S4C head back behind bars

S4C’s prison drama returns…

The prison drama, Bariau, returns to S4C for its second series on Sunday, 13th April at 9pm, bringing viewers back behind the formidable doors of Carchar y Glannau. Following the success of the first series, which aired last year, the drama received a positive response from S4C viewers and earned widespread recognition in the television industry. Set in a men’s prison, Bariau is based on the real-life experiences and testimonies of both prisoners and prison officials.

The series’ unflinching portrayal of prison life has earned praise from current inmates, who have described it as “special and realistic,” particularly for its honest depiction of life behind bars. After the shocking events of the first series, the tensions within the prison have escalated. The struggle for power grows more intense, and it becomes clear that no one is safe from the shadows of their past.

Returning for the second series are several familiar faces, including Gwion Tegid as Barry Hardy, the central character, as well as Glyn Pritchard as his fellow inmate Peter, Rolant Prys as Prison Officer Ned, and Mali Tudno as Linda, the prison chaplain.

They will be joined by Sion Alun Davies as Simon, the petty Chief Prison Officer, Alicia Forde and Rhys Richards. An exciting addition to the cast is Wiliam Young, who portrays Jac, an autistic prisoner. Young, who is autistic and has Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, is a member of Hijinx, an inclusive theatre company specialising in productions with artists who have learning disabilities or additional needs.

The second series is produced by the same team behind the first, including Writer Ciron Gruffydd (Limbo), Director Griff Rowland (Y Gwyll, Wizards vs Aliens BBC), and Producer Alaw Llewelyn Roberts. Filming took place at Aria Studio in Llangefni, where a two-storey set was built to accommodate 24 prison cells covering approximately 2,500m².

Bariau will also air at 9pm on the following Wednesday, in addition to its Sunday evening broadcast. The Wednesday night episode will include on screen subtitles. Fans can catch up on the first series of Bariau on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer before the second series airs. A boxset of the second series will be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer starting this Sunday.

Bariau, Sunday, 13 & Wednesday 16 April 9pm on S4C

Based on testimonies from real-life prisoners and prison guards, Bariau explores the complex interplay between four central characters on both sides of the law / S4C / Series One