Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Gwen yr Arth Wen theatre production coming to Caerphilly County Borough

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

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

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

Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Google

Latest News

  • polling station sign
    Heritage Party candidate wants to tackle climate and sex education policiesTuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg y Castell has been praised by Estyn inspectors
    Welsh-medium primary school praised by inspectorsTuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Organiser Diane Moverley
    Charity arts and craft exhibition to be held this monthTuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Independent candidate Taran Clayton
    Independent candidate pledges to serve residents without party interferenceTuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Gwent Police officer
    Police appeal after motorcyclist, 44, dies in crashTuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Crescent Road, Caerphilly, pictured in June 2025
    Resurfacing work underway on pothole-plagued roadTuesday, May 5, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Newbridge RFCWednesday, April 29, 2026
  • Notice of claim to land, TrethomasThursday, April 16, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, April 16, 2026
  • Planning notice for land south of Valley View, Cefn HengoedThursday, April 2, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.