A YOUTH theatre project based in Ammanford has scooped two prestigious titles at the inaugural Welsh Cultural Impact Awards. Dyffryn Aman Youth Theatre, a project of Mess Up The Mess Theatre Company, was shortlisted in three categories and went on to win Community and Education Project of the Year, as well as Facilitator of the Year.
Mess Up The Mess Theatre Company is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been transforming young lives through theatre and the arts since 2005. With a strong focus on reaching some of the most marginalised young people in the community, the company runs workshops and productions that empower participants to explore their identities, raise their voices, and build confidence.
At the heart of this work is Dyffryn Aman Youth Theatre, which has delivered weekly bilingual drama sessions in Ammanford and Gwaun Cae Gurwen since 2007. Open to young people aged 11–25 and free to attend, these sessions attract over 45 participants each week. The workshops provide a supportive, creative space where young people can develop performance skills, make new friends, and engage in important conversations.
Former participant Cerian Wilshire-Davies shared how the theatre group changed her life.
She said: “Growing up rurally and working class, there were very few opportunities to engage in creative activities. Mess Up The Mess gave me a free space to gain confidence, make friends, and explore themes important to me.
“The experience shaped my identity, developed my facilitation skills, and led to my current role as a Lead Artist on their Queertawe project. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”
The Facilitator of the Year award went to Joanne Shackley for her inspiring work on the company’s Yfory Project, which brings together young people across South Wales to lead community action initiatives. Joanne, who began her journey with Mess Up The Mess at the start of her career, now also works with Carmarthenshire Theatres, using her expertise to help local venues become more inclusive and representative of their communities.
Artistic Director and founder Sarah Jones said: “We are thrilled to have won these awards and to have Joanne’s enormous contribution recognised. Jo has been with us since 2012, and we’ve grown together as artists and facilitators.
“We’re deeply honoured to be acknowledged alongside inspirational organisations from across Wales.”
In addition to their wins, Mess Up The Mess’s Queertawe project—delivered in partnership with Swansea’s LGBTQI+ community—was shortlisted in the Culture and Health category. This groundbreaking project continues to amplify LGBTQI+ voices through creative expression.
The Welsh Cultural Impact Awards are organised by Get The Chance! and celebrate the vital work arts organisations are doing to create positive change in communities across Wales.
