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take their first ever musical theatre production on a tour of Wales this week.

This production couldn't be more different from the hugely successful, large-scale Passion that took over Port Talbot during the Easter bank holiday weekend. The modern take on the traditional passion play, starring Michael Sheen, drew thousands of spectators to the town and Aberavon beach to witness the spectacle.

The Village Social, which has been created by Dafydd James and Ben Lewis, will instead play to much smaller audiences when it tours village halls across Wales.

The Village Social cast members: Gwydion Rhys, Darren Lawrence, Rebecca Harries, Oliver Wood, Carys Eleri and Sue Roderick. Image: Warren Orchard/National Theatre Wales

Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio Wales reporter Huw Thomas has been behind the scenes at rehearsals for the production, which enjoys its first show in Rudry, Caerphilly tonight. In his piece, which was broadcast on Good Morning Wales earlier today, Huw speaks to Dafydd James, the co-creator and musical director, who explains a little about the production and actor Darren Lawrence, who says that touring small venues is crucial in attracting new theatre audiences.

Creators of The Village Social, Ben Lewis and Dafydd James. Image: Warren Orchard/National Theatre Wales

Huw also speaks to Catherine Paskell who speaks about working with youngsters from Valley Kids, just one of the groups of young people who will be working with the theatre as part of the production in each of the tour locations.

Take a listen to the piece:

The Village Social tours Wales throughout October and November 2011. Find out more about the production, and see where it's being performed near you, on the website.

You can also hear more about it on the Radio Wales Arts Show next Wednesday at 7 o'clock.