19 December 2011
Members of the Rhosllannerchrugog community are to set up their own amateur dramatic society after enjoying success in creating a festive pantomime for Welsh language Channel S4C.
The stars of fly-on-the-wall series Seren Nadolig Rhos (Rhos Star of Christmas) got together days after their final production of ‘Wizard o Rhos, Uffe’n’ to discuss future projects and the creation of Cwmni Theatr Uffe’n, which is the project’s working title.
Locals are now planning their next production in the New Year.
Seren Nadolig Rhos was officially launched in the village of Rhos back in September by local impresario Stifyn Parri. Stifyn, who is no stranger to performing on stage and producing big showpieces, set the challenge of creating a pantomime at the Stiwt Theatre. That panto would then be broadcast on S4C on Christmas Day.
Dylan Williams, one of the panto’s producers, says “I’ve made new friends for life, developed new skills and developed a passion for performing whilst working on ‘Wizard o Rhos, Uffe’n’ over the past few months. We were all agreed that we didn’t want this journey to end so the wheels are now in motion for us to continue with productions in 2012 and beyond. As a group, we’re grateful to Stifyn and the production team for giving us this opportunity and for bringing a real community spirit back to Rhos.”
New friendships have been formed since Seren Nadolig Rhos began and the village continues to meet at the Stiwt each week to watch the programmes broadcast on S4C.
Stifyn explains, “I’m thrilled to hear that the cast and crew are planning to set up an amateur dramatic group after the television cameras have left. This is only the beginning of their journey. Knowing that S4C has managed to leave a legacy in the area is the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for. I’ll certainly be reserving my tickets for their next project.
“Back in September, the panto was just a little seed in my head and now that seed has blossomed into something amazing. Watching the project develop has been a real highlight of my career. Their final performances last weekend were outstanding and they received a well-deserved standing ovation by the sell-out audience. ”
S4C’s Director of Communications, Garffild Lloyd Lewis, says “Seren Nadolig Rhos has captured the imagination of our viewers and the finale will be one of S4C’s Christmas Day highlights. It’s obvious the project has had an impact in the Rhosllannerchrugog area too, and we’re delighted to hear that local residents are keen to continue with activities.”
Seren Nadolig Rhos reaches its conclusion on Christmas Day at 17:50. Previous episodes of the series can also be seen on S4C’s online catch-up service, s4c.co.uk/clic.
Seren Nadolig Rhos
Christmas Day, 17:50, S4C
Ends
