09 April 2013

S4C looking for people to take part in ambitious new historical reality series

S4C is looking for individuals and families to take part in a new series to be shown this autumn, which will see them living in a Welsh gentry estate, and experiencing a taste of life as it was 100 years ago.

A Boom Pictures production for S4C, Y Plas (The Country House) promises to be an ambitious living history series taking a group of people back to the Wales of 1910.

Y Plas will show what life was like in a posh Welsh mansion just after the turn of the last century. The series will be broadcast on S4C this autumn, but before that can happen, Y Plas needs to be filled with people.

The offer is open to individuals and families of all ages. The selected few will live and work in a great Wales mansion for three weeks this September.

Could you be a maid, a butler or perhaps a cook? Or how about stepping into the shoes of the Squire, or the lady of the house?

Y Plas offers a special opportunity to dress, eat, work and live exactly as our forefathers would have done in 1910, and each step will be followed closely by a camera crew, bringing the best to the S4C viewers.

Llion Iwan, Factual Programmes Commissioner for S4C said:

"We're really looking forward to bringing the period to S4C, and to give the people on the show some fantastic experiences, as well as great entertainment for the viewers at home. There will be a children's programme broadcast alongside Y Plas, as well as an educational website, so all in all we hope the series truly brings the history to life."

The house at Llanerchaeron is an 18th-century Welsh gentry estate that belongs to the National Trust.

Paul Boland, manager of the estate said:

"The staff and volunteers at Llanerchaeron are really excited about working with S4C on Y Plas. It will give us a unique opportunity to see this special place brought to life with people living like “real live” Edwardians.

"It will be really fascinating to see how soft the modern welsh person has become. Carrying water, using coal instead of living with central heating, electric cooking, and even simple things such as putting butter on your toast - this meant that someone had to churn the buttermilk and knead the dough. It will really be interesting to see how people cope with being served and serving others.”

For more information and an application form, contact the production team on yplas@yplas.tv / 02920 671540. The closing date for entries is Monday 13 May 2013.