UWTSD Students Bring Welsh Pantomime to Life
First Year students from the BA Set Design and Production course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have teamed up with Cwmni Mega on their latest production, ‘Gwion Bach a Ceridwen y Wrach.’
Over the coming month, Cwmni Mega will be taking its latest pantomime to venues across Wales, with the production featuring set elements built by UWTSD students. The collaboration comes at a particularly exciting time for the University’s creative courses, with UWTSD ranked 1st in the UK for Drama and Dance in the Guardian University Guide 2027, recognising the strength of its provision across the performing arts
The company approached the University’s Set Design and Production team to support the construction of the set, giving students the opportunity to contribute to a professional theatre production and see their work brought to life on stage.
The collaboration forms part of the students’ Scenic Construction module, in which they respond to a real-world creative brief and develop the skills needed to deliver projects within a live performance environment.
Through the project, students have gained valuable hands-on experience, developing their technical abilities, creativity and confidence while building connections with professionals working in the Welsh theatre industry. The collaboration has also provided an opportunity to work alongside UWTSD graduate Ellie Reynolds, who designed the production’s set.
Cwmni Mega’s Director, Lisa Marged, said:
“It has been fantastic to provide university students with the opportunity to get involved in the process, helping to build elements of the set and gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the world of theatre.
“It is a privilege to be able to offer them this experience as they begin their careers in the field.
“It is also wonderful to be collaborating with Ellie Reynolds for the second time! The first occasion was as a wardrobe assistant on our pantomime tour last year, and this year she has designed, created, and painted the striking set for ‘Gwion Bach a Ceridwen y Wrach’.
“Ellie is an exceptionally talented and creative person, and a delight to work with; we are incredibly grateful for all her hard work and dedication.”
Lecturer Dave Atkinson said:
“For the students who made this set, it was their first time working with power tools and carpentry skills. The environment they learn in is practical and nurturing, mixed with a brief for a professional client, giving them the perfect learning ground to develop their skills and build understanding of real world application. This is the second time we have built for Cwmni Mega and it’s a real pleasure to maintain relationships with industry.”
For more information about the BA Set Design & Production course, visit: Set Design and Production (Full-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David
For tickets to the production, please visit: Home - Cwmni Mega
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476