S4C to Debut New Drama Creisis

S4C has slated the premiere of the six-part drama Creisis, from Boom Cymru, for Easter.

Written by Anwen Huws (Light in the Hall/Y Golau) and starring Gwydion Rhys (Hidden/Craith, Light in the Hall/Y Golau), it follows the lives of staff in an overstretched mental health crisis unit in the South Wales Valleys. The series brings the mental health of those working in the sector into focus.

It aims to authentically reflect the stories of those who live in the heart of Welsh valley communities, who are known for pulling together in times of struggle, even in the face of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis.

In addition to Rhys, the cast includes Hannah Daniel (Keeping Faith, Hinterland, Holby City), Sara Gregory (Alys, Torchwood, Under Milk Wood), Alex Harries (Light in the Hall/Y Golau, Keeping Faith), Richard Elis (Eastenders, Coronation Street, The Pact), Arwel Gruffydd (Y Sŵn, Hedd Wyn). Filming took place on location in Bridgend and Pontypridd.

“Creisis is a story about belonging and being part of a community and what it means when the support system that holds a person together begins to break away,” said Marged Parry, producer at Boom Cymru. “This is what happens to Jamie, a mental health nurse caring for the most vulnerable in society, but increasingly feeling the burden of responsibility until he reaches breaking point; a journey that I’m sure will be relatable for many.”

Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s drama commissioner, commented, “I wanted to commission a drama that had focus on mental health and how it works at the heart of a close community. This drama rises to the challenge with an insightful narrative as we watch our central character Jamie lose his grip with reality.”

“Creisis is a poignant drama telling an important story that reflects the challenges we face in society today,” noted Gerwyn Evans, deputy director of Creative Wales. “Creative Wales is focused on supporting these homegrown productions, and through our MOU with S4C, we’re committed to working together to support indigenous companies to create high-quality Welsh-language content. This, in turn, creates increased opportunities for our talented workforce and newcomers to the industry to live and work in their home nation and develop long-term, rewarding careers.”