PRODUCTION OF SOUTH PACIFIC
MARCH 18th 2018
SHOWCASE SIOGERDD £3,045
MICRO FUND – FEB 2017
Showcase is one of the few registered charities working with children through the media of performing arts in the Cynon valley. Whilst the number of drama and musical societies continues to decline, Showcase continues to provide valuable opportunities for young people and performances of all kinds to local communities. They work with young people of all ages and take productions out and about – from Shakespeare in a country park and local church to concerts and performances in theatres.
This application to support the production and performance of ‘South Pacific’ at the Coliseum Aberdare, was to support performance for the thrill and joy of it. The Association reaches and engages with many young people – the experiences they have will be valuable in their future lives whatever they go on to do – contributing to confidence, self-esteem and skills development.
“The project has helped raise the profile of Showcase Siogerdd, we had good audience numbers and the show provided opportunity to see a well-known musical at an affordable price. Our cast members aged from 5 to 30 and they had acting, singing and dancing workshops. All our members were able to join the cast and experience working with a live band, orchestra, wearing costumes and learned technical skills. We sold 703 tickets over 4 nights and our audiences came from all areas of the community and all ages. Our organisation benefitted greatly from the sum received from Pen y Cymoedd which allowed us to provide opportunities for our members to have a real theatre experience and just as importantly enjoy themselves.” Quote from Roger Williams – Showcase Siogerdd
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.