Scripted

S4C has released the first look at Y Streic Fawr, a three-part drama inspired by one of the longest-running industrial disputes in British history, marking 25 years since the start of the Friction Dynamics factory strike in Caernarfon, Wales. Produced by Mojo Productions, the series was written by Ffion Dafis and directed by Huw Chiswell. The story revisits the 2001 walkout at the car parts factory, exploring its impact on the 86 workers involved, their families and the wider community.

Dafis worked closely with some of the former strikers to reflect their experiences in the drama, which was filmed mainly in and around Caernarfon. Some of the real-life participants will also appear as supporting artists. The cast includes Rhodri Trefor as Tomi Jones, who later became a full-time officer for the Transport and General Workers’ Union in North Wales, alongside Gruffudd Glyn as Gerald Parry and Rhys ap Trefor as John Davies. Carwyn Jones, Sion Eifion, Emyr Gibson, Catrin Powell, Manon Wilkinson and Betsan Ceiriog also feature. The first episode will premiere on December 6, with the full series available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from the same date.

Llion Iwan, S4C's chief content officer, said: “Although this story of a fight for justice is set in North Wales, it's a timeless one that resonates with many communities across Wales. The struggle of the factory workers in Caernarfon is mirrored in that of the miners and steelworkers of the South Wales valleys and North-East Wales. The determination and perseverance shown by the community continue to be discussed to this day. It was particularly striking that, while filming earlier this year, people would drive past and sound their car horns in support, just as they did more than twenty years ago. This is a story that remains relevant today, and S4C is proud to bring it to audiences across Wales through this powerful drama series.”
Llyr Morus of Mojo Productions added: “As someone who was brought up in Caernarfon, who remembers sounding the horn when passing the workers on the picket line and going to the rallies on Y Maes, being able to tell this story - and the fact that the former employees have trusted Mojo Productions to do so - is a privilege. The sacrifice made by the 86 men and women twenty-five years ago was enormous. That sacrifice led to change securing better working conditions for future workers, so they deserve our deepest thanks. Marking this history is important in order to educate future generations - ‘Us today, you tomorrow.’ To this day, the impact of the strike can still be seen in Caernarfon, with friendships, families and communities torn apart. It is important that this story is told honestly, with balance, humour, wit and passion of the people of Caernarfon.”

Writer Ffion Dafis said: “I felt very strongly that I wanted to write this drama to mark 25 years since a group of people from Caernarfon took such a brave stand for their rights and their future. I hope I’ve done justice to their story, honoured their perseverance, and conveyed what the strike meant to them, their families, and the wider community.”