A hugely influential figure of the past 40 years in Mid Wales theatre has received an honorary degree from her university.
Bangor University presented alumna Linda Gittins MBE, from the Llanfair Caereinion area, with an honorary degree for her ‘Contribution to Welsh Culture, Language, Music, and the Arts’ at a ceremony in the city earlier this month.
Having co-founded Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn alongside Penri Roberts and the late Derec Williams, Linda is renowned for producing Welsh-language’s best and most iconic theatre shows.
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Linda Gittins MBE responded to receiving the award at Bangor University’s graduation ceremony by saying: “I feel immensely privileged to be standing here to receive this honorary degree, which I accept with a deep sense of gratitude and sincere humility.
“This university will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look back on the three years I spent in the Music Department under the leadership of Professor William Mathias as some of the happiest of my life.”
Founding the theatre company nearly 45 years ago at the 1981 National Eisteddfod in Machynlleth, Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn has since grown a reputation for producing Welsh-language shows such as Ann!, Y Mab Darogan and Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid.
Linda has personally written and produced numerous productions as well as songs. In so doing, she has supported and shaped the careers of many young talents with Bangor University adding that her contribution to Welsh music is “priceless”.
Some of the past cast members include West End star Luke McCall who has had huge success as the youngest person to date to perform the lead role in Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables since beginning his career at Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn. He once described being part of the theatre school as a “privilege and honour”.
Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor, Bangor University commented: “Graduation ceremonies are an opportunity to come together to celebrate the success of each and every Bangor student.
“As well as celebrating each student’s journey to being awarded their degree, awarding Honorary Degrees allows us to show our appreciation for the impact made by individuals across public service, in the world of literature and music, in business, sport or science.
“Our students’ stories, and the stories of the individuals we will honour this year, have the power to inspire us all.”
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