The drama begins tomorrow on S4C…
Creisis steps into the fragile world of mental health and grief following Jamie Morris’ story, a nurse who not only shoulders his patients’ psychiatric problems but who is also dealing with his own mental deterioration.
Gwydion Rhys stars as Jamie, he notes:
“Jamie is central to every scene in the drama and, although that was quite intense at times, I tried to use that intensity of the filming schedule to add to the performance. The process of developing Jamie’s character was a collaborative one from the start. Following the audition brief, I decided to tape one of the monologues on my mobile phone on my way back from the school run – hoping this would reflect Jamie’s struggles. I also worked closely with the production team to shape the character during the process.”
This six-part drama series, written by Anwen Huws (The Light in the Hall) follows the lives of staff at a mental health crisis centre in the South Wales valleys, focusing on Jamie as his world begins to crumble around him. Jamie works on the front line, looking after the most fragile people in his community. His personal and professional life is a mess, as he goes from one crisis to another.
In his first lead role in TV drama Gwydion Rhys says playing for S4C in the part isn’t too dissimilar to his vast theatre work – this includes Anthem (Wales Millennium Centre), Blue (Chippy Lane Productions), The Wood and One Man Two Guvnors (Torch Theatre) and American Nightmare (The Other Room). Gwydion’s experience on TV includes Hidden, Hinterland and 35 Diwrnod.
Gwydion Rhys:
“Although I hadn’t played the lead character in a TV drama before, the role was similar to a stage production. Jamie is an erratic character and very emotional, but I hope that the audience will sympathize with him. It was a pleasure to play the role and I made sure to appreciate the chance to be on set every day.”
The Creisis cast also include Hannah Daniel (Keeping Faith, Hinterland, Holby City), Sara Gregory (Alys, Torchwood, Under Milk Wood), Alex Harries (The Light in the Hall, Keeping Faith), Richard Elis (EastEnders, Coronation Street, The Pact) and Arwel Gruffydd (Y Sŵn, Hedd Wyn).
The drama’s challenging themes focuses on the mental health of those working within the sector and reflects the stories of those living within the Welsh valleys’ communities. The drama was filmed on location in Bridgend and Pontypridd, and taking care of the cast and crew’s own mental health and welfare during the production was vitally important.
Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C Head of Scripted:
“I wanted to commission a drama that concentrated on mental health and how the system works at the heart of a close community. This drama succeeds in showing this as we watch our central character Jamie, losing his grip on reality.”
Creisis, airs tomorrow, 31 March 2024, 9 pm
