Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford visited Pembrokeshire’s new performing arts hub, Vision Arts, in Haverfordwest on Friday.

Mr. Drakeford was also a VIP guest at the gala night production of Calendar Girls- the Musical, performed by the Vision Theatre Company at the Queens Hall, Narberth later that evening.

Afterwards he said: “It was a joy to see Vision Theatre Company’s Welsh premiere of Calendar Girls at Narberth and to visit Vision Wales’ new performance arts centre in Haverfordwest.

“The company does great work in the community and I wish them well as they work on future productions.”

During his visit to Vision’s HQ in Cartlett, Haverfordwest, Mr. Drakeford toured the building and met creative director Drew Baker; who set up Vision during the pandemic, after a very successful career as a performer and director on Broadway and in the West End.

Mr. Drakeford was accompanied by Gary Williams, the Welsh Government’s Head of Arts and Cultural Programmes, and they participated in discussions about the future of the arts in Wales - and Vision Arts’ plans to develop the performing arts offer across the county - offering tuition, masterclasses and productions, involving dance, drama and singing.

Mr. and Mr. Drakeford were joined at the performance of Calendar Girls - The Musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and directed by Drew Baker, by Will Bramble, chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council; David Simpson, council leader; Steven Richards-Downes, director of education, Clrs. Alan Buckfield and Linda Asman (mayors of Haverfordwest and Pembroke, respectively); Mr. and Mrs. William and Pam McNamara, Bluestone National Park Resort; Anne Frazer, Pembrokeshire Federation of WIs; and Sarah Benbow, Pembrokeshire Music Service, as well as representatives from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home - the charity that benefited from the production.

The four performances of Calendar Girls - The Musical met with critical acclaim and played to packed houses.

Vision Arts’ next musical production will be Evita, in spring 2022.

To find out about Vision Arts Wales; the Vision Academy and Vision Theatre Company visit www.visionartswales.com