It really is amazing to think that tonight we launch the second year of National Theatre Wales.  Our last launch - in November 2009, seems an age ago, and also yesterday!

Back then there was a certain crazy thrill to saying 'We'll do one show a month every month for a year, each one in a different place, each taking a different approach to theatre.' It seemed both a bit insane and exhilerating.  And they we'd add 'Plus one spectacular finale!' - not quite imagining what we really meant by that!

Well - we did it!  And if that sounds a bit boastful, then bear with me tonight at least! It's said with pride, but also with heartfelt thanks to all the many people who made it happen through their creativity, their effort, and their sheer optimistic good will.

At every point in the journey, we were all always buoyed up by the fact that everyone around us seemed to want us to succeed, and wanted to be part of that success.

I really think we all find ourselves now at a great moment for Welsh theatre.  Not just because of NTW - also because of all the energy that is coming up on the fringe, and all the more established artists who seem to be entirely unafraid of taking new risks.

We're having a party tonight for the people who worked on our Year 1 shows, and also here online for the digital community that has been at the heart of our work.  Lucy and I will be popping into online chat to say hello, and at midnight the new programme all goes live with a slightly bonkers launch video aired at the stroke of 12. 

It's been such a joy to share the journey so far with you all.  But this is just the beginning.  Here's to a bold, brilliant future for Welsh theatre - and for all of us!