A PENARTH playwright has written a heart-warming adaptation of The Ugly Duckling that is set to tour across Wales.

Katherine Chandler, who previously wrote Before it Rains based around her childhood in Penarth, has written the fun filled family adventure that will be performed in both English and Welsh.

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll will be touring South Wales in November and December, spending Christmas at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, and touring North Wales in the spring. It will also continue to tour in the Welsh language only to venues in Mid-North Wales.

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll is the ideal treat for boys and girls aged three to six, who like to hear stories, play with animals and would love to go on an exciting journe.

The adventures start with the timeless hero leaving the farmyard on an exciting journey of discovery, waddling and honking through a blossoming spring, a glorious summer, a swirling autumn and a cold snowy winter. The Ugly Duckling meets a host of farmyard friends on a big adventure to find a true home.

Katherine, who has also written National Theatre Wales’s Silly Kings, Theatr na n’Og’s We Need Bees, and The Bankrupt Bride, said: “For me The Ugly Duckling is the most magical fairytale of them all and in today's diverse society has never been more relevant. We have all been in places and situations where we feel we don’t quite fit and know how challenging being different can be when you feel you’re alone. The story of The Ugly Duckling tells us to believe in ourselves and that there is a place for all of us in this colourful, wonderful wide world.”

As well as touring in English, the actors will also be performing the show in Welsh at some of the venues on tour. The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll has been translated by Welsh poet Mererid Hopwood, who made history in 2001 by becoming the first woman ever to win the Bardic Chair at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Directing both English and Welsh versions is Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Associate Director, Sara Lloyd. Sara has recently received high praise for her direction of Dwr Mawr Dyfn at the National Eisteddfod as well as Pridd (Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru) and Fala Surion (Cwmni'r Frân Wen).

Sara said: “I am thrilled that Sherman Cymru and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru are working on producing this heart-warming story, which for many children will be their first experience of theatre. This enchanting and magical play is brought to life through storytelling and music, and promises to be the perfect winter treat for children aged three to six and their families. The Sherman Theatre has a tradition of creating magical Christmas shows which I have enjoyed watching for many years and am thrilled to be a part of.”

Welsh actresses’ Anni Dafydd and Gwenllian Higginson will be in The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll as well as Iwan Charles who will be playing The Ugly Duckling.

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll will be touring this winter around South Wales before heading to North Wales in 2015. For full details of the tour please visit www.shermancymru.co.uk