14 October 2013

Original new series and adaptations of international cartoons will start on S4C over the next few months.

The two original Welsh-language series are Tref a Tryst (Tref and Tryst), a Boom Pictures Cymru production, and Straeon Tŷ Pen (Last House Stories), a Ceidiog Cyf production.

Trystan Ellis-Morris, a presenter of S4C's Cyw service, and a mischievous puppet dog called Tref will be starring on Tref a Tryst; the series broadcast at 4.35pm every Thursday from 24 October. The series which is suitable for children up to 8 years old will include a live computer based game called 'Sawl Selsig?' (How many sausages?). In the game which uses pioneering voice-controlling technology the children must chose one dog, Dot, Stwffin, Fflwff or Triog, and then shout the dog's name as loudly as possible. The louder they shout the faster their chosen dog will move across the screen collecting sausages on the way! Children can take part and be in with a chance of winning great prizes every week on Tref a Tryst.

On Straeon Tŷ Pen a collection of new original stories will be narrated by well-known actors and entertainers from Wales. Steffan Rhodri – aka Dave Coaches from Gavin and Stacey – Mari Lovgreen and Caryl Parry Jones will be among those telling stories on the series which goes out at 8.10am every Tuesday from 15 October. Spectacular drawings from artist such as Laurent Durieux and David Boyle will also appear on screen and the narrators will be stepping onto the pages and into the imaginary world!

And in an effort to translate well-known international brands into Welsh so that the children of Wales can enjoy these fantastic cartoons in their first language, series Sara a Cwac (Sarah and Duck) and Tatws Newydd (Small Potatoes) will also be starting on the Channel this autumn.

Antena are the production company responsible for adapting the likeable cartoon Sara a Cwac which follows the inquisitive young girl and her best friend Duck. The series goes out every Monday at 8.35am from 21 October. And Cwmni Da will be adapting cartoon series Small Potatoes which will be called Tatws Newydd in Welsh. Tatws Newydd is packed with lively songs which teach the young audience about all sorts, from the imagination to works of art and the changing seasons. The potatoes are voiced by eight children from Ysgol Glanaethwy arts performance school in Bangor.

Sioned Wyn Roberts, Content Commissioner and commissioner for children's programmes on S4C said:

"We hope that children like the variety of new programmes and characters appearing on Cyw this season. There will be fresh new stories, wonderful animations, a cheeky puppet and talented potatoes who love to sing and dance. Here are programmes that delve right into the world of a small child and offer pure entertainment. S4C tries to make sure that there's something for everyone on the Channel so we hope that our youngest viewers will enjoy the new programmes when they begin."

Ends