Dolman Theatre facts for kids
The Dolman Theatre is a popular theatre located in the city of Newport. It is right next to the Kingsway Shopping Centre.
The theatre used to have its main entrance inside the shopping centre. But when the mall was rebuilt, that entrance had to be closed. In 2005, the theatre got a fresh new look. A new glass entrance was built, along with a modern box office and a bar area in the lobby.
The theatre is owned by the Newport Playgoers Society. This is one of Wales's top amateur theatre groups, which means the actors perform for the love of it, not as a full-time job. The society has been active since 1924.
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History of the Theatre
The Newport Playgoers Society used to perform in an old, converted church. In 1967, they moved into the brand-new, purpose-built theatre we see today.
The theatre was originally called the Newport Little Theatre and Arts Centre. It was renamed the Dolman Theatre to honour Arthur Dolman. He was a very important member of the Newport Playgoers. He worked hard to make sure the new theatre could be built.
Inside the Dolman Theatre
The theatre is well-equipped for all kinds of shows. It has a large auditorium that can seat 400 people, three big rehearsal rooms, and a smaller 60-seat studio.
The Main Stage
The main stage is a proscenium stage. This means it's like a picture frame, with the audience looking directly at the stage from the front.
It also has an orchestra pit, which is a lowered area in front of the stage where musicians can play. A special feature of the Dolman is that this pit can be raised up to stage level. This changes the stage into a thrust stage, which extends out into the audience on three sides.
The Studio
The smaller studio is a very flexible space. It can be set up in many different ways for smaller, more experimental plays. It is also used as a rehearsal room.
Who Performs at the Dolman?
The theatre is a busy place, used by many different groups. The main groups are the Newport Playgoers and their youth group, Playgoers New Generation (PNG), for young people aged 11 to 18.
Other local amateur theatre and dance groups can also hire the theatre for their own shows. The theatre is a registered charity and is run by volunteers who love theatre and want to share it with the community.
The Feibusch Mural
When you visit the theatre's lobby, you can see a beautiful mural. It was painted in 1967 by the famous German artist Hans Feibusch. The painting shows a scene from an early travelling theatre. Feibusch also painted large murals inside the nearby Newport Civic Centre.
Associated Groups
The Dolman Theatre is a community hub for the performing arts. Many groups use its facilities, including:
- Newport Playgoers Society
- Sharon Higgins School of Dance
- Dolman Theatre Works
- GLD Dancing School
- Gwent School of Dancing
- Gwent Young Farmers Club
- Kaleidoscope
- Le Clare School of Dance
- Newport Operatic Society
- Newport Pantomime Society
- Playgoers New Generation
- Newport Scout and Guide Gangshow
- Beechwood Dancers
- Centrestage Cymru
- The MAD Theatre Company
External links
- Dolman Theatre website
