THE RIVERFRONT Theatre in Newport wants to support more local artists in 2025.
“In 2025, we want to support more artists, support more work to be made in Newport and by Newport artists,” said Sharon Casey, The Riverfront Theatre’s Head of Theatre, Arts, and Culture.
Mrs Casey, who is from Machynlleth, took up her position 6 months ago and is continuing the Riverfront Theatre’s ambition to help local artists.
“The Riverfront is such a great venue. It really supports artists from the area. We work with a lot of artists here by giving them a space to create their work,” said Mrs Casey.
The theatre recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in October.
Mrs Casey said the theatre should be a place where local artists from Newport and South Wales can work in the arts. For example, the pantomime productions are run in-house so the production side of the show employees local people.
This years pantomime is Dick Whittington and it started running in November and continues until January 4.
Alongside shows, the Riverfront Theatre also supports artists in different ways.
The Riverfront Theatre’s current ‘Artist in resident’ is Connor Allen who was Children’s Laureate in Wales between 2021 and 2023.
In July of this year, Catherine Dyson, Hannah McPake and Dyfan Jones brought a new play with songs, titled Bitcoin Boi, to The Riverfront Theatre.
(Image: Tristan Rees) The Riverfront Theatre, Newport
The Riverfront team had supported Bitcoin Boi since the start when the trio began their work in 2020.
This coming year, Mrs Casey wants to continue working with the local communities in Newport.
In 2025, the Riverfront Theatre will be celebrating the Lunar New Year.
On Saturday February 1, the Riverfront Theatre is working alongside Newport City Council and the Newport Chinese Community Centre for an event, which involves live performances, workshops and activities celebrating the Year of the Snake.
The event will begin with a procession through the city centre to the theatre and then there will be a performance by Lion Dancers at the Riverfront Theatre itself.
This will culminate in a performance of the Ballad of Mulan.
In 2025, The Riverfront Theatre is also hosting comedians Jason Manford, Dara Ó Briain, as well as West End and TV star, John Barrowman.
Mr Barrowman, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Torchwood, will be performing at The Riverfront on February 22.