Stifyn's Panto challenge for Rhosllannerchrugog
Christmas has arrived early on S4C as a small community in Rhosllannerchrugog create and produce a pantomime at the iconic Stiwt building for a special festive series.
Seren Nadolig Rhos begins its seven-week run on Tuesday 8 November and viewers can enjoy the end product in a special Christmas Day cracker.
The concept is the brainchild of television producer Stifyn Parri and he's also in charge of keeping an eye on the project and presents the television series. Stifyn is originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, near Wrexham, and although he hasn't lived in the area for over 30 years, the village still plays an important role in his life.
Stifyn explains, "I love coming back to Rhos - I have fond memories of living in the village and I often return to visit my mother who still lives here. The Stiwt itself has been the heartbeat of the community for nearly a century and it played an integral role in my childhood. I remember spending hours and hours there as a child and I want the young people of the area to enjoy the same experiences as I did."
Over the next few weeks, S4C's cameras follow the ups and the downs, the tears, laughter and stress as the community gets to grips with this unique challenge. They'll need to agree on every aspect of the planning, including which panto to stage. In the first episode, Stifyn presents his idea to over 300 local people in the Stiwt - while dressed as a Fairy Godmother on a specially-made pantomime set.
"It's best not to mention the Fairy Godmother outfit, although my mother did say that I looked rather pretty!" laughs Stifyn. "The true stars of the production and the series are the Rhos locals. And there is certainly no shortage of talent here! At the auditions I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, the amount of preparation beforehand and the standard of performances.
"From designing the set to writing the script, dress-making and raising money for the chosen charity - the community will have to join together to complete the project. I'll be keeping an eye on them throughout the experience as they attempt to put everything in place. Rhosllannerchrugog has accepted my challenge and with Christmas getting closer, it's a real race against time to make this a panto to remember!"
All monies raised from the ticket sales will be returned to the Stiwt to develop a brand new community and rehearsal room for the youth theatre and local community to enjoy.
Seren Nadolig Rhos follows the successful series Seren Bethlehem, which was broadcast on S4C in 2009. The challenge facing the Carmarthenshire village at the time was to re-enact the nativity. Over 100 people took part in that production, including a new-born baby, a donkey and a very noisy lamb!
But who or what will make sure that Seren Nadolig Rhos is also a show to remember?