Seven Deadly Sins… Still Causing Trouble?
April 2026
This is the first of our regular updates on what we’re doing at Reality Theatre and The Cab – giving a bit of insight into the work happening behind the scenes.
Our Monday morning Cab Community Theatre group is for people over 50 who want to learn about and perform theatre. Since we started back in 2016, the group has performed over 20 plays, pantos and variety shows, and some of our actors have gone on to feature in, or work behind the scenes on, our short films.
This year, we’re trying something a bit different.
We’ve kicked off a new project exploring the Seven Deadly Sins, but with a modern twist. We’re asking whether they’re still relevant today, and how we actually view them now. Are they genuine character flaws, or in some cases just part of modern life – ambition, survival, even success?
So far, we’ve been unpacking what each of the sins really means, beyond the traditional definitions. We’ve looked at how they’re portrayed in films and classic plays (turns out they’re everywhere), and started experimenting creatively – playing with characters, trying out movement, and seeing how these ideas can come to life physically. There’s already been some brilliant, slightly chaotic improvisation. We’ve even dipped into costume design, exploring how each “sin” might look and present itself in today’s world.
As always, it’s shaped by the group – their ideas, experiences, and humour – which is what makes it what it is.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll keep building this into a mix of performance, movement, music, art and more, leading to a public showcase at the end.
So far? Definitely guilty.
What’s new in our Riverfront ALN drama sessions?
April 2026
We’ve recently kicked off a brand new term at our Riverfront drama sessions, and this time we’re diving into the world of superheroes and supervillains in the lead-up to our next show.
Both groups have thrown themselves into the process, creating their own unique characters, from how they walk and move, to how they speak and strike their ultimate superhero or villain pose. It’s been brilliant to watch these characters come to life week by week.
We’ve also started exploring music choices for the show, with participants thinking about the perfect superhero or villain theme song to perform. One participant even went above and beyond – choreographing a full dance routine to their chosen track and teaching it to the rest of the group.
Moments like this really highlight the growth we’re seeing. Confidence is building, creativity is flourishing, and participants are increasingly taking ownership of their ideas and sharing them with others. It’s exactly what these sessions are all about – creating a space where people feel empowered to express themselves, try new things, and shine.
March 2026
As we approach the end of some of our projects, we are looking back at what we have achieved with grant money. Thanks to the Postcode Community Trust, we’ve been able to put in extra support and facilitators for our ALN drama groups at the Riverfront, as well as deliver production sessions with materials and resources for the participants to create props for their shows.
Another fab project has been the Community Craft and Connect group, who has recently contributed to the Gwent Bio Tapestry with some amazing panels depicting the flora and fauna of the Wetlands. Congratulations to this fab group, run by Lisa Floyd.
70-metre BioTapestry artwork brings Gwent’s natural world to life – Monmouthshire
Welsh Government Communities Facilities Grant Success
March 2026
We are delighted to share that Reality Theatre CIC is being awarded £23,160 through the Welsh Government’s Communities Facilities Grant to support the continued development of The Cab starting April 2026.
This funding will allow us to take the next steps in transforming the building into a welcoming, multi-purpose community space for everyone to use and enjoy. Planned improvements include replacing the old leaking flat roof and creating a new roof garden, providing a safe and relaxing outdoor area for visiting bands, artists, performers and our regular participants.
The grant will also enable us to install electric heating throughout the building (meaning no more thick woolly jumpers and extra socks during winter sessions!) and to develop additional storage areas for our ever-growing collection of props, costumes, music equipment and the many materials gathered over years of community theatre and live events.
These improvements will help ensure that The Cab continues to grow as a vibrant home for creativity, community and culture in Newport.
January 2026