Cardiff-based theatre company dedicated to ensuring full inclusivity is putting on their first stage production this Christmas
Curtain Up, a local theatre company, is putting on their first stage production, an adaptation of the classic Christmas film It’s A Wonderful Life on 13th of December in Dinas Powys Parish Hall.
The production is being put on by a small team of five, with four actors taking on multiple roles in the play. “It’s all hands on deck,” said company founder, Harmony Sunshine, adding that they’re very lucky that friends, family and the local community are willing to help. “Team work is helping make this dream work,” said Sunshine.
Curtain Up was founded in August 2023 and is dedicated to making the arts accessible for everyone. With inclusivity as its mission statement, the company offers affordable classes and workshops for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Curtain Up uses venues run by the local community that are priced at reasonable rates to keep their own prices low. The price of the activities they offer is meant to simply cover the costs of staff and venue hire. “Theatre is becoming more expensive and is simply pricing people out,” said Sunshine.
According to a survey conducted by The Stage, the average theatre ticket price across the UK has risen by 15% since last year. This rise will have ripple effects on the industry, including local theatres.
Despite low costs, some people still struggle to afford extracurricular classes, said Sunshine. To make sure Curtain Up is truly inclusive to everyone, the company is prepared to waive the fees for people that need it. “We never want finances to be the reason that somebody can’t access the arts,” she said.
In the space of a year, the company has offered a scholarship to five students who are now “cherished members of the Curtain Up family”, Sunshine said.
Curtain Up runs various classes and workshops, including an adult dance fitness class, a show choir, singing and acting classes, and seasonal musical theatre workshops.