UWTSD Alumnus Starring in 'The Secret Garden'.
Catrin Mai Edwards, a former BA Perfformio student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, has been chosen to play Martha, one of the main characters in the new production of the musical The Secret Garden, which will be staged at the Theatre Royal in York.
Martha is the maid of the main character, Mary, and the sister of Dickon, a character who is full of warmth and energy, and is a key part of the heart of the story. This production is different in that all the actors performing play the music live on stage. Catrin will play the harp as part of her role.
When Catrin received the news, she said:
“I was so excited to hear that I got the part. I enjoyed singing the material at the audition, and I look forward to performing it on stage every night.
“Performing in a new show is always an opportunity to meet more actors, and to get to work with a new creative team. I’m looking forward to performing The Secret Garden in the city that is its setting, and being able to tell one of my favourite stories from my childhood.”
This is the biggest role Catrin has played so far in her professional career, and she is grateful to the University for the performance skills she developed during her studies there. She added:
“During my time at UWTSD, we had a lot of auditions, which prepared me for the professional world. I also got to be part of the cast of Sweeney Todd, Songs For a New World and Cysgu’n Brysur, which prepared me for the standard and stamina needed for a professional show.”
Since graduating, Catrin has performed in productions such as The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood at The Barn Theatre, and A Christmas Carol at Sherman Theatre in 2024. She says as a performer:
“I really enjoy the opportunity to bring all of the skills together – singing, acting, dancing and playing instruments. I’m looking forward to seeing what the addition of actor-musicians will bring to a well-known show like The Secret Garden.”
Catrin decided to study BA Perfformio, a Welsh-medium performance course, at UWTSD, because:
“Having grown up in Welsh education, studying through the medium of Welsh in the Welsh capital felt like the natural next step. I wanted to choose a course where the focus was on the student, and which offered the standard of drama school courses through the medium of Welsh, so the decision was an easy one.
“I liked that the course had an equal focus on acting and singing/musicals so that you can learn and play and see what style you want to specialise in.”
Catrin praises the tutors and the support she received during her time as a student:
“During my time at UWTSD, I was taught by actors and directors working in the industry, including Angharad Lee, Elen Bowman, Aled Pedrick, Mali Tudno Jones and Sara Lloyd. It was great to get to meet people in the industry and make connections and learn from their experiences. We also had several master classes with casting directors and performers.”
Angharad Lee, Programme Manager for the BA Perfformio and BA Musical Theatre at UWTSD, said:
“Catrin studied on our BA Perfformio course here, and it has been a great pleasure to watch her career develop. We are extremely proud of her achievements. We work hard to ensure that the BA Performing course reflects what the industry requires, while continuing to be responsive to the individual needs of each performer. Our acting training is led by professionals who work in the sector, and successes like this remind us that our approach works.”
Catrin encourages people to study the BA Perfformio course.
“The course is a great way to find out if you want to pursue a career in performance. You’ll have the opportunity to work with excellent people by working on Welsh plays/musicals, competing in the Eisteddfod, making friends with the same passion for the culture, and developing as a performer. I wouldn’t be where I am today without starting at Trinity!”
The Secret Garden is being performed at York Theatre Royal from 17 March to 4 April.
For more information about the BA Perfformio course, please contact Angharad Lee: Angharad.rees@uwtsd.ac.uk or visit here.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476