March will see Theatr Felinfach’s first professional show in two years. The Consortiwm Cymraeg’s inaugural production will be a new translation of Willy Russell’s hit comedy Shirley Valentine, and will be staged at Theatr Felinfach on Friday, 11 March at 7:30 pm.
A heart-warming comedy by the author of ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Educating Rita’, the film version that starred Pauline Collins and Tom Conti was nominated for an Oscar in 1989. It became an overnight classic with its contrast between the unhurried atmosphere of urban suburbs and the glittering glamour of Greece pervading the imagination of a whole generation of theatre goers and cinema fans.
Shelley, a BAFTA Cymru nominated actress, will be known to screen and stage audiences across Wales. She has recently starred in Keeping Faith, Casualty, Gwaith Cartref and as Stacey Jones in Pobol Y Cwm. Other credits include, Svengali, The Green Hollow, and Hinterland for the BBC. Shelley currently entertains audiences on BBC Radio Wales every Saturday morning with her co-presenter Rhydian Bowen Phillips.
Describing the opportunity to play Shirley, Shelley said: “I am delighted (and terrified) to be given the opportunity to play the iconic Shirley Valentine and I cannot wait to get into the rehearsal room with Geinor and Manon. Shirley is a funny, brave, spirited character yet she is unfulfilled and frustrated. She challenges herself to make big changes before her life completely passes her by and I look forward to going on the rollercoaster with her! This great play is poignant, uplifting and is an empowering journey and to be able to play Shirley through the medium of Welsh, throughout Wales, is a fantastic challenge and a great honour.”
Manon Eames has translated the acclaimed play of the stuck-in-a-rut housewife who leaves behind her husband and seeks adventure and romance on a Greek Island. Manon is an experienced writer, actress and presenter based in South Wales. She has worked throughout Wales and beyond, initially specialising in theatre for young people and community audiences in both Welsh and English, but also appearing in, and scripting, many main stage productions as well as TV plays, series and several films, in both languages. She has written regularly for Pobol Y Cwm and 2017 saw the publication of her first novel, ‘Porth Y Byddar’.
A heart-warming play of self-discovery, Shirley Valentine was originally translated into Welsh in 1995, becoming a huge success for Theatre West Glamorgan. Its laugh out loud humour and frank discussion of female sexuality struck a chord with audiences across Wales. Manon explains: “Revisiting Shirley Valentine to translate in 2021 has been a complete joy. The humanity, wit and pathos in the play is as relevant today as it was when Willy Russell first wrote it, back in the eighties, and Shirley’s character and story is still vibrant and resonant in whatever setting: the mark of a truly great piece of writing.”
Y Consortiwm Cymraeg is a new collaboration and was set up by award-winning Theatr na nÓg and three venues to present high-quality accessible Welsh language theatre. They also aim to produce a programme of participation for communities to improve their language skills and also engage in arts and culture on their doorstep. Theatr Soar in Merthyr Tydfil, The Welfare in Ystradgynlais and Maesteg Town Hall have joined forces with Theatr na nÓg to rekindle the vitality and value of their venues to their communities.
The Consortiwm’s wheels were already in motion pre the Covid-19 pandemic, but as cultural centres locked down, it was thought that the need for these creative hubs was even greater – to help safeguard the future of Welsh language in the valleys, and to support a thriving valley community beyond the Covid Pandemic.
This will be the Consortiwm’s first production, as Geinor Styles, the director of Shirley Valentine and the artistic director of Theatr na nÓg explained: “One of my earliest jobs as a stage manager was touring Shirley Valentine in 1994 with Theatre West Glamorgan. The reaction from the audiences, Welsh speakers and learners was incredible and it is something that has stayed with me – that intention for audiences from all backgrounds to have a good night out at a venue on their doorstep, in the Welsh language is a key aim for us at Theatr na nÓg and we look forward to welcoming audiences to enjoy this brilliant play.”
Rhian Dafydd, Business and Marketing Manager at Theatr Felinfach is delighted that their first professional performance in 2 years will be a Welsh language production. She said: “The last two years have been very challenging and we’re so looking forward to hosting this translation of a high-profile production that will appeal to a wide audience. I’m hoping it’s just what we need to get things moving again.”
For tickets, please contact the box office on 01570 470697 between 9:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. You can also leave a message with your name and phone number on our answerphone, or email [email protected]
