Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo return with Christmas show

Iwan Garmon in Llygoden yr Eira (Photo: Kirsten McTernan)

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo are delighted to announce that, following the success of the children’s show Llygoden yr Eira in 2019, they will be touring the production again in the run-up to Christmas. Llygoden yr Eira is a Welsh-language adaptation of the sell-out children’s show, Snow Mouse, originally created by the egg and Travelling Light. 

An enchanting winter’s tale for children under 5 and their families, Llygoden yr Eira is filled with play, puppetry and music. The show follows a child as he finds a little mouse fast asleep under the snow in a magical forest. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, the two new friends explore the winter wonderland together. Featuring delightful characters and visual storytelling, this is a festive family treat for both Welsh speakers and learners alike. 

Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Theatr Iolo once more on this delightful show for very young children and their families. We’re also delighted to be taking the production to small venues up and down the country in the run-up to Christmas. For many, this will be the first time back in the theatre after a very challenging couple of years, and we will be working with venues to make that experience as safe and as delightful as possible. Set in a magical winter wonderland, this is an enchanting and accessible theatre experience, where language, music and play combine.” 

Following on from his recent successes of HOOF!, Theatr Iolo’s outdoor production with Kitsch and Sync, and Christmas Carol at the Bristol Old Vic, Lee Lyford, Artistic Director of Theatr Iolo, will again be directing Llygoden yr Eira. Lee said: “We’re delighted to be working with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru once again, to bring Llygoden yr Eira back to stages across Wales. Llygoden yr Eira is the perfect way for families to enjoy the magic of winter together and to support their local venues as they gradually reopen after a challenging two years. We can’t wait to share this gorgeous tale, reimagined in the Welsh language, with communities and venues across Wales.” 

Llygoden yr Eira will once again star Iwan Garmon. Iwan is based in north Wales and has previously worked with both companies. He was a cast member in Theatr Iolo’s Pen-blwydd Poenus Pete in 2019, a sparkling and biting comedy by Gary Owen which took an outrageous look at family life. This is the third time that he has worked with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, having previously worked as an understudy on Estron in 2017, an intriguing play about loss and mourning; and was in a presentation of a new work in development, called Gwely, which was presented at the Conwy County National Eisteddfod in 2019. In 2018 he played a leading role in Ŵy, Chips a Nain by Cwmni’r Frân Wen, a heart-warming production about dementia that was seen by over 5,000 people across Wales. He was a member of S4C’s BAFTA Cymru-nominated television series 35 Awr by Fflur Dafydd in 2019. He has also previously worked for the RNIB and Cwmni Mega. 

Ffion Wyn Bowen from Aberystwyth, is the Associate Director for Llygoden yr Eira. An experienced director and actress in productions for children and young people, Ffion was Associate Director for the production in 2019 and will return once again for the 2021 tour. 

Llygoden yr Eira will visit venues across Wales during November and December 2021 and will include audio – described performances. See below for a full list of the tour dates.

The Tour: 

Ffwrnes, Llanelli 
18.11.21 – 20.11.21 

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 
23.11.21 

Chapter, Cardiff 
25.11.21 – 27.11.21 

Pontardawe Arts Centre 
30.11.21 

Memo Arts Centre, Barry 
01.12.21 + 02.12.21 

The Welfare, Ystradgynlais 
03.12.21 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre 
04.12.21 + 5.12.21 

Theatr Clwyd, Mold 

09.12.21 – 11.12.21 

Theatr Derek Williams, Y Bala 
13.12.21 

Galeri, Caernarfon 
16.12.21 – 18.12.21