A NEW play starring Gareth John Bale and Gwenllian Higginson as a couple to decide to leave Wales to build a new home in the New World, will be presented at the Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, on Friday, March 20, as a fundraiser for the theatre.

West is written by Owen Thomas, the award-winning writer of Grav and The Wood. It is written in a lyrical, poetic style and presented using minimal set and a physicalised performance style.

The play explores the lives of a 19th century couple who fall in love and decide to leave Wales in order to build a new life in the New World. It details the hardships and adventures they faced along the way.

Directed by Gareth John Bale, it has been well received during its 2020 tour. The play was commissioned by the North American Festival of Wales and received its first public performance in the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in August 2019. The first American performances received standing ovations from an enthusiastic American audience.

Over the last decade Bale and Thomas have collaborated on a range of award-winning Welsh plays including Grav and Richard Parker. They are excited to bring their latest collaboration to theatre audiences all around Wales, and thank them for their ongoing support. They are also delighted that West will be visiting London and New York on this tour.

They are pleased to be donating all money raised from this performance to Wyeside Arts Centre as they renovate and repair following the recent flood damage.

"Venues like Wyeside are the lifeblood of the Welsh Arts scene and need all our support" said Owen Thomas.

Tickets are £10 from the box office on 01982 552555.

On Saturday, March 28, Wyeside presents Mal Pope in concert with stories and songs from a man who has recorded with the likes of Elton John, written musicals that have sold out theatres across the country, and written songs for artists like Cliff Richard and The Hollies.

He has toured with Art Garfunkel and Belinda Carlisle, produced and wrote the music for the film “Jack to a King”, and recorded duets with Bonnie Tyler and Aled Jones.

Tickets are £15.