A new exhibition capturing the history of Brecon’s dramatic past has opened at Theatr Brycheiniog.

Dramatic Brycheiniog: 3000 Years of Theatre in Brecon celebrates ritual, music, performance and storytelling that connect the community, spanning almost 3,000 years of local theatrical heritage.

The permanent exhibition, based at the theatre on Level 2, in the gallery and café areas, explores Brecon’s rich and varied performance history, from ancient storytelling traditions through to the modern day.

Visitors can discover how the town’s theatrical roots stretch back centuries, including stories and poems performed by Welsh bards, photographs and artefacts from early Eisteddfodau, travelling actors from London performing in Brecon, and the development of the town’s first purpose-built theatre.

Among the highlights is the story of Sarah Siddons (née Kemble), born in Brecon in 1755 and widely regarded as one of the first celebrity actresses. One of the earliest theatres she performed in can still be seen today on The Watton.

Did you know Brecon Little Theatre has been running for almost 100 years? Or that during the Georgian period, a group of influential women in Brecon played key roles as managers, promoters, performers and patrons of local theatre? Even the word “romedy” (romantic comedy) was in use as early as 1699.

The exhibition also brings the story right up to the present day, with contributions from the local theatre and performance community. Four contemporary South Powys artists - Jamie Tobin, Laura Dennis, Ragna Reynisdottir and Zoe Spencer - were commissioned to create new works inspired by The Mabinogion, local folklore and Silurian myths and legends, imagining the kinds of stories people in Brycheiniog might have enjoyed before books.

The project has been supported by funding from the Arts Council of Wales, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund and the Colwinston Charitable Trust.

Sara St George, Chief Executive of Theatr Brycheiniog, said: “This exhibition is a powerful reminder that theatre in Brecon has always belonged to its people. From ancient storytelling traditions to today’s thriving creative community, Dramatic Brycheiniog reflects the voices, talent and passion that make this place so special. For me, it’s more than an exhibition, it’s a celebration of Brecon’s enduring spirit of performance, creativity and community, and I’m incredibly proud that we can share this story while continuing to inspire the next generation.”

Dr Jayne Gold, researcher, said the exhibition draws on extensive historical work first developed by the late Sister Bonaventure Kelleher, a Ursuline nun who collected overlooked material about Brecon’s theatrical past.

“After her death in 2019, around 20 boxes of research were passed to me, which I expanded into my PhD, funded by the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends in partnership with the University of Bristol,” she said.

Freelance curator Ruth Lloyd said the exhibition is designed to evolve over time.

“The exhibition aims to tell the story of Brycheiniog’s cultural heritage, and how our performance culture has been inspired by Brycheiniog’s connections with the world,” she said.

“The local performance community have come together and worked really hard with us to share fascinating content to represent the many local organisations, community groups, schools and individuals who are represented in this exhibition.

“What I love about this exhibition is however, that we have designed it to be updated and refreshed with the latest theatrical highlights, so if there’s a great gig that’s been photographed, or a new school production with a fabulous costume or poster, these can be easily added into the display – it’s a living exhibition.”

Brecon Little Theatre, which was established in 1930 and is the town’s oldest community theatre group, also contributed to the display.

Chris Rankin, from Brecon Little Theatre, said: “We were delighted to be invited to work with the curator at Theatr Brycheiniog to find things in our archive that would contribute to the exhibition content.

“BLT is Brecon’s oldest community theatre company (established in 1930), and we use Theatr Brycheiniog as our primary performance venue, performing there at least twice a year. It’s great to have the story of Brecon’s theatrical history told through this exhibition - it’s a really fascinating story, and full of so many wonderful artefacts, photographs and other items celebrating our amazing community.

“We’ve contributed some beautiful and entertaining print including early programmes and print - and to have the opportunity to update it each year is tremendously exciting - there's plenty more in our archive for everyone to see in the future!”

Theatr Brycheiniog would like to thank the following organisations for their contributions to this exhibition: Brecon Little Theatre, Brecon Jazz Festival, Brecon Frazz, Brecon Pride, The Westenders Ameteur Dramatic Society, Brecknock Young Farmers Clubs, Brecon Baroque Festival, Brecon Town Concert Band, Impelo, South Powys Youth Music, Ghostlight Theatre, Brecon Festival Ballet, Mid Wales Dance Academy, The Mid Wales Rhythm and Blues Club, Brecon Music Scene, The Muse Brecon, Royal Welsh Museum, Alive and Kicking Choir, Brecon Choir Festival, Aberhonddu and District Male Voice Choir, Brecon Jazz Club, Brecon High School, Ysgol y Bannau, Signe L Design, The Muse Agency, Brecon Story Network, Brecon Town Council, Brecon Mari Lwyd and many individuals who contributed time, energy, access to personal archives and fascinating knowledge. Also Signe L Design who led the 3D design concept.

The exhibition is open now and is designed to continue growing, with organisers welcoming further contributions from individuals and organisations. Anyone wishing to take part can contact: [email protected]