As part of the development of a national scheme looking at accessibility requirements and specific needs, Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre would like to hear your views about what they do and how they can improve.

Over the past nine months, the Torch has been one of five theatres across Wales to benefit from the Craidd programme.

This February, the community of Milford Haven and beyond, is asked to attend a Coffee Morning at the Torch Theatre in the company of Angharad Tudor-Price, Torch’s Agent for Change and Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community, to express their views.

The Torch Theatre’s Craidd Coffee Morning will be held next Wednesday, February 12 between 10am and 2pm. All are welcome, and Tim and Angharad are eagerly looking forward to meeting you.

“We want people from all walks of life to come along and tell us what they think of the Torch – what we do well and where we can make changes. The coffee will be free and the drop-in session very informal. We want to work with the people of Pembrokeshire for the benefit of the Torch as well as audiences and artists of the future,” said Tim.

He added: “Here at the Torch, we already offer subtitled screenings, BSL performances, relaxed performances and our dementia friendly screenings ‘Movies and Memories’. But we know there is much more we can do to improve how accessible we are, and we would love to know how people think we can achieve this. From simple things like signage and large print brochures to more long-term ideas like changing the layout of the whole building or the sorts of things we programme. All ideas are welcomed and encouraged.”

Craidd is a collaboration between five Welsh organisations; The Torch Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Sherman Theatre, Pontio Arts, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Its mission is to improve mainstream representation, for and with Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people across Wales. It also aims to drive positive change in the partner organisations involved as well as within the wider theatre sector.

Angharad said: “The first stage of the collaboration included an audit of each organisation, sector conversations, extensive training, and defining a roadmap for the next five years.”

She added that following consultation, Ramps Cymru changed its name to Craidd, which can be translated from Welsh to mean ‘core’ reflecting the ambition of the work from the partnership to be at the heart of all theatre-making.

“This Coffee morning is about hearing from everyone about how they access everything the Torch has to offer. Craidd focuses on driving theatres to create sustainable changes that foster inclusivity for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people. It is a collaborative effort, and we all have a part to play in enhancing accessibility.”

For further information, visit torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01646 695267.