01 December 2015

 S4C's new political drama Byw Celwydd had its first showing at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay tonight (Tuesday, 1 December) in the exact place where many of the scenes where filmed.

The eight-episode series, which starts on Sunday, 3 January 2016 at 9.00 on S4C, portrays the conflict between fictional journalists, advisors and politicians who are all members of fictional parties in Cardiff Bay. Following elections, a coalition is in power, between three parties, The New Conservatives, Nationalists and The Democrats with the Socialists in opposition.

The series deals with current and timely stories, including problems within the health boards, education, local government, women's rights and foreign affairs, to name just a few.

There will be several dramatic stories as journalist Angharad Wynne, played by actress Catherine Ayers, tries to uncover the lead characters' political and personal aims. Byw Celwydd boasts a strong and experienced cast.

The Welsh Assembly's Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM is sponsoring the launch, and will also give a speech. Dafydd Rhys, S4C's Director of Content and Broadcast will also address the audience before Byw Celwydd's premiere screening at the Senedd.

The Senedd has welcomed the Byw Celwydd cast to film in many areas of the building. The political drama has been filmed in a variety of locations in and around Cardiff, including Butetown, Dinas Powys and Penarth.

Created by the successful team behind hit S4C drama series Teulu and the powerful film Ryan a Ronnie, it is the brainchild of producer Branwen Cennard and celebrated playwright Meic Povey.

The production company Tarian has brought in writer Sian Naomi to work in the scriptwriting team, as well as an impressive production team which includes Eryl Huw Phillips and Gareth Rowlands.

It boasts a stellar cast including Broadchurch and 35 Diwrnod star Mathew Gravelle, Catherine Ayres who starred in S4C drama Tir, as well as experienced actors, including Sara Lloyd Gregory, Richard Elfyn, Eiry Thomas and Mark Lewis Jones.

Gwawr Martha Lloyd, S4C's Drama Commissioner said that it's fitting that Byw Celwydd has its premiere at the Senedd.

Gwawr Martha Lloyd says, "Byw Celwydd is a fictional drama, but the themes and characters have been inspired by the existence of the Senedd, our national democratic establishment. We're proud that the Assembly's Presiding Officer has invited us to come to the iconic building to launch the series, and hope that Assembly Members, as well as the people who elect them, enjoy all the planning and plotting, the political visions and thirst and power, the love and lies – the roots of all great drama."