User:Magpie221/A Child's Christmases in Wales

Christmas as seen through the eyes of one family during the 1980s is the subject of A Child's Christmases in Wales starring Ruth Jones.

The one-off comedy drama is written by comedian Mark Watson.

Inspired by Dylan Thomas' captivating short story the film focuses on the life of young Owen Rhys and his family from south Wales.

Ruth plays Brenda, matriarch of the family and the only woman in the film, who sees Christmas as a chore.

We follow the Rhys family as they celebrate Christmas in 1983, 1986 and 1989 and share in the strange traditions and simmering tension unique to the family.

Ruth Jones plays the matriarch who finds Christmas a chore Ruth describes Brenda as "obsessive about cleanliness, tidiness and order."

"To her Christmas is just a chore that has to be got through, as is entertaining her husband Geraint's family every year. She questions the lifestyle and behaviour of both her brothers-in-law, Huw and Gorwel but keeps her opinions private."

A Child's Christmases in Wales highlights the family rivalries and stresses that manifest themselves when everyone gets together in a confined space once a year.

The tranquility of the Rhys household is shattered every Christmas when Owen's two uncles and cousin descend on them.

As we follow the family through the 1980s, the boys grow into men, whilst Owen's dad and his uncles seem to regress into childish behaviour and sibling rivalry.

Uncle Gorwel played by Paul Kaye is the black sheep of the family Owen's father Geraint (played by Mark Lewis-Jones) and his brother Hugh (Steve Spiers) bicker and undermine each other and it's down to mum Brenda to try and stop everything falling to pieces.

Despite all the petty rows and rivalries A Child's Christmases in Wales celebrates the joy of spending the holiday at home with the family.