A POWERFUL adaptation of Welsh classic Siwan comes to the Torch Theatre next week.

Theatr Pena's spring 2015 production is the world stage premiere of Siôn Eirian’s English language version of Siwan by one of Wales' most famous playwrights, Saunders Lewis.

The Royal Bed visits the Torch on Wednesday, February 18 at 7.30pm.

And to add a little local flavour, one of the company members, Hannah O'Leary, grew up just outside Milford Haven and attended the Torch Youth Theatre.

Since graduating in 2007 from Birmingham School of Acting, Hannah’s work has included voice-overs, short, corporate and commercial films, as well as theatre appearing in productions for Spectacle Theatre and Gwent Theatre.

As well as acting,Hannah, who stars as Alis in this production, is also a professional aerialist and works on aerial hoop, corde lisse and silks. She recently performed with NoFit State Circus in two outdoor shows, Open House and Streets Alive. She is also an aerial teacher with NoFit State Circus and has performed with Mary Bijou Cabaret.

The Royal Bed is set in medieval Wales. At the centre of the play is Siwan, the illegitimate daughter of King John and passionate, outspoken and politically astute wife of Llywelyn, Prince of Gwynedd.

The play tells the story of her adulterous affair with the young Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gwilyn Brewys, and the terrible revenge exacted by her enraged husband when he discovers the lovers in the royal bed, the consequences of which lead Wales to the brink of war. It is a heartbreaking tale of illicit passion, betrayal, revenge and broken dreams dealing with the timeless moral complexities of a disintegrating marriage and political imperative.

Saunders Lewis was born in 1893 in Wallasey, Wirral to a family of prominent Welsh Calvinistic Methodists. He is acknowledged as one of the most prominent figures in 20th century Welsh-language literature. Siwan, together with his play Blodeuwedd, are held by many to be the finest plays ever written in the Welsh language.

Siwan is played by Eiry Thomas, winner of two BAFTA Cymru Best Actress awards, Gwilym Brewys by Francois Pandolfo and Llywelyn by Russell Gomer with live music from mezzo soprano, Buddug Verona James and Celtic harpist, Delyth Jenkins.

The production is directed by Erica Eirian, designed by Holly McCarthy with lighting design by Kay Haynes and sound design by Mike Beer. The production is produced by Ceri James.

Contact the box office for tickets.