Local musical theatre fans set to rock Newtown

Three well known faces from Newtown’s theatre scene who set up a new not-for-profit production company, driven by their passion for musical theatre and a determination to keep large-scale shows alive in the town, will host another show later this week.

Les Skilton, Sarah Astley-Davies and Dawn Jones have launched LS&D Productions after years of successfully directing popular community musicals locally. 

By forming their own not-for-profit company, any surplus from ticket sales can be put back into future productions, helping to fund sets, costumes, live music and opportunities for local performers.

Their latest show, ‘We Will Rock You’, will take to the stage at The Hafren later this week.

The global smash hit musical features more than 20 of Queen’s biggest songs, including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, and follows a group of young rebels fighting to bring back the power of live music.

Before branching out on their own, the trio had directed a string of well-known productions in Newtown, including ‘Sister Act’, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Footloose’ and ‘Oliver!’. Setting up LS&D Productions as a not-for-profit organisation, they say, gives them greater control while ensuring the focus remains on community theatre rather than profit.

They said: “We’re so excited to be bringing the iconic musical ‘We Will Rock You’ to Newtown. It’s a fantastic fun-filled show, jam-packed with Queen hits, and we’ve had a great time working on it.

“Tickets are selling really well, however there are still some left for both performances, so please come along. With a fantastic cast and a live band, this promises to be a great night out.”

‘We Will Rock You’ will be staged at The Hafren, Newtown, at 7.30pm on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28. Tickets cost £18 and are available via The Hafren’s website.