The Newtown Amateur Dramatic Society (NADS) will present the award-winning play ART at the Powys Theatre this February. Written by Yasmina Reza, this internationally acclaimed comedy-drama delves into themes of friendship, taste, and the true value of art. Critics have praised ART as “remarkably wise, witty and intelligent” according to The Times, and “invigorating and touching” as noted by the Financial Times. The play has enjoyed significant success since its debut, which included a run in London’s West End and performances across the UK.
First staged in 1994, ART has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Molière Award for Best Commercial Production in 1995 and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 1997. The narrative follows three friends whose relationship faces challenges when one of them purchases an expensive piece of modern art—a completely white painting. This leads to a sharp, humorous exploration of loyalty, ego, and the subjective nature of beauty.
Director’s Vision and Cast Insights
Director Julia Francis, a long-time admirer of the work, expressed her excitement about bringing this celebrated piece to Newtown. “It’s a joy to stage a work that blends humour with such perceptive insights into human relationships,” she said.
Audiences can expect an engaging evening as actors Craig Harris, Alex Anton-Stephens, and Gavin Grosvenor bring these complex characters to life on stage. The play not only guarantees laughter but also invites reflection on the deeper questions regarding art’s true worth.
Celebrating 90 Years of Local Theatre
The Newtown Amateur Dramatics Society has been a vital part of the local cultural landscape for 90 years. Evolving from a small community group into a well-established charity, the society has its permanent home at Powys Theatre. Over the decades, it has offered local residents opportunities to engage in acting, directing, and backstage roles, while sustaining a tradition of live drama in the town.
Founded in the mid-1930s, NADS celebrated its 90th anniversary in July 2025 with a special production that highlighted both its longevity and its ongoing role as a cherished Newtown institution. The milestone reaffirmed its reputation as a beloved part of the town’s heritage, continuing to entertain audiences with comedy, tragedy, and drama almost a century later.
Initially, the society followed the common practice of many amateur groups, staging straight plays and light comedies in borrowed venues before acquiring a permanent base. Since then, Powys Theatre has served as the society’s home, where it has staged a diverse array of productions, significantly enriching the town’s cultural life and providing generations of performers with a regular platform.
As the performance dates approach, excitement is building within the community for this remarkable production of ART, which promises to challenge perceptions of art and friendship in a thought-provoking and entertaining manner.
