About our Venue
Built in 1896, The Albert Hall is Mid Wales’ Oldest Theatre. Owned by the community, and operated by a small team of Volunteers, Llandrindod’s very own Victorian Theatre, and ‘Village Hall’ is still a thriving venue.
Welcome to The Albert Hall, a beautifully preserved Victorian theatre nestled in the heart of Mid Wales, in the historic spa town of Llandrindod Wells.
Originally built as a church hall, this cherished venue underwent a remarkable transformation in 1922, becoming both a community hub and a centre for the performing arts. The renovation introduced a stunning art-deco foyer that continues to enchant visitors with its vintage charm.
At the heart of The Albert Hall lies its graceful and atmospheric auditorium—a true gem of early 20th-century design. With its elegant proportions, original architectural details, and timeless character, the space offers an inviting setting for live performances, evoking the spirit of a bygone era while continuing to inspire audiences today.
From the façade to the foyer, and especially within the auditorium, The Albert Hall remains a living tribute to the cultural heritage and artistic spirit of its community.
In 1961, the community of Llandrindod Wells came together to acquire The Albert Hall, securing its future as a vibrant cultural hub for residents and visitors alike. Recognised for its architectural and historical significance, the venue was granted Grade II listed status in 1985—an honour that ensures its preservation and continued legacy.
Today, The Albert Hall is overseen by a passionate team of Trustees, whose love for the arts drives their dedication to fostering inclusive, community-focused programming. Their vision is supported by a growing network of enthusiastic volunteers, who generously lend their time and talents to every aspect of the venue’s operation—from front-of-house hospitality and technical support to marketing and maintenance.
This spirit of collaboration is the beating heart of The Albert Hall, creating a welcoming space where people from all walks of life gather to celebrate creativity, heritage, and togetherness.
The Albert Hall programmes a wide range of events, primarily catering to Commercial Touring Productions and Tribute Bands, but also welcoming Professional Acts, Local Young Farmers Clubs, performers, schools, and amateur dramatic societies. The Trustees are dedicated to presenting an exciting and varied schedule, ensuring there is something for everyone. Recent Fundraising Activities organised by the Trustees have featured engaging events such as Bingo Nights, Open Days and Tours, Children’s Productions like “The Addams Family Young@Part” and “The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition,” as well as Musical Revues including “All Together Now!,” “Here We Go Again!,” and “The Reel Deal.” Additionally, there have been thrilling murder mysteries, and Festive Productions such as “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” and “Scrooge!”
In early 2023, The Albert Hall proudly returned to its roots by relaunching a cinema, providing a fresh and exciting opportunity for film lovers in the community. Our Albert Hall Accessible Cinema is designed to offer relaxed film screenings that are not only affordable but also cater to various accessibility needs, featuring comfortable sound levels and gently lit environments for an inviting experience.
Over the decades, The Albert Hall has been privileged to host a dazzling array of distinguished personalities – our very own collection of Famous Faces. Among the many who have graced our stage are beloved actor John Challis, legendary soul group The Drifters, the comic duo Hinge and Bracket, trailblazing performer Dame Sybil Thorndike, acclaimed director Barry Letts, and celebrated actress Jenna Coleman. Each of these icons has “trodden the boards” within our historic auditorium, adding their own chapter to its storied legacy.
We’ve also had the honour of welcoming celebrated Welsh talents such as singer and broadcaster Aled Jones, professional dancer Amy Dowden, and Aled Richards of the iconic band Catatonia.
One particularly memorable moment came in 1970, when His Majesty King Charles III, then Prince Charles, visited The Albert Hall to present the Prince of Wales Awards—a proud milestone in our history.
More recently, our stage has welcomed a new generation of talent including Kaleb Cooper, Andy Bell, chart-topping duo The Shires, and the renowned vocal group Only Men Aloud, continuing our tradition of celebrating both established icons and rising stars.
The versatility of The Albert Hall makes it an ideal venue for a wide range of events beyond traditional theatre productions. Whether you are planning a concert, eisteddfod, film screening, ceremony, conference, or meeting, The Albert Hall can accommodate your needs with its spacious auditorium and balcony. For smaller gatherings, our Lesser Hall offers a cosy meeting space, perfect for parties, rehearsals, or as dressing rooms for larger productions.
The Albert Hall proudly boasts state-of-the-art technical systems throughout the building, a remarkable enhancement made possible by the generous contributions from a wide range of funders. These include not only Arts Council Wales and the Welsh Government but also the National Lottery Community Fund, Tesco, Co-Op, and numerous other supporters. This extensive support has allowed the hall to integrate cutting-edge technical capabilities, ensuring an exceptional experience for performers and audiences alike.
As a registered charity (charity number 1208974), The Albert Hall relies significantly on community support, hire fees, food & drink sales, and fundraising initiatives to maintain its operations. Our trustees and volunteers are committed to organising regular fundraising events throughout the year to ensure the theatre continues to thrive and remains up to date. While we do occasionally receive grants and funding, we do not benefit from any regular financial support from local authorities, the government, or arts organisations. All funding we obtain is secured through grant applications written by our trustees, which demands considerable time and effort. Furthermore, we are fortunate to have a supportive group of friends, known as the AhFriends, who actively contribute to our fundraising endeavours and help strengthen our community ties.
At The Albert Hall, we strive to promote the arts, foster creativity, and create memorable experiences for all. We invite you to join us in celebrating this cherished venue as a vital part of Llandrindod Wells’ cultural landscape and an important community gathering place. Whether you are an artist, performer, audience member, or simply a supporter of the arts, we welcome you to experience the magic of The Albert Hall.