As the performances of Under Milk Wood by Theatr Clwyd wow audience members at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven this month, both the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch and VC Gallery, Haverfordwest have opened their doors to local artists in a dual exhibition called Verse & Visuals. Inspired by Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood, the Torch gallery open evening saw over 70 people attend and tickets for the production itself are selling well.

Over 150 art and poetry submissions were received and over 120 participants joined the weekly workshops at the VC Gallery. Not only was the opening evening a celebration of art, there was also ring making by VC Gallery, music by Raul Speak,  and poetry by Pink Zoe, Simon Moffett, Catlin Rowen, Sian Phillips and Mia Grindrod. 

Artists, poets, writers, and anyone curious about creativity were invited to join the exhibition with submissions of visual art, poetry, writing, photography, illustration, mixed media, and other creative responses. The exhibition at the Torch Theatre open until the end of April will offer different ways to experience the play, not just by watching it, but by sitting with it, responding to it, and drawing something from it.

Artists in the Torch Theatre included Raul Speek, Joshua Weatherburn, Jeff Phillips, Lynn Stuart, Jayne-Blythe- Mason, Kirstey Spiers, Jodie Everett, Shelia Davies, James Peaple, Tracey Harries, Dylan Clay Maddocks, Maxine Bunston, Caroline Julier, Stephen Slaughters, Alec Lewis, Sarah John, Debra Jayne Hill, Snorkle Fish, Oliver Lebaigue

Barry John, MBE, from the VC Gallery said: “Theatre is such a rich starting point for visual art. It’s full of voices, images, rhythm and emotion, and it gives you something to respond to rather than something to copy. Translating that into visual work with the support of the Torch Theatre has been incredibly inspiring."

For further information on Under Milk Wood (a Theatr Clwyd / Craidd production) at the Torch Theatre running until 25 April, the exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery open until 29 April or for information on the exhibition at the VC Gallery open until 12 May, phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.