One of the much-missed joys for many over the last year has been the absence of live theatre.

Whether it's comedy club nights, classic shows, dance, music or something totally new, there has been a creative void in our lives.

But as we start to get glimmers of some normal way of life returning across the country, there are more and more opportunities to fill our social calendars once again.

One of the region's biggest centres for the arts, Mold's Theatr Clwyd, has already released its summer season of events, covering a whole host of genres for all manner of tastes, and featuring obscene amounts of talent.

Today we meet two of those talented people involved in very different projects for another Five Minutes With…

REMY BEASLEY

Welsh actor Remy Beasley is best known for her roles in hit BBC comedy Tourist Trap, as well as in Ruth Jones' comedy drama Stella. She's currently rehearsing a new dark comedy at Theatr Clwyd, For The Grace Of You Go I, written by BAFTA award-winner Alan Harris, which opens on Saturday, June 12.

Remy Beasley, set to star in For The Grace Of You Go I at Theatr Clwyd.

Remy Beasley, set to star in For The Grace Of You Go I at Theatr Clwyd.

What was your first experience of performing theatre?

I begrudgingly played narrator when my junior school did The Snowman because I was a confident reader but my first I love of this moment was in secondary school. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Wanted Violet Beauregarde, got Mrs Gloop. Which is the story of my life. But I loved it and never looked back.

Who are the actors you admire and why?

I admire all the actors who get the work done with integrity and a sense of humour. People like Kate O'Flynn, Billie Piper, Lesley Sharp. I'll never not be drawn to funny, bold women. There's tons of them. Micheala Coel. Saoirse Ronan. And I'll throw in Andrew Scott because he's just the absolute best.

You've performed in a play written by Alan Harris before, what makes his writing so special?

He has such an idiosyncratic turn of phrase. I would know an Alan Harris play even if his name wasn't stamped on the front page.

The way he carves pictures that are so vivid, so imaginable for an audience is a real skill. He creates these madcap worlds and characters that are truly in his own voice. He's a one off.

What's For The Grace Of You Go I about?

It's about pressure. And mental health. And work. And isolation. Playing your part. Jim is a man suffering from depersonalisation who is encouraged back to the work place as part of a special scheme.

Through highlighting his issues we realise that all the characters in the play are all battling something.

What's your character like?

Irina is an optimistic woman in a new managerial position at work. She's ambitious and really wants to make a difference in the workplace.

We soon realise that the trickle down pressure from management is really getting to her and she starts to unravel. Both in work and at home.

What do you do to relax/in your spare time?

I do Yoga With Adrienne. I love her so much. She's genuinely changed the way I start my days.

Or I'll watch another episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. The new UK season was extraordinary telly. Soul affirming stuff.

Bimini Bon Boulash and Tayce are my new living icons. Also, I drink gin.

For The Grace Of You Go I is at Theatr Clwyd from Saturday, June 12, with tickets from just £10. Booking available at theatrclwyd.com or by calling 01352 344101.

ALED TUDOR MARSHMAN

Flintshire Music Service joined Theatr Clwyd in 2020 as the creative arts came together under one roof ensuring their long-term survival. Led by director of music, Aled Tudor Marshman, the music team provides music lessons to over 2,500 young people every year.

Theatr Clwyd director of music, Aled Tudor Marshman.

Theatr Clwyd director of music, Aled Tudor Marshman.

What's your role in the music service?

I lead our team of over 30 musicians who teach and excite young people about playing music.

How were you introduced to music?

It's a cliché (and probably too closely related to an ABBA song), but I can't remember my life without music; my mum and dad are both musicians and I would attend their rehearsals from a very early age.

I started violin lessons at the age of seven and wanted to give up daily until I was 11, when I started to play in orchestras.

What's the best thing about working for the music service?

Being involved in people's learning; recognising and valuing their achievements and sharing musical experiences is a privilege.

What challenges did Covid-19 bring?

Moving our lessons online! Thankfully our team were amazing in providing a variety of free online content and lessons for our students. We have received some beautiful performances in response to the content and seeing the joy music making brings has been a timely reminder of the power of music.

Why should people get involved with music?

Well now is the time to get signed up to learn. To be involved with music can increase brain power, develop resilience, promote wellbeing and you can make lifelong friendships.

What's the Theatr Clwyd Eisteddfod?

We're having a digital Eisteddfod celebrating the amazing musicians in our county - it's a fantastic opportunity to share your musical passions and maybe win a medal or prize too. There's more information on our website at theatrclwyd.com/tceisteddfod21.

What's been your favourite show at Theatr Clwyd?

If I had to pick one favourite from so many fabulous shows it would be Pavilion in 2019. I can still hear Caitlin Drake's amazing version of the song Laura so clearly in my head.

• For details on all events at Theatr Clwyd or to book, visit theatrclwyd.com or call 01352 344101.