The Light in the Hall actor breaks down “mental gymnastics” of filming show in both Welsh and English

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The drama series *The Light in the Hall* returns with a new season, now called *The Light in the Hall: Still Waters* (or *Y Golau: Dŵr* in Welsh), which centers around a brand new mystery.

The series was filmed in both Welsh and English. The Welsh version will be shown on S4C, and the English version will air on Channel 4 at a later time.

This season centers on journalist Caryl, played by Sian Reese-Williams, as she re-examines the case of Rhys Owen (Mark Lewis Jones). Rhys was convicted of killing his cousin Llŷr following a 1995 protest over a reservoir expansion. After Rhys is released from prison, Caryl begins to question whether he was truly guilty.

He explained that they work on it one shot at a time, which is the fastest method. They process each shot individually, starting with English – though it doesn’t have to be first – and only move on to Welsh once everyone is satisfied with the English version.

What’s really interesting is how we film scenes in both languages. We’ll usually do a couple extra takes of each shot in the new language, and then move on to a different camera angle, but stay with that same language. Then we’ll switch back to English, and keep flipping between them all day! I talk about this a lot because people seem really fascinated by the process. It’s become pretty normal for us now, we’re just so used to working like this.

As actors, we essentially have to learn each scene twice. That’s double the memorization, so we need to be prepared. On a TV or movie set, there’s no time for extra practice or long rehearsals. We have to quickly work through any new lines with each other whenever we get a chance.

Your brain is always switching between different mental states. When you’re really focused and things are going well – like during a rehearsal where everyone feels confident and the director and actors are pleased – you get into a rhythm. But then you have to shift and find a new rhythm when you change tasks or languages.

It takes some creative maneuvering, but it’s an effective solution. Especially with today’s tight budgets, it allows us to produce Welsh-language content while maximizing value – essentially getting two projects for the cost of one.

The first season of The Light in the Hall featured Joanna Scanlan, Iwan Rheon, and Alexandra Roach. For the new season, only Reese-Williams returns, joined by new cast members like Jones, Nia Roberts, and Robert Glenister.

The Welsh-language drama, *Y Golau: Dŵr will*, will debut on S4C on September 14th. An English-language version, *The Light in the Hall: Still Waters*, will air on Channel 4 later on.

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2025-09-14 11:04