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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. She featured in numerous Welsh language films and television series, such as Glas y Dorlan, Dinas, Pobol y Cwm, Cara Fi, and Anita. Her other roles included appearances on The Indian Doctor, Doctors and Stella. On stage she performed regularly with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. the Welsh-language national theatre of Wales.

Early life and education

Born in Caernarfon, Pritchard grew up in a bilingual household speaking Welsh and English. She attended Sir Hugh Owen School, and studied English, Latin, and drama at Bristol University. Upon graduating, she taught English and French on Saint Kitts in the Caribbean, as part of the Voluntary Service Overseas scheme. After returning to the UK, she taught drama in Putney, London, where she produced school plays.

Acting career

Stage

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. 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.

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. 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.

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

In the 1970s, Pritchard transitioned from the stage to television, appearing in shows such as Glas y Dorlan. 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.

In the 1990s, Pritchard starred in two of the most popular shows on S4C, including Rala Rwdins and Pobol y Cwm. In 2014, she appeared in the romantic comedy Cara Fi (Love Me) as pub landlady and "fiery matriarch" Nancy. She also appeared in programmes such as Anita, Keeping Faith (Un Bore Mercher), and 35 Awr.

Film

Pritchard starred in the 1994 film, Wild Justice, playing Margaret Hughes.

Radio

Pritchard had a regular role on the BBC Radio Cymru soap opera, Eileen/Rhydeglwys.

References

1. Theatre-Wales (16 February 2023). "In Memory- Christine Pritchard".
2. ^ Hill, Jonathon (14 February 2023). "Welsh actress Christine Pritchard dies aged 79". Wales Online. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
3. ^ "Yr actores Christine Pritchard wedi marw yn 79 oed". BBC (in Welsh). 14 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
4. Owen, Annie (14 February 2023). "Popular Gwynedd television actress Christine Pritchard dies aged 79". North Wales Live. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
5. ^ Williams, Arthur (24 November 1970). "Versatile Mr Jones gives play people appeal". Liverpool Daily Post. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
6. "Welsh Artists To Perform". Pottsville Republican. Pottsville, Pennsylvania. 17 October 1974. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
7. "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.
8. "Coming of age". Carmarthen Journal. 7 February 1996. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
9. Roberts, Iorwerth (9 August 1985). "Down at the dream factory". Daily Post: The Paper for Wales. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
10. "Lisa Jên returns to TV for S4C's new romantic comedy series Cara Fi". North Wales Live. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
11. Sayers, Joanna (29 October 2014). "Fall in love with Little Haven in new S4C rom-com". Western Telegraph. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
12. "S4C pays tribute to Christine Pritchard". S4C. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
13. "Power & Glory". South Wales Echo. 30 December 1994. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

• 1943 births
• 2023 deaths
• 20th-century Welsh actresses
• 21st-century Welsh actresses