A tale as old as time sees good come from crime

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin joined the final dress rehearsal of local activity group Kaleidoscope’s new production of Beauty and the Beast in Colwyn Bay on May 13. The Commissioner experienced the group’s fabulous show and acting skills, learnt about the important work the group is doing in the local community, and saw how money taken from criminals is being used for the good of the people of North Wales.

The two-night production of the Disney classic took place at Theatr Colwyn at 7pm on Saturday 13 May, followed by a matinee at 1pm on Sunday 14 May, and involved nearly 60 children from across the Conwy area. The rehearsal took place in front of the PCC, and friends and families of the actors for a final practice ahead of the Big Night.

Kaleidoscope was one of the recent winners of the Your Community, Your Choice funding awards, and is a weekly activity and theatre company, founded in 2003, that provides a regular meeting place for children between ages 5 to 18. It has a particular focus on encouraging them to continue their work as they mentor the younger children and show them responsibility, manners and an avenue to creativeness. The funding from Your Community, Your Choice is helping support the cost of room hire and personnel to ensure that the Kaleidoscope family continues to thrive.

Your Community, Your Choice is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023 and, over the past ten years, a total of over £500,000 has been awarded to more than 150 projects working to reduce crime in their areas and to support the priorities in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. The funding for Your Community, Your Choice comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest from the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

The Kaleidoscope Committee said: “We are Conwy Kaleidoscope, an inclusive community-led youth theatre group for children aged 5-18, supporting children with disabilities as well as low-income families. We offer a safe, warm environment, providing a space for young performers to channel their energies and build their confidence. For some vulnerable children this is the only group activity that they participate in outside of school; Kaleidoscope is a lifeline to children and parents alike.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “I was delighted to join Kaleidoscope for the rehearsal ahead of their production of Beauty and the Beast. The young people and budding actors did a fantastic job, and I am sure that the local community supports them in their endeavours.

“Giving young people something active and creative to do is hugely important and Kaleidoscope do great work in giving a positive outlet for local young people’s energy. It's also very fitting that the funding for Your Community, Your Choice should come partly from money seized from criminals and showing that these funds can be put to good use for the benefit of the wider community.”

PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers stated: “Grass roots projects are the life blood for improving communities across North Wales, making them safer and more resilient places to live. Kaleidoscope is a great example of this in action and it’s a pleasure to be able to support them through Your Community, Your Choice.”

North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop said: “This is a fantastic activity group which is making a big difference to the lives of children and young people in Conwy. The activities they provide in terms of offering diversions, activities and support to young people is much needed and am sure their future productions will be just as much of a success.”