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PORT TALBOT: Princess Royal Theatre’s new name revealed by Twin Town star Di Botcher

The Princess Royal name is being retired — Port Talbot’s revamped theatre will reopen this autumn under a brand new name, revealed in a video fronted by Twin Town actor Di Botcher.

Botcher is joined by familiar faces from the town’s arts and culture scene, in a film the council says was a genuine community effort.

Among them is Wales international rugby player and local business owner Richard Hibbard, who has voiced the Giant in pantomimes at the venue, and local influencer Joel Oates.

Also featuring are Stuart Broad of Calon Films, which staged the world premiere of Iniquity Camwedd at the theatre, business owners Nigel Hunt of San Portablo and Cassius Walker Hunt of Portablo Coffi, Welsh language community figure Margaret Buckingham Jones, former drama teacher Helen John of Portablo Arts, Afan Dance and graffiti artist Jenks.

The venue is under construction on the site of the Princess Royal Theatre, which closed for a major transformation in August 2025.

Neath Port Talbot Council says the investment now stands at £18m, creating an improved venue for performances and community use along with new meeting and conference facilities.

So what will Port Talbot’s theatre be called? Yr Aelwyd — the Welsh for The Hearth, pronounced “ur eye-loyd”.

Traditionally, yr aelwyd is the heart of the Welsh home — the place to gather, share stories and make lasting memories.

https://youtu.be/orSQEpN-j-w

As part of the same investment, Port Talbot’s Civic Square is being fully re-landscaped, transforming the approach to the theatre.

The project is funded by the UK Government alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

New photos published last week showed the auditorium’s sweeping timber ceiling in place and the glass frontage glazed, with completion due this autumn.

The council says Yr Aelwyd will be a showcase for local talent and stories, reflecting the town’s industrial past and its creative future.

The council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said the name captured what the venue would represent. “The name Yr Aelwyd beautifully captures what this new venue will represent for Port Talbot – a welcoming place where people can come together to share experiences, enjoy creativity and make lasting memories,” he said.

He said the building would be more than a theatre: “It will be a focal point for our community and visitors, bringing people into the heart of the town and supporting Port Talbot’s continued regeneration.”

On the wider works, he added: “We are creating a vibrant cultural space and an improved Civic Square, with more green spaces, increased planting and a more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy.”

“This is an exciting milestone for Port Talbot, and I look forward to seeing Yr Aelwyd become a place where stories are shared, local talent is showcased and our community is brought together for generations to come,” he said.

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