Ruth Jones Q&A
How did you come up with the idea for this comedy drama?
My husband, David Peet, and I both travel on the train a lot and we were just chatting one night in bed and thought, wouldn't it be a good setting for a comedy drama. The Cardiff to London journey is two hours and I do it a lot, so there's always lots to listen to and observe. For many people, travelling on a train is part of their everyday routine, but for others it's an event - maybe only an annual event. I just love the idea of there being all these different people from different backgrounds with different things going on in their lives, all going on the same journey. I think that's quite exciting. There are so many possibilities with it, so many places you can go - literally!
What is your role in the production?
My role I guess is the creator of the film, in that I came up with the concept with David, and then went on to think about the characters and their world. David produced the film and I just stuck my ten penneth in now and again on set. All the script writing was done as a co-venture with author Catrin Dafydd.
How would you summarise Ar y Tracs?
It's definitely a feel-good festive film. There are no baddies as such, or swearing. I love all the characters, and they're all just doing their best to get by. I think there's something in there for everyone.
What kind of world did you set out to convey?
David described it perfectly the other day. He said the people in this drama wake up and actually want to get on with each other. They're not looking for a fight. There's also something magical about the world of the moving train, hurtling through the countryside covering hundreds of miles day after day...
Can we expect to see any interesting passengers?
We were really thrilled to get people like Stifyn Parri and Stan Stennett to take on cameo roles. And I don't want to spoil the surprise but there are a few celebrities in there too, playing themselves, which is great fun especially for Christmas. It's a bit like pantomime! I was thrilled so many well-known faces wanted to take part - I think it's lovely for the audience.
What was it like working on your first Welsh language production?
I studied Welsh as a subject in school, but I've learnt a lot from watching subtitled programmes on S4C. I think it's a good way to learn because you are hearing Welsh being spoken and translating it as you go along. Through media such as programmes on S4C, I do think Welsh can be made more accessible to learners, who, at the end of the day, just need the confidence to have a go. My Welsh has definitely improved since working on Ar y Tracs. I've learnt a lot from working with Catrin and a bilingual cast and crew.
You co-wrote the Ar y Tracs script with author Catrin Dafydd who also works in the medium of Welsh and English. How did this relationship work out?
Catrin is amazing. She's achieved so much at such a young age - I was still waitressing at her age but she's written three novels! She's a very positive force to be around, she sees the good in everything and is a very grounding influence. My husband David had met with Catrin and he thought the two of us might get on creatively and he was right.
You of course co-wrote the hit drama Gavin & Stacey with James Corden. Is it easier to co-write things?
It's good writing with another person because you get to bounce ideas off each other and also when one of you is feeling demoralised the other, usually, picks you up. Writing can be lonely when you're doing it on your own.