Ammanford Miners' Theatre suffering from 'subpar facilities'

Debbie Elias has voiced her concern over Ammanford Miners' Theatre not having enough space in the changing rooms or on stage to accommodate all their children.

Over 120 children between the ages of 4 to 17 years old currently participate in age-specific workshops and the theatre has no choice to but to limit their number of performances this year.

Over 120 children participate in workshops at the theatre. (Image: Debbie Elias)As it stands, the theatre will be forced to limit their number of performances this year. (Image: Debbie Elias)Safeguarding issues have been caused by a lack of dressing room space. (Image: Debbie Elias)Debbie said: “Money is hardly ever spent in the Amman Valley. Not enough people are banging the drum where Ammanford is concerned. Our local theatre is no longer fit for purpose.

“There are two tiny dressing rooms at the back of the stage, so we have to hire out a room in Streets Youth Club as a dressing room, situated underneath the Miners' theatre, which isn't big enough and doesn't provide any privacy during costume changes.

“Last year we also had to hire the upstairs function room of the Welfare, situated in front of the theatre, to accommodate all the children who wanted to perform on stage. Children had to walk across a car park, and this was a safeguarding issue.”

Performing Arts Teacher, Debbie Elias, wants a new performance centre for the children. (Image: Debbie Elias)The theatre only seats 140 people. (Image: Debbie Elias)Children as young as four years old take part in workshops at the theatre. (Image: Debbie Elias)Debbie believes the Poundstretcher building would be the ideal facility for a new performance centre.

Her comments come after Carmarthenshire County Council purchased the former Wilko store in Carmarthen and started transforming the former Debenham’s store into a health and wellbeing hub.

Amman Valley Councillor Kevin Madge said that Ammanford needs more investment.

"A new place is needed for young people," he said. "There are no plans for the Amman Valley.

“They [the council] have been saying there’s a plan for the last ten years. A proper plan and proper investment are needed. 

“We need better facilities here. Ammanford is not having a fair share of the cake. The council needs to be fairer with how they invest the money.”

The council has responded to Debbie’s concerns and have proposed a plan to rejuvenate the theatre.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by the Ammanford Youth Theatre regarding the need for better facilities and understand the importance of providing adequate space and resources for the growing popularity of their workshops and performances.

“The County Council is keen to meet with representatives of the theatre to discuss their concerns and explore potential solutions and officers will be arranging a meeting in the coming weeks to further this conversation.”