The Riverfront Theatre in Newport plans to enhance support for local artists, aiming for a vibrant arts scene in 2025.
Newport: The Riverfront Theatre is all set to ramp up its support for local artists in 2025. Sharon Casey, the Head of Theatre, Arts, and Culture, is leading the charge. She’s been on the job for about six months and is super passionate about helping local talent shine.
Sharon mentioned that the theatre is a fantastic venue for artists in the area. They provide a space for creativity, which is so important. The theatre recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and it’s clear they want to keep that momentum going.
This year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington, is running until January 4, and it’s a great example of how they employ local talent. The production team is made up of people from Newport and South Wales, which is awesome.
They also have an ‘Artist in Residence’ program, currently featuring Connor Allen, who was the Children’s Laureate in Wales. It’s a great way to support artists and bring fresh work to the stage.
In July, a new play called Bitcoin Boi was showcased, and the theatre has been backing it since its inception in 2020. It’s all about building a community around the arts.
Looking ahead, Sharon is excited about the Lunar New Year celebrations in 2025. They’re teaming up with Newport City Council and the Newport Chinese Community Centre for a big event on February 1. Expect live performances, workshops, and a parade!
There will even be Lion Dancers and a performance of the Ballad of Mulan. Plus, they’re bringing in big names like Jason Manford and John Barrowman for some comedy shows. It’s going to be a fantastic year for the Riverfront Theatre and the local arts scene!
