Wales’ Children’s Poet will turn her hand to theatre for the first time this autumn.
Anni Llŷn, who’s also a TV presenter and author, is part of a team of professional artists who have devised a new star-sprinkled show that aims to ignite the imagination of young children.
In Saer y Sêr (The Star Keeper), the latest offering from Frân Wen theatre company, actors Rhodri Sion and Leisa Mererid introduce children aged 3 to 7 years to the man responsible for protecting the stars.
Anni has collaborated with actors Leisa Mererid and Rhodri Siôn, musician Osian Gwynedd, designer Gwyn Eiddior, director Ffion Haf and lighting designer Elanor Higgins to create the story.
Originally from Sarn near Pwllheli, Anni now lives in Cardiff and she looks forward to touring the show across Wales.
She said: “I love going to the theatre but it’s a new working environment for me so it’s been a great challenge.
“Creating the show has been a colloborative process with the whole team, and my role has been to bring together all the ideas and put them down on paper. It’s been great having such a creative and experience team with me.
Her talents as a writer emerged in 2012 when she won the Crown at the Urdd Eisteddfod and she has since published two novels for young children. She is already a familiar face to youngsters having spent five years presenting the TV programme Stwnsh on S4C.
In the show, the Saer’s role is to make sure the stars keep shining brightly. But what happens when somebody interrupts his world for the first time? How will he deal with the intruder?
Director Ffion Haf said: “This is a wonderfully powerful production in style and content – we’re aiming to captivate our audience and make sure sure they leave the theatre full of happiness.
“All the elements have come together to create this magical world that will capture the hearts of the young.”
Anni added: “We look forward to welcoming the children of Wales to this magical place.”
The national tour begins on the 31st of October with a visit to Bangor’s Pontio before moving on to Cardiff, Pontypridd, Pontardawe, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Aeron Valley, Caernarfon, Llandudno, Mold, Pwllheli, Bethesda, Llanddeusant and Bala.
*For further information and tickets www.franwen.com
