The Hafren theatre in Newtown had its first live show audience in two years since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last night (Saturday), theatre-goers enjoyed an evening watching one of opera's greatest love stories, Puccini’s La bohème, performed by Mid Wales Opera.

It was the first performance at the newly-refurbished theatre since a nationwide coronavirus lockdown was announced in March 2020

Sara Clutton, theatre manager, said: "It was wonderful to be back open and thank you to all who have supported us through this difficult time.

"Over 300 people enjoyed La Boheme last night and we're looking forward to welcoming even more people in the coming months of performances."

Mid Wales Opera (MWO) said it was "great to be back" and "beyond excited" to open at their home theatre, The Hafren, on Saturday before touring to eight other theatres, joined by their long-term orchestra partners Ensemble Cymru.

"Thank you to everyone who came to see La bohème in Newtown. What a pleasure to be back at The Hafren Theatre Newtown, and with our fabulous cast and lovely audiences!," MWO posted on Facebook.

County Times: Musetta (Mari Wyn Williams)Musetta (Mari Wyn Williams)

County Times: Rodolfo (Robyn Lyn Evans), Mimì (Galina Averina), and Musetta (Mari Wyn Williams)Rodolfo (Robyn Lyn Evans), Mimì (Galina Averina), and Musetta (Mari Wyn Williams)

La bohème concludes MWO’s Puccini in Paris season, delayed for a year by Covid-related theatre closures.

Last night's production was depicted by a stellar cast and wealth of Welsh talent. The role of Rodolfo was sung by Welsh Tenor, Robyn Lyn Evans, who was raised in Pontrhydygroes, Ceredigion, but now lives in Machynlleth. He was delighted to be reprising one of his favourite roles, which he has sung previously for both Opera Project and Longborough Festival Opera.