WALKING around the calm surroundings of Mold's Tyddyn Street Church, it's hard to believe that 150 years ago this quiet spot was at the centre of one of the UK's most notorious examples of civil disturbance.

Tensions were already running high in the border town between Welsh workers and English employers, so when John Young, the manager of the Leeswood Green Colliery, announced a pay cut and the banning of the use of the Welsh language underground, it was asking for trouble. Following a meeting which was held at the pit head on May 19, 1869, a number of the miners attacked Young before marching him unceremoniously to the police station at Pontblyddyn. Seven colliers were arrested and were ordered to stand trial at Mold Magistrates Court on June 2, 1869. They were all found guilty and the two alleged ringleaders, Ismael Jones and John Jones, were sentenced to a month's hard labour.

Not unexpectedly, the court case had attracted a great deal of attention in the area and a large crowd had started to assemble to hear the verdict. Aware of the problems that could arise, the Chief Constable of Flintshire had already ensured the services of constables from all parts of the county, and had asked for the assistance of soldiers from Chester earlier that morning. However, as the authorities attempted to transport two of the ringleaders, Ismael Jones and John Jones, from the court to the railway station, where a train was waiting to take them to the gaol at Flint Castle, the crowd reacted angrily and threw stones and other missiles at the officers. The soldiers fired shots into the crowd, killing four people, including two women and one teenage collier.

Now, 150 years later, the search is on for Mold townsfolk to be part of a new historical dramatisation on the Mold Riots with Theatr Clwyd set to stage its first major community production on the streets of the award-winning theatre's hometown this October.

The performance, called Mold Riots, will have a cast of over 100 and take over the town centre for performances, leading its audience through the same streets where the riots took place.

Action will take place at locations including Mold Livestock Market, with the support of J Bradburne Price & Co, Daniel Owen Square and St Mary’s Church, and local people are needed to get involved in every aspect of staging and performing this ambitious theatrical event.

Community producer, Alice Evans, says: "This is such an exciting time for the Mold town, Flintshire’s Community and Theatr Clwyd to come together and retell this epic event in history.

"There are opportunities for everyone to build this production whether you are a budding actor or prefer to be behind the scenes or maybe you have skills in photography or knitting. What a way to mark the 150th year and end 2019. I am so excited for what October will bring and to engage with more local community members. I always welcome a chat and coffee so please do get in touch if you have a question, idea or want to know more."

The show's organisers have pledged there will be an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to join the community company of actors and develop their acting skills, working alongside a professional team. Open auditions will be held for aspiring performers early in May.

Monthly workshops in stage combat, acting, movement and storytelling will all take place at St Mary’s Church Hall in Mold and are an opportunity to meet others taking part.

Singing is also a big part of the show, with a brand new score being specially written for a new Mold Riots community choir which local people are warmly invited to join.

There are also opportunities to work behind the scenes. Applications are invited for a director, musical director, stage managers, designers and members of the production team with the theatre asking hopefuls to send 300 words about you and why you would like to be involved.

There are also lots of other ways to take part. Playwright Bethan Marlow, who has written the show’s script, would like to work with aspiring writers, who have the chance to contribute to the script and under the guidance of a professional photographer, Theatr Clwyd is keen for amateur photographers and film makers to document the making of the show from the beginning of rehearsals until the first performance, with the opportunity to learn new skills and experiment with digital media.

Costumes are also needed for over 100 company actors, with volunteers invited to join the professional team of makers at the theatre and help create all elements of costume for the show. There is also a knitting group, supported by Yarn O’Clock in Mold, who will provide knitted rocks for an art installation.

Artistic Director Tamara Harvey added: “It has been an extraordinary and transformative year for the company, both in terms of ambition and reach – we have staged 15 own produced shows, 10 of which were world premières, culminating in a UK Theatre Award for The Assassination of Katie Hopkins, and now a West End transfer for the Olivier Award-winning Home, I’m Darling before it comes home to Wales.

"This year sees us in a first-time collaboration with London’s award-winning Menier Chocolate Factory with Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending; and as part of our commitment to younger audiences Emma Reeves comes home to adapt Jacqueline Wilson’s Wave Me Goodbye, their latest collaboration after the huge success of the stage version of Hetty Feather. Later this year sees our first large-scale community production with The Mold Riots during the 150th anniversary year. As we continue to build, it’s wonderful to see our homegrown work reach new audiences across the UK.”

To get involved in the Mold Riots go to www.theatrclwyd.com and sign-up today or call the theatre box office on 01352 701521. To find out more about any aspect of volunteering and participation in Mold Riots please contact alice.evans@theatrclwyd.com

The Theatr Clwyd Airstream caravan will also be at Mold Market every week and at other events in the area for anyone to drop in and find out more. Just look out for the distinctive silver van with the theatre logo. There is also a shed in the theatre foyer, loaned by The Woodworks Garden Centre, where information is available and there is the opportunity to sign-up at any time.