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Llyfr Mawr y Plant
CLASSIC children's stories, much loved by Welsh youngsters and their parents over the last 70 years, are being given a new musical lease of life.
Director Tony Llewelyn Roberts is staging Llyfr Mawr Y Plant, the Children's Big Book Musical, combining two stories from the first volumes of the books, by Jennie Thomas from Bethesda and JO Williams of Betws y Coed, published in 1931.
The tales have been adapted for stage by TV writer Gareth F Williams.
S4C's Sian James plays farmer's wife Begw, Iwan Charles from Llanrhaeadr is the loveable Wil Cwac Cwac, while actor and comedian Eilir Jones the old man of the woods, Twm Larwm.
Other well-known faces include Neil "Maffia" Williams, Delyth Eirwyn, Merfyn Pierce Jones, Siwan Llynor Carys Gwilym, Arwel Wyn Roberts, Darren Stokes and Catrin Jane Evans.
Tony said: "One story is about Begw and Tomos, who are two older people who want the clock to turn back. The message is that it's OK to regress to childhood.
"Another story is about Sion Blewyn Coch and his family, who are victimised by a baddie called Evan Jones and hunted out of their home. They are evicted and move from one den to another where they are happier.
"Interspersed with them, there's a crowd of farmyard fowls like Wil Cwac Cwac and Ifan Twrci Tenau."
Tony says: "The show is almost as iconic as the book itself. The general theme is that it's always OK to be a child. Don't be ashamed of being a child. If you're an adult, be childish, it's fun."
The 11-strong cast play 40 parts in the musical, which has already toured many smaller venues across North and mid Wales, with a set designed by Martin Morley, of Bethesda.
Sian James said: "Everybody knows about Llyfr Mawr Y Plant. It's in the Welsh psyche. Begw is one of the older characters, a farmer's wife. She lives with her brother Tomos. There's a lot of singing, dancing and moving around."
And fellow actor Eilir Jones is also excited. He said: "Llyfr Mawr y Plant played a big part in my childhood, as it has been to many children in Wales, since it was published back in 1931, so I'm also looking forward to going back in time with this production."
And actor Iwan Charles said: "It's really exciting, but I'm also a bit nervous. The character of Wil Cwac Cwac is a bit of a national icon isn't he? So I'm just hoping I can do the character justice, or everyone will be baying for my blood!"
Scriptwriter Gareth Williams aimed for the show to reflect the dark as well as the humorous side to the famous tales.
"These are vivid characters and there are some very funny stories. But there's also a more sinister side to the books, which children love, and I've tried to reflect that in my script," he said.
"I remember when I was a little boy, one of the most creepy things I ever read was the chapter when the fox Siôn Blewyn Coch and his family are in the den, and they hear that ‘Tap, tap tap' coming closer and closer. It's the adults who'll remember the books of course, but I hope this will also introduce the book to a new generation, and make them read the book and enjoy it as much as I did."
Llyfr Mawr Y Plant, Theatr Gwynedd, Bangor, October 4 plus 6-11, tickets 01248 351708, adults £13.50, juniors £9; Rhyl Pavilion, October 15- 18, tickets 01745 330 000 adults £13.50, juniors £9; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, November 6-8. Tickets 01970 623232 adults £8 adults and juniors £6.
