drama

Ar y Ffin – S4C

It was Newport’s time to shine in S4C’s latest drama series Ar y Ffin. Made much of in a Guardian article prior to broadcast, the city is often overlooked by its capital cousin, but becomes a metaphor here for the title character’s own story. Erin Richards is superb as Claire Lewis Jones, a magistrate andContinue reading “Ar y Ffin – S4C”

Lost Boys and Fairies – BBC

“Lost Boys and Fairies” is a poignant TV series that delves into the highs and lows of adoption, drawing on the personal experiences of its creator, Daf James. The performances are captivating, and the incorporation of magical realism adds depth and emotion to the storyline. The series skillfully evokes both laughter and tears, offering a deeply moving and life-affirming viewing experience.

Creisis – S4C

I can think of many television dramas which feature mental health as a theme or part of a storyline. But to have it at its core makes Creisis a rarity. The facts which appear at the end suggest that it’s grounded in real-world evidence. The complexity of the protagonist Jamie’s journey over the course ofContinue reading “Creisis – S4C”

Pren ar y Bryn/Tree on a Hill – S4C/BBC Wales

“Hell’s Bells” is the phrase that sticks from Pren ar y Bryn / Tree on a Hill. “Bingo” too. Both are utterances of Clive, a quirky character, played by Rhodri Meilir, who is representative of this offbeat drama. Filmed in Welsh and English, the former went out on S4C around Christmas whilst the latter appearedContinue reading “Pren ar y Bryn/Tree on a Hill – S4C/BBC Wales”

The Way – BBC Wales

Its title is perhaps deceiving. For there are many ways to describe The Way. Realist, certainly, but both magic and social. Incorporating documentary-style shots with archive footage. Alluding constantly to myth and legend. And that fine line between the supernatural and the imagined. All such elements contribute to what feels like something that wants toContinue reading “The Way – BBC Wales”

Bariau – S4C

Bariau is the latest series to enter the realm of prison drama. With Time and Screw already making a mark in their respective ways, it is the turn of S4C to put a Welsh spin on the subgenre. Bariau follows the blueprint of the other two insofar as real-life stories inform the onscreen narratives. VerisimilitudeContinue reading “Bariau – S4C”

Anfamol – S4C

A Welsh adaptation of Fleabag seems quite superfluous in the face of Anfamol’s success. For this is a production that takes the best of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s comedy and turns it into something original. First conceived as a stage play, the critical acclaim which it received has seen Rhiannon Boyle now adapt it for the screen.Continue reading “Anfamol – S4C”

Steeltown Murders – BBC Wales

Steeltown Murders may be yet another Welsh drama in the ever-popular crime genre, but it is very well done on the whole. Telling the true story of how DNA was used in a pioneering way to solve a cold case in Port Talbot, it flits between the 1973 setting of the murders of three girlsContinue reading “Steeltown Murders – BBC Wales”

Y Golau – S4C

For such a highly-anticipated Welsh drama, Y Golau seemed to run the well-worn tracks of what has become the genre’s favoured train: the psychological thriller. Given its all-star Welsh cast, I expected something much more original and distinctly different from previous Welsh noirs like Hidden and The Pact. As a result, I felt underwhelmed byContinue reading “Y Golau – S4C”

Stad – S4C

It is the North West that seems to be in the Welsh TV spotlight recently. The final series of Hidden has begun, Rybish has returned, and a brand-new series called Stad has just completed its run. Set on a council estate near Caernarfon, it combines the drama and comedy of the aforementioned to create aContinue reading “Stad – S4C”