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 deep in the heart of Mid Wales, in the historic spa town of Llandrindod Wells.
Originally constructed as a church hall, this historic venue underwent a transformation in 1922 when it was converted into a theatre and community space, accompanied by the addition of a stunning art-deco foyer, that continues to captivate visitors today. The exterior of The Albert Hall, along with its distinctive foyer and elegant auditorium, remains largely unchanged, preserving the charm and character of its early 20th-century design.
The community of Llandrindod Wells, acquired The Albert Hall in 1961, allowing it to serve as a vibrant cultural space for residents and visitors alike. Recognised for its architectural significance, the venue was granted Grade II listed status in 1985, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The venue is managed by a dedicated group of Trustees who possess a deep passion for the arts and a commitment to fostering community engagement through various cultural events and performances.
Supporting our Trustees is a growing team of enthusiastic volunteers, who generously contribute their time and skills to help with front-of-house operations, marketing, technical support, and general maintenance. This strong community spirit is at the core of The Albert Hall, making it a beloved venue where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the arts, culture, and community.
The Albert Hall programmes a wide range of events, primarily catering to Commercial Touring Productions and Tribute Bands, but also welcoming 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 years, the Albert Hall has had the distinct pleasure of welcoming a myriad of renowned personalities, or as we call them – Famous Faces! Among these esteemed figures are John Challis, The Drifters, Hinge and Bracket, Dame Sybil Thorndike, Barry Letts, and Jenna Coleman, all of whom have ‘trodden the boards’ on our stage. Additionally, we have had the honour of hosting the likes of Aled Jones, Amy Dowden, and Aled Richards from the celebrated band Catatonia. Notably, we also welcomed the current King during his time as Prince Charles, who presented the Prince of Wales Awards at the venue in 1979.
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.