OUR HISTORY

How did it start?

The Wardens have been in existence since 1944. 

The group was set up by local World War II Air Raid Wardens (hence the name) to read plays and pass the time during blackouts.

The first production was a play called 'The Private Secretary', performed in Llanbadarn Fawr Church Hall in aid of the Welcome Home Fund for returning soldiers.

The show was so successful, the Wardens went ‘on tour’, performing the play at the Kings Hall theatre, the popular seafront venue still missed by many today.

Combining their duties protecting Aberystwyth from the threat of enemy bombers and their theatrical aspirations, this hardy group could never have anticipated the legacy of first class theatre they would leave the town.

Peacetime saw the Wardens offering a wide-range of theatre to suit all tastes.

In 1965 the Wardens came of age, celebrating their 21st year in grand style with a formal six-course dinner.

​

In 1983 they performed their first pantomime. It won rave reviews in the ‘Cambrian News’, which said it was a “pantomime professionals could be proud of”.

It was directed by Richard Cheshire with choreography by Anna Delany and musical direction by Aneurin Huws who has gone on to star in many television shows, including ‘Hinterland’.

Richard Cheshire has directed all of the Wardens pantomimes. He also writes the shows and often stars as its dame!

Over the years, the Wardens have built a loyal fan base who not only support the pantomime, but also turn up to see our plays and musicals throughout the year.

The founder members would be proud...