Open-air theatre returns to Pembrey Country Park

Pembrey Country Park will play host to ‘Theatrau Sir Gâr yn y Parc’ from August 18th-22nd, which will showcase another varied line-up of entertainment, including big names in music such as The Shires and Welsh West End star, Lucie jones, plus lots of fun-filled family shows, a fresh new take on Shakespeare’s classics and magical evenings of music with stars of opera. 

A temporary outdoor stage will be created at Pembrey Country Park especially for the event. No seating is provided: instead, audiences are invited to bring their own outdoor chairs or blankets to sit on as part of this open-air theatre experience. 

Opening the weekend in style, The Munch Mission takes to the stage on Friday 18th August at 2pm. Full of mystery, comedy, and nods to film noir, it’s a playable theatre show for everyone aged 6 and up. Pembrey will welcome the UK’s biggest country music export, The Shires, on Friday 18th August, 7:30pm.

The duo, composed of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, have enjoyed phenomenal success over the past 10 years with four top 10 albums and hundreds of thousands of tickets sold around the world.

As part of The Shires’ open-air acoustic concert, expect to hear music from their new album, 10 Year Plan, and hits including ‘I See Stars’ plus music from the duo’s much-loved back catalogue. 

A Midsummer’s Day Dream brings a spellbinding interactive adventure to Pembrey on Saturday 19th August at 11am, full of song, dance, fairies, and the magic of nature. 

Quantum Theatre take to the stage on Saturday 19th August at 5pm with a charming, brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Graha2me’s classic, The Wind in The Willows. Sunday 20th August is set to be a busy one, starting with Wellbeing in the Park at 10am. There’ll be a chance to try Yoga Art in the outdoors and then at 11:30am there’s a session with Blue Health, a silent disco style nature walk. Then as the sun goes down, settle in for a memorable evening of music as West End star, Lucie Jones takes to the stage, accompanied by The Welsh Film Orchestra for Lucie Jones: Live in Concert.

Lucie will be joined by returning favourites, Ania Davies and Sean Lewis and for one night only, the cast of Kinky Boots: The Musical from Melyn Musical Theatre Company. On Monday 21st August at 7pm, prepare to see Shakespeare’s best-loved plays as you’ve never seen them before, as MacHamLear explores the genius of England’s most celebrated writer. Prepare to be tickled pink as the three iconic plays are performed with passion, pep, and punch, and cast your vote at the battle of The Bard! 

Families are in for a treat on Tuesday 22nd August at 11am, 2pm and 5pm as The Conjurer of Cwrtycadno arrives in Pembrey. Part theatre show, part treasure hunt, it’s an enchanting, accessible family-friendly adventure with integrated British Sign Language and audio description.

Noson Glasurol | A Night of Opera brings the festival to a close in style on Tuesday 22nd August at 7:30pm. It’s set to be a summer evening of magical melodies as Rhian Lois, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, and John Ieuan Jones journey through the classics of opera, musical theatre, and Welsh favourites, accompanied by Caradog Williams. A fun, bilingual evening for everyone. 

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for theatres, Councillor Gareth John, said: “After the success of the past two years, we’re delighted that open-air theatre will return to the county again this summer with Theatrau Sir Gâr yn y Parc. And what better setting than one of Carmarthenshire’s most popular beauty spots, Pembrey Country Park.” 

(Lead image: Carmarthenshire Council)