Clwyd Theatr Cymru was originally built as a Regional Arts Centre.  Created through the vision of the old Flintshire County Council and its Chief Executive Haydn Rees, Theatr Clwyd was opened in 1976. Located a mile from Mold town centre in North East Wales, the building incorporates five performance venues: The Anthony Hopkins Theatre (569 seats), Emlyn Williams Theatre (250 seats), Studio 2 (120), multi-function Clwyd Room (up to 300) and Cinema (112). There is also a bookshop, a restaurant and three art galleries.Previous Artistic Directors have been George Roman, Toby Robertson, and Helena Kaut-Howson.

Terry Hands accepted the post of Director on 2 May 1997. The name changed to Clwyd Theatr Cymru in 1998 to reflect the theatre’s new national identity and remit following the changes brought about by Local Government Reorganisation in Wales. In 1998 the theatre won the Barclays/TMA Theatre of the Year award and in 1999 was designated a Welsh National Performing Arts Company by the Arts Council of Wales.