Theatr Iolo supports creation of bold new theatre for young audiences in Wales.

Theatr Iolo will be working with two artists as part of their Platfform programme, which supports writers and theatre makers to create new work especially for children and young people.  

Theatr Iolo’s Platfform Artists for 2025 are Mari Luz Cervantes and Greg Glover. The artists will spend 9 months developing their idea and receive mentorship from Theatr Iolo’s Artistic Director, Lee Lyford. Both artists will also receive an additional 12 months of in-kind support and expert guidance from the company. 

Mari Luz Cervantes is developing a new play called Dwi’n Dysgu, about moving to Wales from another country, finding out where you belong and learning to love all parts of your heritage. The play is inspired by Mari’s own mixed heritage, and will be performed in Welsh, Spanish and English.

“Creating a trilingual show for children that celebrates multiculturalism in the Welsh language is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The Platfform programme gives artists like myself the chance to be daring. The support of such a renowned theatre company allows us to try something that may have been difficult to achieve alone.”
Mari Luz Cervantes,
Platfform Artist

Greg Glover is writing a play for young people called Drum Roll Please, which explores the true story of the Cardiff Colossus - a man with giantism who joined Barnum’s Circus and took on the world!

“I want Platfform to help me create some real magic that will make young people go, wow because they are savvy and sophisticated and don't want second best. They want something that's been created with them, that's for them. Wales feels like a very different place to only a few short years ago and that is something that I want to tap into. I want to distil all that energy, positivity and humour to create something that'll make young people want to come back for more.”

Greg Glover,
Platfform Artist

Theatr Iolo’s Platfform programme runs biennially and is currently made possible thanks to the support the company receive from Arts Council Wales.

“Platfform is an opportunity for writers and theatre makers to experiment in ways that they may not have done before. Writing for young people offers endless creative possibilities and we’re looking to forward to working with Mari and Greg to help them bring their stories to life for young audiences.” 
Lee Lyford  
Artistic Director, Theatr Iolo