S4C has announced a new mixed media children’s comedy series Annibendod (Messy) that will air in January 2025. The Welsh-language series has been developed to boost children’s Welsh-language skills using slapstick comedy and simple to understand language.
Annibendod is a 20 x 10′ series produced by Twt Productions in collaboration with Boom Cymru, as part of S4C’s Cyw service for nursery children up to the age of six. The production is supported by linguistic experts from Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, the body that provides Welsh-language early years care and education.
Annibendod will target viewers in two age categories; two- to five-year olds who are fluent Welsh speakers, and slightly older, Key stage 1 and 2 children who are learning the language. Visual comedy will drive each episode, with the emphasis on a simple plot, funny visuals and simple language.
The series follows the adventures of Anni, a mischievous, fun-loving, slightly anarchic and messy girl, her friends and her animated hamster.
Twt Productions was established by Siwan Jobbins, who began her career in light entertainment and children’s programming garnering a Children’s BAFTA nomination for one of her first productions, CiC. She has worked on projects for numerous broadcasters including CBBC, CiTV and CBeebies and written scripts for several international animation series, and her work can be seen on channels including Disney, KiKA, Cartoon Network, Milkshake!, RTÉj and PBS America.
“Annibendod will introduce the audience to a life full of adventure, fun and slapstick comedy; each episode will offer the viewers an opportunity to build their linguistic skills,” said Jobbins. “While developing the series I noticed there was no need for complex vocabulary when presenting situations in visual and slapstick ways. As a result, we have created a series that works for children who are fluent speakers as well as those learning Welsh or are unsure of their language skills.”
The series is being produced in collaboration with Boom Kids. As one of the largest producers of children’s content in the U.K., Boom Kids produce the majority of S4C’s preschool and children’s programs.
“Boom Kids is very happy to work together with Twt Productions on a series which introduces language patterns to a younger audience in the form of comedy,” said Angharad Garlick, Head of Boom Kids. “It’s a lovely series, which is sure to appeal to a wider audience.”
Sioned Geraint, S4C’s Commissioner for Children and Learners, added, “As S4C responds to the government’s target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2025, it’s important for us to have children’s content that appeals to fluent Welsh speakers and learners alike, in order to make the Welsh language relevant.”
Twt Productions received development money from BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund to develop Annibendod.
