Cwmni Theatr yr Urdd is celebrating a landmark moment in its history as Calon – a musical celebrating the songs of Caryl Parry Jones, and the company’s most ambitious production to date – opened to an audience of over 1,300 last night at the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre. The show was produced in collaboration with Theatr Cymru, and so far over 3,500 tickets have been sold across its four performances.
The production has given 80 young people from across Wales a unique opportunity to perform, play in a live orchestra, or work as part of the backstage crew, creating a show full of music, energy and Welsh pride.
Alongside the cast, several young people had the chance to work on every aspect of producing a professional theatre show, including technical work, design and costume, mentored by professional artists and stage crew throughout the process.
Calon continues its run until Saturday night. Tickets are still available for performances on Friday (7.30pm) and Saturday (2.30pm and 7.30pm) – offering a final chance to see the show before it comes to an end.
Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said:
“Calon shows exactly how important Cwmni Theatr yr Urdd is as part of the Urdd. We’ve seen 80 talented young people from across Wales come together to create something so special – not just an incredible show, but an experience that will stay with them for life.
“Selling over 3,500 tickets for our most ambitious production ever is testament to the talent and hard work of our young people, and I’d like to thank them wholeheartedly, our partners at Theatr Cymru, the creative team, and everyone coming to see Calon.
“I’d also like to thank the Welsh Government for their continued support, which enables us to offer unique opportunities to young people across Wales, and to continue nurturing the arts and the Welsh language on a national stage.”
Co-written by Non Parry and Caryl Parry Jones, and directed by Rhian Blythe, with Math Roberts as musical director, Calon follows Sil, a 17-year-old girl with neurodivergence who lives with her mother, Beth. Sil’s world is confined to the walls of her bedroom – a safe space away from the outside world, which often feels too loud, too confusing, and unwilling to try to understand her language.
Guided by two magical characters, Ben and his apprentice Cal, Sil goes on a journey to an “other-world” where she meets five other young people – Jed, Dilly, Jules, Elinor and Twm – each carrying their own story and hidden struggles, from grief and responsibility, to a search for identity, to the pressure of family expectations. Together, in the old manor house of Pencaerlonydd, the group learn about friendship, acceptance and the strength that comes from staying true to who you really are.
The show is told through a collection of Caryl Parry Jones’s iconic songs spanning over four decades of her career, including the anthem Calon itself, alongside songs such as Chwarae’n Troi’n Chwerw, Yn y Dechreuad and Space Invaders.
This is Cwmni Theatr yr Urdd’s biggest show since the company relaunched in 2022, in the Urdd’s centenary year, with the support of the Welsh Government. It was made possible thanks to a special partnership with Theatr Cymru, with their Associate Director Rhian Blythe bringing her extensive experience as a director and actor to lead the young performers.
Family has been at the heart of the creative process, with Caryl working alongside her cousin, singer Non Parry, as well as two of her daughters: movement director and choreographer Elan Isaac, and actress, singer and presenter Miriam Isaac.