Theatr Iolo collaborate with Theatr na nÓg and Creu Cymru to reveal lack of electric charging points at theatres across Wales.

The three organisations have come together to survey venues and theatres across the country, revealing the difficulties that touring theatre companies face when trying to charge electric vehicles whilst on tour.

“As a theatre company who travel across the length and breadth of Wales, one of the biggest contributors to our carbon footprint is our touring van, which carries set, costumes and cast from venue to venue. We are committed to replacing our non-electric van with a fully electric version, but before doing so, we want to ensure that there are appropriate facilities to charge it at each of the venues we visit, or at the very least close by.

We were therefore surprised to discover that no information had been collated about electric charging points at theatres in Wales, so embarked on a mission to find out more about the infrastructure in place.”

Michelle Perez, Executive Director at Theatr Iolo

Working with Creu Cymru and Theatr na nÓg, Theatr Iolo undertook a survey of 61 venues to begin the process of mapping the electric vehicle charging points that are linked to theatres and arts centres around Wales. 

The report revealed that 98% of the venues who responded, did not have an electric charging point on site. Furthermore, nearly 90% of those said they had no immediate plans to install an electric charging point. However, 87% said they would be interested in exploring the installation of an EV charging point in their venue, if they could unlock funding to support this.

“Improving the sustainability infrastructures at our theatres and arts centres is key to tackling the climate crisis for arts organisations. Without basic facilities such as electric charging points, sustainable touring around Wales is still a challenge for many. This work is the beginning for to be able to understand those challenges and work together on solutions.”

Louise Miles-Payne, Director at Creu Cymru

Theatr Iolo, Creu Cymru and Theatr Na nÓg will now seek additional funding and support to create a map that details the nearest charging points to each Welsh venue, on typical touring routes through Wales. The three companies will also support a collective effort to install more charging points where the need is greatest.  

Theatr Iolo would love to talk to any organisations, companies or individuals who would like to help and support any element of this initiative. Email michelle@theatriolo.com