The Eisteddfod has been a starting point for a number of Wales’ talented actors. Among those who have trodden the boards in the pavilion are Ioan Gruffydd, Iwan Rheon and more recently, Tomos West, who like Iwan and Ioan before him, plays a prominent role on BBC Wales’ popular soap, Pobol y Cwm.
Tomos has been playing the part of Ricky for almost two years and is now an established member of the mischievous Jones family. But last year, Ricky Jones showed an unexpected interest in culture by competing in the Urdd Eisteddfod!
Over the last few years, Pobol y Cwm has filmed on the Eisteddfod maes and this year, it’s the Whites’ turn to attend the festival with Ricky in tow! As the children play and enjoy the festivities, Ricky, who very much enjoys being the centre of attention, can’t understand why he can’t be on the stage as well!
Ten year old Tomos West recalls his story line last year, “Ricky competed in the recitation competition in the prelims in the Urdd Eisteddfod last year but his dad, Mark, spoiled everything for him by trying to make Ricky change his performance at the last minute so Ricky didn’t end up going through,” he says.
Ricky isn’t the only one who enjoys reciting. “I usually compete playing the cornet in the orchestra as well as reciting. The Eisteddfod period is difficult because I have to learn my lines for Pobol y Cwm on top of the ones I have to learn for my reciting.”
Over the next few weeks, viewers will see an increase in Ricky’s cultural interests when he visits St Fagans and under Sion White’s mentorship begins to enjoy reading, which comes as a big surprise to Debbie and Mark. But in real life, the actors have a good relationship with Tomos. “I’ve had a lot of funny experiences and have laughed a lot on set with the other actors, especially when I had to rollerblade into a fruit stall! I get on especially well with Arwyn (Mark), Maria (Debbie) and Elin Harries (Dani).”
Tomos enjoys his part in the series but confesses, “I’m not sure what I would like to do when I grow up. Maybe I’d like to act but my hero is Ryan Giggs so maybe I’d like to be a footballer. I like playing Ricky and competing in the Eisteddfod has been very helpful to me because I’ve had to rehearse a lot in the past, which is something that happens a lot now I’m on Pobol y Cwm. I’m very much looking forward to going to the Eisteddfod to film with the crew this year.”
POBOL Y CWM: TO THE EISTEDDFOD AND BEYOND!
August 2-6, BBC Wales on S4C,
Monday 8pm & 8.25pm, Tuesday 8pm and Thursday 8pm & 8.25pm (Please note, change to usual schedule)
