A Flintshire theatre has announced the cast for a production telling the tale of the famous Ladies of Llangollen.

Theatr Clwyd's new production of Celebrated Virgins: A Story of the Ladies of Llangollen, is created by Katie Elin-Salt and Eleri B. Jones.

This inspiring new play is based on the remarkable true love story of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby. In the 1700s, Eleanor and Sarah fled their Irish homes to live together for 50 years in Plas Newydd, Llangollen.

The Ladies of Llangollen have since become two LGBTQ+ Welsh icons whose story has been speculated throughout history. Told for the first time from their point of view, on their own terms, Celebrated Virgins explores their story of love, courage, and bravery to live their true lives.

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The show opens at Theatr Mix, Theatr Clwyd's temporary theatre space in The Village, on May 24, with previews from May 20, and runs until June 4.

Katie and Eleri are familiar faces to Theatr Clwyd, with both partaking in various training schemes at the venue.

Katie was a Writer in Residence in 2020 as part of the TYFU|GROW Creative Development Programme. She has also performed many times at the venue, most recently as Fairy Daffodil in the 2019 panto Jack and The Beanstalk. Eleri took part in the Theatr Clwyd Carne Traineeship for Directors in Wales.

Celebrated Virgins stars Victoria John (Pavilion, Theatr Clwyd) as Eleanor, Heather Agyepong (Noughts & Crosses, Mercury Theatre Colchester/Pilot Theatre) as Sarah, Seán Carlsen (Doctor Who, BBC) as Sir William and Emma Pallant (LAVA Nottingham Playhouse) as Lady Betty/Mary. These professional actors are joined by a group of local community performers that will take on a variety of other roles in the production.

When Eleanor and Sarah found each other, they were forced to leave their homes and cast out by society. Taking up residence in Llangollen they became minor celebrities, forced to witness their own lives written about by those who could never understand. Now, they are back, ready to take back the story that's rightfully theirs - on their own terms.

This production follows their journey to Plas Newydd, their home for over 50 years in Llangollen, and explores their bravery and fear, living in a community which doesn't always understand them.

When talking about the show Katie and Eleri said: "We are thrilled to finally be able to bring this important and historic story to the stage, nearly 250 years after it started. We are so grateful to Theatr Clwyd, The Carne Trust, and to Tamara Harvey, for supporting us and giving us the platform to help these women reclaim their life story for a modern audience.

• Celebrated Virgins will be performed at Theatr Clwyd from Friday, May 20 until Saturday, June 4, in Theatr Mix. Tickets are from £10. Booking available at www.theatrclwyd.com or from the box office on 01352 344101.