Alys (TV series)
| Alys | |
|---|---|
|
Title card for Season Two | |
| Genre | Drama |
| Created by | Siwan Jones |
| Written by | Siwan Jones |
| Directed by |
Gareth Byrn Lee Haven-Jones Rhys Powys Dylan Richards |
| Starring |
Sara Lloyd-Gregory Zachary Mutyambizi William Thomas Aneirin Hughes Gillian Elisa Ifan Huw Dafydd Shelley Rees Kate Jarman Rhys ap William Aled Pugh Carwyn Glyn Gareth Milton Catrin Mai Huw Delyth Wyn Gareth Nash Richard Harrington Paul Morgans Carys Eleri Gareth Jewell |
| Composer(s) | Strange Village |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) |
Welsh (main language) English (partly spoken) |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 16 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Jon Williams |
| Producer(s) | Paul Jones |
| Editor(s) | Dafydd Hunt |
| Location(s) | Brecon, Wales, UK |
| Camera setup | Single-camera setup |
| Running time | 52–56 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Apollo[1] |
| Distributor | Boomerang[2] |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel |
S4C[3] S4C Clirlun (HD) |
| Picture format |
576i (16:9 SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Audio format | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Original run | 23 January 2011 – 30 December 2012 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Alys is a Welsh-language television series created by BAFTA Award-winning scriptwriter Siwan Jones. The series follows single mum, Alys Chapman, who moves from away Cardiff to a dingy flat in a small West Wales town along with her 10-year-old son, Daniel, while trying to escape her past.
Alys is portrayed by actress Sara Lloyd-Gregory, in a part which was specially written for her, because it is about her life.[4][5] The show is also her first leading role.[6] Co-stars include William Thomas and Aneirin Hughes, whom Gregory had worked with on Con Passionate, another television drama written by Siwan Jones. The Show is produced by Apollo for S4C. It began on Sunday 23 January 2011 as part of a new year line-up of brand-new television series on S4C.
So far, two seasons of Alys have been produced and broadcast; with the first in early 2011, while the second season aired in late 2012. As of yet, a third season has not been commission, nor has there been any word as to whether or not the series has been officially cancelled.
The series has been nominated twice in 2012, first for a Celtic Media Award and then a BAFTA Cymru Award. In 2013, the series was nominated for three BAFTA Cymru Awards; winning two, including Sara Lloyd-Gregory receiving the award for Best Actress.
Premise and Development
Alys was created and written by Siwan Jones, whose work as a writer won her numerous BAFTA cymru awards and a Rose d'Or for her acclaimed television series Tair Chwaer and Con Passionate.
The idea for Alys came to Jones while she was shopping in a small West Wales town. She watched as a group of people carried some furniture as she walked from the car park towards the town. Behind them was a dark tunnel which led into the heart of a building; while they were walking, some children followed along and as she watched on, this triggered the image for the series with became Alys. Jones' idea which started there was to create two worlds; one of working-class people such as the shop owners in a small town; and the others who were unemployed and struggled to make ends meet, such as Sara Lloyd-Gregory's character, 'Alys'. She aimed to show how different these two worlds are and yet how similar they also are.
The story of the series is centred around the character 'Alys' as she moves to a small town in Wales with her 10-year-old son Daniel after fleeing her troubled life in Cardiff; she plans to start a new life and does anything she can to see that Daniel is looked after.
Production
Most of the series is set in and around Brecon and is entirely written by Jones. It is produced by Paul Jones. The music score is provided and composed by Strange Village. The language in the series is almost entirely spoking in Welsh, with the exception of few scenes in which English is spoken.
It is shot on high-definition video, adding quality and giving the series a filmic look.
The first season of Alys went into production in mid 2010. The second season went into production in March 2012.
Characters
Main characters
- Alys, (played by Sara Lloyd-Gregory) (season 1–). Alys is a strong and independent person. Alys is from West Wales, but moved to Cardiff for university where she became pregnant. She is a young mother who has moved to a small town with her son, Daniel to escape her past in Cardiff, she fled Cardiff following the death of her brother and her boyfriend. With no job and no money she is given a dirty rundown flat, there she makes some very good friends with her neighbours across the hall, Ceri, Kevin, Shane and Wiliam. She will do just about anything to make sure Daniel eats and has nice things which includes stealing and prostitution. Her first "customer" is her landlord Eirwyn Toms. Alys's plan is to make enough money so that she and Daniel can move to America, so that Daniel can one day fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut. Alys is almost always getting herself into trouble with the rich snobs in the town including clothes shop owner, Debbie, and Daniel's friend Alex's mum, Angie whom Alys seems to be falling for her husband, Chris. Alys is very helpful to her neighbours Ceri and William who have become like her family, she also hates drugs, and it also looks as if her past will sometime come back to haunt her.
- Daniel, (played by Zachary Mutyambizi) (season 1–). Daniel is Alys's young son, he often suffers by the things his mum gets up to, by the things that people say about her, but being young he doesn't really understand. He has a dream of one day becoming an astronaut. He is friends with Alex, Angie and Chris's son.
- Wiliam, (played by William Thomas) (season 1–). William was once a Minister, but is now the town drunk, but he is a good friend to Alys and Ceri. His family don't want anything to do with him because of his drinking which is an embarrassment to them, his ex-wife, Lizabeth, and daughter, Catrin never want to see him, but Catrin really misses him. His nephew, Iestyn often comes to visit him at the flat, but with William's behaviour, he doesn't know why he even bothers.
- Eirwyn Toms, (played by Aneirin Hughes) (season 1–season 2.1). Known as "Toms", he owns a garage and is the landlord of the flats. He is in serious debt and things in his and his wife, Heulwen's home are often repossessed, but he somehow manages to keep things afloat with the help of town mayor, Ron. Toms has gone to Alys for sex in order to pay for it, and afterward regrets it. The people of the town have been on to their secret affair. With the police often on his back he once tried to commit suicide by drowning himself. After the death of their daughter, Toms and Heulwen seem to have grown apart, but he seems to be falling in love with Ron's wife Debbie, who is also have problems with her husband.
- Heulwen, (played by Gillian Elisa) (season 1–). Heulwen is Toms' wife, who is mostly always seen in a depressed mood, after the death of their daughter Sarah and the fact that Toms is in a lot of debt. She is known as "Mrs. T" by the town's people. She went to visit her sister whom she hadn't seen in twenty years, her sister is Alys's mum, but having not seen Alys since she was a little girl she is unaware that it's the same Alys who lives in her town.
- Ron, (played by Ifan Huw Dafydd) (season 1–). Ron is the town mayor, he is married to clothes shop owner, Debbie. He and Debbie often hold dinner party's at their home for Toms, Heulwen, Angie and Chris. Ron and Debbie were having little problems in their marriage for a while, but recently Debbie has discovers that Ron has pictures of young girls on his laptop, which has been stolen which Toms is in on.
- Debbie, (played by Shelley Rees) (season 1–). Debbie is the nosy clothes shop owner who is married to town mayor, Ron. She is often bullied by her husband and is unable to stand up to him. She has a little dog called Toots who is like a child to her. She has spotted Toms entering and leaving the flats while visiting Alys on various occasions but has kept it from Heulwen. The discovery of the pictures on Ron's laptop has put a strain on their marriage and finds herself turning to Toms for comfort. With the theft of Ron's laptop and the murder of Toots, she begins to feel the pressure.
- Angie, (played by Kate Jarman) (season 1–). Angie owns a restaurant in town, in which she and her husband, Chris try to get up and running. Her son, Alex is Daniel's friend from school, which Angie has treated bad at times for Alys's behaviours. Angie has told Alys that it isn't fair on Daniel by the things she gets up to. Angie and Chris has talked about Alys in the past about her being a prostitute. Angie is now beginning to suspect that something is going on between Chris and Alys.
- Chris, (played by Rhys ap William) (season 1–). Chris is Angie's husband, he often doesn't agree with or like the thing his wife comes out with, especially towards Alys. He and Angie have discussed Alys being on the game and Chris has confronted Alys because of this, he has also been worried about Daniel because of the way Alys behaves, like the time he found Daniel home alone while Kevin was supposed to be watching him. Recently he has been falling for Alys, and Daniel has spotted him and his mum kissing, and they have also slept together.
- Kevin, (played by Aled Pugh) (season 1–). Kevin is Ceri's boyfriend, the brother of Shane and the son of Bessie. He has cheated on Ceri with Vicky and has a child with her, but he is still in love with Ceri. He and Shane discovered a headless body at the local Chinese and has become involves in crime related businesses. He and Shane recently stolen a laptop from Ron and is demanding a ransom for giving the laptop to Toms.
- Shane, (played by Carwyn Glyn) (season 1–). Shane is Kevin's younger brother and son of Bessie. He works with his brother, and after the discover of the body in the Chinese he sent the message to Toms and was later arrested. He likes Ceri, so he hated the fact that Kevin cheated on her with Vicky.
- Ceri, (played by Catrin Mai Huw)(season 1). Ceri is a depressed young woman, she lives across the hall from Alys, who has become her best friend. She is living with her boyfriend Kevin who has been cheating on her with another woman, Vicky whom he has a child with, but Ceri already knows this and hasn't said anything, until one night she snaps and smashes a chair over Kevin. On a night out with Alys, Ceri recognises that their taxi driver is the same man who had raped her in the past and as a result gave birth to a baby boy, so she slits her wrist. Alys helps Ceri get revenge by finding the man and making him pay for what he done, but he attacks Alys, so she, Ceri and William find him and William smashes his car windows.[7]
- Bessie, (played by Delyth Wyn) (season 1–). Bessie is the mother of Kevin and Shane. Her family is always involved in criminal activity, one of her other sons is in prison and when Shane is arrested she is worries the same thing will happen to him. She likes Ceri, and hates that her son, Kevin has cheated on her with Vicky, who has moves across the street from her.
- Iestyn, (played by Gareth Nash)(season 1–). Iestyn is William's nephew, he works in the local library. He often goes to visit William but hates the way William behaves, he has warned Alys to stay away from his uncle because he doesn't want someone like her near him.
- Simon, (played by Richard Harrington) (season 2–)
- Dylan, (played by Paul Morgans) (season 2–). Dylan, a teacher moves into Heulwen and Toms house with his wife, Lilo, which Heulwen is renting out to them. Dylan tries what he can to get rid of Heulwen as she becomes a bother to him by entering the house and having him believe that her deceased daughter, Sara is living in the house.
- Llio, (played by Carys Eleri) (season 2–). Lilo, the wife of Dylan is a soon-to-be mother and moves into Heulwen and Toms house. Lilo is a good natured woman who does not agree with Dylan treatment of Heulwen and welcomes her into the house.
- Phil, (played by Gareth Jewell) (season 2–). Phil is the son of Bessie and the brother of Kevin and Shane, Having recently been released from prison, Phil served time for the murder of his girlfriend. Martin, the brother of his girlfriend is on Phil's back and will do what he can to make him pay. Phil becomes a love interest of Alys.
Recurring characters
- Moira, (played by Menna Trussler) (season 1–). Moira is the local busy body who had worked in Toms service station and currently is the assistant chef to Chris in the restaurant.
- Mam Alys, (Played by Ri Richards) (season 1–). Alys' mother, whom has not seen her daughter in several months as they do not get along. It was recently discovered that Heulwen is her sister.
- Terry, (played by Simon Fisher) (season 1–). Terry is the local taxi driver, whom Alys and her friends set out to destroy as Terry had previously raped Ceri and got her pregnant.
- Dora, (played by Siwan Bowen Davis) (season 1–season 2). Dora is Ken's girlfriend. She knows that Terry and Ken are not good but is afraid to leave.
- Alex, (played by Caradog Rhys) (season 1–). Alex is the son of Angie and Chris and a friend to Daniel.
- Ken, (played by Huw Euron) (season 2–). Ken is Terry's brother and Dora's boyfriend.
- Martin (played by Gareth Milton) (season 2–). Martin is the brother of Phil's girlfriend, whom Phil had murdered and Martin sets out to get revenge on Phil.
Broadcast
Alys was broadcast on Welsh-language channel S4C since 23 January 2011 with the first of eight episodes. It is available with English subtitles. It aired on Sundays at 9.00pm with the episodes repeated Thursdays at 10.00pm. Season One concluded on 13 March 2011.
Television drama fans were given the chance to preview the first episode days before it was aired on TV. The previews took place in Llandeilo's Civic Hall on Monday 17 January at 7.30pm, Bangor University's JP Hall on Tuesday 18 January, and Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon on Friday 21 January. Following the screening, the audience discussed the show and asked questions to the panel connected with the series, including Siwan Jones, Sara Lloyd-Gregory and producer Paul Jones.[8][9]
The second season of Alys premiered on S4C on Sunday 11 November 2012 at 9.00pm, with repeated episodes airing from Wednesday 14 November 2012 at 10.00pm. This season included eight episodes, concluding on Sunday 30 December 2012.
The show was broadcast in high-definition on Welsh freeview channel S4C Clirlun, which was available only in Wales.[10] However, this operation ceased and the final five episodes of season two could only be screened in standard-definition on the original channel as S4C Clirlun closed on 1 December 2012.
Seasons one and two were available to view online after they aired on S4C at the online service S4C Clic.[11][12] However, this has since expired due to episodes only being made available for up to 35 days after airing on S4C.
It has been advised that anyone under 16 should not watch due to strong language.[13] Apart from the language, the show has also contained scenes of strong violence, sex and sexual violence.
The series was available to view outside of Wales, in countries such as England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as S4C is available on the Sky platform throughout the UK. The episodes on Clic were also available to UK-only viewers outside of Wales.
To date, there have been no repeated episodes of Alys, apart from the catch-up repeats which screened days after the premiere episodes. During the summer months, S4C generally rerun episodes from a series. However, no plans had been made to show Alys again and it is uncertain at present if the series will rerun on S4C. Furthermore, there are currently no plans to release the series on DVD.
Episodes
| Season | Season premiere | Season finale | Time slot | No. of episodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 January 2011 | 13 March 2011 | Sunday 9 pm - 10 pm | 8 | |
| 2 | 11 November 2012 | 30 December 2012 | Sunday 9 pm - 10 pm | 8 | |
Ratings
Season One
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Season Two
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Awards and nominations
In 2012, Alys was nominated for a Celtic Media Award for Best Drama Series, in which the festival was held in Derry, Northern Ireland in April. In total, twelve drama series were nominated for the category, in which TG4 mini-series Corp + Anam (Body + Soul) received the award.[30][31]
In 2012, The series received a BAFTA Cymru Award nomination in Wales for Best Director of Fiction, in which Gareth Bryn received the nomination. The series has will receive three BAFTA Cyrum Award nominations on 29 September 2013.
Bronze Torc Awards (Celtic Film and Television Festival)
- Nominated: Best Drama Series - Alys (2012)
- Nominated: Best Director - Gareth Byrn (2012)
- Nominated: Best Writer - Siwan Jones (2013)
- Won: Best Actress - Sara Lloyd-Gregory (2013)
- Won: Photography & Lighting - Richard Wyn (2013)
Opening titles
Title card for the first season (2011)
References
- ↑ "Boomerang - Apollo". boomerang.co.uk. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
- ↑ "Boomerang+". boomerang.co.uk. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
- ↑ "S4/Croeso". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
- ↑ "The making of Alys - Siwan Jones". walesonline.co.uk. 22 January 2011. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ↑ Jones, Rhiannon (15 January 2011)"Screen role is tailor-made for rising star". thisissouthwales.co.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ↑ Price, Karen (15 January 2011)"'I like characters who are dark' - Sarah Lloyd-Gregory". walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ↑ "S4C's Alys is a dark drama". dailypost.co.uk. 5 February 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- ↑ "Special previews of S4C drama". welshicons.org.uk. 14 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ↑ "Drama fans get sneak preview". thisissouthwales.co.uk. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ↑ "Clirlun". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
- ↑ "S4/Clic Alys". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
- ↑ "Welcome to Clic". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
- ↑ "Alys". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 23/01/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 30/01/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 06/02/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 13/02/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 20/02/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 27/02/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 06/03/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 13/03/2011". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 11/11/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 18/11/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 25/11/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 02/12/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 09/12/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 16/12/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 23/12/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
- ↑ "Top 20 Welsh Programmes - Week ending 30/12/2012". s4c.co.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- ↑ "12 nominations for S4C programmes at Celtic Media Festival 2012". s4c.co.uk. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "Drama - Drama Series Corp + Anam Body + Soul". Celtic Media Festival. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
External links
- Official site (Welsh)
- Official site (English)
- Alys at the Internet Movie Database
- Alys - interview with Sara Lloyd-Gregory (Welsh)
- Alys - interview with Sara Lloyd-Gregory (English)
- Alys - Facebook page
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