Mid Powys Youth Theatre (MPYT) will make a highly anticipated return to Wyeside Arts Centre this autumn with a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The show, which runs from November 5-8, will be the company’s first major staging at the venue since 2018.

The group has enjoyed a resurgence in the past 18 months, with membership tripling thanks to support from Arts Council Wales.

Artistic Director Ralph Bolland said: “Curious Incident is a brilliant play and one I’ve wanted to direct for a long time.

“It’s great to be back at Wyeside with a full production team and such an enthusiastic young company.”

MPYT works with a team of theatre professionals to guide young people in creating work with a professional approach and ethos. As well as performing, MPYT members also take charge of sound, lighting, and technical elements, supported by an experienced production manager.

This year’s show will also see the return of former member Cai Williams, who joins the production team after completing a theatre design degree at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. This will be Cai’s first paid role in the industry - a brilliant development opportunity for a young professional.

There are still opportunities to join the company both on and off stage. Young people aged 14–24 are invited to open casting sessions on Tuesday, September 2 (7pm-9pm) and Saturday, September 6 (1:30pm-4:30pm) at Centre Celf, Tremont Road, Llandrindod Wells.

MPYT shows are a big commitment, but the rewards can be life-changing. Over the years, members have gone on to become some of Wales’ brightest and best artists, including actors such as Tom Cullen and writers such as Brad Birch and Emily White. Former MPYT technicians now hold positions such as Head of Production at Manchester Exchange.

“Even for those who don’t go into the arts, the skills gained are invaluable - confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a broader perspective on the world,” added Ralph.

“It’s an incredible journey of growth and friendship.”

Alongside the casting opportunities, the company is also recruiting for a paid Emerging Technician role to support The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Aimed at those aged 18–29 and no longer in full-time education, the role offers a stepping stone into a career in technical theatre. Full details are available at www.mpyt.co.uk.

MPYT would like to thank National Lottery Awards for All and National Lottery Players, Llysdinam Trust, Ashley Family Foundation, Oakdale Trust, Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Trust, The Green Man Trust and Arts Council Wales for their support in different areas of this project.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 07810 350994.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, written by Simon Stephens and based on Mark Haddon’s novel, follows Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old with an extraordinary mind, who sets out to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dog - a journey that changes his life and challenges the way he sees the world.