Urdd auditions in full swing (From Western Telegraph)

Urdd auditions in full swing

1:00pm Sunday 24th February 2013 in News

Children and young people in Pembrokeshire have a busy month ahead of them as the Urdd auditions get into full swing.

When the Urdd National Eisteddfod visits a region, it is an Eisteddfod tradition that the primary kids stage a local-themed musical in the pavilion over two nights, and the secondary school Urdd members stage a contemporary musical in a local theatre.

The Urdd is in the process of holding the auditions for these shows – 270 kids have already put their names down for the primary musical, and Theatr Felinfach, who are responsible for the youth production, are in the process of holding auditions across the county for the secondary show.

The name of the youth production this year is ‘Gelli Gyfrin’, a mystical show written by the young people themselves during a workshop before Christmas in the Urdd Residential Centre, Pentre Ifan. The primary show, ‘Pentigili’, looks at the history of Pembrokeshire over the years, starting back with the Vikings.

It is also an Eisteddfod tradition that the local older Urdd members play the fanfare during the main ceremony of the day in the pavilion.

These ceremonies include chairing of the Eisteddfod Bard and the Crowning of the winning laureate.

This year, for the first time, the Pembrokeshire Music Service has held a competition for the young people to compose the fanfare, with the winner getting the privilege of hearing their masterpiece on stage during the main ceremonies and a prize of £100 for their school.

To date, the music service has received eight entries, and in the next few weeks, the young people will be invited to an audition, with the winner announced following their performance.

If you have a child or young person that would like to be part of the primary or youth musical, or if you would like to help with the Eisteddfod in any way, please get in touch with Eurfyl on 07976 003359 or Eurfyl@urdd.org.