Bringing Wonka’s World to Life: ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Students create Magical Sets for Carmarthen Youth Opera
Students and staff from the BA Set, Design and Production course at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø) have teamed up with the Carmarthen and District Youth Opera (CDYO) on their latest production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

CDYO will be performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the renowned Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, from February 26th to March 1st. They approached the University’s Set, Design and Production team to create imaginative set pieces, including the infamous Gloop tube, glowing candy floss clouds, and giant cups and lollies.
This collaboration aligned perfectly with the students’ Production Project module, where students are tasked with working on a live project brief.
Stacey-Jo Atkinson, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Programme Manager for the BA Set Design & Production course said:
“It is a wonderful experience for our students to be able to be involved in a live project brief for Carmarthen Youth Opera as part of their second year of study on the degree. This is our third year collaborating with CYO and each year the students have been able to design and create new and exciting things for their shows. This year has been full of colour, texture and problem solving to bring elements of the world of Wonka alive.
“ Being able to give the students real industry experiences whilst still studying is a key part of the programme and an integral part in getting them to build their skillset and confidence. It is a valued working relationship which has allowed many students to gain knowledge in working with a variety of new materials, work with industry partitioners and gaining valuable backstage experience volunteering during the shows.â€
This has been a fantastic hands-on experience for the students, and it has helped them prepare to work in the industry.
Student Maria Miralles said:
“I’ve really enjoyed how we were able to make part of a set for a live production - which we have never had the opportunity to do yet! Being able to see everything come together, was magical. This has given me amazing industry experience, where we can see ourselves as creatives and grow as artists.â€
For student Nina Campbell:
“I’ve loved working on this project as it has allowed me to meet new people all of which are lovely as well as to understand what is required for a professional production. I’ve also been sitting in rehearsals and helping on the show; it’s a lot of fun and the production looks amazing! I hope I’ll be able to take part again next year .â€
Student Morven Montgomery,
“Really enjoyed the entirety of this project from getting to help with the design process at the very beginning, to being a part of the stage crew at the very end! It has all been a brilliant experience and something I can now take forward into future projects.â€
Mike Rogers , Chairman of the Carmarthen Youth Opera said:
“As Chairman of the Youth Opera, I am delighted that this is the third year we will be working in collaboration with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Students in the second year of the BA Set Design and Production degree course have been set a brief by Dan our Artistic Director to design and build elements of the scenery to enhance the experience both on and off the stage.
The partnership is one of mutual benefit, with the Youth Opera gaining from the innovative approach, enthusiasm and creativity from the students, whilst they in turn are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate and meet the challenges of a real theatre working environment.â€
For more information about the BA Set Design & Production course, visit: Set Design and Production (Full-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David
For tickets to the production, please visit:
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476