| The Dolman Theatre, Newport, is owned by the Newport Playgoers Society who have been one of the leading amateur theatrical companies in Wales since being formed in 1924. |
| The theatre was purpose built for the society in 1967, following a re-development of Newport Town Centre, which included the demolition of the previous theatre, known as The Newport Little Theatre, which was housed in a converted church. |
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| With a 400 seater auditorium, 38 foot pros arch stage, three large rehearsal rooms, orchestra pit, bar, box-office, cafeteria, council room, extensive dressing-rooms, and newly furnished 60 seater studio, the Dolman Theatre offers facilities for all theatrical styles, and is a hub of amateur theatre and performing arts in South East Wales. |
| The wide ranging performance season lasts from September to July each year, and includes nine plays in the main auditorium by the resident Newport Playgoers Society, fourteen or fifteen musicals per annum by thriving local companies, a main stage youth production, half a dozen dancing shows by dancing schools from the area, two pantomimes, and a selection of one night “one-man” shows. |
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| The Dolman Theatre Studio is home to a variety of experimental performances by the enthusiastic Youth Section of Newport Playgoers Society and by the energetic Solo group which caters for the “post-youth” age range. The Tea For Two matinees (catering, quite literally, for an older, less mobile audience) are popular every month in the studio, when entertainment is provided by a variety of artistes, prior to the audience taking afternoon tea in the cafeteria area. |
| The theatre is staffed mainly by volunteers both front of house, on-stage, and behind the scenes, where a wealth of experience is available in support of all productions. The technical departments are well resourced with state-of-the-art equipment including flying gallery, computerised lighting consoles, sound recording studio and multi-purpose projector. |
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| All facilities are available for hire to outside organisations, but bookings need to be made well in advance. |
| New members are always welcome, whatever their theatrical skills or technical expertise. With over 170 nights of live entertainment per annum in the main auditorium, alone, the manpower needed to maintain the theatre is considerable, and every individual’s effort makes an invaluable contribution to the success of The Dolman Theatre. |
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