Performances at Ammanford Miners' Theatre have been cancelled due to unbearable heat, according to the creative director of Ammanford Youth Theatre, Debbie Elias. She described the situation as 'unacceptable' and called on Carmarthenshire Council to install air conditioning, a promise she claims was made over 18 months ago.
Heat Forces Cancellations and Walkouts
Ms Elias said the heat has caused audience members to walk out of productions and forced rehearsals to be halted on health and safety grounds. The theatre, a Grade II-listed former coal miners' institute with around 140 seats, becomes unbearably hot even in mild weather due to stage lighting and a full audience.
Around 80 youth theatre members aged four to 18 rehearse weekly for variety shows and pantomimes. Ms Elias stated: 'This situation is simply unacceptable. These are children and young people who participate every week because they love performing. Community theatre provides young people with confidence, friendships, and valuable life skills. Instead of enjoying rehearsals they are forced to leave the building to cool down because the conditions inside are unbearable.'
Council Response and Assessment
Councillor Hazel Evans, deputy council leader and cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, acknowledged the temperature concerns. 'Following discussions with Ammanford Youth Theatre in 2025 it was agreed that the theatre's air handling system should be investigated. While air conditioning was not promised, a specialist assessment of the building's ventilation system was commissioned and options for upgrading the system, together with associated costs, are currently being considered,' she said.
She added that any long-term solution must consider the theatre's listed status, operational requirements, and energy efficiency. In the meantime, additional fans have been placed in backstage areas and a chilled drinking water fountain installed.
Calls for Urgent Action
Ms Elias claimed the council promised air conditioning or temporary units more than 18 months ago, but the council denied making such a promise. She said: 'We have done everything asked of us. We have written emails, attended meetings, and raised the issue repeatedly with senior council representatives yet still nothing has happened. The children, our volunteers, and our audiences deserve better.'
The theatre, also known as Glowyr Theatre, is located off Wind Street in Ammanford. The youth theatre group produces variety shows and pantomimes, relying on the venue for rehearsals and performances.
