The founders of a Powys theatre company that is well-known for iconic Welsh shows will receive one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious awards.

Penri Roberts and Linda Gittins will be presented with the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal next week at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd.

It will be the first time that the medal will be awarded to more than one person.

Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn was founded by Penri, Linda and the late Derec Williams for the Maldwyn National Eisteddfod in Machynlleth back in 1981. Since then the company has produced 'Ann!', ‘Y Mab Darogan' and ‘Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid'.

Over the past 40 years, Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn has provided invaluable experiences for young people in rural mid Wales and nurtured some of the most talented stars of UK musicals, with several starring in main roles in shows such as 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Les Miserables'.

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Until this year, the Medal has been presented to an individual who has made a real contribution in their local area, with a particular emphasis on working with young people.

But this year, both Linda and Penri will be honoured on the pavilion stage at 12.30pm on Tuesday, August 6.

Linda said: “I'm extremely proud to receive this medal and very proud for Penri too. But as we accept the honour, we remember Derec. We worked as a trio, not as three individuals. The three of us founded Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn, and this Medal is as much for him as it is for us both.

“For the three of us, the show was important and its success and the enjoyment of the team and the cast was thanks in itself. I never imagined that we’d receive such an honour, so it was a great shock, and to be honest, I still can’t believe it.”

Penri echoed Linda's comments by adding: "I’m grateful to the Eisteddfod for such an honour, and I’d like to say that we’re also accepting the medal on behalf of the late Derec Williams.

Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn co-founders Penri Roberts, Linda Gittins and the late Derec Williams.Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn co-founders Penri Roberts, Linda Gittins and the late Derec Williams. (Image: Archive)

“We were a trio composing and producing all the Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn shows and we were also three friends."

Neither had expected to be nominated for the Sir T.H. Parry-Williams Memorial Medal - let alone receive the honour.

Linda said it was a "tremendous shock" to be told that they’ll be the stars of the ceremony on the pavilion stage next week.

Linda and Penri were told the big news during a rehearsal for their show ‘Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid’ which will tour Wales later this year.

Former Hafren Primary School and Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd headteacher Penri said: "I found out that a TV crew wanted to film us rehearsing for an item and was in the middle of explaining this when Alwyn Siôn came to stand in front of everyone and told me and Linda to sit down! And then, he told us about the Medal. Well, what a shock.”

Sir T.H. Parry-Williams was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Eisteddfod, and in August 1975, following his death a few months earlier, a fund was established to commemorate his valuable contribution to the Eisteddfod's activities. The fund is administered by the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Trust.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod is held in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd from August 3 to 10, and will be broadcasted on S4C and the Welsh language channel's catch-up service Clic.