Company of Sirens and Tanio Announce New Play "HUT 9"

Bridgend County, Wales, 1945.

On the night of 10th March in 1945, several high-ranking German officers conduct a dramatic escape using a secret tunnel, and 70 prisoners fled into the countryside around Bridgend.

Bridgend County, Wales, 2035.

In a world where drones fill the sky, oil is outlawed, and homes ravaged by climate change are partially underwater, a group of people emerge into the stark light of a refugee camp.

Bridgend County, Wales, 2026.

Company of Sirens, in partnership with Tanio and supported by Awen Cultural Trust, English Theatre Berlin, Gritty Animation and the Arts Council of Wales are proud to announce the production of a new play, "HUT 9", written by Bridgend playwright Tim Rhys and directed by Chris Durnall. The play will be created through community workshops and delivered by professional creatives at Maesteg Town Hall and Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil in November 2026.

"HUT 9" is a compelling new play that explores the history of the POW camp near Bridgend (Island Farm). The play presents events from 1945, including the famous escape, and intertwines them with a fictional account set in the near future. The two-time frames are linked by the escape tunnel itself, examining right-wing extremism over both periods. The play includes verbatim stories from local people about the camp and its history, highlighting the heritage of Island Farm while addressing the rise of right-wing activity past and present. The play will be performed in English, with elements of Welsh and British Sign Language (BSL) incorporated. The production will feature four professional actors, a writer, and a fully professional team. The project will also include a signed performance at each venue and a BSL signed introductory video with subtitles to accompany marketing materials and press releases.

Chris Durnall , Director of Company of Sirens  says "We are excited to bring this important piece of history to life through the creative talents of our community. 'HUT 9' not only highlights the heritage of the area but also addresses critical issues of freedom, extremism, and conflict, both past and present."

Lisa Davies, Chief Executive of Tanio adds, “We are excited to be co-producing Hut 9 with Company of Sirens, with a particular focus on amplifying community voices in the play, and offering community opportunities to input on and make elements of the piece.”

About Company of Sirens: Company of Sirens is a theatre company with a proven track record of building long-term partnerships with communities, arts organisations, local authorities, and environmental organisations. The company is committed to developing work across all areas of Wales.

About Tanio: Tanio is a charity dedicated to delivering high-quality arts experiences and activities to the people of South Wales, particularly those is disadvantaged areas of Bridgend County.  Their grassroots connections and experience in community arts make them an invaluable partner in this project.

Dates:

18^th – 20^th November 2026 - Maesteg Town Hall

21^st November 2026 - Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil

Tickets on sale soon. 

There will be a schools performance at Maesteg Town Hall; if you are interested in bringing along a group of young people please email helo@taniocymru.com

Media Contacts:

Chris Durnall  cadurnall@gmail.com 

Alicia Stark alicia@taniocymru.com 

Alison Gerrish AlisonGerrish@gmail.com