Sell-out success for Welsh language drama in Barry

A Welsh language drama about the life of poet Waldo Williams was a sell-out success in Barry.

Performed by Carmarthenshire actor and musician, Ryland Teifi, the show, produced by Mewn Cymeriad / In Character, was part of the 2026 Barry Arts Festival programme.

From Pembrokeshire in West Wales, Waldo Williams was one of the most influential Welsh poets in the twentieth century, focusing on themes relating to war, justice and the changes from rural to industrial society.

His poem, Y Tangnefeddwyr (‘The Peacemakers’) about the bombing of Swansea docks during World War Two, is a favourite of Welsh choirs when set to music.

The one-man biographical show explained how Waldo’s commitment to peace influenced his work as a writer, teacher and political figure.

Barry Arts Festival organiser, Dot Connell, said: “It was great to see a sell-out audience at Cubana’s for a Welsh language drama here in Barry.

 “We had exceptional interest in the show, including one audience member who remembers visiting Waldo when she was younger, and shared her stories of visiting him in Pembrokeshire.

 “Ryland Teifi’s performance of Waldo gave us an insight into his experiences and influences as one of Wales’s most important poets of the mid-twentieth century.

 “We would like to thank Barry Town Council for their Vibrant Culture Grant, which supports our programme and the Arts Council for Wales’ Noson Allan / Night Out scheme, which helped us with touring show.”