The Old Lady and the Gull by Naomi Chiffi

Naomi Chiffi

Naomi Chiffi is TEAM Coordinator at National Theatre Wales. An English teacher for 14 years, Naomi moved into the world of theatre after completing an MA in Scriptwriting and having her plays performed in various locations throughout Pembrokeshire, in Cardiff and in Austin, Texas. Naomi is currently co-creator on NTW TEAM's 2021 production, Go Tell the Bees. Naomi is passionate about working with people of all ages to help develop artists of the future and of providing creative opportunities in communities, working collaboratively with people throughout Wales and internationally.  Naomi is a Creative Agent on the Arts Council Wales' Lead Creative Schools scheme and is a passionate advocate for the new National Curriculum for Wales, which places creative learning at its heart. A mum of three, she lives in Tenby & loves being by the sea. 

The Old Lady and the Gull

The Old Lady & The Gull is based on the real-life, extraordinary experiences of Sarah Lewis, who lived under the shadow of a castle in an old Pembrokeshire cottage by the sea. Widowed in her sixties, she lived well into her nineties and for the final few years of her life, shared her cottage with a gull.  This story follows their remarkable life together, how they cared for and became companions to one another and ultimately, how they worked together to overcome one of the biggest environmental disasters to hit the Welsh coast in living memory. 

“I have been a huge fan of Theatr Iolo for a number of years - their productions have been a formative part of my children's lives, so to have my idea chosen by them is a real thrill and a genuine honour.  Also, it's enabled me to earn some kudos from my own children, which is something I fight for on a daily basis!  I am really excited about the way in which the idea will develop under the guidance of Theatr Iolo's creative team and I can't wait to get started.” 

Naomi Chiffi