Nope ... I've not beeh on Pen y Fan again - I've been into the new foyer area of the Gwyn Hall.
For those of you who dont know, the Gwyn Hall is in the centre of Neath and has been an important building since the late 1800's. It was Howel Gwyn, who was the benefactor of the Gwyn Hall. In his time he had been an alderman, a town councillor, a mayor, Freeman of the Borough, chairman to the board of Guardians, High Sheriff of Glamorgan and MP for Brecon and Falmouth. A busy man.
His 'hall' has hosted quote 'concerts, plays, musicals and even wrestling matches. Adelina Patti performed on numerous occasions; Charles Dickens (junior) gave a recital of his father’s works to an appreciative audience in 1889; David Lloyd George once gave a speech there and a young Leo McKern appeared with the Western Theatre Company in ‘Cockpit’ in 1948. More recent stars that have treaded the Gwyn’s stage are actor Steven Meyo, opera star Katherine Jenkins and the Stereophonics'.
Oh ... and I've performed there too! And so have both my daughters and I never realised that we were in such prestigious company.
The hall was closed in 2006 ready to be renovated. In October 2007, in the middle of what was becoming a really sympathetic and special renovation, the centre of the building was totally destroyed by fire. The flames were to be seen for miles they were so high. Many people thought at first that it was St Davids Church that was on fire and though it was a relief that it wasnt, it was devastating that the hall was totally gutted, only its outer shell intact - just.
So late this afternoon I went to Neath, just for a little wander. I went to NRG for coffee first and then for a look in a few shops. On my way back to the car I noticed that people were going into the new glass fronted area of the hall. Tentatively, I walked through the door to be greeted by a member of staff offering me a brochure and ready to explain all about the opening hours, the cafe and what was going on generally. I said to her that it was so strange to be standing by the arches again. She agreed but noted that it was amazing however. I agreed and then two other members of staff joined her. We talked briefly about how fantastic it was to see the hall opening again. I said that I would see them on Saturday, because I was booked on one of the opening tours. I left, smiling, excited that finally it was going to be opening again.
Then a raft of memories washed over me. Being part of the chorus; taking lead parts; laughing in the dressing rooms, the horrendous stage make up, liquid paraffin to take the make up off (seriously), character shoes, lights in your eyes, the orchestra, the producers; Monday night nerves, Saturday night chaos when anything could happen - and did; scenery falling down; missing cues; forgetting lines; always doing things in the same order night after night because to change it was unlucky; drinking wine in the intervals; apart from the matinee when there was tea; the wonderful women who made our tea, our makeup, our costumes; the children running around outside selling programmes before the performances, seeing who could sell the most; the ticket office, with my Aunty Mary (sadly no longer with us) in residence for the week; our photos in local shops; oh and more so much more. My first show - Kings Rhapsody'; my last - Annie. Names of people, long gone; faces of people who's names I cant remember; learning the Welsh National Anthem by having the words pinned onto the back of the dress of the person in front of me in the finale and learning how much music means in Wales.
By the time I had reached the car I realised that I was ever so slightly misty eyed, actually I was quite choked. The Gwyn Hall was one of the first places I visited when I moved to Wales. Its a place where I made friends, sang and danced with friends and family, watched my children perform for school, Eisteddfods and a musical theatre company. Seen concerts, operas, shows and bands. It is so intertwined with my life in Wales, in Neath and I had forgotten really quite how much I had missed it.
So a new chapter starts for the Hall and I fully intend to be part of its new story, in one way or another.
Step one is to take the tour on Saturday, step two is to go and see the first show there - The Full Monty - the musical version. Now thats what I call bringing it into the 21st Century with a smirk and wink!
