Flintshire school children who performed in ‘The Snow Spider’ at Clwyd Theatr Cymru recently, were thrilled to discover that they had a VIP in the audience – the book’s author, Jenny Nimmo.
‘The Snow Spider’ has been beautifully adapted for stage by professional writer Janys Chambers, and pupils of Ysgol y Llan Whitford, Ysgol Trelogan and Ysgol Gronant recently gave a performance of it, as part of the Flintshire Schools Arts Programme.
Described by the Guardian as ‘A heart warming fantasy’ and winner of the Smarties Prize (1986) and the Tir na n-Og Award (1987) for the best English children’s book, ‘The Snow Spider’ has been a children’s favourite ever since.
Jenny Nimmo’s compelling story is set in twentieth-century Wales, and revolves around a boy named Gwyn who is given odd gifts for his ninth birthday. His gifts take him on a quest to discover whether he is a magician, and help him to unravel the mystery of his sister Bethan’s mysterious disappearance.
Jenny rearranged her busy schedule to ensure that she saw the production at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Jenny said: “I was mesmerised by the performance by the young people who beautifully bought my book to life. I congratulate them all.”
Funded by Flintshire County Council and The Arts Council of Wales, this production has been produced as part of a programme of developing the arts within the Flintshire Schools.
Photograph: The children who took part in ‘The Snow Spider’ at Clwyd Theatr Cymru recently, with the book’s author, Jenny Nimmo
