A Brecon theatre group has welcomed fellow performers Theatr Wildcats under its wing after the company lost its funding and its long-term rehearsal base.

Westenders Amateur Dramatic Group, which has been staging pantomimes and productions for almost 80 years, has offered Theatr Wildcats a permanent home at Westenders Hall, as well as financial support, ensuring the group can continue rehearsing and performing.

To celebrate the partnership, members of both groups came together for a tea and cake party at Westenders Hall last Wednesday evening.

Theatr Wildcats, an inclusive theatre company, has been using the hall every Wednesday since April. The group has recently been rehearsing for its performance at the Best of Brecon Awards.

Wildcat member Aled said: "We are really pleased to be part of Westenders. We all go to see the Westenders panto every year."

Heidi, who has been with Theatr Wildcats for three years, added: "It's great to be at Westies Hall. We feel safe and are happy that we are part of Westenders."

The evening was filled with conversation, laughter and plenty of homemade cakes as members of both organisations celebrated the start of a new chapter.

Theatr Wildcats director Roisin Mellerick said the past year had been an uncertain one for the company after learning it would lose its funding.

"It was a hard year for Wildcats last year. We knew the axe was falling," she said.

"Over 10 years we have built a committed and talented team of performers. We are not only a company of players, we are a community of friends.

"When Westenders offered us a home base and the regular use of the hall we said yes immediately. Coming under the Westenders umbrella means we have a solid team of people behind us who support us in all aspects of our work."

Westenders chairwoman Joan Manley said members had been unanimous in wanting to help.

"When we heard of Theatr Wildcats' closure, the whole Westenders team was united," she said.

"We know the Wildcats company well and have seen their wonderful performances. As performers ourselves, we know the thrill and joy of performance.

"We were very happy to offer a safe and secure place to rehearse and to welcome fellow performers under our umbrella.

"We are a community group. We all volunteer to support the people in our local area and Wildcats has brought a new creativity and diversity to our organisation."

The evening ended with members looking ahead to Westenders' next major production, Bugsy Malone, at Theatr Brycheiniog in September.

The musical will be performed at 7pm on Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11, followed by two performances on Saturday, September 12, at 12pm and 5pm.

Set in the Roaring Twenties, Bugsy Malone follows rival gangs battling for control while friendships are tested and dreams of fame and fortune unfold. Featuring songs including Fat Sam's Grand Slam, My Name Is Tallulah and Bad Guys, the production promises colourful characters, energetic choreography and plenty of laughs.

Tickets are available from the Theatr Brycheiniog website or by calling 01874 611622.