Theatr Mwldan

Theatr Mwldan is a multi-purpose arts centre and cinema located in Cardigan (Aberteifi), Ceredigion, Wales. Established in 1983 by the local amateur drama company Cardigan Theatre, it began as a community project to convert the town's disused abattoir into a theatre venue. The centre was formally opened in 1987 by the late opera singer Sir Geraint Evans. Over the decades, Mwldan has grown into a vibrant hub for live performance, cinema, and community arts, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually. It operates three screens: Mwldan 1 (146 seats), Mwldan 2 (249 seated, up to 300 part-standing), and Mwldan 3 (101 seats, opened in 2012). The venue hosts a year-round programme of theatre, dance, comedy, live music, and diverse film screenings. As an independent registered charity, Mwldan also engages in touring productions and recorded releases, extending its reach beyond Cardigan. It has received recognition including a Prince of Wales Award in 1989 and BAFTA Cymru nominations for its co-production 'Other Voices Cardigan'. The organisation is led by CEO and Creative Director Dilwyn Davies, who has served for 33 years and will be succeeded by Hannah Firth in November 2026. Mwldan remains a cornerstone of cultural life in West Wales, celebrating both local and global arts.

Theatr Mwldan was established in 1983 by Cardigan Theatre, a local amateur drama company, which initiated a project to convert the town's disused abattoir into a community theatre. Cardigan Art Society provided equipment for the exhibition space and helped make much of the theatre equipment. Many members of the community worked together to realise the vision of a theatre venue for Cardigan. In 1984, a fundraiser was held at Castell Malgwyn to raise money for the Mwldan development, featuring artistes such as Dafydd Edwards, Washington James, Dic Jones, Odette Jones, Eluned Phillips and the Blaenporth Male Voice Choir. The formal opening of Theatr Mwldan took place in 1987 by the late distinguished opera singer Sir Geraint Evans. Theatr Mwldan quickly established itself as a multi-purpose centre of arts activity for all ages and abilities, building from its base in community performance to a professional arts programme. Cardigan Theatre's first pantomime was Aladdin. In 1988, the newly formed Theatr Mwldan Film Society organised the first cinema screenings on 16mm film, opening on 18th September 1988 with a 10-minute short, 'Tout Rien' by Frederic Back, followed by 'The Mosquito Coast' starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. In this first season, the society screened 9 films. The screen was a white painted square on the rear wall of what is now Mwldan 1, and the projector was carried into the auditorium for each screening. In 1989, Theatr Mwldan received the Prince of Wales Award, and Cardigan Youth Theatre won the Theatre Olympiad in Delhi, India. Over the years, Mwldan has expanded its facilities and programme. Mwldan 3, a bijou seated auditorium with a capacity of 101, opened in 2012. The centre now welcomes over 250,000 people a year through its doors, with many more experiencing its work through touring productions and recorded releases worldwide. It operates as an independent registered charity. In 2026, it was announced that Hannah Firth would become the new CEO and Creative Director in November, succeeding Dilwyn Davies who stands down at the end of 2026 after a 33-year tenure.

• 2026

  Hannah Firth announced as new CEO and Creative Director, succeeding Dilwyn Davies after 33 years.

• 2025

  Other Voices Cardigan 2025 receives 2 BAFTA Cymru nominations.

• 2012

  Mwldan 3, a bijou seated auditorium with a capacity of 101, opens.

• 1989

  Theatr Mwldan receives the Prince of Wales Award. Cardigan Youth Theatre win the Theatre Olympiad in Delhi, India.

• 1988

  Theatr Mwldan Film Society organises the first cinema screenings on 16mm film, opening on 18th September with 'Tout Rien' and 'The Mosquito Coast'.

• 1987

  Formal opening of Theatr Mwldan by the late distinguished opera singer Sir Geraint Evans.

• 1984

  A fundraiser is held at Castell Malgwyn to raise money for the Mwldan development.

• 1983

  Theatr Mwldan is established by Cardigan Theatre, a local amateur drama company, to convert the town's disused abattoir into a community theatre.

A community-focused, independent arts charity offering diverse cultural experiences in West Wales.

• Mwldan 1

  A dedicated cinema space with a seated capacity of 146, digital projection, also perfect for presentations and conferences.

• Mwldan 2

  A seated auditorium with a fully-seated capacity of 249, digital projection, full stage, lighting and sound facilities. Can be converted to part-standing with max capacity 300.

• Mwldan 3

  Opened in 2012, a bijou seated auditorium with a capacity of 101, digital projection, high-backed chairs, drink holders, and double seating in the rear row.

1. 1Mwldan | Cardigan's multi-purpose arts centre and cinemamwldan.co.uk
2. 2Mwldan | We've been serving our community since 1983mwldan.co.uk
3. 3Mwldan | Get to know the team behind the scene!mwldan.co.uk
4. 4Mwldan | Our Spaces & Tech Specs - spaces available to hiremwldan.co.uk
5. 5Theatr Mwldan - Wikidatawikidata.org