Christine Pritchard
Christine Pritchard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 August 1943 Caernarfon, Wales |
| Died | 14 February 2023 (aged 79) Bangor, Wales |
| Occupation | Actress |
Christine Pritchard (6 August 1943 – 14 February 2023) was a Welsh actress. She was best known in Wales for her role as the witch in Rala Rwdins, a children's show on S4C in the 1990s.[1][2][3] She featured in numerous Welsh language films and television series, such as Glas y Dorlan, Dinas, Pobol y Cwm, Cara Fi, and Anita.[3] Her other roles included appearances on The Indian Doctor, Doctors and Stella.[2][4] On stage she performed regularly with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. the Welsh-language national theatre of Wales.
Early life and education[edit]
Born in Caernarfon, Pritchard grew up in a bilingual household speaking Welsh and English.[3] She attended Sir Hugh Owen School, and studied English, Latin, and drama at Bristol University.[3][5] Upon graduating, she taught English and French on Saint Kitts in the Caribbean, as part of the Voluntary Service Overseas scheme.[5][3] After returning to the UK, she taught drama in Putney, London, where she produced school plays.[5]
Acting career[edit]
Stage[edit]
Pritchard joined the newly formed Cwmni Theatr Cymru in Bangor, making her debut in the lead role in Roedd Catarina o Gwympas Ddoe (Catarina Was Around Yesterday) in 1970.[5] In 1974, she toured the United States with The Pryderi Players, which was sponsored by the Welsh Arts Council to promote the works of Welsh writers.[6]
In later years, Pritchard appeared in numerous other plays, including the Cwmni Theatr Gwynedd production Ddoe yn Ol (Yesterday Again), a Welsh adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts, in 1994.[7] In the mid-1990s, Pritchard co-starred with Owen Garmon in Fel Anifail by Meic Povey at the National Eisteddfod, and received additional funding from the Arts Council to tour across Wales.[8]
In 2008 she was a founding member of the women's theatre company Theatr Pena which revived classic plays with significant roles for women.
Television[edit]
In the 1970s, Pritchard transitioned from the stage to television, appearing in shows such as Glas y Dorlan.[3] In the 1980s, she played Ruth Gregory, an executive headhunter, in the S4C soap opera Dinas (City), a Welsh series which drew comparisons to the American TV series Dallas.[9]
In the 1990s, Pritchard starred in two of the most popular shows on S4C, including Rala Rwdins and Pobol y Cwm.[3] In 2014, she appeared in the romantic comedy Cara Fi (Love Me) as pub landlady and "fiery matriarch" Nancy.[2][10][11] She also appeared in programmes such as Anita, Keeping Faith (Un Bore Mercher), and 35 Awr.[2][12]
Film[edit]
Pritchard starred in the 1994 film, Wild Justice, playing Margaret Hughes.[13]
Radio[edit]
Pritchard had a regular role on the BBC Radio Cymru soap opera, Eileen/Rhydeglwys.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Theatre-Wales (16 February 2023). "In Memory- Christine Pritchard".
- ^ a b c d Hill, Jonathon (14 February 2023). "Welsh actress Christine Pritchard dies aged 79". Wales Online. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Yr actores Christine Pritchard wedi marw yn 79 oed". BBC (in Welsh). 14 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Owen, Annie (14 February 2023). "Popular Gwynedd television actress Christine Pritchard dies aged 79". North Wales Live. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- ^ a b c d Williams, Arthur (24 November 1970). "Versatile Mr Jones gives play people appeal". Liverpool Daily Post. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Welsh Artists To Perform". Pottsville Republican. Pottsville, Pennsylvania. 17 October 1974. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Touring company's bid to follow a great act". Daily Post: The Paper for Wales. 7 February 1994. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Coming of age". Carmarthen Journal. 7 February 1996. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Roberts, Iorwerth (9 August 1985). "Down at the dream factory". Daily Post: The Paper for Wales. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Lisa Jên returns to TV for S4C's new romantic comedy series Cara Fi". North Wales Live. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Sayers, Joanna (29 October 2014). "Fall in love with Little Haven in new S4C rom-com". Western Telegraph. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ "S4C pays tribute to Christine Pritchard". S4C. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Power & Glory". South Wales Echo. 30 December 1994. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
