A LONGSTANDING civic theatre received its official opening after a year of renovation work.
Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, was officially re-opened on Saturday by former Monty Python Terry Jones, who cut the red ribbon on the theatre's steps at a ceremony attended by officials, town councillors and fellow comedian Phill Jupitus, who took a break from duties at the Giddy Goat comedy festival at Venue Cymru to attend the opening.
Iwan Davies, Chief Executive of Conwy County Borough Council, Cllr Brenda Taylor, Chairwoman of the council and Cllr Alice Robinson of Friends of Theatr Colwyn all praised the work of the theatre.
Terry Jones, who was born in Old Colwyn, drew on his family's links to the theatre, including those of his grandfather, who was conductor for the Colwyn Bay Operatic Society and had led a production of Pirates of Penzance at the venue, in which his mother had performed
He said: "It was probably the happiest time in my mother's life, so I've got a great personal interest in this wonderful old theatre, and it's good to see it so much better."
When the Pioneer asked Terry whether he found anything Pythonesque about the town, he replied: "There is now! But there wasn't when I was younger. You could say that at least one sixth of Monty Python wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Colwyn Bay."
Cllr Alice Robinson said: "I can remember when it was a repertory theatre. This work has been a long time coming. We now have a beautifully designed theatre. We have to make sure we get the funding for the next phase."
Now that extensive refurbishment at the front of house is complete, Friends of the Theatre are awaiting funding for the next phase, which includes backstage work.