10 August 2017
• S4C introduces three brand new drama series: Bang; Un Bore Mercher; Craith.
• The dramas will lead the channel's schedule from September onwards and are being presented for the first time at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey.
A thrilling story about blood, love and human relationships set in the steel town of Port Talbot is the first in a season of brand new dramas on S4C.
Bang begins on Sunday 10 September, with two other drama series' – Un Bore Mercher and Craith – set to fill the screen until spring 2018.
Bang, produced by Joio and created by acclaimed writer Roger Williams (Tir, Galesa, Gwaith Cartref), is a story of a brother, a sister and a gun. Loner Sam (Jacob Ifan, Cuffs) has his life transformed when he comes into possession of a gun and starts to break the law. His ambitious policewoman sister Gina (Catrin Stewart, Doctor Who, Stella) is paid to uphold it and makes it her mission to find the owner of the weapon. The family saga plays out against an inquiry into the shooting of a local businessman that raises questions for Sam
This series is firmly rooted in its location in Port Talbot and the Afan Valley, and Bang breaks new ground for S4C where the purposeful use of English dialogue is used to reflect aspects of this community.
In November, we leave industrial Port Talbot behind, and we're taken to a peaceful pretty town in Carmarthenshire in the series Un Bore Mercher (translation: one Wednesday morning). Here we meet Faith (Eve Myles; Torchwood) a solicitor and devoted mother and wife. This series is focused on the relationship between husband and wife as Faith embarks on a perilous journey to discover the truth about her partner after he disappears without a trace one weekday morning.
We're then taken to Snowdonia, the stunning setting for Craith (translation: scar), screened in January 2018. When a young woman's body is discovered in a remote river, DI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams; 35 Diwrnod) is drawn into an investigation that changes her life forever.
The first opportunity to see the three dramas, and to hear cast and crew members discuss the stories, was at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey today, Thursday 10 August.
At the event to discuss all three stories was Bang actor Jacob Ifan and writer Roger Williams, actress Hannah Daniel from Un Bore Mercher, and Craith producer Hannah Thomas and actress Lois Meleri Jones.
"We are pleased to bring three new dramas, three original stories that will enthral viewers throughout the autumn and winter," says Gethin Scourfield, acting S4C Drama Content Commissioner, whilst Gwawr Martha Lloyd is on maternity leave.
"The three series will take us to different parts of Wales, to very different communities, in the company of characters from all backgrounds, with stories that will thrill and tug at the heartstrings."
S4C is working with partners to produce these new dramas. Un Bore Mercher and Craith are co-commissions with BBC Wales, with two other versions - titled Keeping Faith and Hidden – created simultaneously for later broadcast on BBC One Wales. International sales on Craith will be handled by All3Media International, APC will distribute Un Bore Mercher and Banijay Rights will distribute Bang to international broadcasters.
New dramas on S4C this autumn and winter:
Bang
Sunday 10 September, 2017
Bang is the story of a brother, a sister and a gun. Loner Sam (Jacob Ifan, Cuffs) has his life transformed when he comes into possession of a gun and starts to break the law. His ambitious policewoman sister Gina (Catrin Stewart, Doctor Who, Stella) is paid to uphold it and makes it her mission to find the owner of the weapon. The family saga plays out against an inquiry into the shooting of a local businessman that raises questions for Sam and Gina about their father's murder when they were young children. Bang is a crime drama about blood, love and human relationships set in the steel town of Port Talbot.
Among the cast are: Jacob Ifan (Cuffs), Catrin Stewart (Y Llyfrgell, Doctor Who, Stella), Gillian Ellisa (Billy Elliot, Alys, Pobol y Cwm), Gareth Jewell (Gwaith Cartref, Baker Boys), Nia Roberts (Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Patagonia)
Produced by Joio; Roger Williams, Catrin Lewis Defis in association with Artists Studio.
Distributors: Banijay Rights
Un Bore Mercher
November 2017
Eve Myles who plays the title role in the drama mystery about the relationship between husband and wife, set in Carmarthenshire. It tells the story of Faith (Eve Myles) a lawyer, wife and mother, and her struggle to get to the bottom of the unexpected and sudden disappearance of her husband. She discovers that her home in the picturesque town, which is a haven for her and her family, also harbours dark secrets which threaten their future. In pursuit of the truth, Faith steps out of her comfortable existence, as a devout mother and wife, and becomes an uncompromising detective – battling for to her family in her quest to discover the truth. For the first time, she is willing to take risks, and she finds strength to seek out the truth.
The series was developed by S4C and is a co-commission with BBC Wales. It will be broadcast on S4C first in November 2017 and then the English version Keeping Faith on BBC One Wales in 2018.
Among the cast are: Eve Myles, Matthew Gravelle (35 Diwrnod, Y Gwyll / Hinterland, Broadchurch), Mali Harries (Y Gwyll / Hinterland), Mark Lewis Jones (Byw Celwydd, Stella, National Treasure) and Aneurin Hughes (Y Gwyll / Hinterland, Pobol y Cwm).
Produced by Vox Pictures; Pip Broughton and Nora Ostler
Created by Matthew Hall
Distributors: APC
Craith
January 2018
This drama is set against the stunning backdrop of north west Wales, around the city of Bangor and the peaks of Snowdonia National Park. The series tells the story of detective DI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams) who returns to North Wales to care for her father who is in ill health. However, when a young woman's body is discovered in a remote river, Cadi's world - and the world of those around her - is changed forever.
It will be first broadcast on S4C early in 2018 as Craith. A bilingual version, Hidden will follow later on BBC One Wales.
Among the cast are: Sian Reese-Williams (35 Diwrnod, Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Requiem), Rhodri Meilir (Byw Celwydd, Pride), Gwyneth Keyworth (Wasted) and Sion Alun Davies (Endeavor, Y Gwyll/Hinterland).
A Severn Screen Production
Created by Mark Andrew and Ed Talfan
Writers: Caryl Lewis, Jeff Murphy, James Rourke
Producer: Hannah Thomas
Distributors: All3Media International
