TO mark the centenary of World War One, Theatr Brycheiniog will be hosting The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh on the night it unveils a new play which tells the story of the 38th Welsh Division.

The Wood is a tale of friendship, love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of a world in flames. It will be showing at Theatr Brycheiniog on Thursday, March 8, at 7.30pm.

On the same evening the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh will display artefacts from their collection and representatives of the museum will be on hand to discuss the exhibits and collect donations for the museum.

Based on an idea by the actor Ifan Huw Dafydd (Midsommer Murders, Foyle’s War, Gavin and Stacey), and inspired by a true story, The Wood charts an old man’s journey back to Mametz Wood to fulfil a promise he made to his best friend who lost his life alongside him during the Battle of the Somme. .

The play is written by Owen Thomas, whose last collaborative piece with Torch Theatre called Grav, a one-man show about the life of Ray Gravell, toured extensively and is about to embark on a stint on New York’s Broadway.

Peter Doran, artistic director of Torch, said: “I commissioned Owen to write The Wood for the centenary of the end of the First World War, and I never imagined that we would end up with such a powerful, moving piece of theatre. It has a wonderful poetic feel to it and set to a fabulous original underscore by James Williams, it really is one to look out for.”

Owen, a former pupil at Gwernyfed High School who grew up near Brecon, said: “Having worked as a technician at the Theatr 20 years ago while dreaming of becoming a playwright, I am thrilled that not only is The Wood visiting Theatr Brycheiniog as part of its tour, but also the poster is the cover of the brochure. As an ex-Gwernyfed student from Bronllys, I am thrilled that my latest play will be visiting Brecon as part of its national tour.”

The Wood is a key piece in Theatr Brycheiniog’s Spring Season, and the theatre team was delighted to be approached by The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh to work together on the evening of the show to make it a true commemoration of those who fought in the 38th Welsh Division. Richard Davies, curator of The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh, said: “The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh felt it was very important to support The Wood as the regiments we are proud to represent fought in Mametz Wood.

“We must never forget the bravery of the men who saw action there, and it is entirely appropriate for the museum to be represented at the Theatr on the night of the production.”

The 38th Welsh Division suffered heavy losses while driving German forces out of Mametz Wood – the first major offensive of World War I for many Welsh soldiers.

The 38th Welsh Division paved the way for control of the woodland in northern France, and its capture was of key importance in the Battle of the Somme, where Allied forces would fight the Germans on a 15-mile front for five months.

During a bloody five-day battle, 3,993 Welsh soldiers were killed, missing or injured, putting their division out of action for almost a year.

The Wood, a powerful yet poetic piece, will focus on the events during and after the attack on Mametz Wood and how it affected the lives of not only those who fought but also the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The Wood is on at Theatr Brycheiniog on Thursday, March 8, 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12 / £10 +50p per ticket admin fee. To book tickets , visit brycheiniog.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01874 611622.