Welsh folk story with modern undertones
Carwyn Jones
THIS week we talk to Carwyn Jones, who appears in the latest production by Theatr Bara Caws, Lleu Llaw Gyffes.
Q
Tell us about your family:
A
My wife Sara and I recently welcomed our first child into the world. Idris. He’s a handful, but he has melted both our hearts.
Q
What are you best known for?
A
I wouldn’t say I’m known for anything specific. I’ve worked with Bara Caws many times, and it’s always a pleasurable experience and extremely varied, which is great for an actor.
Q
Tell us about your show
A
The show is called Lleu Llaw Gyffes. It was written by Aled Jones Williams, and although it’s never been staged before, it was actually written almost 25 years ago. It is loosely based on the Mabinogi, but with contemporary undertones.
How old are you? A lady never reveals her age! Where are you from? Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey.
Tell us a little known fact about yourself: There is not one cheese I won’t eat.
Q
When is it running from/to?
A
We will be touring Wales through to November 16. We opened at the Galeri, Caernarfon October 29.
Q
What can audiences expect?
A
Some humour, some not so humorous bits and I’m pretty sure it’ll be one of those productions which will leave the audience thinking about it after they’ve left the theatre.
Q
Tell us five things which make your show great?
A
Sion Pritchard, Dyfan Roberts and I appear in
it, so that’s three! The script contains beautiful poetic language and the set is great, it really transports you to a dark and dreary world.
Q
What’s your favourite part of the show
A
At one point, Sion Pritchard (Llew Llaw Gyffes) and I dance together. It’s fair to say neither of us are proficient dancers, but it’s good fun.
Q
Tell us about the costumes:
A
Well, my character is called Deifar (Diver!). Therefore my costume was pre-determined by Aled and I’m wearing a wet-suit. Not ideal under warm theatre lighting but it has to be that way. I’m told I will need a chafing stick backstage. Can’t wait!
Q
What’s the best song from the performance? A
There aren’t any songs as such, it’s a show that relies on dramatic soundscapes, loud bangs, dripping water – that kind of thing. Q
Tell us what’s good about the venue:
A
We tour to 12 venues – they are all nice places to perform. We perform at Theatr Derek Williams at Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn, Bala for the first time – this is a new venue for Bara Caws – in the new purpose-built school there. Q
Who is the director and what’s their style?
A
Betsan Llwyd, the Artistic Director of Bara Caws is directing. I’ve worked with Betsan numerous times, both as an actress and a director. She’s great. She’s a big believer in letting actors try different things out. She will tell you if it
Carwyn Jones, top, is appearing in the Theatr Bara Caws production of Lleu Llaw Gyffes, above
works or not. For me, that’s what an actor/director relationship should be.
Q
What are your best and worst habits:
A
Snoring, is my worst, though obviously that’s largely out of my control. I’m not sure I have any good habits!
Q
Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve met? A
I didn’t actually meet him, but I literally
bumped into David Schwimmer (Ross from ‘Friends’) once on a street in London. I think he was doing a play there at the time. I wasn’t looking where I was going, and I’m pretty sure he wasn’t either. We apologized to each other and that was that!
Q
Once the tour has finished what are your plans?
A
I am going to spend time with Idris and also build a shed in the garden.