LLAIS Activities

Introducing the Patron of LLAIS: Hollywood Actor Ioan Gruffudd

Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd, now a leading Hollywood movie star is proud to be the Patron of LLAIS.

Gruffudd was born in the village of Llwydcoed near the town of Aberdare. He started his acting career at the age of 13 in a Welsh television film called Austin and then later moved on to the Welsh soap opera Pobol y Cwm from 1987 to 1994. In 1992, at 18, he began attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and the rest, as they say, is history as he is now famous for starring in numerous TV periods dramas and roles in blockbuster movies such as Titanic, 102 Dalmations, King Arthur, Fantastic Four. Most recently you may have seen him in the Secret of Moonachre starring alongside Dakota Blue Richards.

"This is truly exciting news and we are very pleased that such a prominent role-model for young actors has agreed to support LLAIS”, said Eleri Retallick, Principal Arts Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council.

LLAIS Gala Evening

The brightest, young talent from across the county of Carmarthenshire have exploded onto the stage for their unique GALA EVENING. Under the umbrella of LLAIS, seven of the county’s leading Youth Theatre Companies performed on the same stage, on the same evening for the very first time!!

Other projects have included the Dylan Thomas Festival where Youth Theatres across the county presented a diversity of events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the death of Dylan Thomas and a county-wide production of Exit/Allan written by Richard Stillgoe. The long term aim of LLAIS is to see a County Youth Theatre established in Carmarthenshire, which will be fed by the independent companies.

Throughout the year, each of the Youth Theatres regularly perform in their own areas to their established audiences, but the GALA gave the opportunity for both the young people of Carmarthenshire to work together, and also for the audiences to sample the talents in their neighbouring areas.