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Gwen yr Arth Wen theatre production coming to Caerphilly County Borough

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 12:27, Friday January 9th, 2026.

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Blackwood Miners' Institute could be mothballed
Blackwood Miners’ Institute

A theatre production combining puppetry and music to tell the story of an anxious polar bear will be touring south Wales in the coming months.

Gwen yr Arth Wen (Gwen the Polar Bear) is aimed at audiences aged six and older and their families, and will be performed in Welsh – but learners and non-Welsh speakers will also be able to follow the story.

The story explores themes of climate change, the importance of home, and confidence. It follows Gwen, a polar bear who wakes up on a broken icecap hundreds of miles away from her family.

On her perilous journey through the arctic sea, she will have to find her courage, as well as her way home.

The show is written by award-winning playwright Chris Harris, directed by Elan Isaac, produced by Glesni Price-Jones, and performed by Isabella Colby Browne.

The performance will be coming to Blackwood Miners’ Institute at 1pm and 3pm on Friday February 20.

It will also be performed at Caerphilly Library at 11am and 2pm on Saturday March 28, and at Hengoed Community Centre on Tuesday March 31 at 12pm and 3pm.

Announcing the show, writer Chris Harris said: “Climate change can be a frightening concept for children, who may feel helpless when faced with the headlines. Gwen yr Arth Wen emphasises the positive outcomes of its resolution if we all work together to combat it. It seems like a scary obstacle, but it can be done.”

All performances

In February half-term holiday

  • The Riverfront, Newport: Saturday February 14 – 11am and 2pm
  • Pontardawe Arts Centre: Monday February 16 -11am and 2pm
  • YMa Pontypridd: Wednesday February 18 – 11am
  • Builth Wells Library: Thursday February 19 – 12pm and 3pm
  • Blackwood Miners’ Institute: Friday February 20 – 1pm and 3pm
  • Ty Tawe, Swansea: Saturday February 21 – 12pm and 2.30pm
  • Memo Arts Centre, Barry: Wednesday February 25 – 11am and 1.45pm

In Easter end-of-term holiday

  • Caerphilly Library: Saturday March 28: 11am and 2pm
  • Chepstow Drill Hall: Sunday March 29 – 11am and 2pm
  • Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil: Monday March 30 – 12pm and 2pm
  • Hengoed Community Centre: Tuesday March 31 – 12pm and 3pm
Documentary exploring valleys’ industrial heritage to be screened

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