Oxford School of Drama Alumni Set to Shine in Cannes
We’re so excited to see two of our amazing Oxford School of Drama alumni—Celyn Jones and Leisa Gwenllian—heading to the Cannes Film Festival this year with not one, but two standout films.
Both Madfabulous and on the sea have been selected for the prestigious GREAT 8 showcase, which shines a spotlight on new UK filmmaking talent, supported by the BFI and the British Council. It’s a big deal—and we’re thrilled to see Oxford School of Drama alumni right in the mix.
The GREAT 8, now in its eighth year, is a curated selection of new UK feature films presented by the BFI and British Council. Designed to spotlight first-time and early-career filmmakers, the showcase offers international buyers and festival programmers early access to some of the most compelling voices emerging from the UK.
Madfabulous is Celyn’s solo directorial debut. It’s a bold, period drama set in the 1700s that tells the story of a flamboyant aristocrat who refuses to play by society’s rules. It’s got style, attitude, and a fresh take on history. It stars Callum Scott Howells and Rupert Everett, and also features Leisa!
on the sea features both Celyn and Leisa in a deeply personal film about masculinity, grief, and desire, all set against the backdrop of the Welsh coast. Written and directed by Helen Walsh, it promises to be moving and memorable.
Oxford School of Drama Alumni Celyn Jones:
From Actor to Auteur
Celyn Jones is stepping back into the director’s chair with Madfabulous – his first solo directing project. The film dives into the wild, fascinating life of Henry Paget, the Fifth Marquess of Anglesey, a 19th-century aristocrat who turned heads (and raised eyebrows) with his over-the-top flair and love of theatre.
With a cast that includes Callum Scott Howells, Ruby Stokes, and Rupert Everett, Madfabulous isn’t your typical period drama. It’s bold, stylish, and full of heart—a celebration of individuality and self-expression.
Celyn’s never been one to shy away from complex roles or creative risks. He previously co-directed and starred in The Almond and the Seahorse with Rebel Wilson and Charlotte Gainsbourg. He also picked up a BAFTA Cymru Award in 2019 for his powerful role in ITV’s Manhunt. Celyn is the founder and Creative Director of Mad As Birds, an independent film and TV production company.
With Madfabulous, Celyn’s showing us yet again that he’s not just a brilliant actor—he’s a storyteller with something truly unique to say.
We caught up with Celyn and asked him about how it feels to have two incredible films selected in the GREAT 8, here’s what he had to say:
"It feels really special to have two films in the Cannes Great 8, for lots of reasons. I've been in the industry a long time and covered many areas and know what it takes and the effort involved to get recognition and attention on any level. It's wonderful that both films are so different yet were both set and filmed in my native North Wales, specifically Anglesey. Also, the fact that one of them Madfabulous, I directed and in On the Sea, I'm back on acting duties, it covers neatly the broad church that is my career. It was fantastic to work on both films."
Oxford School of Drama Alumni Leisa Gwenllian:
A Voice Emerging
Helen Walsh’s on the sea takes a slower, more intimate approach, diving into questions of identity, longing, and tradition in a small Welsh fishing village. Celyn Jones stars alongside Leisa Gwenllian in this moody, atmospheric story about family tension, hidden feelings, and what happens when old ways get in the way of change. Her work with Celyn doesn’t stop there though, as she also features in his solo directorial debut Madfabulous.
Leisa graduated from the Three Year Course in 2024 and jumped straight into a number of high-profile screen projects. She promises to be one to watch as her career begins to take shape. Outside of Madfabulous and on the sea you should look out for her in a forthcoming Sky TV series alongside fellow OSD grad Lizzie Annis. Stay tuned for more on that soon…!
A Shared Legacy of Excellence
It’s pretty amazing that both Madfabulous and on the sea made it into the GREAT 8 lineup. It speaks not just to the bold vision of the filmmakers but also to the real impact The Oxford School of Drama continues to have on the industry. With Celyn Jones and Leisa Gwenllian both featured, it’s clear OSD is turning out some seriously impressive talent, now getting a spotlight on one of the biggest stages in cinema.
It’s wonderful to see yet more examples of the legacy of collaboration that comes out of OSD training. Celyn and Leisa are both supremely talented and dedicated to their craft, but they also share a foundational understanding of each other’s training and backgrounds. This shared creative language is something Oxford School of Drama alumni have talked about often when they reflect on collaborating after their training. Reflecting on working with Leisa, Celyn said:
"I first noticed Leisa via the OSOD Instagram reels, you didn't have them when I was a student there 28 years ago, and she really jumped out for me and I remembered her. Then just by chance we were both cast in On The Sea. So when it came to Madfabulous I just had to cast her... she has an energy and truth that is magnetic with the confidence to improvise freely which is so additive, definitely my kind of actor. Also the fact she is a fellow North Walian is really cool. Oxford gave me a solid foundation, it never sowed a seed of doubt. The School and staff believed in me and therefore when my career naturally branched out and added screenwriting, producing and directing none of it was a surprise just the next phase of an awfully big adventure."
Lovely words from Celyn about the confidence that OSD training instilled in him, and also in Leisa. Celyn has been championing honest, raw, and daring storytelling throughout his career, and it’s incredible to see his work getting further international attention. Leisa is already proving that she’s one to watch and destined to be on our screens for many years to come.
We couldn’t be prouder – break a leg in Cannes!
