Despite the challenges of Covid, the Small World Theatre in Cardigan still delivered unique projects.

In 2021, staff supported health and creativity, created public art from recycled materials, expanded their puppetry skills into the digital world and stayed connected to audiences through promenade theatre, outdoor events and online broadcasts.

They added a giant rat, spider and the head of a snake to the town’s art trail leading to the castle walls.

The theatre also won a tender to create the Imagine Sculpture Trail as part of the Imagine Colwyn Bay Heritage Fund Great Place Scheme.

In partnership with Castell Aberteifi, they created the first Cardi Spooktakula for Halloween. Small World Theatre’s immersive theatre event spooked over 1,000 locals and entertained them with live puppetry, aerial performances, a terrifying zombie hoard, giant sculptures and awe inspiring lighting and sound installations.

Thanks to Ceredigion County Council and Welsh Government funding, Small World Theatre created Summer of Fun activities supporting creative play for children and young people throughout the holiday. They experimented with new ground-breaking digital techniques to create new puppets for online events. Launching their Digital Stage during lockdown helped them stay connected to their audience.

The Syrcas Byd Bychan project achieved great things; progressing training, performing at outdoor and online events, taking part in Circus Village and more.

“We are delighted that some of our dedicated SBB students are continuing their aerial careers and flying the nest, and we look forward to welcoming beginners in the new year,” a theatre spokesperson said.

Amethyst has adapted and grown to meet the needs of young people experiencing mental health issues. This vital project focused on supporting pupils in schools; delivering online through film/virtual facilitation, using theatre techniques in face-face sessions and mentoring older pupils to support their younger peers. The project also supports parents with weekly online sessions and runs therapeutic art courses for youngsters aged 14-25. And there are new opportunities for parents with young people experiencing issues around mental health coming up in this year.