Abigail’s Arts Award 2025

PRESS RELEASE FROM THEATR GWAUN –  June 2025

THEATR GWAUN GETS BEHIND
YOUNG PEMBROKESHIRE TALENT!

During the May Bank Holiday weekend, performers from across Pembrokeshire took to the stage in a battle to be crowned this year’s winners of Abigail’s Arts Award.

Young people from across the county applied for the award and judges whittled down the applicants to five finalists who performed live in the theatre on May 3^rd.

The audience on the day were treated to a broad range of talent from guitar and harp playing to singing and film making.

Based on their performances and their application, the judges picked harpist Eliza Bradbury and film maker Nicola Anderson to each receive a cheque for £500!

The award, set up in 2022, is run by Theatr Gwaun and is funded by the Goswell family as a way to honour the legacy of Abigail Goswell who passed away from breast cancer.

Eliza is an 18 year old from Haverfordwest who hopes to have a career in acting and music. She impressed the judges, not just with her incredible harp skills and musicality but her stage presence and dramatic flair! She’s already won the title ‘best young harpist in Wales’ in 2024, so we can expect big things from Eliza. She told us she will mainly spend the money on transport costs as she heads off to Uni in Leeds and finds it difficult transporting her huge harp to gigs and rehearsals.

Eliza said “Being a part of this award was such an incredible experience, and being chosen as one of the winners is a huge honour. Abigail Arts Awards is such a wonderful event, and the reason behind it is even more so. Thank you for letting me be a part of this, and to all the support you give to future performers like myself”.

Nicola is 24 and Fishguard born and bred. She showcased the impressive short film she made at Uni, which had never been shown on the big screen before. Entitled ‘String theory’ it’s actually a description of gravity and particle physics told through dance! The judges were impressed with the maturity of the piece and her choreography and art direction.  Nicola says she will spend the money on a new camera to start work on her next film. She says she’s passionate about getting a career in the film and TV industry. Watch this space!

Nicola said “Abigail’s Arts Awards is a lovely event in the memory of Abigail, it’s a unique way to network with other artists and see local talent. Having been given such a generous award, I have decided to put the winnings towards making another short film, which is already in the works. Theatr Gwaun is a friendly little hub and appreciated by other creatives living in Fishguard, so I would highly recommend others in the arts to submit their work and see what comes of it”.

The audience at the event at Theatr Gwaun were also treated to a beautiful opening video from actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones who urged everyone to get behind the young artists and support the award.

They also watched last year’s winner Carys Wood from Saundersfoot perform live with several trumpet pieces accompanied by David Pepper on the piano. She’d had a busy year since winning in 2024 and had spent it travelling the country and performing in numerous bands and shows.

Abigail’s sister Emma MC’d the show and said “I love coming back to Fishguard to be part of this event. I really hope Abigail would be proud of the legacy we’ve created in her name. There is so much talent in Pembrokeshire, and I adore seeing them perform on the stage at Theatr Gwaun. I urge any aspiring artists or performers to apply for our award in 2026. The future is bright!”.

Applications for Abigail’s Arts Award 2026 will open soon. Keep an eye on the Theatr Gwaun website for more information