6 minute read
Welsh towns put the business into show business
Dream Horse brought stars to the valleys to feature in a big star cast movie by Kellie Williams
Known from popular shows Gavin and Stacey, Doctor Who, Sherlock and Netflix series Sex Education to name a few, the Welsh valleys have never shied away from fame, and now the big stars had flocked to the area to shoot the new movie Dream Horse in the small Welsh towns.
On the 4 June 2021, Dream Horse, a Warner Brothers and Film 4 movie was released in cinemas, a big budget family film based on a true story. The film is directed by Welsh film and television director, three-time BAFTA winner Euros Lyn. The story leads with a working-class Welsh bartender who convinces her neighbours to support her in raising a thoroughbred horse, a horse that she hopes will become a competent racehorse to take part in the Welsh Grand National.
Actors Rhys Horler and his twin brother Gerald Royston Horler from Barry, South Wales are both featured in the film playing characters Alun and Lee Baldwin, also known as ‘Alun the Milk’ and ‘Lee the Twin.’
The twins own a production company called Horler Knights Productions, a company that has allowed the twins to have a full-time career through their love and passion for acting and film. Rhys Horler was thrilled when he found out he had gotten the part to play in the movie Dream Horse alongside his twin brother. He said, “When we heard about the allstar Welsh cast involved in the movie, we jumped at the chance to get involved!”
Co-operative shop worker Jenette Williams with actress Joanna Page who plays Angela Davies in the film Dream Horse. Credit: Jenette Williams
The film is a feel-good movie that aims to motivate and inspire the whole family, said Rhys. The film’s cast includes Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, Peter Davison, Joanna Page, Owen Teale, Sian Phillips and Katherine Jenkins.
“We did 15 days in total including one day of rehearsals, we all had a great chemistry offset that came across on camera because everyone was so nice to work with and really enjoyed the filming process,” he said.
Twin actors Rhys and Gerald Horler with actress Toni Collette who plays the main character Jan Vokes. Credit: Rhys Horler Adding, “Hundreds of extras were involved, and we got to meet the real people that the story was based on during fi lming.” believe the stars were so lovely and willing to interact with the staff at the Co-operative store in Pentrebach.
A highlight for the actor from Barry was fi lming in the beautiful green scenery in the Welsh Valleys.
Front seats to the set //caption//
With big movies being directed and produced in Wales, the possibilities for young Welsh locals seeking a career in the fi lm industry are endless. Actor Rhys advises to “follow your dreams” and “never Jenette Williams, a local shop worker in the give up.” He concluded, “Keep working hard to refi ne your skills, start at the bottom and work your way up; don’t listen to negative people Co-operative, Pentrebach saw behind-thescenes action of the movie taking place in her workplace. Twin actors Rhys and Gerald Horler with actress Toni Collette who plays the main character Jan Vokes. Credit: Rhys Horler “I didn’t realise how big the fi lm was going that want to drag you down, listen to people to be till an extra pointed out the stars in who are successful, modest, down to earth the shop,” said Jenette. //boxout// and humble, those that love life.” A lover of the show Gavin and Stacey, Jenette was able to meet actress Joanna Page who played Stacey in the hit series. With front seat access, Jenette couldn’t
We are passionate about the role of education in transforming lives. In support of lifelong learning, our expertise covers every type of education environment, from nurseries through to higher education and research facilities.
Our work is regularly recognised with design awards and accolades, but what is truly important to us is seeing the impact that inspiring spaces can have on enabling people of all ages to reach their full potential.
One recently completed project that we are particularly proud of is Ysgol Pen Rhos, a 21st century learning facility created for Carmarthenshire County Council. This complex project involved transforming and regenerating a derelict, once heavily industrial, highly contaminated brownfield site which was prone to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, into a now thriving learning environment. The brief was to design and deliver a space that can be shared with the community, improve well-being, and inspire the next generation of learners.
A large part of the project involved rethinking the local landscape. The outcome was a revitalised new school frontage, alongside a green buffer zone, which includes an avenue of trees that leads to the entrance path. Here, bricks and materials were specified so that the new school seamlessly merges with the local street scene. In addition, an array of hard and soft social spaces such as the first floor roof terrace, 3G football pitch and two MUGA’s were provided for outdoor lessons and informal social interaction. Outside of school hours, these facilities are also shared with the local community, local sports clubs and youth groups. The design of the new school enables improved, inclusive educational delivery through flexible design which can easily adapt to changes in the curriculum. It was designed to look like a residential development with an industrial twist, using a domestic scale to integrate with and respect its neighbours and the existing community.
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