Paid a Gofyn i Fi Cast
The stage at Meirionnydd 2014 Urdd National Eisteddfod will come alive when over 100 youngsters showcase their one and only performance of a brand new musical show, ‘Paid â Gofyn i Fi!’ during Eisteddfod week.
The music for the show is based around well known popular Welsh songs, from groups such as Edward H Dafis, Meic Stevens, Gwibdaith Hen Frân and Anweledig. Adapted for the show by musical director Owain Gethin Davies, with the lyrics and script written by author Haf Llewelyn from Llanuwchllyn, the show is sure to be a crowd puller at the pavilion on Tuesday evening 27 May at 8:00pm.
Blaenau singer songwriter Gai Toms has created a brand new anthem for the show, titled Paid â Gofyn i Fi! and his expertise has also been used to prepare the backing tracks at his studio ‘Sbensh’ in Bro Ffestiniog.
The primary school children have been working on the production since January, travelling weekly from schools across Meirionnydd to rehearse at Ysgol y Gader, Dolgellau and the tutors have been delighted with the response.
Artistic Director, Iola Ynyr, from Cwmni Frân Wen whose team is working with local experts on the show said: “Haf Llewelyn’s gripping script plus the varied songs styles give the cast an opportunity to flourish. We are all feeling the thrill as the production comes together and the pleasure the children draw from the experience is infectious. To finish the whole production, we are given a memorable anthem created by Gai Toms and the cast as a grand finale to the show.”
One of the artistic team who is feeling at home working with the youngsters is Drama Practitioner, Siwan Llynor from Y Bala. Now married and living in Anglesey with two young sons, Siwan is delighted to be back at ‘home’ working with youngsters from Meirionnydd as the show’s Associate Director.
“It’s a great feeling being back home in Penllyn, working with my friends’ children! It takes me back to my childhood, and the opportunities I was given as a child with the Urdd and the National Eisteddfod. I sincerely hope that the children remember this as a positive experience, one where they meet lots of new friends and reminisce in years to come about this creative experience.”
Two of the leading roles are played by Rhys Llewelyn from Ysgol O M Edwards, Llanuwchllyn and Elan Cain Davies from Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn, Trawsfynydd. Both are looking forward to the performance at the pavilion.
The show follows the story of unsung heroes, with leadership coming from two brave individuals. The obvious hero of the story, a bear of a man reputed to be brave and strong with an army of fierce horsemen waiting for the call to save the day, slumbers in the hills of Meirionnydd. Who turns out to be the hero to help the children fighting for the future of their playing fields? Sometimes we do not realise who the real ‘heroes’ are, the ones who never turn their backs and say – ‘Paid â Gofyn i Fi’, Don’t ask me!
The show, a magical story, filled with imagination and creativity concludes with strong messages and themes that are true to life.
Another creative aspect that has been exploited due to local expertise by artist Mari Elain Gwent originally from Llanuwchllyn, is the costume and set design for Paid â Gofyn i fi!
“It’s great to be working with Mari as an artist and set designer for the show. Her expertise means we can introduce different elements to the show, including puppetry. She is creating the rare bird ‘Cynffon Binc y Boncen’ as a puppet plus the other magical animal puppets such as the butterfly, the grasshopper and the other small creatures. Mari’s work is second to none and I’m really excited to see the puppetry section of the show. During the past few weeks, I’ve been visiting smaller groups of children at their schools to create this aspect of the production. It’s all coming together.”
Cai Tomos, another well known name originally from Dolgellau and Sarah Mumford have been working on the show’s choreography.
The whole team is extremely grateful to the teachers and volunteers who have assisted them during the past few months, “their support has been invaluable,” Siwan Llynor concluded.
For show tickets as well as all other Eisteddfod events day and night, visit www.urdd.org/en/eisteddfod/tickets or call the ticket hotline, 0845 257 1639.
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