Welsh Hansel and Gretel at Galeri, Caernarfon

Dec 17 2009

IT’S panto season again and this year S4C’s favourite children’s presenter Martyn Geraint will be on the road with his special Welsh language production of Hansel and Gretel.

Appearing at Galeri Caernarfon on December 17 and 18, Martyn will also be joined by a cast of experienced actors who are familiar faces to Welsh TV.

Playing the Dame is Ieuan Rhys – known for playing Sgt James in Pobol y Cwm and for his appearances in Doctor Who and Diamond Geezer.

Ieuan has much experience of pantomimes, this being his ninth following successful seasons with Stan Stennet, Owen Money and Hiss & Boo.

Ieuan said: "I love pantomimes, I once played the Ugly Sister in Michael Bogdanov’s production of Cinderella but this year is the first time I’ve played a proper Dame."

Playing the loveable brother and sister Hansel and Gretel are Geraint Hardy and Elin Llwyd. Welsh speaking children will know Geraint as one of the main presenters of S4C’s Planed Plant and Elin is best known for playing the part of Katie in Pobol y Cwm.

This is Geraint’s first role in panto and he is loving the fact he can meet the children who watch him on Planed Plant.

This is Elin’s second panto as she played Cinderella in the Torch Theatre’s production of the same name last year.

A panto wouldn’t be a panto without a baddie and this year Martyn gives us a female baddie in the guise of the old woman in the woods who wants to eat Hansel and his sister. This part is played to perfection by the actress Victoria Pugh who is no stranger to the stages of Wales as she has worked for both Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Clwyd.

Hansel and Gretel is a panto full of fun and frolics for the whole family. The cast are on tour until January 20th 2010.

For more, call Galeri on 01286 685252.