News | na nÓg

Operation Julie is back to 'prog-rock' the UK

Sell-out psychedelic stage musical returns for UK tour

“A funny yet thought-provoking script, terrific acid-head soundtrack and a superb ensemble cast of actor- musicians made this, quite rightly, one of the audience hits of the year”
The Stage

Audiences, last year were left in awe after experiencing the hit musical Operation Julie.

Operation Julie: famed LSD drug bust musical returns after sell-out tour

Over the past half century, it has been the subject of books, documentaries, a classic Clash song – and a great deal of mythologising.

Operation Julie, the police drug bust in mid-Wales that broke up a global LSD supply ring was turned into a musical in 2022, with a strong eco message created with the help of some of those at the centre of the saga. Following its spectacular success, the show is returning for an 8-week UK tour.

Pupils from St Thomas Community Primary smiling holding their certificates, large cheque and trophy in front of a screen which reads 1st place

St Thomas Community Primary wins Carolyn Davies Creative Learning Award 2024

Theatr na nÓg’s production inspires school children to compete for creative learning award in memory of local school advisor.

“The theatre makers of the future are here, and we have to nurture and celebrate them.”

The Fight - 'Breeding Boxers on the Breadline' with a photo of Cuthbert Taylor and two white boys

'The Fight' - Open Auditions

We are excited to be holding auditions for

The Fight

on February 8th 2024

In the deprived valleys of the 1930s, boxing was more than just a sport; it was a way out of poverty. Merthyr-born Cuthbert Taylor, now seen as one of the best boxers of his generation, should have had the opportunity to fight for a British title, but was denied this chance because of the colour-bar.

International Theatre About Science Conference 2023

In what has been another busy season for Theatr na nÓg, with not one but two successful productions performing to audiences across South Wales, the company will also be representing Wales at the International Theatre About Science Conference in Coimbra in Portugal next week.

Operation Julie is back to 'prog-rock' the UK

Sell-out psychedelic stage musical returns for UK tour

“A funny yet thought-provoking script, terrific acid-head soundtrack and a superb ensemble cast of actor- musicians made this, quite rightly, one of the audience hits of the year”
The Stage

Audiences, last year were left in awe after experiencing the hit musical Operation Julie.

Students from Blaenymaes hold their first place certificates

Blaenymaes Primary School wins creative learning award

Theatr na nÓg celebrate school's project inspired by live theatre production

"The theatre makers of the future are here, and we have to nurture and celebrate them."

Wallace returns to Usk for his 200th birthday

Sebastian Harker

Welsh theatre company Theatr na nÓg is proud to be commemorating the 200th birthday of the celebrated naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, on the 8th of January 2023 in Usk, his place of birth, with special performances of the award-winning play You Should Ask Wallace.

Operation Julie: Audience Response

Our new show, Operation Julie, is a psychedelic true story from the hillsides of rural Wales. We have turned the story of the undercover operation that smashed one of the most extraordinary drug rings the world has ever seen into a must-see musical for all Welsh music fans. But don’t just take our word for it. After its first week in Aberystwyth Arts Centre, the locals and the media have been responding.

Photographs by Dimitris Legakis from Athena Pictures Agency.

OPERATION JULIE: “It’s part of our cultural folklore.”

Nick Davies

Over four decades ago, rural west Wales was at the centre of the greatest drugs bust in history. The police investigation, OPERATION JULIE, resulted in dozens of arrests and the discovery of LSD worth £100 million. A brand-new musical play from Theatr na nÓg and Aberystwyth Arts Centre explores the story from both sides of the drugs divide – the police, and the hippies who settled in Ceredigion hoping to spread their ideals in a changing society. NICK DAVIES talks to those who were there, and those who know them, about a revolution that changed the world…

Operation Julie – The drugs bust in rural 1970s Wales that shook the world

UPDATE: Following the first tour's success, Operation Julie is back by popular demand for a 2024 UK Tour!

Click here for further details and to book tickets

A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a red dress accepting an award from a man dressed as a red Christmas bauble

Celebration of the Arts Awards 2021 (Arts & Business Cymru)

We are delighted to have received The Admiral Prize at the Arts and Business Cymru, Celebration of the Arts Awards 2021.

A four picture collage of people helping to install a pollinator garden

Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson’s new garden set to give nature a helping hand

Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School have been awarded a new garden package by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Illustration of a book with pages flying out of it and a boy with headphones on.

Goslef Press Release

To coincide with World Storytelling Day, Theatr na nÓg launches an online resource for young children to access original Welsh language stories.