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0:00:01 > 0:00:03- We all like celebrating a birthday.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Any birthday.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- Especially when that birthday - is a surprise.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- This year, this theatre...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- ..Theatr Felinfach...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ..is celebrating its 40th birthday.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- Look!
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- So, a celebration is needed.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- And a surprise.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- And who is this surprise for?
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- You.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57- # Off we go in the charabanc
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- # Off we go now
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- # Let's all go together
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- # Off we go now to the Aeron Valley
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- # Off we go in the charabanc
0:01:27 > 0:01:28- # Off we go now
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- # Hold on to your seats - as we turn the corners
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- # Off we go now in the charabanc, - off we go now in the charabanc
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- # In the chara...
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- # Bang, bang! #
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- Heaven bananas!
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- If these walls could talk.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- How do you create a theatre?
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- How do you create activities - to hold in a theatre?
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- Pantomimes, musicals, - youth films, a soap opera.
0:02:05 > 0:02:11- How do you produce a TV programme - to celebrate 40 years of creativity?
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- By bringing people together. - Tegwen!
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- Any word, any words - that come into your mind...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- ..to describe Theatr Felinfach.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- Stage.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26- Stage.- - Stage.
0:02:26 > 0:02:27- Community.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30- Enjoyment.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- The way we started to plan - this programme...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- ..is the way everything - is created in this theatre.
0:02:37 > 0:02:38- Discovery.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Discovery.- - Belonging.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- Years ago, I was part - of the same process myself.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- So, to whom - does Theatr Felinfach belong?
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- What is the history - of this unique centre?
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- In the middle of the 20th century, - between the two World wars...
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- ..there were close to 150 - drama groups in Ceredigion.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- Central to that - was finding a home for the drama.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- The village halls, as old-fashioned - as they appear to us now...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..they were great homes - for Welsh drama.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- Two things were prevalent in rural - Ceredigion in the 1940s and 1950s.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- Dairy cattle and drama companies.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- They were everywhere.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- In the Llangeitho Drama Festival, - Llanddewi-Brefi had three companies.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- Three companies - from the same village.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- The producer was usually the local - headmaster, vicar or minister...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- ..but Tyngwndwn's producer - was gardener Tom Owen.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- The MMB milk factory in Llanio - formed a company from the workers.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- Felinfach Hall, - on Christmas night...
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- ..would host an audience of 400-500.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Some would walk for miles.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- They'd stand behind the stage. - There was no room in the front.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- They would climb up - to the windows outside to look in.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07- I remember that.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- That enthusiasm continued - until the mid-1960s.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- Across Wales, - the picture then starts to change...
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- ..not primarily because of the - growing popularity of television...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..but the number of drama group - leaders started to dwindle.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- There were fewer ministers and - headmasters no longer lived locally.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- In general, across Wales...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..dramatic theatre - was losing its foothold.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- However, - Ceredigion survived the changes.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Dramatic theatre was losing its - foothold but survived in Ceredigion.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- How come? What was that, Idwal?
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Because of you and your sort?
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- From the 1930s, - Ceredigion developed...
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- ..after the appointment - of Idwal Jones...
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- ..to the University of Wales, - Aberystwyth.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- He was a dramatist appointed to - teach night classes in Ceredigion.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- He passed away at a young age - and a void was left behind.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- Stepping into that void - in the 1940s...
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- ..was a woman from Llanllwni.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- She married into the Lewis family - that ran the Gomer press.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Mary Lewis formed a company - in Llandysul...
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- ..which continued the work Idwal - Jones had started in his classes.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- As her era came to an end, - once again through illness...
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- ..the county council, the former - Cardiganshire Education Committee...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- ..appointed a drama coordinator.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- It was one of the first counties - to appoint a drama coordinator...
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- ..throughout the whole - of Great Britain.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- His name was Gwyn Hughes Jones.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- By the end of the 1960s...
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- ..it became clear that something was - being formed, something was growing.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- Ceredigion in the 1960s - was an exciting place.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- The county's education committee - supported one of its headmasters...
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- ..JR Evans, as he resurrected - Twm Sion Cati in a Welsh pantomime.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- After we performed the pageant - in the Royal Welsh Show...
0:06:23 > 0:06:29- ..JR Evans and I felt - it was time to give children...
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- ..the opportunity - to watch live theatre.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39- Entertaining children in a theatre - at a young age.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- It all started - around a year earlier...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..with Caerwedros - Young Farmers' Club.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- We were very lucky at the time - - we had two excellent leaders...
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- ..Tydfor Gaerwen, - one of the sons of Cilie...
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- ..and Bernard Evans, - the parish vicar.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- They came up with the idea...
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- ..of performing a panto - in the hall in Caerwedros.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- It was a Welsh translation - of Cinderella...
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- ..with a lot of local references - in the script.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- The hall was packed out - for two nights.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- On the second night, - Gwyn Jones was present.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- I think he enjoyed the idea.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- A few weeks later, - he contacted four of us...
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- ..and asked us if we'd be willing - to perform in Felinfach...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..the following year in the panto - he and JR were producing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- The theatre in - the farmers' college was small...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- ..with a small stage - and room for only 100 people...
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- ..but it was right in the middle - of the county.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- Audiences would flock from far - and wide to Felinfach Memorial Hall.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- They now flocked - to Coleg Bro Aeron's hall...
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- ..to see a show that added - "pantomeim" to the Welsh vocabulary.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- I'm Cati, Twm Sion Cati's mother.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- What happens to you?
0:08:05 > 0:08:06- Well, at the start...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..I organize a school in - the kitchen of Llidiard y Ffynnon.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- I can't read or write.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- It appears that Twm Sion Cati's - mother did organize a school.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- With the help - of the pantomime's popularity...
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- ..there was excitement - and growth across the land.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Enough excitement and growth...
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- ..for the education committee - to build a new theatre.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Where? In Aberystwyth? No.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- In Aberaeron or Lampeter? Oh, no!
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- Here. In the Aeron Valley.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- At the centre of the county's - enthusiasm for drama.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- In the middle of a field!
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- After leaving school, - I'd go on day release to Felinfach!
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- It makes me sound - like a prison inmate.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- In other words, - I was released from farm work...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..to learn how to farm in Felinfach.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- In those days, there was a shed - where the theatre now stands.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- It was packed out with tractors.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- I'd cycle over with my friends...
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- ..from the milk factory site - where we lived.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- We'd cycle into the shed - and ride our bikes inside the shed.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- The roof was falling apart, - it was an old shed.
0:09:23 > 0:09:29- Then, the shed was adapted - and was transformed into a theatre.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- I remember entering - the auditorium for the first time.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Oh, I was gobsmacked.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- I'd never seen such a place.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Only an audience of 120 people - could enjoy performances...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- ..in Felinfach's small theatre - between Lampeter and Aberaeron.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- The county's education - committee soon realized...
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- ..that a larger theatre was needed - to entertain the county's residents.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- After removing the zinc roof - from the tractor shed...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- ..they kept the steel structure - as the frame for the new theatre.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- They saved - tens of thousands of pounds.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- The tens of thousands - could then be spent on the interior.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- The inside was so plush - and the technical equipment...
0:10:17 > 0:10:23- ..the lights and sound in - particular, was second to none.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- From an old school in Aberaeron...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- ..and a theatre that was dwarfed - by most village halls...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..Gwyn Hughes Jones - and the actors from Ceredigion...
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- ..now had a wonderful theatre - with cutting-edge technology.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- The most important resource...
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- ..was this - the wide, deep stage.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- The stage was four times the size - of the stage in the college theatre.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59- It had an auditorium with - comfortable seating for 260 people.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- The only thing missing - was the audience.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Drama was very popular in Ceredigion - throughout the year...
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- ..and the annual pantomimes - were a huge success...
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- ..so attracting an audience - would be easy.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- Or would it?
0:11:16 > 0:11:23- Gwyn Jones wanted the male - theatre stewards to wear bow ties...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..and the female stewards - in their long dresses.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- He was very strict.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Oh, yes, there was no messing.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- I wasn't sure how to take it.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- You'd seen all that - in large, civic theatres.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- In London, - you wouldn't think twice about it...
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- ..but to see it in rural Wales...
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- ..as a youngster, I didn't know - how to take this official uniform.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- The vision was trying to recreate - the West End in Ceredigion.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- But it didn't work.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- Local residents didn't come - anywhere near the place.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- Was Gwyn Hughes Jones about to - destroy the theatre of his dreams?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Would the curtain come down - before it'd had time to go up?
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- .
0:12:22 > 0:12:22- Subtitles
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- Theatr Felinfach is 40 years old.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- When it was opened, - it was a state-of-the-art theatre.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- But Gwyn Hughes Jones, - the man in charge of the arts...
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- ..was in quite a state.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- The dicky bows and long dresses - hadn't gone down well.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- What was all the fuss about? - I wear one every day.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- But not long - after the theatre opened...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..tension was very evident.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- It arose from the fact - that the man in charge of drama...
0:13:02 > 0:13:08- ..saw himself as head - of the theatre, Theatr Felinfach...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- ..after its formation...
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- ..but in truth, the theatre was part - of the further education college...
0:13:16 > 0:13:17- ..Coleg Bro Aeron.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- There was a lot of tension evident.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- It grew into a battle about - who was in charge of the place.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- The college won.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- Gwyn, and the love of his life, - Theatr Felinfach...
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- ..went their separate ways.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- The next head came from Cardiff.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Could the city slicker - rescue the situation?
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- It was a deliberate move...
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- ..to get as far away as we possibly - could from the bow ties.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- One decision we made...
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- ..was that half the people who came - through the door would do something.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Can you see him smiling?
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- That's precisely what - the old Idwal Jones used to do...
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- ..in his drama classes across - Ceredigion back in the 1930s.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- In the first half, he would talk - about the history of European drama.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18- The second half would be spent - creating and rehearsing dramas.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- We needed to do something quickly.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- That's not your part!
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Something quick, something we had to - hand, was one of Wil Sam's dramas.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- The first act - of Gymerwch Chi Sigaret?
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- And a Welsh translation - of Krapp's Last Tape by Beckett.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It only consists of one person - and some tapes.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- You'd expect that to be rather - strange, but it wasn't at all.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- From there, it grew rapidly.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- This exciting combination - of salaried leaders...
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- ..and local, - unsalaried performers...
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- ..staged plays by Beckett, Joe - Orton, Saunders Lewis and Wil Sam.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- There was also a new-found respect - for old plays.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- My first part was in Yr Anfarwol - Ifan Harris, playing Bertie.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Gret Jenkins played the part of Mam.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- I enjoyed that one immensely.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- I enjoyed playing the part.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22- She was feisty.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- I remember them acting - with the Tyngwndwn drama company.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- I was acting with the creme de la - creme. That's what they were to me.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- One person who helped sustain - the excitement and creativity...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..was a man who normally - kept himself to himself.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- This must be a rather grand theatre - because it has its own author.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48- You are that dramatist.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- How many plays have you written - for the theatre?
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- I've written seven plays so far.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- I think Jezebel was the first...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..and, of course, - it was a classic play.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- After that, gradually, - he wrote another play...
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- ..and another.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- The relationship was fantastic.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- He enriched - this flow of work directly.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- As well as writing plays, - Elfyn led a small group...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- ..which met weekly to develop - scripts for radio plays.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- They recorded parts of it in here, - because it sounded like a cave.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Right, who's hiding in here?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Twm Sion Cati? Sion Cwilt?
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Ooh! Sorry.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- I'll never forget Elfyn...
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- ..and the way - he got the best out of everybody.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- He had a sense of humour.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- He'd puff on his pipe.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- We learnt a lot from Elfyn.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Creating radio drama - before the advent of Radio Cymru?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- What was that all about?
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Where did that come from? - I don't know.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- When Theatr Felinfach - celebrated its second birthday...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- ..there was no talk of the West End.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- But within a year or two, the West - End was talking about Felinfach.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Elfyn Jenkins wrote a play...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..specifically - for the theatre's actors.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It was a well-crafted play...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- ..which posed more questions - than it answered.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36- It was an interesting play. It was - performed many times in Felinfach.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- Outside Wales...
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- ..it was performed in the - Royal Court Theatre in the West End.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Well, how ironic.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- Or, as the pantomime crew would say, - how Aeronic!
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- This place was a hotbed - of creativity.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- Around Christmas 1974, - there was even more excitement.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- The first panto of the new theatre - was close to being staged.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- A lot of actors from the old company - were part of the new company...
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- ..but Hywel made one change.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- He allowed some of the actors - to devise the show.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Goodness me, - things are taking off now.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- But when it was moved - from its old home...
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- ..the panto from the college's - little theatre became too big.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- It broke away from the stage - and charged out through the doors.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- How are you? I'm from the BBC.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Out of my way. - Oh, I beg your pardon.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- The bad characters - are always the losers.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- It's high time we were winners.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- The problems weren't limited - to the theatre.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- The Welsh language - was constantly under threat.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- The shadows of real-life baddies...
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- ..were cast over it - from every direction.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- Felinfach was a theatre - for the whole of rural Ceredigion...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..but for three weeks in 1976, - it gave its full attention...
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- ..to its home patch.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Well, to this field to be precise.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- There was enough room on this pitch - for 100 houses...
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- ..until a group of locals used - the theatre to pose a question.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- Whose villages - are the villages of Ceredigion?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- What is the point of this play?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Two points - - first, the planning issue.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- We're asking a question.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- Is the planning policy - suitable for Ceredigion?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- Secondly, and ultimately...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..we're offering the theatre - to local people.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- If they want to use the theatre...
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- ..as a place to air views - and share ideas...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- ..please use it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- We're offering the theatre - as a platform to the people.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- I'd only been a staff member here - for a couple of months.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- I was dragged in - to the excitement...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- ..of creating Pentrefi Pwy? - (Whose Villages?)
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- It was a baptism of fire.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- The show was quickly written, - rehearsed and performed...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..and an audience - was gathered together
0:20:25 > 0:20:26- It all happened within a week.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Before the performance, - nothing could be done.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- A week or two later, - the application was rejected.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- The field was secure.
0:20:36 > 0:20:43- As the 1970s came to an end, - Hywel headed off to pastures new.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Cleif Harpwood, - Edward H's lead singer...
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- ..became the lecturer - in charge of the theatre...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..but Euros Lewis - was responsible for the panto.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- He wanted to implement changes.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02- New characters and new scenarios - were sought for the pantomime.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- We sat down one night in the theatre - and devised a few new characters.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- A-ha! Move along!
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Ianto, never fear, Penwag is here.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Friends, it's my pleasure - to announce...
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- ..that on December 1, 1980, - PC Penwag was born.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Along with the vicar...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- ..Deina Davies...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- ..the squire, the curate...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- ..Tegwen Fawr...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- ..and Tegwen Fach.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Idwal Jones and Mary Lewis's - grandchildren...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..and Felinfach's - best-loved children.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- Who exactly was their father? - Nobody's quite sure.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Don't worry - it's a false alarm.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Who fathered these characters? - The actors themselves.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10- Anyone and everyone - who contributed to the creativity.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- The pantomime is created - in response to current issues...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- ..and to address current problems.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- That is its main aim.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Every performance has to be - of that moment, of that night.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- This is an exciting place now, - no messing.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- The new characters, - the new energy...
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- ..breaking the barriers, - the boundaries and the rules.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Since the drama - of Pentrefi Pwy?...
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- ..more questions were being asked.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Is the theatre, like the panto, - in danger of losing control?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Mami? Mami?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- You're Deina, are you?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Yes. Who are you then?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- I've come to see the pantomime.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- What about the part you play?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- It's an important part.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- I like men, you know.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Tell me more about the pantomime.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- You're heavy!
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Uh, yeah...
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Ianto Ffwl Pelt, Y Dydd, - in Felinfach.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24- .
0:23:31 > 0:23:31- Subtitles
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Theatr Felinfach - has reached middle age...
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- ..but like many adults, - it's still a child at heart.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- A child that learns through play.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- The greatest joy derived from - playing is performing the new panto.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- Going to see the first panto. - Being inspired.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- Before school or the YFC, coming to - see the panto and being so scared.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07- It was just above me.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09- Do you remember, Aeron?
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Do you remember, Aeron?- - I was in the first one.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Were you on stage?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- I was back and forth.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Here's an interesting fact.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- As popular as the vicar, - the curate and Deina Davies were...
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- ..the most important creations...
0:24:26 > 0:24:33- ..were Menna Men, Ben Ake - and Sleibyn, the baddie!
0:24:36 > 0:24:37- Ha, ha, ha, ha!
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- I avoided them and you. Yes indeed.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- All I have to do now is hide here...
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- ..until Bryn O'Dalent comes by - with his script.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- It was difficult getting that - first line out sometimes.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- They made such a racket - before I'd even appeared.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- A lot of them - would stamp their feet.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04- I had to stand there, waiting, - looking as evil as I could.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10- There was no point saying the line - because nobody would hear it.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- There was one instance...
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- ..when the audience took - great exception to the baddies...
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- ..and we had to stop the show - for a few minutes...
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- ..and calm the audience down.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- We had to explain to them - that this wasn't real...
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- ..and asked them - to keep their voices down.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- That's an example of the boundaries - that were involved.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- If a baddie does succeed...
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- ..the important message is that - their success threatens society.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- I'm so glad you're here. I'm so glad - you're here to see the end.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- We were never in the curtain call.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49- We were never in the curtain call.- - Never.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- In the grand scheme of things, - we'd lost.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- Evil had been conquered.
0:25:55 > 0:26:01- That victory is as much - a victory for the audience...
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- ..as it is for the characters...
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- ..and for the actors - that portray the good characters.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Here's another strange fact.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- The more the stories in the panto...
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- ..reflected a local story - or community...
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- ..the wider the appeal of the show.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- The first pantos were watched - by people from rural Ceredigion...
0:26:25 > 0:26:31- ..but by now, buses were coming from - Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire...
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- ..Powys and even Gwynedd.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- As the song goes, - "Who let the Gogs out!"
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- I have a ticket, yes indeed.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- No, not a ticket for the - Wales v England rugby match.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- This is far more precious.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- One of these is rarer than gold - in the Aeron Valley.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- This is a ticket - for the annual panto in Felinfach.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- 2,700 were printed.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- They were all sold within a day and - before the script had been written.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07- A tenth performance was booked - and 300 tickets were sold in a day.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- 400 people are on the waiting list, - waiting for a ticket.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Is the Felinfach pantomime - the only one in Wales...
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- ..which doesn't need - to be advertised?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- The panto wasn't the only aspect - of Felinfach's work...
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- ..that was growing and evolving.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- By the 1980s, - the theatre's drama club...
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- ..had over 100 members.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- It's been a few years - since I was part of a drama club...
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- ..but today, I can start again.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- Like any other drama club, - I have no idea what'll happen.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47- Are you going to learn Welsh?
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- Are you going to learn Welsh?- - Yeah.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- In the Mabinogion stories...
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- ..there are places - where strange things happen.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- Magical things.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- That's what Felinfach is like.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- On the outside, it's a shed, - and always will be.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- But inside, well...
0:28:12 > 0:28:17- ..something new and different - always happens.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- In the early 1980s, it was a film.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- Who do you think - produced the film?
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- Yes, you're starting to get the - picture. The children themselves.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- When the panto's big children - saw the little children's videos...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- ..they wanted to produce a film too.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- What's going on here then?
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- They told me seven o'clock - and dress up as Deina!
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Why haven't you changed?
0:28:50 > 0:28:55- Before long, a panto wasn't a panto - unless it contained a film.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- Silent movies!
0:28:58 > 0:28:59- I WANT A WEE-WEE
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- WE'VE CAUGHT Y BRODYR BACH!
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Locations varied greatly...
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- ..from running around Lampeter - dressed up...
0:29:19 > 0:29:24- Cars were passing - and I was chasing a Morris Minor.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- The vicar was driving - the Morris Minor.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Euros shouted, - "Run across the road.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32- "Just go, just go!"
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- Driving the wrong way around - New Quay in a beach buggy.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- We hadn't notified the police!
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- We had a caravan. - We had to tow the caravan.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Rhys ap Hywel was in the caravan.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- He always popped up as a drunk.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- I was walking along the street. - The caravan went past.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- The caravan took my clothes with it!
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- It was the middle of winter, - in December.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- Do you remember the horse, - riding the horse?
0:30:11 > 0:30:17- We needed a stunt double to ride - the horse wearing a cloak and hat.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19- I had to sit on the horse...
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- ..for the opening shot, - to show I was riding it.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- It was so big, I froze!
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- It was flippin' freezing, - the field was frozen.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- Euros said, "All you have to do - is lie down there.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- "It won't touch you!"
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- I lay down there and prayed.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- The horse just jumped over me.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52- In one of the films, - we were on the ferry to Rosslare.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- In a storm.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- A raging storm.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- When I went down below, - I was so ill, so ill.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- She turned green.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- She had a look around - for somewhere to be sick.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- There were no buckets, - no toilets and no sick bags.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- I told her to lift her apron up - and vomit into it.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- She walked to the nearest exit - and shook the vomit off her apron.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37- Go on, get changed.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- Go on, get changed.- - It won't take long for me.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- There you are.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Here she comes.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- I haven't seen that for years!
0:31:55 > 0:31:56- Might as well...
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- No film was produced...
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- ..when the National Eisteddfod - visited Lampeter in 1984.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- After all, everyone was too busy.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- From the children's pageant - to Dewrach Rhain - the musical...
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- ..and Elfyn Jenkins's - commissioned drama.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- The theatre's actors and technicians - were everywhere.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- When the circus left, - did everything die down? Oh, no!
0:32:24 > 0:32:25- Not in the Aeron Valley.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- Look what you've done now.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- To maintain the enthusiasm, - a new festival was founded.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- Three of us were asked for Aerwyl...
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- ..to write short plays - for the first time.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- A night was organized - in the theatre during Aerwyl.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- My play, Trimins, - was one of three plays performed.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- If you're involved - with the theatre...
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- ..it's not always - a comfortable experience.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- They push you, - and I'm glad they do.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- That's the Felinfach ethos.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- A society - that challenges and creates.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- But at the beginning of the 1980s...
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- ..that also brought - with it its problems.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- The Prime Minister, Maggie Thatcher, - was rather challenging herself.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Her only aim was to make money.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- She didn't like the word "society".
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- How Theatr Felinfach - avoided her educational cuts...
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- ..only God, - and John Emrys Jones, know.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- But Maggie had - another destructive arsenal...
0:33:37 > 0:33:43- ..and it was about to explode in - the field next-door to the theatre.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- The Welsh flag flew - at half-mast in Felinfach today.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- The dairy factory - closed down at midday.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Closing the dairy factory - was a massive blow...
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- ..not only for the Aeron Valley...
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- ..but for the rural community - across West Wales.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- "Whose villages?" - was no longer the question...
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- ..but whose milk?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- Whose jobs? Whose future?
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Could the theatre offer anything - to such a hopeless situation?
0:34:17 > 0:34:18- More importantly...
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- ..did it have the right - to interfere in the first place?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- It has every right, every right.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- Since Pentrefi Pwy?, it has - developed that right for itself...
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- ..through the themes discussed - in the annual pantomime...
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- ..through the fact that it leads - the discussion and makes it happen.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41- Ultimately, - the community is the theatre.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- In this case, the factory workers - who were losing their jobs...
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- ..they were the theatre.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- It was up to them - to use the theatre...
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- ..and for the theatre - to be used by them.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- The dairy farmers - and the rural neighbourhood...
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- ..are an integral part - of the ecology and system...
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- ..of local economy, - culture and language.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- The situation progressed with - young people utilizing the theatre.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- We opened our doors to young people - to gather together.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- During that first meeting...
0:35:17 > 0:35:21- ..they formed a drama society - just for them....
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- ..called Cwmni Theatr - Ieuenctid Ceredigion...
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- ..or as the acronym suggests...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- CIC! Cwmni Ieuenctid Ceredigion.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Right then, Felinfach, watch out.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35- This is where I come in.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37- .
0:35:43 > 0:35:43- Subtitles
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- Goodness me, there's so much - to say on this momentous occasion.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- As we said goodbye - to the 20th century...
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- ..Felinfach became - an important centre...
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- ..for filming TV dramas and shows.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- What do we have? - What's your first memory of CIC?
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- Oh, dear me. Clod Y Cledd - was the first one I appeared in.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- Ryland was in that. - Lowri Steffan was in it.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- I was in that!
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- Yes, Felinfach's stage.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27- I'd been here numerous times before - to watch the panto...
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- ..but being part of Gareth Ioan's - play, Clod Y Cledd...
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- ..that's when I really - started to belong.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Well, it was our stage.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- The ideas and creative energy...
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- ..behind this show were inspired - by the young people themselves.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- I'd catch the bus at 9.00am on - Sunday mornings, as a 15-year-old.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- A large gang - travelled down from Penweddig.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- Travelling on the bus was more - than an ordinary bus journey.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- We'd meet friends and the journey - was part of the experience.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- One of the main strengths - is building confidence.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- We were outside the confines - of the school, in a different place.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- You met different people.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- Personal development...
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- ..is more important than - anything you gain from education.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- Once again, the doors of - Theatr Felinfach were opened wide...
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- ..and a new generation - of creativity was born.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- At the beginning of the 1990s...
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- ..the theatre capitalized - on this creativity.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38- The pioneering Cardis - formed their own radio station...
0:37:38 > 0:37:39- ..Radio Ceredigion.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- During the early years, the radio - workshop produced radio plays...
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- ..that were heard - by very few people.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- Now, here they were, along - with the enthusiasm of youth...
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- ..creating a daily soap opera...
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- ..for an audience - from Machynlleth to Preseli.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58- Over there, Dad.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Over there, Dad.- - Do you have to be so noisy?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Oh, Dad!
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- In contrast to The Archers...
0:38:04 > 0:38:09- ..Bontlwyd was written and performed - by the rural community...
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- ..people from across Ceredigion.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- The modern, - multi-cultural Ceredigion.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- By facing and adapting to reality...
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- ..Theatr Felinfach could offer - opportunities to everyone...
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- ..whether they were raised locally - or not.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32- I was born in London - and raised in a village in Kent.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37- We moved to Wales - just before Christmas 1987.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- I was raised for a second time - in Theatr Felinfach!
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- I could feel the welcome - of the local community.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46- Had I not felt it...
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- ..I wouldn't have gone on - to do what I've done...
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- ..but I was welcomed - by just about everyone.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54- Amazing!
0:38:55 > 0:39:00- The theatre developed a partnership - with the Welsh Development Agency...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- ..the Urdd and S4C.
0:39:04 > 0:39:11- The partnership allowed the theatre - to employ its first youth officer.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16- One of the most important aspects - was ensuring that the door was open.
0:39:16 > 0:39:22- We tried to attract youngsters - from all linguistic backgrounds...
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- ..with different backgrounds - and abilities.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- We started with the theatre's - cultural strength...
0:39:30 > 0:39:35- ..and then branched out and welcomed - people who'd moved into the area.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41- We gave them opportunities - to produce and create something...
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- ..that was intrinsically Welsh.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- It would have been easier - just to work with Welsh speakers...
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- ..but that would have been - irresponsible.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- There are other languages - and cultures.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- When the Urdd Eisteddfod - visited Lampeter in 1999...
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- ..everyone expected CIC - to perform a musical drama.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- Welcome to the world's backside.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- But they wanted to produce a film, - a real cinematic film.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- A lot of incomers - have moved into this area.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- They sometimes feel trapped here, - that they have nothing.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- The Hambons project - managed to integrate them.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Have you seen the notices Emma - and Marged put up about the show?
0:40:36 > 0:40:37- What's so funny?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39- What's so funny?- - I've seen them, but...
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- They're in Welsh, is it?
0:40:41 > 0:40:42- I know that "gitar" means guitar.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- I know that "gitar" means guitar.- - Come to the next practice.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46- I don't fancy it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47- I don't fancy it.- - Why not?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- I'm English. I don't speak Welsh.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- Two different things.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- The energy cascaded.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- It just didn't stop.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- It actually built from week to week.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- You felt as though you were on fire.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- We were so energetic - because it was ours.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- We'd created it - right from the start.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- I remember reading the script for - the first time, the actual script.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- They'd kept everything in it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- I thought they would cut - a lot of it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:27- It was great. It was the same - enthusiasm I'd seen when CIC began.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- Be quiet!
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- Theatr Felinfach has always - put its faith in youngsters...
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- ..and that's why it's succeeded.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- It's trusted them.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- It knows the ideas - will flourish and work.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- It doesn't take over.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- # Will be heard over everything
0:41:49 > 0:41:54- # From day to day #
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- It was a pleasure to work with them.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- It was their idea, - they were responsible for it.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04- It was their little baby.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- They gave it 100%.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- # Birds of a feather #
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa! - That girl in the chorus.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- That's the one. - We've seen here before. Tegwen?
0:42:23 > 0:42:25- Are you going to learn Welsh?
0:42:25 > 0:42:26- Are you going to learn Welsh?- - Yes.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- # Who made the stars above, - the stars above, the stars above
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- # Who made the stars above? - The Lord our God #
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- The schools, the education system, - formal education in school...
0:42:40 > 0:42:44- ..are responsible for teaching - Welsh to children...
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- .. but the work of drama clubs, - Cadw Swn and CIC...
0:42:47 > 0:42:52- ..is to provide a context - and culture from where it can grow.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57- A daily radio soap opera, - a cinematic film...
0:42:57 > 0:43:02- ..and at the beginning of - the millennium, a series on S4C.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- No tree felling, no tree felling.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- While the children - of the Marinogion...
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- ..had the help - of the Mabinogion's heroes...
0:43:21 > 0:43:26- ..Theatr Felinfach used magic - and every possible medium...
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- ..to create and sustain - a confident, creative community.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- Just as Hywel had done - at the beginning of our story...
0:43:36 > 0:43:41- ..Felinfach now offered - new opportunities and challenges...
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- ..for performers young and old.
0:43:45 > 0:43:46- It would be obvious.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48- It would be obvious.- - Obvious.
0:43:54 > 0:44:00- There was nothing on the other side, - the stupid girl. The stupid girl!
0:44:00 > 0:44:04- The new partnerships - helped the theatre...
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- ..move its stage out of the theatre.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- It's a show inspired by the dairy - and beef industry in Ceredigion...
0:44:12 > 0:44:14- ..a show about the place - where I was raised.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17- One upstairs to fetch a blanket...
0:44:17 > 0:44:22- ..another off in the car to prepare - a statement for the radio.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- Finally, around the farms...
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- In the panto, heroes never manage - to eradicate the baddies completely.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- They flee, - only to return the following year.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34- They return to threaten again.
0:44:34 > 0:44:39- Theatr Felinfach has faced different - threats over the decades.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43- Ceredigion's rural communities - have battled continuously.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45- Be quiet!
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- The Minister for Rural Affairs...
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- ..will meet representatives - from Dairygold...
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- ..to discuss the future - of its factory in Felinfach.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- But by turning every crisis - into a drama...
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- ..from Pentrefi Pwy? - to Drwg Yn Y Caws...
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- ..over the past 40 years...
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- ..it has made sure that - the positive and creative mind...
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- ..is always ready - to face every negative blow.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18- # We are the strong beat of the drum
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- # We are the excitement... #
0:45:23 > 0:45:26- By the end of another - powerful production...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28- ..a united audience and crew...
0:45:28 > 0:45:32- ..helped turn the machine cogs - in an empty factory once more.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- The machinery of the theatre - continues to work.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39- The drama clubs, pantomime...
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- ..and a scheme to link culture - to language in local schools.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48- There's also a strong bond with - young farmers' clubs in West Wales.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51- Yes, 40 years later...
0:45:51 > 0:45:55- ..Theatr Felinfach continues - to create, challenge and invest.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59- Talking of investment, - what about CIC...
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- ..the company that invested - its faith in me?
0:46:02 > 0:46:04- What are they up to nowadays?
0:46:04 > 0:46:06- What are they up to nowadays?- - CIC has just visited Ireland.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- There were numerous aims - for that project...
0:46:10 > 0:46:13- ..but the main aim was - to provide opportunities...
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- ..to work with people with - similar linguistic, geographical...
0:46:17 > 0:46:19- ..and cultural backgrounds.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- It was also a creative - theatrical experience.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- They staged a show within a week.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- The skills learnt when acting...
0:46:27 > 0:46:32- ..such as meeting others - and learning how to socialize...
0:46:32 > 0:46:36- ..will help whatever plans - a person has for the future.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- I've developed as a person - through this.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42- I feel more confident.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- Well, that was some journey.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52- If anyone asked me - to sum up Theatr Felinfach...
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- ..and what it meant, - what would I say?
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- Local.- Belonging.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- Experiences.- Society.
0:47:00 > 0:47:01- Freedom.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- Company.- Fun.
0:47:03 > 0:47:04- Passion.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07- Learning without being aware of it.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12- If you had - 15-20 theatres like Felinfach...
0:47:13 > 0:47:18- ..all together, what kind of thing - would we be discussing now?
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- I have a question for you now.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29- Could you benefit from something - like this on your area?
0:47:30 > 0:47:31- And the truth is...
0:47:31 > 0:47:32- And the truth is...- - Ding, ding, ding.
0:47:32 > 0:47:33- Correct!
0:47:33 > 0:47:37- # Off we go in the charabanc, - off we go now
0:47:38 > 0:47:45- # Let's all go together, - off we go now to the Aeron Valley
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- # Off we go in the charabanc
0:47:49 > 0:47:51- # Off we go now
0:47:51 > 0:47:53- # Hold on to your seats - as we turn the corners
0:47:54 > 0:47:56- # Off we go now in the charabanc
0:47:56 > 0:47:58- # Off we go now in the charabanc
0:47:58 > 0:48:02- # In the chara...
0:48:05 > 0:48:07- # Bang, bang! #
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:12 > 0:48:13- .