road venue.

In addition to next week’s much-anticipated reopening, the curtain will very soon be going up on the first performance to be staged at the Albert Hall too.

The BAFTA Award-winning CBeebies series Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday is live on stage.

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday plays two performances in Llandrindod, on Wednesday, July 14, at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Join Sarah and Duck, along with all their favourite friends including the Ribbon Sisters, the Shallots, Flamingo and Umbrella, as they plan a circus-themed birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. But when the weather turns windy and the big top is blown away, will Sarah and Duck be able to save the day?

Told through a fantastic blend of inventive puppetry, charming storytelling and toe-tapping music, and featuring all the familiar voices from the CBeebies series including Roger Allam as the narrator and Lesley Nicol as Scarf Lady, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take families on a magical theatrical adventure.

Following the gentle adventures of a wide-eyed seven-year-old girl and her feathered best friend, Sarah & Duck has been a huge hit since its debut in 2013, winning a BAFTA for ‘Best Pre-School Animation’ in 2014 and regularly appearing in CBeebies' top ten programmes for viewers aged four-15.

The show is recommended for children aged three to six, with tickets priced at £12.50.

Tickets are available online at http://thealberthall.co.uk/events/sarah-duck21 or over the phone on 0333 666 3366, the Facebook page, or by contacting the Albert Hall directly on 07836 268700.