About Retro Academy.

Originally called Retro Youth Theatre, Retro Academy For Performing Arts Ltd was founded in 2006 by me, Kieron Gough, in partnership with Cwmaman Institute Arts Project. Our combined creative ideas led to the debut production of ‘Les Misérables’ in March 2008.

Following ‘Les Misérables’ the company continued to strengthen. The following production – ‘It’s Showtime’ - showcased the talents of our company members who performed a wide selection of pieces from West End and Broadway musicals and was staged at the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare, in July 2008. The company continued to grow in numbers and develop under my watchful eye.

In April 2009, we produced the Welsh Amateur Premiere of Jonathan Larson’s highly acclaimed musical, ‘RENT’, a show in which we won a total of three awards at the Glamorgan Drama League’s annual amateur theatre awards. The awards included: Best Musical Production 2009, Best Actor 2009 and Best Supporting Actress 2009. A coup in itself and an achievement which we are very proud of!

My production team and I next chose Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’ to allow a younger company the opportunity of being involved in musical theatre.

Retro is continuing to grow as a company and have successfully opened a new school in Merthyr Tydfil. The school is already a resounding success and more schools are planned for the future.