THE theatre and cinema at Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli will open its doors again on Thursday, March 10 after a £900,000 refurbishment.

The first show to take to the stage will be a one-person performance entitled “The Many Lives of Amy Dillwyn” by Wales-based Lighthouse Theatre company.

This production, performed by Sonia Beck, charts the life of Amy Dillwyn - suffragist, industrialist and philanthropist - and who was also a cigar-smoking, boundary breaker.

Tickets are priced at £12 or £10 and are available to buy at Neuadd Dwyfor and the library within the building, or online from www.NeuaddDwyfor.cymru.

Cwmni Theatr Fran Wen will stage the first Welsh language performance at the new-look Neuadd Dwyfor with "Ynys Alys" on March 22 and 23.

Theatre, pop and rap will collide in a production that follows a young girl as she sets out in search of her independence.

Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for economy and community, said: "Neuadd Dwyfor has seen substantial improvements to the building's interior with a new welcoming foyer and cafe bar area welcoming visitors back to the theatre and cinema, and a new bar and lounge area being created upstairs.

"New seating has been installed in the auditorium and upper balcony with 222 seating capacity including two designated wheelchair spaces.

"The refurbished library housed on the ground floor opened in February, and I'd urge anyone who hasn't been along to visit the new-look building.

"Further restoration work will continue this year on the historic red brick building, and it is hoped that Neuadd Dwyfor will develop into a vibrant hub for the arts and culture scene in Llyn, and will also serve as a community hub breathing new life into the town of Pwllheli."

Ceridwen Price, Neuadd Dwyfor performing arts officer, added: "As staff, we are all really excited to welcome old and new users back into Neuadd Dwyfor, we know that people have missed the cinema and stage productions especially.

"We hope that everyone will like the changes that have been made, whilst still retaining that homely and unique character that people love and value at Neuadd Dwyfor."

A programme of films will be available in the coming months, with plans to expand the events programme to include live music, gigs, comedy and talks.

The auditorium and meeting rooms are available to hire during daytime and the library space in the evening.

Contact by e-mailing: Neuadd_Dwyfor@gwynedd.llyw.cymru for details.

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