Gwent Torchwood star goes back to his roots (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent Torchwood star goes back to his roots

1:10pm Saturday 30th May 2009 in News By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

TORCHWOOD actor Gareth David-Lloyd returned to his roots to help would-be stars of the future.

The former Coleg Gwent student is directing a production of Boogie Nights by the college's performing arts students.

While Mr David-Lloyd, 28, from Bettws, Newport, is best known as Ianto Jones in BBC sci-fi drama Torchwood, his first forays into the world of acting were in Gwent local theatre.

He was a member of the Gwent Young People's Theatre in Abergavenny and as a performing arts student at Coleg Gwent's Cross Keys campus, took part in a number of productions at the Dolman Theatre, Newport.

Mr David-Lloyd is preparing for a return to the venue in June for the production of Boogie Nights.

He helped with casting and has been working with students three days a week imparting knowledge on acting technique and voice projection.

The actor - who has also had roles in The Bill and Casualty - said it has been nice to "give something back".

He added: "Coleg Gwent was a big part of my career and I was inspired by some of the tutors."

Mr David-Lloyd first worked with students two years ago in making his anti-drink driving drama, Wrecked.

It was his former dance tutor, Cheryl Harper, who invited him to return and work on Boogie Nights.

"It's been a tight schedule but students have been working incredibly hard on their performances and there are a couple of students who I can predict will go on to really good things," he said.

Mr David-Lloyd has finished filming a fourth series of Torchwood and it will be screened this summer.

The Boogie Nights performances are at the Dolman Theatre on June 4 and 5. For details call 01633 656757.