Stiwt Theatr

Y Stiwt is a community arts centre in Rhosllannerchrugog, a town in Wrexham County Borough, Wales. It occupies the former Miners’ Institute building, opened in 1926 to serve colliers from the local pits. The Miner’s Welfare Fund raised almost £18,000 by taking two pence per tonne of coal raised locally, and then two pence from each miner’s wage every week to keep the place running. For half a century it served many roles: cinema, theatre, concert hall, snooker room, dance hall and social club. Closure came in 1977, and the council planned demolition in 1985. A local campaign saved the building, and a £2.1 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund allowed it to reopen in 1999 after repairs. It is now listed at Grade II*. Inside, visitors find a restored auditorium with original plasterwork and a proscenium arch framed by fluted columns. The stage still hosts plays and concerts, while upstairs a gallery shows changing exhibitions of local art. The café in the former miners’ canteen offers light meals, and the building’s high windows let in plenty of daylight. Outside, the wide stone steps lead down to the town’s main square.