Theatre lovers will be able to access productions more easily

The mobile theatre had to be withdrawn two years ago when its commercial sponsorship ran out.

However, the Welsh Assembly Government has stepped in with a one-off grant of �100,000 to get it back up and running.

It is the second time the assembly has stepped in to ease the financial pressures on the theatre.

In 2002 ministers agreed to pay off its �1m debts to Flintshire Council.

Many communities in Wales are missing out on the chance to enjoy good quality drama Alun Pugh, Culture Minister

An action plan was also introduced and the theatre in Mold is now in a more secure financial situation.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru now receives two-thirds of its funding from the Arts Council of Wales.

Flintshire Council provides the remainder.

The theatre's director Terry Hands has constantly challenged ministers to ease the funding crisis for the arts in Wales.

The re-introduction of the mobile theatre will help the organisation's finances and ensure theatre lovers can access quality drama.

Outreach work

Culture Minister Alun Pugh said the grant was to bring theatre into new communities and within reach of more people in Wales.

The mobile unit, transported on two articulated lorries, will be setting up at schools and leisure centres around Wales.

The aim is to make it the focus for a week's activities for an entire community, including education and outreach work, workshops with actors and directors talks.

"Many communities in Wales are missing out on the chance to enjoy good quality drama because they are too far away from the main theatres making it difficult and expensive to travel to them," said Mr Pugh.

"This is particularly true of the most deprived communities in Wales.