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Trinity Saint David Connection in new production of Shakespeare`s “Welsh” play
30.09.2011
The acclaimed Fluellen Theatre Company has gained a reputation over the last decade of producing lively and innovative productions of classic plays, especially those of Shakespeare.
No fewer than four of the cast were educated at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen and they have been brought together for its six-show run, premiering at the Swansea Grand Theatre before further performances at Porthcawl and Fishguard.
James Scannell, Robert Hopkins (both graduated in 2007), Kerry Mills (2008) and Bethan Johns (2011) have taken the BA Acting degree course and form the majority of the cast for this production.
King Cymbeline of Britain banishes his son-in-law when he realises that his daughter Imogen has married against his wishes. She runs away to Wales (Pembrokeshire), whilst her husband flees to Italy, and there he meets an unscrupulous villain and makes a bet with him that has shattering consequences.
It’s real edge-of-the-seat theatre and presented in Fluellen's trademark style that brushes away the cobwebs from classic plays and presents them in clear and enjoyable productions whilst staying true to the original.
The latest Trinity Saint David graduate, Bethan Johns, makes her Fluellen – and her Shakespearean – debut as Imogen, one of Shakespeare’s most endearing and charming heroines. She is joined in a top rate cast by Kerry Davies, David Dooley, Christopher Hale, Robert Hopkins, Claire Novelli, James Scannell and Robert Surman and will also feature original music written and performed by Delyth Jenkins, one of Wales’ foremost harpists.
Bethan says:
“It came as a surprise to learn that so many of us had studied the same course at the same university.
“I was very grateful to be given the chance to take part in this production and with it use everything I’d learnt from three wonderful years at Trinity Saint David.
“Since graduating I’ve been fortunate to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on a show born at Trinity Saint David, and after Cymbeline I’ve also been given another chance to perform in west Wales during the winter period – the course has really helped me get a good start to my career.
“This is a great play to be part of; it’s my first Shakespeare production and the fact that it’s partly set in Wales makes it even more special. It’s relatively unknown so hopefully a lot of people will come out to see it, most probably for the first time.”
Fluellen Artistic Director Peter Richards added :
“It wasn’t until after we all met up for rehearsals that I realised we had such a strong University of Wales Trinity Saint David connection. They are a very talented quartet and it just goes to show that the acting course at the University is producing talented young actors and actresses.
“The cast have been extremely dedicated to the cause and it has been a pleasure to work with them – and I’m confident the audience will warm to them and the play, too.
Swansea Grand Theatre
Tuesday October 4 – 7.30pm
Wednesday October 5 – 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Thursday October 6 – 7.30pm
Tickets cost £8.50 (adults) and £6.50 (concessions)
Note to Editor
The production is sponsored by Mason Gordon Holiday Homes.Cymbeline will also take to the stage at Porthcawl (Fri Oct 7 – 7.30pm - £8 & £7); and Fishguard (Fri Oct 14 – 8pm - £8.50 & £7.50).
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