Theatre Adhoc – Community at the Heart of the Valleys

For over a decade, Theatre Adhoc has been a vibrant creative force across Greater Gwent, bringing high‑quality community theatre to stages in Torfaen and beyond. From its origins supporting small, local one‑act festivals to currently touring two acclaimed full‑length productions each year across South Wales venues (traditionally opening at Congress Theatre, Cwmbrân) the Artistic Director, Andrew Pippen’s, vision for the company has remained committed to one core mission: opening the doors of theatre to everyone. 

A central pillar of that mission is Adhoc Children’s Theatre (ACt), a lively, inclusive troupe facilitated by Heather Jackson, Paula Lewis and Andrew. Meeting weekly at Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall. ACt offers training and performance opportunities to young people aged 8–18, nurturing confidence, creativity and a love of performance. 

These young actors, as well as adult members of Theatre Adhoc and Theatre Adhoc Tyleri, form the backbone of the annual Blaenavon pantomime; an all‑singing, all‑dancing celebration produced for, and starring, the local community. This annual event ensures that the next generation is firmly embedded in the company’s future. 

Theatre Adhoc Tyleri provides opportunities for adults of all experience. In Abertillery, Julia Lewis facilitates adult theatre workshops and the troupe perform new writing, by Julia, at The Met Theatre. 

This spring, Theatre Adhoc’s dedication to service goes even further. On 20th April the whole company will deliver a special Charity Performance in support of Prostate Cymru, hosted in partnership with Trevethin Lodge in Pontypool. This event will harness the full spirit of Theatre Adhoc’s community ethos: theatre made by local people, for local people, and now in support of a vital cause affecting families across Wales. It represents not only artistic collaboration but civic solidarity; theatre used as a tool to raise awareness, funding and hope.

In every workshop, and every performance, Theatre Adhoc demonstrates how the arts enrich communities. Their work is a testament to what local theatre can achieve when passion, purpose and people come together.

You can find out more about Theatre Adhoc’s regular activities in the communities of Greater Gwent, and purchase tickets, by visiting www.theatreadhoc.co.uk as well as most social media platforms.