A theatre company that has produced some of the country’s most talented stars is celebrating a very special milestone of offering invaluable experiences for young people in rural mid Wales.
It has been 40 years since Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn was established for the 1981 National Eisteddfod in Machynlleth. Since then it has grown a reputation for producing Welsh-language’s best and most iconic theatre shows such as Ann!, Y Mab Darogan and Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid
Penri Roberts, Linda Gittins and the late Derec Williams were responsible for writing and producing the shows from the beginning. Penri, from Llanidloes, has compiled the story behind one of Wales’ best-known theatre groups for a new book that includes fond memories of cast members and the entire history of the productions from the past four decades.
Some of the past cast members include West End star Luke McCall who has had huge success as the youngest person to date to perform the lead role in Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables since beginning his career at Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn. He described being part of the theatre school as a “privilege and honour”.
“I started learning a trade stage from the moment I walked into the centre in Glantwymyn,” Luke said. “Quite often, when I will be walking out on the West End stage, I would think of Derec, Penri, Linda and Mel, very grateful for the opportunities that received while a member of the school.
“Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn will be in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Over the years many shows have been broadcast on the Welsh-language channel S4C including Y Mab Darogan which was one of the first programmes to be broadcast on the new channel in 1982.
Every ticket for the performance of Ann! at the 2003 National Eisteddfod in Meifod was sold within a fortnight, and it took 24 hours to sell the tickets for two performances at Venue Cymru, Llandudno and St David's Hall, Cardiff.
Sadly, in 2014, Derec Williams died as he and Penri created their last show Gwydion with musician Gareth Glyn, for the 2015 National Eisteddfod in Meifod. Penri and Linda composed a tribute song for him, ‘Cadw’r Fflam yn Fyw’ [Keeping the Flame Alive], which was also the title of a tribute show to Derec that toured in 2016.
Penri Roberts said: "Over the years, hundreds of people of all ages have certainly been at the heart of our shows, and they have all experienced the thrill of being part of live theatre and being part of the Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn 'family'.
“Derec, Linda and I owe them a huge debt and all these people have proven time and time again that the company's motto, ‘Prydlondeb a Ffyddlondeb’ ['Punctuality and Loyalty]', is absolutely right.”
The book 'Prydlondeb a Ffyddlondeb' is available to buy from every Welsh book shop or online at www.carreg-gwalch.cymru and www.gwales.com.
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