0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- # You've heard - the celebrities many times #
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- Three of the most recognizable - voices on the radio in the 1940s...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..were Mered, Cled a Robin - or Triawd y Coleg.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- Meredydd Evans became BBC Wales's - Head of Light Entertainment.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- I worked with him - at the start of my career.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- You're officially recognized - as Dr Meredydd Evans...
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- ..but we all know you as Mered.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- It says a lot about you - as a person.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- There's something very endearing - about calling you Mered.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01- Do you like the title or would you - prefer to be called Dr Evans?
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- No, I like to be called Mered.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- I have been called - a lot worse than doctor.
0:01:13 > 0:01:19- I won't give you any examples - because they will shock some people!
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- I'm perfectly happy - to be called Mered.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- That hails from the time...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..you performed on the radio - and Noson Lawen.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Yes, it does.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- The three of us were known - as Cled, Robin and Mered.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- # If you come to the yard - at Y Fron #
0:01:42 > 0:01:48- There has always been singing - and light entertainment in Wales.
0:01:48 > 0:01:54- It took a definite course - that was more humorous...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..when it was broadcast - on the radio.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- If you look back at the songs - that I composed...
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- ..you can see that - there were obvious influences...
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- ..such as the dance music - and women in America of the time.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- Those inspired that genre of music.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- There was a difference in the music.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- This led to more and more people...
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- ..composing their own melodies.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- Hogia Llandegai - wrote their own music...
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- ..as would Hogia'r Wyddfa.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- They've composed the majority - of their own music.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- I'm going to dare to say...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..that none of the events - from the past 15 to 20 years...
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- ..would have happened - without your appointment in 1963...
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- ..as Head of Light Entertainment - at the BBC.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- What was the main problem - that you faced...
0:02:54 > 0:03:00- ..as you attempted to establish - a light entertainment department?
0:03:00 > 0:03:06- The problem we had was the sudden - change in public communication...
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- ..from an audio format - to a visual medium.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- I'd had a lot of experience - with working on radio...
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- ..and was familiar - with radio performances.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- I was suddenly thrust into - the new world of television.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- The was a major stumbling block...
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- ..with Welsh-language - light entertainment.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41- Our main competition was the world - of Anglo-American entertainment...
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- ..and it was a powerful force.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- You had to offer something...
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- ..that resembled cabaret - and included dancing.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59- I soon discovered that Welsh artists - didn't have the legs for this.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- We were too self-conscious.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- You discovered the person - who embodied everything you wanted.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- At the time, - he was a teacher in London.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- I'm referring to Ryan Davies.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- Yes, that's right.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- I had seen him perform - in the National Eisteddfod...
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- ..when the London Welsh - staged a Noson Lawen or a drama.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- It was soon after this - that I approached Hywel Davies.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- In my opinion...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..Hywel was the best programme - executive within television.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Hywel was a television man.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- I remember saying to Hywel...
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- ..that I didn't think we would make - any groundbreaking advances...
0:04:53 > 0:04:59- ..in developing Welsh-language - light entertainment...
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- ..on television.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- If we wanted to succeed, - we needed a strong foundation...
0:05:06 > 0:05:12- ..of professional - male and female performers.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Hywel asked if I had anyone in mind.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- "Yes," I said.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- "Who is he?"
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- "Ryan Davies."
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Hywel agreed - that he was the man for the job!
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- # Have you ever seen my Siani, - Hob a derry dando
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- # She's the finest in the county, - Sian, Sian, lovely Sian
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- # Sian, Sian, lovely Sian
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- # That's the fairest, lovely Sian #
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Hob a derry dando!
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Good evening.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- The new medium was in place - in the homes of Wales.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- However, there were other steps - that needed to be achieved.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- We needed two entertainers...
0:06:04 > 0:06:10- ..if we were going to compete - with the Anglo-Americans.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- We had to develop this idea.
0:06:15 > 0:06:21- We managed to achieve this - with Ryan and Ronnie.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26- Wey!
0:06:29 > 0:06:30- Hello, Ron.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Hello, Ron.- - Hello, indeed.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- The whip has more meat than you!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- So you still want to be a jockey.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- So you still want to be a jockey.- - I could be the next Lester Faggot!
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Show us.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- Down you go.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- I'm only doing it to help a friend.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- I'm only doing it to help a friend.- - Good boy, down you go.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- Are you ready? Up I go.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Into the stalls.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- # I'm a brave, courageous knight #
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Are you ready, Ron? - Gee up to the next sketch!
0:07:04 > 0:07:10- There were others such as - Bryn Williams, Derek Boote...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- ..and Margaret Williams.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- These were our main artists.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21- There was also a drama department - at the BBC.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- You will not believe - the difficulties I faced...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- ..when I said that the - light entertainment department...
0:07:31 > 0:07:37- ..could create situation comedies.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- The issue was debated - for many months.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48- The creation process of a good - comedy sketch is very different...
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- ..when compared - to a situation comedy.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- The comedic elements are the same...
0:07:56 > 0:08:02- ..but the characters must be - at the heart of a situation comedy.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Heavens above!
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Can you play that?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Can you play that?- - Of course I can play the harmonium.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- PLAYS HARMONIUM
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- I'm going out to listen - to the pigeons.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- HORN TOOTS
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- CONTINUES PLAYING HARMONIUM
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- HORN TOOTS
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- When I look back - at those early days...
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- ..I still get very excited.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- How do you view that period of time - in general?
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- Do you continue to feel excited - when you think about it?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Something inside me - wanted to make it work.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- It had to succeed.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- We had to do something...
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- ..so that light entertainment - in the Welsh language...
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- ..was something acceptable.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- The language has to flourish - in its own country.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- It needs to be ingrained - throughout the nation...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..so this was - a very exciting medium.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- It was important to succeed - in that medium.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34- Thank you.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Thank you.- - Thank you, Hywel.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42- I would like to thank you - for being there at the beginning.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- You're welcome - and thank you very much.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- # In the morning
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- # In the morning
0:09:52 > 0:09:59- # When the birds were heard - singing their harmony
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- # Wake up the world is alive
0:10:02 > 0:10:03- # Is alive
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- # Is alive
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- # Is alive
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- # Is alive #
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- This is Theatr Felinfach - in the 1980s.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- I don't think - that nappy suited me...
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- ..but it caused a stir - among the audience.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- After the break, I meet a young man - who works at Theatr Felinfach...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..and many other Welsh theatres.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40- We celebrate the birthday of Wales's - first commercial radio station.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Don't go away. I'll be right back!
0:10:44 > 0:10:44- .
0:10:47 > 0:10:47- Subtitles
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- I've been very fortunate to walk - this world for over 50 years...
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- ..and meet people - from many different countries.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- But it still amazes me - that a country as small as Wales...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- ..has produced so many talented - and interesting people.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- TODAY
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- This is Gwyn Eiddior - from Garndolbenmaen.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- He's a talented designer...
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- ..who has worked on a variety - of stage and screen productions.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Gwyn is currently - using his creativity...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- ..to design a set for the latest - production by Theatr Genedlaethol.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- You're very familiar - with this grand foyer...
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- ..at the Royal Welsh College - of Music & Drama in Cardiff.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- I studied here for three years.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- It was an exciting and challenging - but fun too.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- This foyer itself - is the majestic, new extension...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..that was built after my time here.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- I studied in the old building - behind this one.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Why did you come here?
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- I was drawn to the big city - and the bright lights of Cardiff!
0:12:03 > 0:12:09- The course itself offered something - to suit all my interests.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- I decided to give set design a go!
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Your career comes as no surprise - as your grandfather was Wil Sam.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- My grandfather - was one of my biggest influences.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- I felt comfortable in the theatre.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- I met many actors, - writers and directors...
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- ..and I felt at ease - in that situation.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- It comes as no surprise - that I've followed in his footsteps.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- These are your designs - from your college days.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- This portfolio is full of memories.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- I've got many fond memories - as we flick through the pages.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58- These are some set designs for the - productions in the college theatre.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- This is the set for Popcorn - at the Sherman Theatre.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- I designed it when I was in college.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- It's set in Hollywood.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- We turn the pages - and find my most recent work...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..as a professional designer.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- These are for Yr Argae.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- It was Taid's translation - of The Weir by Conor McPherson...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..that was performed - at the Cardiff Eisteddfod.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- It was a large set.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- The play is set in an Irish pub.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- The characters and Irish community - is reminiscent of Wales.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- I'm not surprised - that Taid translated it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- You've also designed for television.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47- I've been lucky to be able to turn - my hand to television and theatre.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- I've designed sets - for music programmes...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..and redesigned - children's bedrooms.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- They are both very different.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- I use the same skills - that I learnt as a set designer...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..but apply - those skills differently.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- A programme such as Hip neu Sgip...
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- ..puts me under - a lot of pressure as a designer.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I'm used to working with - large budgets.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- However, you're designing - a child's bedroom...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..and that child will sleep - in that room for many years.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31- It's totally different to designing - a set for theatre or television.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Kim's mother was happy - with the new room.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- It's a great effort - and two new happy customers.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Until next time, ta-ra!
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- This is the set of Ochr 1.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- It's a new series that - we've recently finished filming.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- The series surrounds pop music.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Musicians and bands come here - to record sessions on this set.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- It looks rather bare - without all the guitars.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- This set was inspired - by the name Ochr 1 or side one.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- The image of the vinyl record is - conveyed by the circles and tubes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- Can the tubes be moved - into different positions?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Yes, we adapt the set - for the different bands.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- We get different shots - by filming through the tubes.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- You can be creative with your shots - by hiding cameras behind the tubes.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Yes, the cameramen like having - something to work with.
0:15:35 > 0:15:41- Your grandfather would be happy that - your next project is in the theatre.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Yes, I'm returning to the theatre...
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- ..for Caryl Lewis's new play called - Y Negesydd for Theatr Genedlaethol.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- Rehearsals start in a fortnight so - I'm currently finishing the model.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- The drama is located - in a cottage in West Wales.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- A father and daughter - live in the cottage.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- It's quite a sad and dark drama.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- I hope the set reflects this.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Does it challenge you as a designer?
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- Yes, it will be challenging - as there are two levels...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..and an array of different scenes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- There's a dramatic incident at - the end but I can't reveal too much.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- But the set - will need to be adapted for that.
0:16:29 > 0:16:35- Have you designed your own future - or do you take each day as it comes?
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- I live for the moment and move - from place to place around Wales.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- I wish you the best of luck.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- We need more talented designers - like yourself in Wales.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- YESTERDAY
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- # Swansea Sound #
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Hello and welcome to our - Welsh programme on Swansea Sound.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- In 1984, Swansea Sound - marked ten years...
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- ..as the first commercial - radio station in Wales...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- ..and I was Garry Owen's guest.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- It was officially opened - a decade earlier...
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- ..by Wynford Vaughan-Thomas - in September 1974.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- This was where Glynog Davies - started his career.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Had you done any performing - before you got the job?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- At the time, I was studying for - a diploma in education in Swansea.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- I was invited for an interview for - the new radio station in Swansea.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- I thought nothing of it - and attended the interview...
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- ..with John Bevan - who was the managing director.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- I arrived at a shoe shop - on the high street in Swansea.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- We went upstairs to an empty room.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- There was no furniture - so we sat on boxes.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- It was an informal interview and he - asked about my previous experience.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- I only had experience - of performing locally...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..and had - no professional experience...
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- ..but I got the job!
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- I was offered the job and that is - how I ended up working in the media.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- All your previous performances - had been in Welsh.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- Yes, it was all in Welsh...
0:18:21 > 0:18:27- ..and I was asked to produce and - present in Welsh on this new radio.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- It was the first commercial - radio station in Wales.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- This was a time - before Radio Cymru and S4C existed.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Very little was broadcast in Welsh.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Let's turn our attention - to another album.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- It's a new album on the market - called Goreuon Sain.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- We covered a wide catchment area - that included Swansea.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- Swansea was a pro Welsh region - at the time.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- The catchment also included the - Gwendraeth Valley, Swansea Valley...
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- ..and the Amman Valley.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- These areas were Welsh to the core.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- I was surprised to learn...
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- ..that Swansea Sound had hundreds - of thousands of Welsh-speaking fans.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- It was an exciting time for us as - a young team with little experience.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- But we had the enthusiasm - and drive to make it succeed.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- We wanted it to succeed...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..and I felt that people - appreciated what we did.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- We had a fantastic response - to our programmes.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- The best thing about the job - was meeting people.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- People make programmes.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- Interesting people make the best - programmes. That will never change.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51- In the early days, Wyn Thomas was - a popular presenter on the station.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- He loved causing a stir!
0:19:54 > 0:20:00- This is the studio where it all - began for you all those years ago.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- Yes, this is where it all started - on 30 September 1974.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- I was totally petrified.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14- I became famous, or rather infamous, - for my phone-in programme.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Today, I would be called - a shock jock as I said silly things.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- If I didn't like what I heard, - I would hang up on people.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- This attracted many listeners.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- It was the first ever phone-in - and I made some outrageous comments.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- In the week - of Elvis Presley's death in 1977...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..I said it wasn't a great loss.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- He would struggle to sing - second tenor in the Morriston Choir!
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- I also said that he couldn't act and - played less chords than Dafydd Iwan.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- The switchboard went wild.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- You said these things to get - a reaction from your listeners.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- How much of the Welsh language - was heard on the service?
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- At that time, we were under an - independent broadcasting authority.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- We had a contract - that dealt with our broadcasts.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12- It said that 13% of our programmes - needed to be in Welsh.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- We wanted to use the Welsh language - as it was heard on the street.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- If you went to Swansea market, - Morriston, Llanelli or Loughor...
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- ..you heard a mixture of languages.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- It was up to us to reflect it.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- We needed to use Welsh - in the English-based programmes.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- The station's strength was that it - was at the heart of the community.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- The listeners had an outlet - to express their problems.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- That's exactly it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Glynog played the organ - in chapel on a Sunday night...
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- ..and the congregation - gave him their requests.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- His aunt - worked in a local coal mine...
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- ..and the miners gave her - their requests to pass on to Glynog.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- The secret to our success was - our relationship with the audience.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- We felt that we were pioneering.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- The things - that were relevant yesterday...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..are just as important today.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- The only thing that has changed is - the packaging around the programmes.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- In broadcasting, - and especially television...
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- ..it's possible to add - a lot of colour and polish...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- ..but the same virtues apply.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- If you know the answer, pop it - on a card and send it to me...
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- ..Glynog Davies, Radio 257, - Victoria Road, Gowerton, Swansea.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Next week, I meet a real - rock and roller from the 1970s.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- I also chat with a lady who - builds bridges in the arts world...
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- ..and speak to the man - who's carved out his name in stone.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:16 > 0:23:16- .