Stiwt Theatr

Stiwt Theatr, commonly known as The Stiwt Theatre, is a community arts and entertainment venue in Rhosllannerchrugog, Wrexham County Borough, Wales. Its name derives from "Institute," reflecting its origins as a miners' welfare institute. The theatre was built by the Miners' Welfare Organisation and opened in 1926, funded by a penny per ton of coal raised from local mines, which generated nearly £18,000, with ongoing maintenance costs met by deducting two pence per week from miners' wages. For decades it served as a multi-purpose facility including a cinema, theatre, concert hall, snooker centre, dance hall, and social club. The Stiwt closed in 1977 amid the decline of the mining industry. In 1985 Wrexham County Borough Council decided to demolish the building, but a community-led campaign saved it. Following local efforts and a £2.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the theatre reopened in 1999. It is now a Grade II* listed building and operates as a vibrant arts centre run by The Stiwt Arts Trust Ltd. Today The Stiwt offers a varied programme of theatre, musicals, comedy, and tribute acts, serving Wrexham and the wider region. It also provides a home for community groups, training, and creative development. The venue hosts Theatr Yr Ifanc, a local youth theatre company established in 1990 that provides classes for children aged 7 to 18. In 2026 the theatre will celebrate its centenary with a bilingual production, "In a Hundred Years / Ymhen Can Mlynedd," featuring local talent and artists such as Mark Lewis Jones, Stifyn Parri, and Llyr Williams.

The Stiwt Theatre was built by the Miners' Welfare Organisation as a miners' institute for the community of Rhosllannerchrugog in Wrexham County Borough, Wales. Its name is a contraction of "Institute." Construction was funded by a levy of one penny per ton of coal raised from local mines between 1924 and 1926, raising nearly £18,000. Ongoing maintenance was supported by deducting two pence per week from miners' wages. The building opened in 1926 and quickly became a hub of community life. Until 1977, The Stiwt served multiple purposes: it operated as a cinema, theatre, concert hall, snooker centre, dance hall, and social club. However, the decline of the mining industry led to its closure in 1977. In 1985, Wrexham County Borough Council decided to demolish the building. A community-led campaign successfully opposed the demolition, and after local fundraising efforts and a £2.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Stiwt was restored and reopened in 1999. The building is now a Grade II* listed structure, recognised for its architectural and historical significance. It is run by The Stiwt Arts Trust Ltd, a charitable organisation. The theatre offers a diverse programme including theatre, musicals, comedy, and tribute acts, and serves as a venue for community groups, training, and creative development. It is also home to Theatr Yr Ifanc, a youth theatre company founded in 1990 that provides weekly classes for young people aged 7 to 18 and stages an annual show. In 2026, The Stiwt will mark its centenary with a special bilingual production, "In a Hundred Years / Ymhen Can Mlynedd," featuring music, comedy, drama, and film. The show is directed by Daniel Lloyd, with a script by Llyr Evans and new poems by Gwynne Williams, and includes performers such as Mark Lewis Jones, Stifyn Parri, Llyr Williams, Catrin Mai Edwards, The Rhos Male Voice Choir, Cantorion Rhos, and Theatr Yr Ifanc.

• 2026

  The Stiwt celebrates its centenary with the bilingual production 'In a Hundred Years / Ymhen Can Mlynedd'.

• 1999

  The Stiwt reopens after restoration, supported by a £2.1 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

• 1990

  Theatr Yr Ifanc youth theatre is established.

• 1985

  Wrexham County Borough Council decides to demolish the building; a community campaign saves it.

• 1977

  The Stiwt closes amid the decline of the mining industry.

• 1926

  The Stiwt opens as a miners' institute.

• 1924

  Miners' Welfare Organisation begins fundraising for the institute, levying one penny per ton of coal.

A community-focused arts venue rooted in mining heritage, offering professional and amateur performances, youth theatre, and creative development for Wrexham and beyond.

• Theatre performances

• Musicals

• Comedy shows

• Tribute acts

• Community events

• Youth theatre classes

1. 1The Stiwt Theatre official websitestiwt.com
2. 2About Us - The Stiwt Theatrestiwt.com
3. 3Stiwt Theatr - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Y Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog - Wikipedia (Welsh)cy.wikipedia.org