The Snow Spider Set for CBBC & BBC Wales

The Snow Spider, a series produced by Leopard Pictures based on Jenny Nimmo’s best-selling book trilogy, is slated to premiere on CBBC and BBC Wales.

Adapted for television by BAFTA award-winning writer Owen Sheers (Aberfan: The Green Hollow, To Provide For All People, Resistance), the fantasy drama will follow 9-year-old Gwyn Griffiths on a mystical journey of discovery, blending ancient Welsh folklore, magic and myth with contemporary adventures. CBBC and BBC Wales will debut The Snow Spider in 2020.

Set in Wales with an all-Welsh cast, the series stars Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, High Tide, Submarine) as Gwyn’s grandmother, Nain. Matthew Gravelle (Broadchurch, The Widow, Keeping Faith) and Kezia Burrows (Doctor Foster, Apple Tree Yard) have been cast in the roles of Gwyn’s parents, Ivor and Glenys Griffiths. Newcomer Fflyn Edwards plays Gwyn Griffiths. Jennifer Sheridan directs with Martyna Knitter serving as director of photography.

Nimmo says: “Owen Sheers’ adaptation is really wonderful. He has so cleverly brought the story into the present while enhancing the magic and atmosphere. I am also excited to see such an incredible mixture of established and brand new talent, led by director Jennifer Sheridan, all bringing my book to life on CBBC…Brilliant!”

Sheers said: “It’s been such a pleasure to dive into the world of Jenny Nimmo’s The Snow Spider, and now to have such an exciting cast and creative team to take my adaptation of her book from the page to the screen is very exciting. The whole project holds a special resonance for me as I have fond memories of my parents’ neighbor, Julia Jones, adapting the books for TV back in the 1980s, so to be able to create a new, modern version has been a wonderful opportunity. I’m also hoping I’ve finally written something my 5-year-old daughter will watch!”

Nick Andrews, commissioning editor at BBC Wales, said: “This series is going to be such a treat. We’re all about to be whisked away to a magical world that’s captured the hearts and minds of a generation of readers. Deep in myth and magic yet rooted in family. This series is going to be a cracker.”

Kristian Smith, managing director at Leopard Pictures, added: “Jenny Nimmo’s Snow Spider trilogy has been adored by generations. The magnificent Owen Sheers has adapted the first book in this timeless series, bringing the messages of hope, magic and understanding to modern audiences on CBBC and BBC Wales.”