The Albert Hall in Llandrinod Wells is set to raise the curtain and reopen this month, after being closed for nearly 16 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The iconic Victorian venue, said to be the oldest theatre in Mid Wales, closed in March 2020 during the first lockdown.

The Albert Hall Management Committee, consisting of volunteers and members of local organisations who run the theatre, have been hard at work over the past year to ensure that the Grade II listed jewel is ready to reopen under Covid guidelines.

Prior to the first show this month, the venue is set to hold a “Tour and Tea” welcome back event which will take place between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, July 10.

“During the past 15 months, we’ve been busy inside the theatre and we’re giving you the first chance to come and take a look,” said the theatre team, on the theatre’s social media pages.

“So come and join us on the 10th, take a tour, have a piece of cake and cup of tea.

“The Albert Hall has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic. We’re finally ready to reopen so why not come and see what we’ve been up to during lockdown.

“Take a tour of your community theatre, hear about our upcoming shows, learn about the Albert Hall Friends and enjoy a free tea or coffee and slice of cake, everyone is welcome.”

Covid regulations will be observed during the welcome back event and face coverings must be worn.

Following on from the welcome back event, the theatre team are very excited to announce that the first show back this month will be a stage version of a CBeebies hit TV show.

The enchanting world of the animated series Sarah & Duck comes to life on stage in as part of a brand-new UK Tour.

Featuring a host of wonderful characters from the BAFTA Award-winning TV show, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday, plays two performances only at The Albert Hall on Wednesday, July 14 at 2pm, and 4.30pm.

Join Sarah and Duck, along with all their favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo and Umbrella, as they plan a circus-themed birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. But when the weather turns windy and the big top is blown away, will Sarah and Duck be able to save the day?

Told through a fantastic blend of inventive puppetry, charming storytelling and toe-tapping music, and featuring all the familiar voices from the CBeebies series including Roger Allam as the Narrator and Lesley Nicol as Scarf Lady, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take families on a magical theatrical adventure.

 Following the gentle adventures of a wide-eyed, 7-year-old girl and her feathered best friend, Sarah & Duck has been a huge hit since its debut in 2013, winning a BAFTA for ‘Best Pre-School Animation’ in 2014 and regularly appearing in CBeebies’ Top Ten programmes for viewers aged 4-15. Now in its third series, it is shown in over 100 counties around the world.

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday is written by Polka Theatre’s artistic director Peter Glanville and Sarah & Duck co-creator Sarah Gomes Harris. It is directed by Roman Stefanski with set and puppet design by Laura McEwen.

The show is recommended for children aged 3-6, with tickets priced at £12.50.

To purchase tickets for the show, please visit http://thealberthall.co.uk/events/sarah-duck21 to order online or over the phone on 0333 666 3366, or by contacting The Albert Hall directly on 07836 268700.