A FLINTSHIRE MP became one of the founding members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for theatre this week.

David Hanson, MP for Delyn, joined the group hosted by Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley and Spen and Giles Watling, MP for Clacton – both former professional actors.

The group has been founded to support the resilience and relevance of theatre in the UK for audiences, its off stage and onstage workforce and society.

David Hanson MP joined this APPG as it is important to raise awareness of the benefits that the theatre brings.

Especially as Delyn is the proud home of Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

David Hanson MP said: “I was delighted to attend this launch and meet so many professionals leading the theatre sector across the UK. As MP for Delyn I have the honour of representing Theatr Clwyd and this new All Party Group will allow us to press the UK Government for greater support of the arts.”

“We cannot forget the huge benefit that the arts bring to our communities. Not only do they make us financially better off, but they improve our quality of life in all other areas. They ensure that our towns have a voice in expressing their history – no better example do we have than Theatr Clwyd putting on its Mold Riot play in the town itself. Theatres ensure that our young people have a way of expressing themselves and making their voices heard. We need this All-Party Group to replicate the excellent work of Theatr Clwyd across the country.

“I really want this new group to look at how we use the arts to boost the welfare of our towns. The untapped potential of our towns can be unlocked through the arts and this All-Party Group is well placed to ensure this happens.”