ALUMNI CULTURAL
SIAN THOMAS BA AND MA WELSH, CLASS OF 1980. RADIO AND TELEVISION PRESENTER
Richard III at the RSC at Stratford upon Avon directed by Sam Mendes, and Chekhov’s The Seagull at the Bristol Old Vic. In 1996, she starred in Hillsborough, the powerful drama about the Hillsborough Annabelle who was awarded an honorary degree in 2019 said: “Swansea connected me to the raw beauty of nature, as well as to higher education, and to a friendly society of people. It was a place where I could find my feet and grow up a little. I am forever grateful for that opportunity.” NICHOLAS JONES BA POLITICS, CLASS OF 1990. ROCKSTAR disaster when 96 football supporters lost their lives. Culture composer: Nicky is the lyricist and bassist with the rock band Manic Street Preachers. The band formed in 1986 and went on to achieve critical and commercial success. Over the years they have won eleven NME awards, eight Q awards, four BRIT awards and have been nominated for the Mercury Music prize in 1996 and 1999. He said: “My politics degree had a big influence on my lyrics. It gave me a point of reference and a point of analysis for my writing.”
PATRICIA KINANE, OBE BA ENGLISH AND DRAMA, CLASS OF 1974. TV EXECUTIVE
Culture creator: Sian was the first female presenter on S4C. She said: “Being there at the beginning of S4C was unforgettable. There had been so much struggle and sacrifice behind establishing S4C, and I was keen to do my best to ensure its success. I was one of the channel’s first three presenters, and the youngest… It is a privilege to share stories, visit people’s homes, and tell their story. It has also meant that I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and film in many different countries.” ANNABELLE APSION BA DRAMA
Culture trailblazer: In the world of television there aren’t many shows bigger than America’s Got Talent and American Idol. Trish Kinane has been responsible for bringing them to our screens and selling show formats worldwide. She said: “I joined Freemantle Media as President of Worldwide Entertainment, which I did for a year before I was asked to go to the USA to run The X Factor, America’s Got Talent and American Idol. The shows have longevity due to the simple formats where talented people, through the process of taking part in the shows, can change their lives. In the case of the music shows, kids are turning 15 every year and so can enter, and music changes constantly so the shows are refreshed.”
AND ENGLISH, CLASS OF 1984. ACTRESS
Culture maker: Starting her career with title roles in Shared Theatre Groups’ productions, such as The Bacchae, Heartbreak House, and Anna Karenina, Annabelle went on to perform in Shakespeare’s
26
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator