S4C Preps New Children’s Comedy Series

S4C is developing Annibendod (Messy), a Welsh-language children’s series slated to air in January 2025.

The 20 10-minute episodes see young Anni adventure with her friends and her animated hamster. The mixed-media comedy, produced by Twt Productions in collaboration with Boom Cymru, aims to boost children’s Welsh language skills.

Twt Productions received development money from BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund to develop the show, which will target 2- to 5-year-olds who are fluent Welsh speakers and slightly older children who are learning the language.

Siwan Jobbins, managing director of Twt Productions, said: “Annibendod will introduce the audience to a life full of adventure, fun and slapstick comedy; each episode will offer the viewers an opportunity to build their linguistic skills.

“While developing the series, I noticed there was no need for complex vocabulary when presenting situations in visual and slapstick ways. As a result, we have created a series that works for children who are fluent speakers, as well as those learning Welsh or are unsure of their language skills.”

Angharad Garlick, head of Boom Kids added: “Boom Kids is very happy to work together with Twt Productions on a series which introduces language patterns to a younger audience in the form of comedy. It’s a lovely series, which is sure to appeal to a wider audience.”

Sioned Geraint, S4C’s commissioner for children and learners, commented: “As S4C responds to the government’s target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2025, it’s important for us to have children’s content that appeals to fluent Welsh speakers and learners alike in order to make the Welsh language relevant.