FISHGUARD Musical Society's inaugural show has raised nearly £3,000 for the town's Theatr Gwaun.

The show, which was put on over the May Day bank holiday weekend, enjoyed full houses and standing ovations.

All the profits from ticket sales has gone towards keeping Fishguard's community theatre, Theatr Gwaun, open, with some being reinvested in new equipment for live shows and theatre.

Fishguard Musical Theatre Society is the brainchild of experienced director Clare Malone-Hallett, who moved to the area last summer.

"I am delighted that our first production raised just short of £3000 for the theatre," she said. "Buildings like this are a hub of the community and I intend to support its growth and keep the theatre alive.

"The cast were amazing and the local community embraced their efforts by supporting us"

The £3,000, which includes ticket sales VAT back from the performance rights, is part of ambitious plans to raise £10,000 for the theatre in a year.

"The theatre helped make it so easy they were very welcoming and responsive to suggestions.

"The team of set builders, and set artist Bethan Maycock, did a great job and Mandy Barrowclift (of Theatr Gwaun's Best Foot Forward Company) has been my wing woman, helping no end.

"The whole team were wonderful. But the children are the true reason I continue to direct shows I love to inspire children to dream, to believe in themselves and grow in confidence."

All of the money, after performance rights and show expenses, has gone to to supporting Theatr Gwaun.

"Thank you to all those who came and watched the show and help raise this wonderful amount," said Clare. "I think you will agree this is an amazing example of community spirit at its best."

Paul Williams, Theatr Gwaun operations manager, said that the money raised would help improve the quality of other live shows and help with the community theatre's day to day running costs.

"It's brilliant for the theatre," he said. "We are aiming to reinvest some of the money in equipment so we can put on even better live productions.

"The rest of the money will really really help us balance the books. "It's brilliant for us."

The society is now busy working towards a Magic of the Musicals show in October, an extravaganza of the best of the West end and Broadway and plans to put on Brassed Off as its next full musical."

Theatr Gwaun's other in house drama group Best Foot Forward, which has also raised lots of funds for Theatr Gwaun, is performing called the farcical comedy The Lone Night on Friday July 7 and Saturday July 8 at 7.30 pm.