S4C show Tipyn o Stad draws to a close

Sep 11 2008 by Alex Hickey, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

THE curtain will finally be drawn over what has become a Caernarfon institution over the past few years.

The last episode of S4C drama, Tipyn o Stad, will be shown on Sunday night.

Many Cofis have followed the trials and tribulations of the Gurkha family and their neighbours on the Maes Menai housing estate over the past seven series’ – not least because the popular drama has been filmed in and around the town.

The show centres on Carys and former husband Charlie, who are the dependable anchor in the middle of the hurly-burly of life on the estate.

Although they’re now divorced, they still work together to protect members of their family, and they both look out for each other.

Local actress Gwenno Elis Hodgkins plays Carys, and she’s sad to be bidding farewell to the character.

“I’ve got quite odd feelings about it. Saying goodbye to Tipyn o Stad is like being part of a family break up. The series has been a large part of my life.”

Gwenno, however was quick to point out she was “not at all like Carys”.

“I’m quite a private and shy person, but, of course, it’s inevitable some things come out while I’m playing Carys, such as a particular gesture. I know I have a tendency to fold my arms when talking, and watching Carys, I realise she does the same thing!”

Viewers can expect a great finale.

As the tension escalates between Carys, Charlie and Bev, there’s plenty of conflict and drama in the lives of the other residents of Maes Menai and their acquaintances.

Gwyn Pritchard is on the run after murdering ex-lover Liz in her own home. The businessman’s life has been destroyed, and the only thing on his mind is revenge.

There are words of forgiveness and reconciliation from the lips of Ian Fflash, but is he sincere?

And, once again,Tony finds himself in a pickle, knowing that there’s no money in the bank to pay for the luxury holiday that Susan is dreaming of.

See Tipyn o Stad on Sunday, September 14 at 9pm on S4C with English and Welsh subtitles, repeated on Thursday, 18 at 9pm, with onscreen English subtitles.

alex.hickey