22/07/2026
Powerful New Welsh Play “HUT 9” to Premiere in South Wales – November 2026
Welsh theatre company Company of Sirens and Bettws-based arts charity Tanio are proud to announce their collaboration on a bold and timely new production, HUT 9, written by Bridgend playwright Tim Rhys and directed by Chris Durnall.
The production will be staged in venues across South Wales from 12th to 21st November.
Supported by Awen Cultural Trust, English Theatre Berlin, Gritty Animation and Arts Council of Wales, HUT 9 brings together professional Welsh artists to explore one of Bridgend’s most extraordinary historical events — and to ask urgent questions about our collective future.
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A Story Rooted in Bridgend’s Past — and Imagining Its Future
Bridgend, Wales — November 1945.
On the night of 10th March, several high-ranking German officers carried out one of the most audacious escape attempts of the Second World War, tunnelling out of the POW camp at Island Farm. Seventy prisoners fled into the countryside around Bridgend.
Bridgend County — November 2035.
In a dystopian near-future where drones fill the sky, oil is outlawed, homes lie partially underwater due to climate devastation, and authoritarian rule tightens its grip, a group of people emerge into the harsh light of a refugee camp.
HUT 9 interweaves these two timelines. Drawing on verbatim testimonies from local people about the historic POW camp at Island Farm, the play contrasts the real events of 1945 with a fictional future in which the camp has been rebuilt — not for enemy soldiers, but for homegrown dissidents critical of a new regime.
Through the eyes of guards and one of their prisoners, HUT 9 explores the psychology that allows fascism to take hold, the erosion of civil liberties, and the quiet strategies people use to survive under authoritarian rule. The infamous tunnel becomes a powerful theatrical link between past and future — between incarceration and escape, oppression and resistance.
The production also examines how Welsh identity and language might endure — or be threatened — under such a regime, making the play deeply resonant for contemporary audiences.
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An Accessible, Community-Driven Production
Performed in English, with elements of Welsh and British Sign Language (BSL), the production will feature four professional Welsh actors and a fully professional creative team.
Each venue will host a signed performance, and marketing materials will include a BSL-signed introductory video with subtitles, ensuring wider accessibility.
The project will also deliver community workshops and participation opportunities for people in the Awen and Bridgend areas, continuing both companies’ commitment to meaningful local engagement.
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Building on Welsh Theatre Success
Company of Sirens follows the acclaimed all-Wales tour of Water Wars by Ian Rowlands, voted Best of Welsh Theatre 2025 by The Stage. The company is known for developing politically engaged, topical work in collaboration with communities, arts organisations, local authorities and environmental groups across Wales.
Tanio brings deep grassroots connections within Bridgend County, delivering high-quality arts experiences particularly for communities in economically disadvantaged areas of South Wales. Their experience in community participation makes them an invaluable partner in bringing HUT 9 to life.
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Creative Team Statement
Chris Durnall and Lisa Davies, Directors of Company of Sirens and Tanio, said:
“We are excited to bring this important piece of history to life through the creative talents of our community. HUT 9 not only highlights the heritage of the area but also addresses critical issues of freedom, extremism and conflict — both past and present.”
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Performance Dates
12 - 21st November 2026
2th and 13th NOVEMBER 7.00 PORTERS CARDIFF
(https://www.porterscardiff.org/)
WED 18th, THURS 19th, FRI 20th 7.30 PLUS THURSDAY 19th AT 11.00
MAESTEG TOWN HALL
(https://awenboxoffice.com/venues/maesteg-town-hall/)
SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER 7.30 PERFORM AT SOAR MERTHYR
( https://www.theatrsoar.cymru/en/events)
Media Contacts
Chris Durnall – Director
[email protected]
Alicia Stark
[email protected]
Alison Gerrish
[email protected]
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For interviews, images, or further information, please contact the team using the details above.
ENDS
