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Charity No: 1040576 Registered Office: Penlanole, Llanwrthwl, Nr. Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6NN
Shakespeare Link has always been nomadic; now we have a home and a theatre. In April 2006 willow specialist Dr Rebecca Heaton headed a group of volunteers who planted a theatre made entirely from locally cultivated willow. The setting is our organic small holding, situated in the dramatic, spectacular landscape of the upper Wye valley, between Rhayader and Builth Wells.
“I would much like to join you if you have any training courses” - A Level Student , Birmingham
“Many thanks for a superb weekend tuition” - Actor, Anglian Shakespeare Company
The Living Willow Theatre hosts events from April - September, offering syllabus Shakespeare for schools through community productions and professional tours. It is a venue for an eclectic mix of music, Shakespeare, and other arts happenings. We have the option of wet weather cover should it rain. All events in the theatre are supported by the resources of the Mid Wales Shakespeare Centre and the Organic farm - with bar and Organic BBQ after the show. Go to the events diary to see what we have lined up for 2007.
Y Glôb Byw - The Living Willow Theatre - is a scaled down, living version of the Globe in London, being a third of its size in diameter. The willow has been carefully woven into an organic and spiritual theatre, starkly sculptural in spring, which is almost completely absorbed by its lush, green surroundings in summer months. This secret, magical and intimate space, with a rough thrust stage, is totally unique - we believe it is one of the largest willow constructions in the country and probably the only one in use as a theatre in the world. Viola’s determination to ‘make me a willow cabin at your gate’ has a whole new resonance.
2006 was our pilot year. We welcomed upwards of 1000 visitors and seeded a support network which is growing, spreading and intertwining faster than the willow itself. We have since gained a premises licence and have been awarded kick-start funding from several funding bodies, which enables us to move forward with an official 2007 season.
