A Christmas Favourite on Stage – with a new twist
Towy Youth Actors are proud to present a new version of an old tale as A Drover's Christmas Carol comes to town this December. The Charles Dickens' Christmas classic has a real Llandovery flavour in this brand new production, featuring the quintessential drover, his sheep – as well as Llewellyn ap Gruffyd Fychan and a whole host of other characters. Over 30 local children from different schools take part in this musical version of the timeless Christmas favourite that features dances, with songs from the shows by Paul Williams. Suitable for all the family, it promises a good many laughs while preserving much of the original Dickensian text.
All the performers are under 14 years of age and meet each Sunday to rehearse at The Castle Hotel in Llandovery, thanks to the unstinting support of owners Nick and Carol. Towy Youth Actors is run by a volunteer group of parents that includes an actor, singing coach and dance instructors. Most important are the children over 75 of whom have been involved in Towy Youth Actors in its near two year history. This time, Sarah Goddard from Ysgol Pantycelyn takes the lead as Scrooge, Lizzie Thurgate (Ysgol Pantycelyn) plays Charles Dickens, Elin Jennings (Llandovery College) is the Drover, Bob Cratchit is played by Nathan Davies (Ysgol Panytcelyn) while his feisty wife is portrayed by Cara Ludlow (Ysgol Pantycelyn). But this is really an emsemble piece where every child who wanted a part has one, and all are given the chance to shine and to grow in confidence.
“This what Towy Youth Actors is all about” comments one of its founders, Joe Pritchard. “Every child who comes has the chance to try their hand at acting, singing, dancing and learn stage craft and something about production. Its great to see how they grow in confidence.”
Something of a sneak preview of A Drover's Christmas Carol takes place on Friday 27th November as part of the town's Victorian Night. Following the switching on of Llandovery's Christmas lights, Towy Youth Actors will perform an extract from the show at 7.00pm at The Castle Hotel and will launch the Twmpath organised by Llandovery Folk Dancing. We hope that many of you will turn out, in Victorian dress, to enjoy the festivities.
Following the success of their sell out performances of Bugsy Malone last year and Around the World in 80 Minutes in May, Towy Youth Actors moves to its third venue in as many shows: the Performing Arts Centre at Llandovery College (entrance on New Road as well as from Queensway). There are just two shows of A Drover's Christmas Carol, a matinee and evening performance, on Saturday 19th December – coming along to enjoy one of the shows and support the children who have worked so hard is the perfect way to start a traditional family Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of Llandovery College, tickets can be priced at just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, and mince pies, mulled wine and more will be available to make this a really festive time for all the family. With just two shows, tickets are bound to sell out very fast so telephone 01550 720289 or visit Llandovery Post Office to get yours without delay!