A Soothing Balm - and More

It's a small phrase and it's frequently relegated to relatively small print, but never underestimate the importance of the words "A co-production with …" so often to be seen on websites and print in today's world of the arts. Securing such a relationship often marks the transition from the dream to stage a new work or production to the reality.

But what is the role of a co-producer? We caught up with Andy Eagle, Director of Theatr Brycheiniog to find out what the venue brings to the table as co-producer of Julie, For You and our forthcoming tour of Greek.

"I have been at Brycheiniog since 2000 and always wanted the venue to enter into co-production work" says Andy. "At first I was only able to offer companies such as Music Theatre Wales a complimentary production week and rehearsal time from which they could launch shows. This was the case with Lynne Plowman's opera Gwyneth and the Green Knight. However, when Arts Council of Wales (ACW) awarded us funding specifically to be used for production investment we were also in a position to offer a cash investment".

So why support Music Theatre Wales? "New work is the lifeblood of the genre it works in" responds Andy. "Music Theatre Wales truly strive to be original, creative and push the boundaries of the artform. That, their tenacity, and the sheer bloody mindedness of the artistic team to be true to their artistic principles is something I admire greatly. I also applaud the management team. The energy they have is remarkable and a model example".

From Music Theatre Wales's point of view, Theatr Brycheiniog is a fabulous setting in which to launch a new production. There are few in the company who don't enjoy escaping to the country for the last week of rehearsals. The theatre fulfils all our technical requirements with a major added bonus - a picturesque canal-side setting against a beautiful rural backdrop. It's a very effective balm to the jittery tension that inevitably builds among cast and crew as the opening night approaches.

Let Theatr Brycheiniog's special aura cast its spell on you. Join us for the opening night of Greek on Saturday 2 July. An afternoon in the hills of mid Wales followed by a pre performance meal at the theatre and then the opening night of our tour. Can't be bad - can it?

Many congratulations to Andy on his recent appointment as Chief Executive of Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff. We wish him every success as he takes up his new role and hope to continue our working relationship with him there.

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