We’re pleased to announce that rehearsals for Nyrsys are now underway!

The Nyrsys cast and crew have arrived at Y Llwyfan, Carmarthen, and we’re already half-way through our first week of rehearsals. We’re extremely happy to welcome the 5 actors to our home in Carmarthen for the rehearsal period and are really looking forward to seeing the work develop.

This is a new verbatim play that highlights the experiences of nurses working in the National Health Service in what is the 70th anniversary year of the NHS. It is a portrayal of the challenges they face at work on a daily basis, and the mischief, the sisterhood, and the sense of calling that sustains them. It gives an insight into the day-to-day workings of a cancer word in a Welsh hospital in a bold and honest play, as never seen before, with script and original songs created from interviews with real nurses. The production is a heartfelt depiction of the lives and work of some of those heroes who take care of us and our nearest and dearest in a health system that is continually under pressure.

Sara Lloyd directs the play, which is based on an original idea by herself and playwright Bethan Marlow. The production also includes songs by Rhys Taylor and Bethan Marlow. Bethan spoke to nurses in their own surroundings across Wales over a period of nearly four years, and has used their words, word for word, to create the script. This is what she said about her experience and about this unique play:

“I’ve been interviewing cancer nurses for over three years now, and it’s been interesting, difficult, hard and fun. Yes, I’ve laughed a lot, because these nurses are full of humour and stories which, at times, have left me gobsmacked! It’s been an honour to put their experiences on paper and in a play, a privilege to put their voices on stage, and a pleasure to create songs from their words.”

The cast of five includes Bethan Ellis Owen, Carys Gwilym, Mali Jones, Elain Lloyd and Mirain Haf Roberts. With a live band on stage, the production weaves together spoken dialogue and original songs performed by the cast.

Tour details are available here

Nyrsys is presented in association with Pontio.