A new touring theatre production, blending puppetry, movement, and original music, is set to captivate young audiences across South Wales. Gwen yr Arth Wen - Gwen the Polar Bear is a thought-provoking yet light-hearted show that tackles themes of climate change, home, and confidence in an age-appropriate way for children aged six and over and their families.
A Journey of Courage and Climate Awareness
Written by award-winning playwright Chris Harris and directed by Elan Isaac, the performance follows polar bear Gwen, who wakes up on a broken icecap, hundreds of miles from her family. Performed by Isabella Colby Browne, the story charts Gwen's perilous journey through the Arctic sea as she must find both her courage and her way home.
The show is performed in Welsh, but producers emphasise that non-Welsh speakers and Welsh learners will be able to follow the narrative easily through its visual and physical storytelling.
Collaborative Production and Educational Impact
The production is a significant collaborative effort. It is produced by Glesni Price-Jones with support from several key organisations:
- The Riverfront in Newport, where rehearsals are taking place.
- Welsh-language national theatre Theatr Cymru, providing technology and dramaturgy support.
- Climate Cymru, whose youth climate ambassadors have created a bespoke education pack for schools to accompany the performances.
The project is generously funded by the Arts Council of Wales and is based on an original idea for BBC Radio Cymru.
Tour Details and Creative Vision
The tour will visit 10 venues in South Wales, strategically scheduled across both the February half-term and the Easter end-of-term school holidays. It begins at The Riverfront, Newport, on February 14, 2026, and concludes at Hengoed Community Centre on March 31, 2026.
Other confirmed dates include a performance at the Memo Arts Centre in Barry on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11am and 1.45pm. The show has a running time of 45 minutes, and access performances (BSL and audio described) will be announced in the new year.
Chris Harris shared his motivation behind the play, stating, "Climate change can be a frightening concept for children, who may feel helpless when faced with the headlines. Gwen yr Arth Wen emphasises the positive outcomes of its resolution if we all work together to combat it. It seems like a scary obstacle, but it can be done."
The creative team also includes designer Luned Gwawr Evans and sound designer Tic Ashfield. For more information, audiences are directed to visit the websites of Theatr Cymru or the production company.
